Baytown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Baytown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Upcoming Canal Pump Station Emergency Repairs
Staff announced that an additional canal pump went down recently and cannot be repaired in time, meaning the authority will likely need to rent temporary pumps until new ones arrive in January.
East Expansion Project
The water authority reviewed construction progress on the East Expansion Project via drone footage. Officials confirmed the project is moving forward smoothly and sits at about 27% invoiced.
Equipment Maintenance Contract with Cummins, Inc.
The board will consider a cooperative contract to ensure regular maintenance for critical water authority equipment.
Alternate Water Source Feasibility Study Grant Application
BAWA is seeking a $1 million state grant with no local match required to study alternate water sources, reducing reliance on the City of Houston.
BAWA Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Adoption
The board formally adopted the operating budget for the water authority for the upcoming fiscal year starting October 1.
Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments
The city is moving forward with $59.4 million in debt issuance to fund vital water and sewer infrastructure projects.
Water Supply Evaluation and Legal Services Agreement
The authority hired legal counsel and engineers to study alternative water supplies like brackish groundwater and aquifer storage, reducing sole reliance on Houston.
PFAS Treatment Design Grant
Baytown is pursuing a $9.685 million state grant to design treatment systems for emerging PFAS contaminants in the city's drinking water. This initial funding covers lab testing and plant design without requiring local matching dollars.
Residential Water Meter Replacement Initiative
The city is launching a 10-month project to replace all residential water meters and give residents real-time digital access to monitor water usage and detect leaks.
Utility Leak Adjustment Policy Revision
Staff proposed expanding customer leak adjustments so they apply to both the water and sewer portions of residential utility bills rather than just sewer. This change could double total leak credit costs to approximately $267,000 annually.
Administration Building ADA Compliance and Renovation
The water authority is moving ahead with renovations at its main plant administration building to meet federal and state ADA standards. Board members discussed whether these upgrades could be delayed or if they are legally required, with staff confirming the necessity of maintaining compliance.
Utility Billing Policy and Operational Efficiency
City staff highlighted inefficiencies in utility billing processes, such as manual deposit handlings and high volumes of repeat payment plans. Council discussed reforms like next-day reconnections and payment plan caps to reduce staff workload and encourage timely payments.