During the recent Benbrook City Council meeting on July 17, 2025, council members took significant steps to address rising utility costs for residents. The council unanimously approved the adoption of Ordinance 1511, which is expected to have a positive impact on the community.

A key topic of discussion was the proposed rate increase by Encore Electric, which sought to raise revenues by $834 million, translating to a 13% hike in electricity rates. This increase was set to take effect on July 31, 2025, unless the city intervened. In response, the council voted to adopt a resolution suspending the effective date of this rate increase for 90 days. This suspension allows the city to work with a steering committee of approximately 170 cities to negotiate better terms and potentially mitigate the financial burden on residents.

Finance Director Rick Overgaard explained that the steering committee's role is to collectively represent the interests of the cities served by Encore, aiming to combat such rate hikes through negotiation. The council's decision to suspend the rate increase reflects their commitment to protecting residents from sudden spikes in utility costs.

In addition to the ordinance and resolution, the meeting highlighted the council's proactive approach to managing community resources and ensuring that residents are not adversely affected by rising utility expenses. The unanimous votes on both measures demonstrate a unified effort to prioritize the financial well-being of Benbrook citizens.

As the city moves forward, residents can expect continued efforts from the council to address utility costs and maintain affordable services in the community.