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Mayor's Update: Utility Billing System, PW Updates, HPO Vacancy

12/15/2022

New Utility Billing Software

It’s come to my attention that there is a little confusion regarding our new utility billing software which went live in late October. On August 4, City Council approved changing systems to FundView which is a software system that will enable us to follow Government Accounting Standards; it also allows all the different department systems to communicate with each other. In November, the City of Blanco utility bills switched to a paper format in envelopes instead of the postcard. The first two numbers are the route number and the middle set of numbers will be your account number. Citizens can still be able to pay online but the credit card page, which switched from PSN to Fastgovpay, will look different and you will have to create a new account through Fastgovpay. There is now a credit card fee to auto-draft every month using your credit card.  Citizens can also set up auto draft using their bank account and we would gladly get you set up if you swing by City Hall and there will be no charge for using your bank account. Lastly, Citizens can still write checks and drop them off at City Hall at no extra cost for the utility bill. This has not changed. If you have any questions, please feel free to call City Hall at 830-833-4525. 

 

Public Works Updates

A TTHM notice was recently mailed to all residents. The TTHM levels are basically a bi-product of chlorine that generally occurs when lines are not flushed on a regular basis. This isn't the first notification that the City has received but it is the first one this year in regard to the TTHM issue. 

Unfortunately, there has been another delay with the construction of the Water Treatment plant. We thought there would be substantial completion in December with final completion in late January/early February, however, we do not yet have power to the site. This issue along with Blanco River levels will probably push back substantial completion and final completion by at least a month.

The construction of the Water plant has continued as planned but unfortunately, we've had a delay in getting power from Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC).  Both parties are working towards getting power and completing the project. We thought there would be substantial completion in December with final completion in late January/early February, however, we are working through these issues. Blanco River levels could push back substantial completion and final completion by at least a month respectively.  

Historic Preservation Officer Vacancy

The City is still looking for a new Historic Preservation Officer (HPO) who administers the historic preservation ordinance and advises the historic preservation commission on matters submitted to it. This position is an unpaid, voluntary position. The full job description can be found on our website, https://cityofblancotx.gov/documents/383/COB_HPO_Job_Description.docx.pdf. If you are interested in becoming the City's new HPO, please send your resume to mayor@cityofblancotx.gov or drop it off at City Hall.