The group of out-of-town residents who originally challenged last year’s Austin Energy rate increase has filed another complaint with Public Utility Commission against AE. In a nine-page document signed by Homeowners United for Rate Fairness attorney (and Travis County Republican Party Vice Chair) Roger Borgelt, the organization argues that the utility violated the settlement agreement […]
Environment
Posted inResources
Water Utility’s Meszaros outlines worst-case drought scenarios
Austin Water Utility Director Greg Meszaros offered Austin City Council members a grim view of the lingering regional drought, and the potential effects it might have should Central Texas not see significant rainfall in the near future. In addition to near-certain mandated cuts for so-called firm wholesale water customers of the Lower Colorado River […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment, Local Politics
New Watershed Protection Ordinance up for Council consideration
Austin City Council members may offer only limited approval to a series of dramatic changes to the city’s Watershed Protection Ordinance. The rewrite, a document that exchanges small allowances of additional impervious cover for more protection of the city’s creek watersheds – among other items – is set for a vote and public hearing on […]
Posted inResources
Changes likely coming for Water Utility impact fees
Members of the Austin City Council began their periodic review of a set of fees set by the Austin Water Utility for new development with a fair amount of skepticism. At last week’s work session, Mayor Lee Leffingwell raised questions about a move – endorsed by the city’s Water and Wastewater Commission, but not […]
Posted inCity Council, Environment, Planning
Council to implement Lake Austin Task Force’s recommendations
Fresh off a presentation from the Lake Austin Task Force, Council members are set Thursday to consider a directive to City Manager Marc Ott that would be the first step in implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations. While some Council members expressed concerns at Tuesday’s work session over the ideas, they appeared ready to move […]