Dozens oppose Austin water rate hike, pipeline

Posted: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:59 AM - 9,974 Readers

About 45 people, upset about city plans to tunnel a major water line under their West Austin neighborhood, urged the City Council on Thursday to reject a proposed water rate hike.

Residents spoke during a public hearing on the rates. The city is proposing to raise water and wastewater rates 5.9 percent this year for homes. Residents and environmental activists implored the council to reject the increase, in hopes that doing so would force the city to abandon the water line and the accompanying treatment plant near Lake Travis.

"Citizens are fed up with reckless government spending, and it must stop" said Eric Deal, who lives near the Spicewood Springs neighborhood, whose residents wore pink badges reading, "We're getting the shaft."

The council is not scheduled to vote on the rate increase until mid-September. But a council split on rates is emerging, as it did during debates last year over the treatment plant, which got a key 4-3 vote in October from the council.

Since then, the council has approved more than $100 million for the plant's equipment, engineering and land clearing. City engineers say it will be necessary to ensure Austin does not face water shortages as soon as 2014.

Council Members Laura Morrison and Bill Spelman have said they think rates will have to rise even higher than projected in coming years to pay for the treatment plant, and Council Member Chris Riley has raised concerns.

* Story Contributed by: Marty Toohey

[edit]

Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	62,780 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	56,006 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	58,435 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	56,603 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	60,539 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	56,612 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	55,033 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	54,017 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	56,910 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	50,202 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	53,623 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	51,893 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	56,706 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	54,613 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	58,553 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	53,755 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	55,365 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	52,880 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	63,501 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	65,358 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	46,973 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	58,744 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	49,640 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	51,455 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	51,291 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	51,265 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	54,309 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	56,851 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	54,617 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	55,169 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	49,476 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	52,638 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	53,984 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	64,689 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	64,444 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	62,650 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	64,319 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	66,307 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	68,181 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	68,031 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	52,721 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	51,770 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	52,283 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	53,867 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	54,282 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	54,222 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	53,885 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	53,854 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	53,871 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	63,316 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	52,193 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	50,095 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	56,372 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	55,342 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	53,335 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	53,835 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	64,827 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	63,598 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	63,872 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	67,498 Readers

News Archives 2010 - Select a Month