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Rollingwood Residents Could See Big Increases To Utility Deposits


Houses in Rollingwood are constantly popping up, and for newcomers it's coming with a high price tag.

The city is considering a 150 percent increase to the water and wastewater deposit charge. Currently it costs residents $200 up-front to connect to those utilities, if the increase is approved it would jump to $500.

Rollingwood Mayor Barry Bone said the purpose of the increase is to protect the city financially, and to implement a process to make sure everyone in the city pays their fair share.

"Right now the tax payer pays for people who don't pay for their bill, so ultimately this will lower the cost of government," Bone said. "We found a problem, we have people that are not paying their bills and it's not cost effective for government to chase them."

Dee Rea has lived in the community for more than two years. He said he feels the increase seems excessive, but said it may be the best solution to protect tax payers who get stuck with unpaid bills.

"People that live here should not be subsidizing people who don't pay their bills," Rea said.

The city's solution, if approved, would mean people who live in Rollingwood would have to pay $300 more than Austin residents for the up-front deposit.

The Rollingwood City Council will discuss the increase at the next council meeting on February 20.

By Cassie Gallo