Council talks schedule for rate hike

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After months of debate on a proposed Austin Energy rate hike, Austin city council members considered two very different work plans which laid out a schedule of meetings and a final vote.

A proposal by Sheryl Cole listed a schedule of special work sessions to be held every two weeks before a vote to approve an increase on May 24 ^th.

However, other council members felt that would be too quick.

“It won’t give us time unless we have 12-hour sessions each day which is not practical,” said council woman Laura Morrison.

Morrison, along with Kathy Tovo and Mike Martinez submitted their own time line which would include meetings to examine Austin Energy’s revenue requirements to be held from March to May.

Meetings discussing the cost and rate design would then take place up until September when the rate hike would be voted on.

The council agreed to certain meetings and benchmarks that must take place before an approval, but did not settle on a solidified date.