Burton adopts ordinance raising water and sewer rates; adds financial‑assistance application

The Burton City Council adopted Ordinance 20250408 on April 8, revising payment procedures for water and sewer service, setting security deposits and connection fees, and establishing a multi-year schedule of water and sewer rates beginning May 15, 2025.

Council members raised concerns about impacts on fixed- and low-income households. City Secretary Angela Harrington presented a draft application for utility cost reduction and relief; the ordinance as adopted includes an added clause with information about the availability of financial assistance. The application and ordinance specify eligibility criteria for a rate freeze or reduction: applicants must be full‑time Burton residents, household water usage must be consistently under 4,000 gallons per month, and household income thresholds appear on the application form (e.g., $2,500 or less monthly for single residents, $2,750 or less for couples). “To qualify for financial assistance, you must be a full-time resident of Burton and the household water usage MUST be no more than 4000 gallons per month,” the application states.

The ordinance text includes specific security deposit amounts (for example, $150 for new property‑owner applicants for both water and sewer; $75 for single‑service) and a $50 connection fee required before reconnection following disconnection for nonpayment. It also sets late‑payment procedures (a 10% late charge if payment is not received by the 15th day) and a notice/disconnection timeline that allows disconnection beginning the 27th day of the month if bills remain unpaid. The ordinance cites Texas Local Government Code § 51.001 to establish the council’s authority to adopt the measure.