Tensions high at sewer system public hearing

Tensions were high as the Wimberley City Council got an ear full from the public on the change in scope to have the sewage from a proposed wastewater system treated by Aqua Texas.

The decision to stop building a city-owned treatment facility is not new – as the council voted in August of 2018 to cancel the contract – but nearly five months later, this public hearing was the first opportunity for many in the community to voice their opinion on the subject.

“How many times do we have to stand up here and say the same things over and over,” Martha Knies said. “We do not want Aqua Texas managing our system, and we want water for Blue Hole.”

Mayor Susan Jaggers spoke for the first 45 minutes of the public hearing that was scheduled for two hours showing her comparison of the Aqua Texas treatment plan to the cityowned treatment plant. She stated that she believes the plan is more environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Many in the crowd disagreed.

“I am strongly opposed to the project changes and believe the original plan was much more advantageous to the citizens and the environment,” Susan White said.

About 90 people signed up to speak, due to time constraints only about 25 were able to speak. Some spoke in favor of the project.

“There have been serious and widespread objections to wastewater discharge permits throughout the Hill Country,” Gail Pigg said noting local objections to permits in Blanco, Dripping Springs and elsewhere. “We have to be consistent. We can’t want no discharge everywhere else and then be presented with a chance for no discharge and not support it.”

Not all speakers were against the change towards Aqua Texas, but the anger stirred up by the selection process for speakers showed how much many in the public distrust the city government.

Councilmember Allison Davis lodged a complaint during the meeting that speakers were not being taken in the order they signed up. Yells from the crowd accused Councilmember Gary Barchfeld of picking public speakers that spoke in favor of Aqua Texas instead of accurately representing the views of the crowd.

“I would like to register my outrage with the way this public hearing has been conducted,” Jo Catherine Quinn said. “It is an affront to the citizens of Wimberley.”

Barchfeld attempted to dissuade the concerns by stating that he was selecting every fifth speaker on the list so that people who showed up later to sign up still had a chance to voice their opinion.

For those that were unable to speak in person, the Texas Water Development Board is accepting written comments through January 18. To submit a comment, email City Administrator Shawn Cox at [email protected].