Pulling item #7, $777,000 legal fees for water rate contest

[Don Zimmerman]

I'm pulling item #7 for the work session, and intend to have River Place constituents speak on this crucial issue on Feb 26th.

Here are additional questions regarding Agenda Item 7 - Authorize negotiation and execution of a legal services agreement with Webb & Webb, Attorneys at Law, for legal representation, advice, and counsel relating to the administrative appeal to the Public Utility Commission of Texas of retail water and wastewater rates charged to customers within River Place, for a total contract amount not to exceed $777,000.

1. Over the past 3 years, what cases has the City of Austin contracted with Webb & Webb?

2. Per each case, what is the total contracted not to exceed dollar amount?

3. Per each case, what is the total amount the City of Austin has paid to Webb & Webb?

4. Which cases are still ongoing?

5. Before deciding to spend $777,000; may the Council be briefed on the ongoing cases that Webb & Webb is handling?

6. What is the expected annual additional revenue generated by the Austin Water Utility from the River Place MUD residents vs. what the petitioners are asking for?

For reference here is the Texas PUC rate case link:

http://interchange.puc.texas.gov/WebApp ... T_NEW=true