SAWS Board Approves Budget for Former BexarMet, Appoints Advisory Committee Members
(4/3/12)
San Antonio Water System Board of Trustees today took action on several items that continue progress on the integration of the former Bexar Metropolitan Water District. SAWS Board approved a new budget for the former BexarMet system, as well as appointed members of an advisory committee that will help guide the integration process.
"While much work remains, it is exciting for our community to see the integration of the former BexarMet utility and SAWS moving forward so positively," said Mayor Julián Castro. "A single, stable, reliable water system is the best solution for San Antonio families and our growing economy."
Since integration began earlier this year, SAWS has made ensuring a high level of service for customers and reducing costs its top priorities. Under the budget approved today, SAWS was able to avoid what would have been a rate increase this year under BexarMet. Instead, former BexarMet customers will not see a rate increase in 2012. In addition, former BexarMet employees, whose salaries have been unchanged for the past several years, will receive a 2.5 percent pay raise. The budget also provides for continued infrastructure improvements, a consolidated billing system and employee moves to improve service to customers.
"Thanks to the hard work of our staff, we have been able to put together a budget that will continue to improve operations and control costs while also benefiting both the ratepayers and employees of the former BexarMet system," said SAWS President/CEO Robert R. Puente. "We also look forward to the information and guidance offered by the advisory committee that will help this transition continue as quickly and efficiently as possible."
SAWS Board of Trustees also appointed 16 members to two-year terms on the BexarMet Integration Advisory Committee to help guide the integration. As prescribed by Senate Bill 341, the committee includes at least one representative from each county served. All committee members reside in or own/operate a business located in the former BexarMet Water District.
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| Betty Sutherland was chosen as the chairwoman of the BexarMet Integration Advisory Committee. |
- Marty Bartlett, Timberwood Park
- Tony Cadena, Somerset
- The Honorable Kirk Francis, Mayor of Hill Country Village
- Steve Gonzales, Hollywood Park
- David Kincaid, Stone Oak
- Rudy Laque, Medina County
- Tina Lopez, Atascosa County
- Albert Ochoa, southeast area
- Kennon Sellers, northeast area
- Velma Pena, Edgewood area
- Robbie Robinette, Heritage neighborhood
- Ruben Sepulveda, southwest area
- The Honorable Bruce Smiley-Kaliff, Mayor of Castle Hills
- Stephanie Suarez, Stone Oak
- Betty Sutherland, Castle Hills
- Ralph Zendejas, Harlandale area
Sutherland was also chosen as the chairwoman of the BexarMet Integration Advisory Committee for a one-year term, expiring April 3, 2013. The first committee meeting will take place later this month.
With the BexarMet dissolution approved by the federal government earlier this year, SAWS has up to five years to completely integrate the former BexarMet system. Throughout the transition process, SAWS will continue to communicate with the community. Public meetings will be held as needed, and information will be posted on SAWS' website and provided in future bill inserts.
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