Did you know that Llano is trying to cover-up mistakes made that caused a spike in electric bills?

Electric utility bills spiked last January. Half the residents had their Llano utility bill double, some triple, and more.  
City Council initiated a committee to investigate the spike, with Allen Hopson appointed Chair. That committee has been stalled for months waiting for correct information and proper leadership.

The committee, a cross-section of citizens with varied knowledge and honorable intent, has dwindled because of this lack of leadership.

Preliminary analysis indicates that the City's explanation for the spike - weather and LCRA charges - is incorrect. The actual causes are City errors. The committee is awaiting further detailed information to properly prepare the report.

Llano City Council was asked to instruct the City to provide the requested information. Only Alderman Ferguson voted to do so.

There is considerable misinformation being spewed regarding the committee and its findings. Don't believe anything until a final report is published.

For example, Brenton Lewis represented to Council: “We tried to provide everything we can to them. Legally, I cannot release it.” This is absolutely incorrect on multiple levels.

The belief is that the lack of leadership and support from the City is more than an attempt at cover-up of bad behavior. They don't want citizens to know the extent of the surcharge on electrical usage being transferred to pay for mismanagement and non-essential projects. Nor do they want to implement the changes needed to prevent spikes in the future, or refund the excess charges caused by City mistakes.

Llano needs an Ombudsman/Chief Ethics Officer to provide anonymous assistance to citizens and employees in resolving issues with the City. A proper ombudsman would have resolved the electric bill spike months ago. Bullied citizens and maltreated employees would have an advocate without fearing retribution.

 

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