PUBLIC MEETING September 12, 2024  The Thorndale City Council scheduled a Public Meeting on Thuridsy.eptemniber1z, 2024 at1 the Thorndale Chamber of Commerce, located at 120 South Main Street, Thorndale, Texas.  Present  Mayor Pro Tem - Wayne Green Council -Steven Zuehlke Engineer - Grant Lischka Financial Advisor- - Duane Westerman  Employees -Ray Miller Jr., Stacy Irwin, Tonya Pickett, Jeremy Hoskins  Mayor Pro Tem Green called the public meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Administrator Miller began with the purpose oft the meeting which was to inform citizens of the need for increases in the water/sewer rates with the possible increase to property taxes in the future. The reason for the increases is to support the city improvements tot the Water Supply and Water Distribution Systems and to meet state requirements from the Texas Commission on Some background information stated was the contract the City entered into in March of 1990 with Southwest Milam Corporation which they were to provide 250,000 gallons of water per day with a maximum amount of 360,000 per day. As the city grew additional water capacity was needed and required. The city tried to negotiation with SWM but failed to come to an The city then began to explore other possibilities of developing its own water source, which is the construction of a water well. The location oft the well is approximately 10.5 miles southeast of Thorndale off of County Road 455. The city has currently leased this land and has built a test The project funding will consist of a permanent water well, with additional wells needed in the future. Construction of a 10.5 mile water distribution main and improvements to the Water The Texas Water Development Board contacted the cityi informing them of funding available. The city has applied for thei funds and is currently waiting on approval for $18 million needed to 1. $3,000,000-Federal Appropriation fori the City Water Supply & Water Distribution  Environmental Quality (TCEQ).  agreement.  well. Plant.  complete the project. Funding if approved would be as follows:  Project.  2. $15,000,000 -1 Texas Water Development Board  a. $4,000,000 - In Loan Forgiveness (Do not need to pay! back) b. $11,000,000 - Amount to be Financed and paid back to TWDB.  In order to finance the loan, the proposed increases to water/sewer rates are as follows:  1. $6.00 per month increase on sewer, 2. $16-$19 per month increase on water, 3. Total increase of $22-$ $25 per month, beginning in 2025. 4. Ap potential .10 cent increase in property tax, 5. Average utility bill of $104.    Ift the city was unable to move forward with the project the possible consequences could be action from the TCEQ, fining the city and the tax payer would have to pay them instead of using The question was raised from a citizen about going back to Southwest Milam, Administrator Miller explained the council was determined to proceed with our own water supply. The cost would be close to the same and we will own it. Southwest Milam wanted the city to pay for all infrastructure and they would own everything. After all questions and concerns oft the public  the money towards items ini the city.  were: satisfied, Mayor Pro Tem Green adjourned the meeting at 6:31p.m.  o THC  Alolwn) Secretary, Staçy! Irwin  RN