Case File 26-1128
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Ordinance amending Corpus Christi Code Section 55-50 regarding water rates for all customer classes effective January 1, 2027.
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Obtain rate study behind water rate ordinance
Why now: Principal Consultant Andy McCartney of NewGen Strategies and Solutions and Corpus Christi Water staff answered Council questions at both the July 21 first reading and the July 28 second reading of the same rate ordinance.
What to do: Request the NewGen Strategies and Solutions rate study and both the first and second reading ordinance texts, then compare the adopted rate schedule against what consultant Andy McCartney and staff presented — the question to answer is whether the version passed July 28 is identical to the version approved July 21. Clients billed as large volume or wholesale-treated customers need that comparison before the rates take effect.
Act before: After the requested records are produced
Confirm which water customer class your project falls under
Why now: Winkelmann's July 21 presentation broke out wholesale treated volumetric rates, residential and commercial, large volume customers, and wholesale-treated customers as distinct rate categories effective January 1, 2027.
What to do: The adopted rate package sets separate schedules for residential, commercial, large volume customers, and wholesale-treated customers, so confirm in writing with Corpus Christi Water which class your project will be billed under and lock that number into pro formas before January 1, 2027. Getting classified as a large volume or wholesale-treated customer after the fact can move your operating cost assumptions materially.
Act before: January 1, 2027 rate effective date
Ask whether mayor flipped vote on water rate increase
Why now: The July 21 first reading passed 8 to 1 with Guajardo against and six named speakers, while the July 28 second reading records no public comment and no published vote tally.
What to do: Request the July 28 roll call for the second and final reading of the water rate ordinance — the minutes record the outcome as passed but do not list how each member voted, while the July 21 first reading shows Mayor Guajardo as the lone dissenter. Also ask why six residents spoke at first reading and nobody signed up a week later.
Act before: After the requested records are produced
Check your January 2027 water bill against city projections
Why now: Winkelmann's July 21 presentation included projected sample utility bill impacts and a rate comparison for fiscal years 2020 through 2027, and the ordinance sets new rates for all customer classes effective January 1, 2027.
What to do: Ask Corpus Christi Water for the 'projected water rates — impact on sample utility bill charges' slides Nick Winkelmann presented on July 21, then compare that sample figure to your own current bill so you know your expected increase before the new rates hit. The ordinance passed both readings, so the change lands on January 1, 2027 whether or not you were watching.
Act before: January 1, 2027 rate effective date
Key Entities
Trust Proof
What we said then vs what happened next
We said (Jul 23, 2026):
Verify missing roll-call vote on water rate ordinance
What happened (Jul 28, 2026):
Pass
We said (Jul 23, 2026):
Pull Corpus Christi wholesale water rate tables now
What happened (Jul 28, 2026):
Pass
We said (Jul 23, 2026):
Check your sample water bill before July 28 vote
What happened (Jul 28, 2026):
Pass
We said (Jul 23, 2026):
Request missing vote tally on water rate hike
What happened (Jul 28, 2026):
Pass
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water (CCW) Nick Winkelmann, Assistant Director of CCW – Finance & Administration Kamil Taras, and Principal Consultant at NewGen Strategies & Solutions Andy McCartney responded to Council questions. Mayor Guajardo opened public comment. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Guajardo closed public comment. Council Member Vaughn moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Council Member Scott. This Ordinance was passed on second reading and approved with the following vote:
Ordinance amending Corpus Christi Code Section 55-50 regarding water rates for all customer classes effective January 1, 2027.
Vote: 8 for, 1 against
approve the ordinance amending water rates