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Austin Energy offers up heavily modified electric rate proposal

Reeling from opposition by the public and City Council members to a proposed increase in electric rates, Austin Energy officials on Thursday revealed a modified proposal that they hope will be more palatable to ratepayers, while still improving the utility’s financial position.  

Split committee opts for 10-1 single-member district Council system

After a heated, sometimes emotional discussion, the Charter Revision Committee voted 8-7 Thursday on its recommendation on single-member districts, opting for a geographic- based system consisting of 10 districts and an at-large mayor.

LCRA continues to face questions over Spicewood Beach water problems

The Lower Colorado River Authority continues to face probing questions stemming from the sudden loss of supply from its Spicewood Beach water system in Burnet County.

Whispers 2-3-12

Shea enters race for mayor, promotes affordability, fewer subsidies

Former City Council Member Brigid Shea officially declared her candidacy for Mayor of Austin before a packed room at Threadgill’s Word Headquarters last night, putting an end to months of speculation and setting up incumbent Mayor Lee Leffingwell for what could be the most difficult fight any sitting Council member faces this election season.

LCRA reviews procedures as negotiations for systems continue

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is reviewing its procedures in the wake of the sudden disappearance of water from its Spicewood Beach Regional Water System.

Whispers 2-2-12

New Austin Energy proposal may include phased-in rate hikes

Responding to strong concerns from the public and the City Council, Austin Energy plans to deliver to the Council on Thursday an alternative electric rate proposal that may include phased-in rate increases.

Travis County Commissioners approve water use rules for development

After a lengthy process, the Travis County Commissioners Court Tuesday finally approved a set of permanent water-use regulations for future developments platted in the unincorporated regions of the jurisdiction.

Travis County to seek City of Austin aid to finish Texas Industries deal

Travis County will turn to the City of Austin for help in completing a deal that could both insulate neighbors from and provide elements of land conservation to a controversial Texas Industries (TXI) mining operation near the Austin's Colony subdivision.

Whispers 2-1-12

Aquifer district wary of plan for scaled-down version of SH45 SW

A plan to resurrect State Highway 45 SW as a county road between MoPac Boulevard South and FM 1626 may have a profound impact on a longstanding settlement between the Texas Department of Transportation and the Barton Springs /Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.

Landmark panel reviews plans for Seaholm, Norwood House projects

Members of the city’s Historic Landmark Commission heard about plans for two long-anticipated preservation projects last week: the Seaholm Power Plant and the Norwood House.

Whispers 1-31-12

YMCA looking to build downtown aquatics center with millions in city dollars

Officials with The YMCA of Austin are shopping a proposal to create a city-sponsored aquatics center at the organization's Town Lake Branch across from Lady Bird Lake. The project is still in its early stages, but the total bill for the effort could be as high as $45 million, according to Austin YMCA President and CEO James Finck, with the organization coming up between $10 and $15 million.

City, rowing club still at odds over boathouse contract

Though the new Waller Creek Boathouse is expected to open within the next month, negotiations for its operation and management remain up in the air.

Higher taxi fees headed to Urban Transportation Commission

The Austin City Council on Thursday delayed final action on a proposed change to the base fare charged to the city's taxicab patrons.

Whispers 1-30-12

Austin Energy electric rates continue to demand Council’s attention

Tuesday is shaping up to be a big day in the ongoing debate over a proposed Austin Energy rate hike. That's when Austin City Council members are slated to again discuss the matter as part of their regular work session. After a meeting between City Manager Marc Ott and Austin Energy General Manager Larry Weis set for today, Weis indicated he will have a revised rate plan in time for that meeting.

Council OKs controversial new pregnancy center sign ordinance

In only a matter of minutes yesterday City Council repealed one controversial law regulating crisis pregnancy centers and approved another, setting up what promises to be an extended legal and public relations battle for the city.

Whispers 1-27-12

Martinez strikes populist tone at kick-off party for re-election campaign

Bolstered by a strong populist message and a song in his heart, two-term incumbent Council Member Mike Martinez kicked off his re-election campaign last night before a large crowd at Nuevo Leon on the city’s East Side. Martinez can now turn his attention to his one challenger in the race for Place 2, businesswoman and anti-fluoridation activist Laura Pressley, who kicked off her own campaign last Friday.

Despite concerns, ZAP rezones Volente repair shop for Limited Retail

Despite some misgivings, members of the Zoning and Platting Commission were able to craft a compromise last week in a rezoning case recommendation for property located on FM 2769 near Volente.

MUDs seeking approval from city commissions

Two municipal utility districts – both created during the last legislative session – are making the rounds of the city commissions before going to Council for final approval to operate in the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction.

Whispers 1-26-12

Travis County Commissioners near completion of water-use restrictions

The Travis County Commissioners' Court will vote next Tuesday on a controversial set of groundwater rules that could limit development in the county. However, some in the local development community wonder whether the court has the authority to enforce the new rules.

Commissioners begin work on planning process for new courthouse

The Travis County Commissioners Court has begun to sift through options for construction of a new downtown Civil and Family Courthouse.

Charter panel debates redistricting under single-member plan

Poised to make its official recommendation to the Council at its next meeting, the Charter Revision Committee last week took time to delve into what promises to be the most complicated aspect of a shift to single-member districts: redistricting.

Whispers 1-25-12

Talent exodus continues as veteran employees leave LCRA

An exodus of veteran Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) employees that began in October 2010 continues. According to figures obtained by In Fact Daily, the organization will see at least 124 employees leave in the first two weeks of February 2012 alone. That will bring to roughly 5,848 years the collective amount of experience lost by the utility through retirement, force reduction, and voluntary separation since the beginning of 2011.

Landmark panel reviews plans for Seaholm, Norwood House projects

Members of the city’s Historic Landmark Commission heard about plans for two long-anticipated preservation projects Monday night: the Seaholm Power Plant and the Norwood House.

Whispers 1-24-12

County considering new economic development policy, closer ties to city

The Travis County Commissioners Court is set to replace its expired economic development policy. The new version will include key changes in the way the county approaches economic development incentives. In the process, it may find the jurisdiction heading into closer cooperation with the City of Austin.

Shoal Creek rezoning could open new chapter in Historic Landmark Program

Reflecting recently discussed changes to the city’s approach to historic zoning, Council has approved on first reading landmark status for two working-class homes that were part of a poor minority neighborhood on the banks of Shoal Creek.

Whispers 1-23-12