Killeen — The City of Killeen's sewer line repair policy costs residents thousands of dollars. On Sept.18, the council voted to approve $400,000 in the budget to help the city take responsibility for some of those repairs.
"Having the money makes it a lot easier to do something with it. If we had the ordinance and we didn't have the money, that would be a problem. Having the money without the ordinance is a much smaller problem,” City Manager Ron Olson said.
On Oct. 23, however, the council was still talking about money. Apparently the $400,000 was not enough.
The money was originally supposed to be split between buying equipment needed for repairs and paying for labor in the 2019 fiscal year.
"We intend to put another, the $200,000 we spend on equipment this year, we'll put in for actual repairs next year,” Olson told Channel 6 on Sept. 18.
By Tuesday, that claim had changed. On Oct. 24 Killeen spokeswoman Hilary Shine told Channel 6 the fund was not going to be replaced next year.
"That's a one time infusion," Shine said. "An ongoing program requires more than just a one-time infusion. What has happened since then is that there have been a number of discussions with council with staff providing them more information, more options, as we decide what the best program will be moving forward.”
The staff provided the Killeen Council several options, including keeping the current policy.
Under that policy, if a lateral sewer line -- a line between a house and a sewer main -- breaks in Killeen, the city requires home owners to pay for repairs, even if the break is under a sidewalk or city street. Other large cities, such as Waco or Temple, take responsibility for repairs after the sewer line leaves the homeowner's property.
The options, presented by Public Works Director David Olson, were as follows:
1A – Keep the current practice and partner with USP (a subcontractor) for an optional warranty program .
1B – Keep the current practice and prepare a list of pre-approved service providers.
2A – City takes ownership of the lateral line within the public right of way, (outside residential property lines) and partner with USP for a mandatory warranty program ($0.50 per month per customer).
2B – City takes ownership of the lateral line within the public right of way, and city maintains the line with city staff ($0.75-$1.80 per month per customer).
3 – City takes ownership of the lateral line from the main to the structure, and city maintains said line ($4.70 per month per customer).
The council could not agree on a solution. Shine told Channel 6 it will come back to council Nov. 6.
Below is a timeline of Channel 6's investigation into Killeen's sewer line policy.
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On Sept. 4, Killeen Rep. Shirley Fleming asked city manager Ron Olson to see what options were available. Olson said he could move money around in the water and sewer fund to pay for the repairs. The council had been looking to find ways to pay for the repairs out of the general fund. After asking a few questions, the council unanimously voted to create a $400,000 sewer line repair fund to address the issue.
But why did the council suddenly change course?
The council made the decision after Channel 6 covered the issue over the course of six weeks. Here is a timeline of events:
Aug. 7 - Council hears complaints
After citizens complained, the council got a briefing on city rules that cost residents thousands of dollars in repairs. Some council members had no idea of the cost.
The city attorney claimed the policy is a common practice and the council did nothing.
August 13 - KCEN starts asking questions
Channel 6 began researching and found similar cities have a different policy.
We then asked council members if they planned to change the policy to the way other cities handle sewer repair issues. We were told that other services would have to be cut there was no revenue to accommodate residents.
Representatives Shirley Fleming and Harris said they would look for solutions.
With time running out to change the budget, residents were urged to speak up.
Sept. 4 - Killeen residents speak at City Council meeting
Rep. Shirley Fleming also spoke up.
“I appreciate them voicing their opinion on this issue, I would like to make a motion that we add some money within the budget,” Fleming said.
City Manager Ron Olson rearranged funds to provide $400,000 for sewer repairs. This included $300,000 taken from the Water and Sewer Capital Improvement Fund, and $100,000 taken from a Water and Sewer Contingency Fund.
Sept. 11 - Budget is amended
Sept. 18 - Budget passes
Though the budget, which includes $400,000 for sewer repairs was passed, the city will need to pass an ordinance that says it will take responsibility for the repairs.
Olson said the biggest hurdle in the process is behind them.
“If we had the ordinance and we didn't have the money, that would be a problem,” he said. “Having the money without the ordinance is a much smaller problem.”
Olson said the city is working on an ordinance, and it will bring the proposal before council within the next four weeks.
The council will need to determine how the new policy works, but city staff members will be ready to implement the ordinance.
October 24th
Killeen Spokewoman Hilary Shine tells Channel 6 the $400,000 was a "one time infusion" and will not be able to support the ordinance after all. Staff gives the Killeen Council five options on how to pay, or not pay, for a sewer line repair policy.