The Childress City Council took the first step toward evaluating a potential water connection moratorium during its regular meeting Monday, following discussion with residents and city officials about future development and water capacity concerns.
Council members heard public comments from citizens both supporting and opposing a possible moratorium on new water connections and future development under Texas Local Government Code 212.135. After the discussion, the council voted to approve an engineering study to determine whether a moratorium would be necessary.
Childress City Manager Kevin Hodges said the study will provide city leaders with the information needed to make an informed decision.
“Once we get the proper data, the accurate data from professionals, professional engineers, people that are trained in this kind of work, then once they get that information, the council can make an informed decision and that way when that decision is made, whichever it is, they can sleep well on it,” Hodges said.
Mayor Cary Preston noted that the city has been operating under drought stage four conditions for an extended period and credited residents for helping conserve water.
“Our citizens have done a wonderful job,” Preston said. “We did not have the influx of all the people coming in with our new businesses out in the county, and it has put a little bit of a strain on us. But I do think that we’ll be able to provide water and have a future for city of Childress.”
Hodges said the state’s requirements are designed to protect municipal water systems and provide communities time to evaluate their options. He added that the engineering study will help city leaders determine the best path forward.
“If they recommend that we go into that moratorium, I know that our city council would vote yes on that because it protects the system and it protects our citizens,” Hodges said.
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