HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 7660 ORDINANCE NO. ! 4 4 0
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
SELECT AND ENGAGE RATE CONSULTANTS, ACCOUNTANTS,
AUDITORS, ATTORNEYS, ENGINEERS, OR ANY COMBIN-
ATION THEREOF, AS WELL AS A HEARING EXAMINER;
TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS, PRESENT EVIDENCE AND
ADVISE THE CITY COUNCIL CONCERNING THE STATEMENT
OF INTENT OF LONE STAR GAS COMPANY DATED OCT-
TOBER 31, 1977, TO MAKE A MAJOR CHANGE IN GAS
RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH; PROVIDING THAT
THE LONE STAR GAS COMPANY REIMBURSE THE CITY FOR
THE COSTS OF SUCH SERVICES; SUSPENDING THE PRO-
POSED RATE INCREASE INTENDED TO BECOME EFFECTIVE
FOR AT LEAST 120 DAYS BEYOND DECEMBER 6, 1977;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, on October 31, 1977, the Lone Star Gas Company
filed with the City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth a
Statement of Intent to Change Rates to make a major change
in gas rates proposed to go into effect on December 6, 1977,
which major change in gas rates is estimated by the Lone Star
Gas Company to increase its annual revenue in the amount of
$2,318,798.00 and to increase the gas rates of 116,928 cus-
tomers; and
WHEREAS, under the Texas Public Utility Regulatory
Act, (Article 1446c, V.T.C.S.), the City Council of the City
of Fort Worth is charged with the duty of making a "reason-
able determination of rate base, expenses, investment and
rate of return within the municipal boundaries", within the
City of Fort Worth; and
WHEREAS, it is a matter of public necessity that a
thorough investigation be conducted and a hearing held on
such requested major change in rates; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary that the proposed rate increase
intended to become effective on December 6, 1977, be suspended
as authorized by Article 1446c, the Public Utility Regulatory
Act, for at least 120 days beyond the date on which the schedule
of proposed rates would go into effect (April 4, 1978) ;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
SECTION I.
That the City Manager is authorized and directed to select
and engage rate consultants, accountants, auditors, attorneys,
engineers, or any combination thereof, as well as a hearing
examiner, to hold hearings, conduct investigations, present
evidence and advise the City Council and assist with lit-
igation on public utility ratemaking proceedings as authorized
by Sections 23 and 24 of Article IV of Article 1446(c) , Revised
Civil Statutes of Texas, as amended; and the Lone Star Gas
Company shall be required to reimburse the City of Fort Worth
for the costs of such services.
SECTION II.
That the proposed rate increase of Lone Star Gas Company
intended to become effective on December 6, 1977, be and the
same is hereby suspended as authorized by Article 1446(c), the
Public Utility Regulatory Act, for at least 120 days beyond
such date on which the schedule of proposed rates would go
into effect and at least until April 4, 1978.
SECTION III.
Should any part, portion, section or part of a section
of this ordinance be declared invalid or inoperative or void
for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
decision, opinion or judgment shall in no way affect the
remaining portions, parts, sections or parts of sections of
this ordinance, which provisions shall be, remain and continue
to be in full force and effect.
SECTION IV.
That this ordinance shall take effect and be in full
force and effect from and after the date of its passage, and
it is so ordained.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
�LEGALITY:
City Attorney
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