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COLUMBUS — When the city begins their sewer averaging program on Dec. 15 to determine next year’s rates, the council suggested having a sample of the rates from this year to compare the rate change for residents. This topic and several others were addressed at the Dec. 11 regular meeting.
Councilmember Chuck Rankin approached the idea of looking at the rates of the final two months in 2023 to have a record of comparison for the upcoming rate changes in 2024. The process of sewer averaging from Dec. 15 to Feb. 15 will determine what the rates will be in the upcoming year.
City Manager Donald Warschak discussed the current TxDOT projects within city limits during his report. TxDOT continues to make progress on the installation of signal lights at the intersection of Fannin Street and Walnut Street. The contractor assigned the task is planning to finish installing the light by the end of the year despite there being a drainage structure at that location that needs modifications.
TxDOT’s project to redo the asphalt on U.S. 90 and Hwy 71 is anticipated to begin in February 2024 and be completed at the latest by April of the same year.
In other administration news:
• The city has applied for the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to help maintenance of pipelines and prevent leaks.
• Columbus saw nearly a $20,000 increase in December sales tax payment from last year’s sales tax during the same period.
• Residents can still sign up to receive utility bills by email by contacting city hall.
The city also amended their Hotel and Occupancy Tax budget to account for the sizable donation to the “Save Our Opera” campaign from the city and CCIDC. The council is hoping for a public acknowledgment by the Columbus Historic Preservation Trust confirming that the matching funds were received from the donor.
Following the failure of the ESD No. 1 election, the city council hinted that further discussion with the County Commissioners and city governments of Eagle Lake and Weimar will continue in the new year to address improving the quality of equipment and training for volunteer fire departments in the county. The city will also discuss the possibility of a digital grievance and request system for the code enforcement department.
The council will hold their next regular meeting on Friday, Dec. 22 at 12:15 p.m.
