CORPUS CHRISTI, TX \u2014 The Corpus Christi City Council delayed a vote Tuesday on an ordinance that would set monthly water allotments during a Level One water emergency.<\/p>\n
What was meant to be a decision on one part of the plan for the region’s water crisis turned into a delay until at least next week. <\/p>\n
Corpus Christi City Council delays vote on Level One water emergency allotments and potential shutoffs<\/p>\n
Council members expressed a variety of concerns, including $500 citations, surcharges, and the potential of residents’ water being shut off for noncompliance.<\/p>\n
“I don’t want to vote for something now that affects something later without understanding it,” Gil Hernandez said.<\/p>\n
“It feels disjointed,” Mark Scott said.<\/p>\n
“I echo the sentiments of several council members,” Kaylynn Paxson said.<\/p>\n
“I will not vote to continue this,” Everett Roy said.<\/p>\n
“I think it was the right thing to do,” Mayor Paulette Guajardo said.<\/p>\n
Council members generally agreed that shutting off residents’ water supply should not be allowed.<\/p>\n
“We should not ever put a disconnection feature in this entire plan. 30% of our residential households average over 5,250 gallons per month. That’s a lot of households,” Guajardo said.<\/p>\n
“I am with the others. The residents don’t deserve to be punished anymore they’ve shown they really care,” Carolyn Vaughn said.<\/p>\n
Councilmember Vaughn brought her own water bill to the meeting to illustrate how confusing she says it is for people to track their water usage.<\/p>\n
“I would love to see what my current rate is. Just put how much I used and what my previous was so I can start conserving,” Vaughn said.<\/p>\n
Guajardo said each council member will work to meet with Nick Winkelmann individually in the next week to express their concerns and opinions.<\/p>\n
The council will attempt to vote on the curtailment percentage at the next meeting on May 5th.<\/p>\n
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