The Dimmitt City Council met Monday and approved a new city ordinance and several interlocal agreements.
After meeting in executive session and following the second reading of the proposed ordinance, council members approved Ordinance No. 020121 amending Chapter 18 of the Dimmitt City Code 2007, by adding Section 18-90 concerning front yard parking.
The new ordinance prohibits parking in the front yard on any surface other than an improved parking surface (driveway) and provides a class C misdemeanor penalty.
The effect date of the new ordinance is March 1.
The provisions of the new ordinance cited protecting the public health, safety and general welfare, protecting property values, and enhancing and improving the physical appearance of the city.
City Manager Daniel Jackson reported there are two weeks remaining to file to be included on the ballot for the City of Dimmitt election for three at-large city council members and mayor.
Applications may be filed at Dimmitt City Hall no later than Feb. 12 at 5 p.m.
Council members approved three interlocal agreements between Castro County and the city of Dimmitt.
An agreement was approved to continue operation of the Castro County Exposition Building in the city of Dimmit; another for assistance from Castro County in the maintenance of the streets in the city of Dimmitt; and an agreement for rural community fire protection between the city and county.
In other business, the council approved an application by Southwestern Public Service Company, which included the Alliance of Xcel Municipalities, addressing a net surcharge. The amount of the proposed surcharge is $71 million and is implemented over a one-year period from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022.
The average usage by for the residential customer is about 1,000 kWh; the surcharge for a customer using 1,000 kWh per month is about $12.85 per month, which equates to an increase of about 11.56 percent in the customer’s bill.