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City Council Meeting Minutes March 1, 2022 <br />concerned about electric rates in the summer because people need air <br />conditioning. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Scott noted the CUAB raised the rates this year but he feels <br />that the increase was not needed this year. <br />Council Member Baker would like staff to bring back defined parameters. <br />Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Garza would like an update on the utility assistance <br />program with Community Action. She noted customers are not applying and <br />she would like to provide more aid. <br />Council Member Gleason noted that bills are high at times due to water breaks <br />or other issues. He noted the cost of operating a utility is going up including <br />laying new pipe. He noted the importance of keeping a good bond rating. <br />Mayor Hughson requested some information and council concurred <br />- how many people are using the lifeline rate? <br />- How many customers have used the utility assistance and the dollar amount <br />used for the last 3 years. <br />- how many applications were submitted, denied and awarded. <br />- What is the amount funded per application? <br />- How many accounts are overdue and the number of disconnections? <br />Mayor Hughson noted if someone's water bill is high, there could be leaks and <br />how can we address those situations? <br />Council also discussed usage and how people can control some of those costs <br />such as raising/lowering the thermostat when no one is at home. <br />Council Member Scott noted that the conversation about assisting low income <br />people is good, but he is concerned about the rates for everyone. <br />Council Member Gonzales would like to see the financial impact with the <br />changes from 6,000 to 8,000 gallon minimum at the same minimum cost. <br />Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Garza would like the billing system to have timely <br />usage notifications. She also noted that for people who rent, home <br />improvements to reduce usage may not be an option if the landlord is not <br />willing to do the work. <br />Council Member Gleason noted that if one reviews their bill, including year <br />City of San Marcos page 17 <br />