Bertram plans to recover lost revenue

October 10, 2012, 7:00 am by Brenda Young

In what was described as a substantial loss of money each month, Bertram utility supervisor Chris Walker gave the city council an update regarding utility customers with multiple connections within the city limits during their council meeting last night.

"Basically, we’re losing money every month. You’ve got people in violation of the city ordinance,” Walker said.

In consideration of the impact fees, tap fees and deposits, it could cost Bertram customers approximately $3,650 to comply with the ordinance and stay out of hot water with city officials.

According to city attorney Mike Guevara, waiving the $3,500 impact fee is not an option and would violate state law. The utility deposit consists of only $150 of the amount required for compliance.

The council considered a number of options and incentives to assist customers with the expense, and they gave their approval to the utility department to distribute a letter to violators asking they cooperate with the city in trying to solve the problem.

For more on this story, see next Wednesday’s Burnet Bulletin.