Water Rate Changes for All Customer Classes (26-1128)

Context: 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.

Recommended: 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.

Context: 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.

Recommended: 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.

Context: 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.

Recommended: 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.

Context: 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.

Recommended: 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.