15 Oct Beeville Council Advances Three-Year Utility Rate Plan, Tightens Billing Rules

Beeville City Council took the first step Oct. 13 toward a three-year utility rate schedule and approved a new billing policy that spells out what happens when customers fall behind, according to the Beeville Bee-Picayune.

The billing policy, adopted unanimously as Resolution No. 2026-23, sets standard procedures across city operations. The primary account holder must be 18 or older, and bounced checks, drafts or chargebacks carry a $40 fee. A bill that never shows up in the mailbox doesn’t excuse a late fee, since online and other payment options are available. Customers can ask for a payment plan if money is tight, but only before their disconnection date. Once service is cut, everything owed has to be paid before it comes back.

In line with regional drought measures, the city also keeps the right to shut off service over heavy water use or leaks left unrepaired. Customers who live beyond the city limits and get city water are still bound by its restrictions.

Council members worried about residents living on a fixed income or facing a sudden emergency. They asked city staff to be compassionate, bring up payment plans early and stay in touch before a disconnection deadline.

The rate schedules cover fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 and replace an ordinance adopted in March. Assistant City Manager Daniel Dorgan told council the numbers follow a rate study by Willdan Group Inc. and stay inside what it recommended, even though rates climb over the three years.

Dorgan said the city chose to rescind the March ordinance instead of amending it so residents and staff would have one document to work from, lowering the chance of the wrong rate being charged. He said a multi-year schedule gives the city and ratepayers more predictability than yearly changes, and that while the study’s master plan runs 30 years, the city can recheck its fund balance along the way.

Council also dropped the water charges that applied only to hotels and motels. After hearing from area hotel owners and staff, those properties will move under the main rates. Members also approved a customer privacy policy to comply with state law on protecting customer data.

Because the rates involve municipal fees, a second reading is needed at the next regular meeting, and the notice has to run in the local paper before the change takes effect. Staff said billing under the new rates should begin with November’s cycle.