The Richardson City Council meeting on July 21, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding technology integration and utility billing processes. Key discussions included the city's ongoing efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into various services and the implementation of a new utility billing system.

During the meeting, city officials highlighted the rapid advancements in AI technology and its potential applications within city operations. Plans were discussed for integrating AI into customer service, particularly in handling inquiries and improving response times. The council emphasized the importance of developing an acceptable use policy for AI to ensure sensitive information remains protected.

In addition to AI discussions, the council reviewed updates on the utility billing system, which is set to go live in October 2026. The new system aims to streamline billing for over 33,000 accounts, covering water, sewer, drainage, and solid waste services. A significant proposal was made to change the current deposit policy for new customers, allowing refunds after one year of good payment history. This change is expected to reduce the amount of held deposits and improve customer satisfaction.

The council also addressed the winter quarter average calculation for sewer billing, proposing to adjust the methodology to better reflect actual usage and reduce unfair charges for new residents. This adjustment would change the calculation period from three years to one year, dropping the highest month of usage to provide a more accurate cap on sewer charges.

Lastly, the council discussed the discontinuation of the budget billing feature, which has been underutilized. This change aims to encourage customers to monitor their water usage more closely and identify potential leaks. The city plans to communicate these changes effectively to affected residents, ensuring support is available for those who may struggle with the transition.

Overall, the meeting underscored Richardson's commitment to leveraging technology for improved city services while also addressing customer needs in utility billing practices. The council is set to take action on these proposals in the coming months, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.