Fredericksburg · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fredericksburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Electric and Drainage Utility Rate Increases
A water/wastewater rate study is underway with a mid-year rate adjustment likely, and a small electric rate increase is planned. Council also flagged the governor's push on municipally owned utilities, which could threaten the ~9% of electric revenue that flows to the general fund.
Atmos Energy rate increase settlement
The council adopted a settlement letting Atmos raise gas rates about $13.37/month for homes and $44.82/month for businesses starting October 1. The negotiating committee shaved $30 million off the original request, but the deal was already concluded.
Water and wastewater facility security
The Council met privately to discuss the vulnerability of the city's water and wastewater treatment facilities under the critical infrastructure exception to the open meetings act.
LCRA Wholesale Power Supply Agreement Amendment
The council amended its wholesale power supply agreement with LCRA, discussed behind closed doors before a unanimous open-session vote.
Water supply and third well field
Mayor Briley wants the third well field operating by May 2029, and the new water supply well agreements should be finalized soon. Water remains the top shared priority across the council.
Water Supply and Drought Conditions
The city is 100% groundwater dependent and still in Stage 4 watering restrictions since October 2023, but a rainy spring has aquifer levels rebounding — up about 10-12 feet year over year at both well fields. A $29.4M state grant application and long-term water supply study (reuse, aquifer storage) aim to secure future supply.
North Llano Waterline Replacement
A 1936-era cast iron waterline under North Llano will be designed for replacement before TxDOT repaves US 16 in 2028 — a smart bit of timing to avoid tearing up new pavement.