HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 07-67 Suspending the October Atmos Rate AdjustmentTOWN OF WESTLAKE
RESOLUTION NO. 07-67
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF WESTLAKE, TEXAS SUSPENDING THE
OCTOBER 25, 2007, EFFECTIVE DATE OF ATMOS ENERGY CORP., MID-TEX
DIVISION REQUESTED RATE CHANGE TO PERMIT THE TOWN TIME TO STUDY
THE REQUEST AND TO ESTABLISH REASONABLE RATES; APPROVING
COOPERATION WITH ATMOS CITIES STEERING COMMITTEE AND OTHER
CITIES IN THE ATMOS ENERGY CORP., MID-TEX DIVISION SERVICE AREA TO
HIRE LEGAL AND CONSULTING SERVICES AND TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE
COMPANY AND DIRECT ANY NECESSARY LITIGATION AND APPEALS;
REQUIRING REIMBURSEMENT OF CITIES' RATE CASE EXPENSES; FINDING
THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION IS PASSED IS OPEN TO THE
PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW; REQUIRING NOTICE OF THIS RESOLUTION
TO THE COMPANY AND LEGAL COUNSEL
WHEREAS, on or about September 20, 2007, Atmos Energy Corp., Mid -Tex Division
(Atmos), pursuant to Gas Utility Regulatory Act § 104.102 filed with the Town of Westlake a
Statement of Intent to change gas rates in all municipalities exercising original jurisdiction
within its Mid -Tex Division service area effective October 25, 2007; and
WHEREAS, it is reasonable for the Town of Westlake to maintain its involvement in the
Atmos Cities Steering Committee (ACSC) and to cooperate with the 141 similarly situated city
members and other city participants of ACSC in conducting a review of the Company's
application and to hire and direct legal counsel and consultants and to prepare a common
response and to negotiate with the Company and direct any necessary litigation; and
WHEREAS, the Gas Utility Regulatory Act § 104.107 grants local regulatory authorities
the right to suspend the effective date of proposed rate changes for ninety (90) days; and
WHEREAS, the Gas Utility Regulatory Act § 103.022 provides that costs incurred by
Cities in ratemaking activities are to be reimbursed by the regulated utility.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE
TOWN OF WESTLAKE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the October 25, 2007, effective date of the rate request submitted by
Atmos on or about September 20, 2007, be suspended for the maximum period allowed by law to
permit adequate time to review the proposed changes and to establish reasonable rates.
SECTION 2. That the Town is authorized to cooperate with ACSC and its member
cities in the Mid -Tex service area to hire and direct legal counsel and consultants, negotiate with
the Company, make recommendations to the Town regarding reasonable rates and to direct any
necessary administrative proceedings or court litigation associated with an appeal of a rate
ordinance and the rate case filed with the Town or Railroad Commission.
Atmos. SECTION 3. That the Town's reasonable rate case expenses shall be reimbursed by
SECTION 4. That it is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at which
this Resolution is passed is open to the public as required by law and the public notice of the
time, place, and purpose of said meeting was given as required.
SECTION 5. A copy of this Resolution shall be sent to Atmos, care of Joe T. Christian,
Director of Rates, at Atmos Energy Corporation, 5420 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1800, Dallas, Texas
75240, and to Geoffrey Gay, General Counsel to ACSC, at Lloyd Gosselink Blevins Rochelle &
Townsend, P.C., P.O. Box 1725, Austin, Texas 787617-1725.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 22"'DAY OF OCTOBER 2007.
ATTEST:
Scott Bradley, Mayo
r
Sutter, fown Secretary Trent O. Petty, To7n M ager
APPROVED AS TO FORM
LAStanton &,A
ttorney
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