BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE ON RATE INCREASES FOR WATER & SANITATION; REDUCED TAX RATE TO BE CONSIDERED

  

The Brenham City Council will vote Thursday on rate increases for city water and sanitation, as well as a new tax rate.

Thursday is the council’s first reading for a 5.5 percent increase in water rates and an average increase of 13 to 15 percent for residential and commercial sanitation services.

The city says the higher water rates are needed due to increases in supply costs, most notably for water treatment chemicals.  Fuel prices have negatively impacted chemical costs, while supply chain issues and shortages have driven up the cost of water meters, hydrants, pipes and other materials needed to maintain the water distribution system.

For sanitation, Brannon Industrial Group (BIG) informed the city in July that it was dealing with prolonged elevated fuel prices, sharp commodity increases, higher operating costs and larger landfill tipping fees.  These all contribute to the decision of BIG, also known as BVR Waste and Recycling, to propose rate increases for the first time since entering into a contract with the city in 2020.  Services will remain the same regarding pick-up day and container size; all billing and correspondence will remain through the city.

If approved, the new rates would take effect October 1^st.

Also on Thursday, councilmembers will consider proposing a new, reduced tax rate and setting dates for final adoption of the rate.  Previously, the council had proposed keeping the same tax rate of $0.4940 per $100 valuation as last year, but now is looking at a rate of $0.4737 per $100.

The new rate comes after the city, according to the agenda packet, discovered an anomaly in the tax rate calculation for a prior year “unused increment” portion of the tax rate.  This prompted the city to restart its tax rate process.

The rate is made up of a lowered maintenance and operations (M&O) rate of $0.3297 and an unchanged interest and sinking (I&S) rate of $0.1440.

The rate is scheduled for adoption at council meetings on September 12^th and 15^th.

In other items, the council will consider:

• Discussion and updates on the city’s street improvement projects for 2022.
• Payment to the Brenham Heritage Museum for parking lot repairs and improvements.
• A resolution authorizing participation in TxDOT’s Highway Bridge Project related to federal funding of off-system bridge projects, for improvements to the Pecan Street bridge over Hog Branch.
• A ground space lease agreement between the city and BrightStar Aviation Management, LLC for hangar space at the Brenham Municipal Airport.
• An ordinance on its first reading to grant a non-exclusive franchise to Skoot-N-Hauler, LLC to offer a roll-off container service for residents, businesses and industries inside city limits.
• An engagement letter for legal services between the city and Bovey & Cochran, PLLC related to city attorney, general counseling and municipal court prosecution services. With approval, the current rate of $145 per hour would increase to $165 per hour effective with the October 2022 invoice, and $185 per hour effective October 1, 2024.
• An ordinance on its first reading adopting a city public infrastructure design manual.
• Renewal with the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool for general liability, law enforcement liability, public officials liability, mobile equipment, airport liability, property, auto liability and physical damage, crime and workers’ compensation coverage for the city for Fiscal Year 2022-23.
• Utility competitive matters, including the city’s gas utility system, gas supply and transportation arrangements and agreements, during an executive session.

The council will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.

Click here to view the agenda packet for Thursday's meeting.