By Scott Harvey
Sulphur Springs – Sulphur Springs' citizens will pay a surcharge of 21 cents per month over the next year, following approval of an agreement with Oncor Electric Delivery Tuesday.
The agreement gives Oncor the go-ahead to move power lines along Connelly Street below ground, a move to improve the aesthetic quality of the area. The same procedure took place last year for Main Street, but at a higher cost.
Also Tuesday the city council approved a change in tariffs with Atmos Energy Corporation, resulting in a 15 cent per month rate increase for the average residential customer.
The settlement agreement between Atmos and Atmos Texas Municipalities (ATM) was less than 18 percent of Atmos' original requested net increase. The City of Commerce approved the same agreement for its customers last month, as it is also a member of ATM; is a coalition of over fifty Texas cities.
Council also learned Tuesday the city's current tax rate of $.44 per $100 valuation will remain as is, following review of the city's certified tax roll. The city council, however, will need to hold two public hearings in the near future regarding the tax rate, as property values overall increased by 1 percent in the city.