In a recent city council meeting, officials addressed two significant agenda items: the denial of a proposed rate increase by Texas Gas Service and the annexation of approximately 18.7 acres of land along Anderson Mill Road.

During the first reading of an ordinance, Kevin Klausworth from the finance department presented the council's recommendation to deny Texas Gas Service's request for a rate increase. The company had filed a statement of intent to change its gas rates on June 3, which was initially set to take effect on July 8. However, the council suspended the increase for 90 days, allowing time for a coalition of cities to evaluate the proposal. Expert consultants determined that the proposed rate increase was unreasonable, prompting the council's decision to deny it.

Klausworth clarified that Texas Gas Service primarily serves the Travis County portion of the city, while Atmos Energy serves the Williamson County area. The coalition involved in this decision includes around twenty cities, with Austin leading the efforts.

The council also held a public hearing regarding the annexation of land along Anderson Mill and Cypress Creek Roads. Andrea Nadalha from development services explained that this annexation follows an interlocal agreement with Travis County to maintain traffic signals in the area. The city initiated the annexation process earlier this year, obtaining necessary consents and drafting a service plan for the newly annexed right-of-way.

Both items will be revisited in the next council meeting for further discussion and potential approval.