Council approves increase to cover Barton Springs–Edwards aquifer fees

The City of Hays council voted to increase the customer pass-through charge for Barton Springs–Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSCACD) fees from $0.17 to $0.57 per 1,000 gallons, a move the treasurer said would eliminate a recurring shortfall in the water fund.

"We're recommending that the accounts go increase the fee to 0.57 per thousand gallon," City Treasurer Harvey Davis said during the Aug. 10 meeting, adding the change is subject to confirmation by the city attorney. Finance staff told council that the current setup undercharges customers relative to the city's permit-allowed recovery and has produced a deficit this fiscal year.

Council members said the per-customer change would be small for most households; staff estimated the vast majority of residents would see less than a $5 difference on a bill. The motion passed on a 5–0 voice vote with legal review required before the change is sent to the billing vendor.

The increase was presented as a pass-through adjustment to recover district charges rather than a discretionary new revenue source. Council directed staff to return any legal findings before implementation.