City wants CenterPoint to give back the money

Kilgore City Commissioners are expected to tell CenterPoint Energy Entex representatives to terminate the rate increase the company implemented in November and refund the overcharges to customers.

Commissioners are scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.

The ordinance, if approved, will request the company to stop charging what it calls “illegal and unlawful” rates and require the company to refund the overcharges beginning in November. The ordinance will request the company to file a report with regard to costs expected by Entex in connection with the matter.

Earlier in the year, CenterPoint filed an intent to increase rates.

However, City Manager Jeff Howell said the company failed to update its figures from last year and thoroughly notify the public of the intent before hand.

“They have not done either,” Howell said. “They contend they don’t have to. However, the city still has original jurisdiction and has not approved the request.”

Kilgore is joining several other area cities in the action.

“We want them to cease and desist from charging the rate increase, put the rate back to where it was before November and refund the overcharges until they comply with the statute,” Howell said.

In other business, commissioners are expected discuss a contract with Traylor and Associates to consult with the city on a proposal for a Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program Grant through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Howell said the 20/80 matching grant deals with pedestrian traffic and could possibly fund construction up to $800,000.

Commissioners are also expected to discuss transferring maintenance responsibilities for Spur 101 (Houston Street) west of Hwy. 259 to the city from TxDOT.

Howell said TxDOT asked the city to take over maintenance of the street because of the city has a number of water and sewer lines in the area. “It takes a lot of state intervention in order to make repairs in that area,” Howell said.

He said the city is negotiating with TxDOT to “meet us half way” on the maintenance of the street.

“The area needs a lot of maintenance and we’re hoping TxDOT will help us out there before we agree to take over complete maintenance of the street,” Howell said.

In other business, the commission is expected to:  Consider renewal of the city health insurance and revisions to employee benefits;

 Consider accepting the South Sewer Main Replacement project as complete and authorizing final payment to Wicker Construction;

 Consider the excess cost for a vehicle for the rescue unit; and,

 Consider funding for the relocation and replacement of water lines at Halliburton/Skeeter Access Drive.