City seeks chip relocation solution

By Melinda L. Lucas

A discussion about chipping of discarded branches took up much of Monday night’s monthly city council meeting, with an Atmos rate increase and an increase in an airport grant both approved during the course of the evening.

Council members were in closed session at the end of the meeting for a “police department personnel matter,” but no action was taken.

Chipping Problem

City manager Billy Holson asked those present at Monday’s meeting to be thinking about a solution for the mulch that results when city employees “chip” branches left on curbs by local residents.

The city-owned chipper is usually taken around town one Tuesday a month. Residents can take however much of the coarse mulch they want, which Holson says is very little, and the city disposes of the rest.

In the past, the wood chips have been burned on city property adjacent to the golf course, but because of complaints, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has prohibited any future burning at that location.

Disposal by waste management could cost as much as $600 per month, Holson said.

He asked that local citizens “be patient” while a solution is sought.

Gas Rate Increase

After several months of negotiation with a city coalition, Atmos Energy was granted a rate increase, which was approved Monday by Albany’s council.

The new rate will mean the average residential customer will see a rise of $2.05 per month, and the average commercial customer an increase of $6.18 per month.

RAMP Grant

The council increased the already approved federal RAMP grant from $50,000 to $100,000 for this year in order to help pay for the pilots lounge.

The match will be paid by donations.