The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Apartment
means a living unit designed for one family in a building having separate living units for two or more families or households living independently of each other and each portion or unit being equipped for preparation of food and having sleeping quarters.
Apartment building
means a building or group of buildings having two or more apartments.
Commercial unit
means any building or group of buildings thereof built on-site utilized for any enterprise other than a residential unit or multiunit.
Construction use
means any water used during the construction of a single-family unit, multifamily unit, or commercial unit or associated structures such as road and drainage facilities.
Credit reporting
is the City's practice of reporting delinquent utility accounts to a credit agency in accordance with applicable laws. This includes the use of personally identifiable information such as social security numbers when available.
Default payment method
means the payment method automatically applied to a utility account unless another method is specified by the customer. The City shall notify customers of the default method during service application.
Flat rate sewer customers
means a customer who only receives wastewater service from the City. These customers will be billed at a flat monthly rate, independent of water use.
Irrigation unit
means a separate meter installed solely for the purposes of irrigation.
Landlord account
means an account established by written agreement between the City and the owner of a rental property, allowing for automatic transfer of utility services from tenant to landlord and back upon lease commencement or termination, without a lapse in service.
Manufactured home or mobile home
ahall have the meaning given in V.T.C.A., Occupations Code § 1201.001 et seq.
Manufactured home or mobile home park
means a unified development for manufactured housing or mobile home spaces arranged on a tract of land with the individual lots or parcels being held under a common ownership and rented or leased to the occupants.
Meter tampering
is any unauthorized interference with a water meter or other utility infrastructure, including but not limited to restoring service after disconnection. Meter tampering is subject to penalties and legal action.
Multiple-family residential unit
means any building or portion thereof built on-site which is designed for or used exclusively for residential purposes, including two-family, three-family and four-family residential units and apartments.
Multiunit
means each separate multiple-family unit, apartment, or each manufactured home or mobile home that is situated in a mobile home park serviced by one or more master water meters for which the metered water usage is billed by the City to the owner, operator or manager of the multiple-family unit, apartment, or mobile home park. Submetering by the customer billed for the master meter shall not affect the categorization as multiunit.
Single-family residential unit
means any building or portion thereof built on-site which is designed or used exclusively to accommodate one household for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation; and that is intended to be utilized as a single-family dwelling, including manufactured/mobile homes which are not located within a mobile home park.
Third-Party Administrator
is an external organization or entity contracted by the City to administer certain programs, such as the Utility Customer Assistance Program. Disclosures of such arrangements shall be made public via the City's website or billing communications.
Transfer fee
is a non-refundable fee charged to customers transferring service from one service address to another within the City of Kyle. To avoid a new deposit, the start and disconnect dates must be within ten (10) calendar days of one another.
Utility Customer Assistance Program (UCAP)
is a City-administered program that provides financial assistance toward utility bills for eligible customers, as outlined in the adopted program guidelines. The City may utilize a third-party administrator to assist in program delivery and shall disclose such relationships.
Voluntary contributions
are monetary contributions made by utility customers on a voluntary basis, designated to support (1) the Utility Customer Assistance Program, or (2) other civic initiatives such as tree planting or park maintenance, as identified by City Council.
Winter averaging
is a method for determining sewer usage charges for residential customers based on average water consumption during the billing periods of November, December, and January.
(Ordinance 493, § 2, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
For any connection to the City of Kyle's water or sewer system, the applicant shall pay a connection or tap fee based on the applicable rates and service location, as specified in Appendix A of this Code.
(b) 
All connection fees shall be paid in full prior to service activation. No physical connection shall occur until payment has been verified by the City.
(c) 
The City may, at its discretion, allow phased payment of connection fees in accordance with a payment plan approved by the City Manager or their designee. Such arrangements must be formalized in writing and executed before any service work commences.
(d) 
Connection fees shall include any applicable charges for labor, materials, inspections, administrative processing, and associated costs incurred by the City.
(e) 
The City reserves the right to update, revise, or reclassify connection fee categories based on changes to system infrastructure, service availability, or service delivery methods, provided such changes are duly adopted in Appendix A.
(f) 
Connection fees for construction-related temporary service (e.g., hydrant meters) shall be established by the Director over the water utilities or their designee but shall not be less than the replacement cost of the hydrant meter used.
(g) 
The City may apply additional surcharges or cost-recovery charges where a project requires infrastructure extensions or extraordinary staff or material commitments, subject to approval by City Council.
(Ordinance 493, § 3, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
All water consumption for properties connected to the City of Kyle water system shall be measured using City-approved meters. Each service connection shall have an individual meter unless otherwise authorized by the Director over water utilities.
(b) 
A service charge for meter installation, as well as a meter cost recovery charge based on the size and model, shall be paid in accordance with the fee schedule in Appendix A. These charges must be paid in full before water service is activated.
(c) 
No new dual connections (i.e., two or more users sharing a single meter) shall be permitted. Where existing dual connections remain, each user shall be billed a separate base charge, and volume usage shall be proportionately applied as determined by the City.
(d) 
Irrigation-only meters may be installed upon request for the sole purpose of landscape or outdoor watering. Customers may be exempt from wastewater volume charges on irrigation meter usage. Requirements for irrigation meter installation shall be published by the Director over water utilities.
(e) 
Customers shall be responsible for the protection of meters from damage or tampering. Tampering with a meter, including unauthorized reconnection or bypassing, is a violation of this article and may result in:
(1) 
Assessment of fees for repair or replacement of damaged equipment;
(2) 
Additional deposits or account holds;
(3) 
Referral for criminal prosecution as theft of service.
(f) 
Only City-authorized personnel or contractors may install, remove, or service water meters. Operation of the meter shutoff valve by any unauthorized person is prohibited.
(g) 
For construction accounts using temporary meters (e.g., hydrant meters), customers are liable for damage beyond normal wear and tear. The City may deduct repair costs from any deposits and impose additional fees if necessary.
(Ordinance 493, § 3, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Applications and deposits.
(1) 
Application for service.
Applications for water, wastewater, and solid waste services billed by the Utility Billing Division must be submitted to the City of Kyle. Applicants must provide:
(A) 
Full name and date of birth;
(B) 
Valid identification;
(C) 
Contact information;
(D) 
Proof of property ownership or lease.
(2) 
Social security numbers (SSNs).
The City may request SSNs solely for identity verification and collections purposes. However, name and date of birth may be accepted in lieu of SSN when sufficient to establish service history.
(3) 
Deposit requirements.
A deposit, as specified in Appendix A, is required for each new service account. Deposits are held for a minimum of 24 months and may be refunded if no late payments or delinquencies occur during that period.
(4) 
Deposit exemption for transfers.
Customers transferring service from one address to another within the City of Kyle shall not be required to pay a new deposit if:
(A) 
The start date at the new address and the disconnect date at the old address are within ten (10) calendar days; and
(B) 
The applicable transfer fee is paid in full.
(5) 
Partial payment of initial setup fees.
Partial payments of the initial deposit, service fee, and meter connection fees may be made in two monthly installments, added to regular bills. No further extensions shall be granted.
(b) 
Transfer fees.
(1) 
Transfer fee.
A nonrefundable transfer fee in the amount listed in Appendix A shall be assessed when a customer requests service be transferred from one address to another within the City.
(2) 
Default payment type.
Unless otherwise specified at the time of application or transfer, the default payment type will be the same as the customer's previous account.
(c) 
Landlord accounts.
(1) 
Landlord agreement.
A landlord may enter into an agreement with the City to create a "landlord account," allowing utility service to automatically transfer from tenant to landlord at lease termination and from landlord to tenant at lease commencement.
(2) 
Deposit for landlord accounts.
Each service address must maintain a deposit in accordance with the adopted schedule, even under a landlord account.
(3) 
Responsibility.
The landlord remains responsible for all charges during periods where the account is not held in the name of a tenant.
(d) 
Nonpayment and reconnection.
(1) 
Additional deposit for reconnection.
Upon disconnection for nonpayment, the customer must pay the following in accordance with Appendix A:
(A) 
A reconnection fee;
(B) 
An additional deposit equal to two times the average monthly usage over the past 12 months;
(C) 
At least one-third of the delinquent balance.
(2) 
Refunds and transfers.
Deposits from disconnected accounts will not be applied to additional deposits.
(Ordinance 493, § 4, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Minimum monthly charge.
The rates and charges for services to be provided by the water system of the city shall consist of a minimum monthly fee (the minimum monthly charge), and a fee based on the amount of metered water usage (the volume charge). The minimum monthly charge varies by size of meter and whether or not the customer is within or outside the city limits. Minimum monthly charges for customers outside the city limits are 1.2 times the inside city rates. Actual fees by size of meter, customer class and location relative to the city limits are provided in appendix A to this Code.
(b) 
Usage fees.
In addition to the minimum monthly charge, rates and charges for services to be provided by the water system of the city shall consist of a fee based on metered water usage (the volume charge). The volume rate for single-family residential customers are progressively higher based on metered usage during a billing cycle. Rate blocks for single-family residential customers are as shown in the fee schedule in appendix A to this Code. Volume rates for multifamily residential, commercial, irrigation and construction customers are constant irrespective of usage within a billing cycle and are also as reflected in the following table without distinction for meter size. The volume charge is calculated by multiplying the per 1,000 volume of water consumed by the appropriate volume rate as defined appendix A to this Code. The total water charge monthly is the minimum monthly charge plus the volume charge.
(c) 
Emergency interconnect wholesale water rate.
In the event an emergency interconnect system is established with County Line Water Supply Corporation for the provision of wholesale water to that entity, the whole rate per 1,000 gallons shall be 75 percent of the volume rate for commercial customers.
(Ordinance 493, § 5, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 673 adopted 9/13/2011)
(a) 
Minimum monthly charge.
The rates and charges for services to be provided by the sewer system of the city shall consist of a minimum monthly fee (the minimum monthly charge), and a fee based on the amount of metered water usage (the volume charge). The minimum monthly charge may vary by customer class as shown in the following table. Minimum monthly charges for customers outside the city limits are 1.2 times the inside city rates. Actual fees by customer class are provided in appendix A to this Code.
(b) 
Usage fees.
In addition to the minimum monthly charge, rates and charges for services to be provided by the city sewer system shall consist of a fee based on metered water usage (the volume charge). For residential customers, a fixed monthly fee shall be assessed beginning with the April billing in any year for the succeeding 11-consecutive months. The fixed sewer usage fee for each customer shall be determined by averaging actual usage as recorded on the monthly bills for November, December and January. Average usage for these months will be divided by 1,000 and the divided multiplied by the appropriate volume rate as shown in the fee schedule in appendix A to this Code. This fixed charge will then be billed for April and the following 11 months. For new customers with no billing history for the months used in averaging, an amount equal to the average of residential customers, as determined by the director of finance shall be used until such time as a sufficient billing history has been established. Appeals may be made in writing to the director of finance for adjustment of the fixed volume charge if proof of excessive usage due to a water leak during the averaging period can be documented. For nonresidential customers, the volume charge is calculated by multiplying the per 1,000 volume of water used by the appropriate volume rate as defined in appendix A to this Code. The total sewer charge monthly is the minimum monthly charge plus the volume charge.
(Ordinance 493, § 6, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 673 adopted 9/13/2011)
(a) 
Customers receiving solid waste collection and disposal services from the City of Kyle, or through City-contracted providers, shall be charged in accordance with their customer classification and the applicable service level (e.g., cart size, frequency, commercial dumpster, etc.).
(b) 
All solid waste rates and service fees shall be established in Appendix A of this Code. These rates may vary based on:
(1) 
Customer classification (residential, multifamily, commercial, etc.);
(2) 
Location of the service address (inside or outside City limits);
(3) 
Frequency or volume of service.
(c) 
Solid waste charges shall appear as part of the customer's monthly utility bill and shall follow the same billing cycle schedule as the customer's water or wastewater service.
(d) 
Customers with irrigation-only or construction-only accounts shall not be required to pay solid waste service fees unless otherwise designated in Appendix A.
(e) 
Any change to service levels, providers, or program structure (e.g., recycling programs) shall be implemented by resolution of the City Council and reflected in Appendix A following a 30-day public notice period.
(Ordinance 493, § 7, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
General payment terms.
(1) 
Utility charges for water, wastewater, and solid waste shall be billed monthly based on the customer's assigned billing cycle. Each cycle shall have its own billing and due date, which will be clearly stated on the utility bill.
(2) 
Charges are due on or before the due date listed for that cycle. Payments not received by the due date may incur penalties as described below.
(b) 
Late payment penalties and waivers.
(1) 
If full payment is not received by the due date, a late payment penalty may be assessed, as specified in Appendix A.
(2) 
Penalties waivers.
A customer may request a waiver of late payment penalties no more than once per quarter per calendar year. Waivers may be granted at the discretion of the City Manager or their designee.
(3) 
Additional penalty adjustments.
The City Manager or their designee may approve additional penalty adjustments due to:
(A) 
Documented billing errors;
(B) 
Verified financial hardship;
(C) 
Other circumstances deemed consistent with the City's customer service policy.
(4) 
A record of all penalty waivers and adjustments shall be maintained by the Utility Billing Division for audit and policy evaluation purposes.
(c) 
Disconnection and no-disconnect provisions.
(1) 
If payment is not received within 10 calendar days after the due date, service may be disconnected, unless a protection under this section applies.
(2) 
No-disconnect protection may apply under the following circumstances:
(A) 
The customer has an active written payment plan in good standing;
(B) 
The customer has been approved for assistance under the Utility Customer Assistance Program (UCAP);
(C) 
Disconnection poses a medical or life-safety risk, documented by a licensed healthcare provider.
(3) 
The City shall provide advance notification of disconnection using at least two contact methods, including mailed notice and electronic/phone contact.
(d) 
Payment plans.
(1) 
Customers may enter into a written payment plan to avoid disconnection or to restore service, subject to the following terms:
(A) 
Maximum duration: twelve (12) months;
(B) 
The plan must bring the account current within the agreement period;
(C) 
No extensions or renegotiations allowed once the plan is in effect.
(2) 
If the customer fails to comply with any payment plan term, service shall be disconnected immediately, and full payment of all outstanding charges will be required before reconnection.
(e) 
Partial payments.
Any partial payment shall be credited in the following order:
(1) 
Outstanding additional deposits or reconnection fees;
(2) 
Delinquent balances;
(3) 
Current monthly charges.
(f) 
Returned checks and payment validity.
(1) 
A returned check fee shall be assessed for any check or payment method rejected by the issuing institution, as listed in Appendix A.
(2) 
A customer with three returned checks within a 12-month period shall be restricted to certified funds only (cash, money order, or credit card) for a minimum of the following 12 months.
(3) 
Returned check limits apply to the service address, not just the individual account holder. Any party making payment for that address is subject to the policy.
(g) 
Appeals related to assistance program caps.
(1) 
Customers who reach the maximum annual benefit under UCAP or are denied assistance due to program limits may submit a written appeal to the City Manager or their designee within 15 days of the notice.
(2) 
The appeal must include documentation demonstrating continued hardship or an exceptional need for relief. A decision shall be issued within 10 business days and is final unless otherwise escalated by the City Manager or their designee.
(Ordinance 493, § 8, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Wastewater system responsibilities.
(1) 
Customer responsibility for connection.
The owner or occupant of any structure connected to the City's wastewater system shall maintain their private sewer lateral in a manner that prevents:
(A) 
Infiltration of rainwater or irrigation runoff;
(B) 
Blockages or obstructions from grease, roots, or foreign objects.
(2) 
Prohibited connections.
No downspouts, sump pumps, roof drains, or other stormwater inflow sources may be connected to the wastewater system.
(3) 
Service calls.
Customers shall be responsible for the cost of service calls determined to be related to private plumbing or lateral failures, even if initially investigated by City staff.
(b) 
Water system responsibilities.
(1) 
Service line maintenance.
The customer is responsible for the water service line from the City meter to the point of usage, including all valves, fittings, and private shut-off mechanisms.
(2) 
Private cut-off valve required.
Each customer must install and maintain a functional cut-off valve on the service line at or near the structure, which can be used in case of emergency.
(3) 
City-owned meter access.
The meter box and curb cock (shut-off valve at the meter) are City property and may only be operated by City personnel or as expressly authorized by the Director of Public Works.
(c) 
Meter protection and tampering.
(1) 
Protection of equipment.
Customers must protect water meters, meter boxes, lids, and associated infrastructure from damage caused by negligence, construction activity, lawn equipment, or tampering.
(2) 
Tampering prohibited.
Unauthorized activation of service, bypassing the meter, or restoring service after disconnection constitutes meter tampering and may result in:
(A) 
Reconnection fees and damage charges;
(B) 
Criminal prosecution for theft of service under applicable law.
(3) 
Lock tampering.
Customers who cut, remove, or bypass City-issued meter locks are subject to enhanced enforcement, including possible disconnection, civil penalties, and suspension of reconnection eligibility until reviewed by the Director of Public Works.
(4) 
Infrastructure damage recovery.
The City may recover from customers the full cost of repairs for damage to meters, valves, or other infrastructure due to tampering, neglect, or unauthorized excavation.
(Ordinance 493, § 9, adopted 3/20/2007; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Applicability and definitions.
(1) 
This section applies to any retail public utility that:
(A) 
Provides water or wastewater service within the City of Kyle's jurisdiction;
(B) 
Is not owned or operated by the City.
(2) 
The following definitions apply:
Applicant.
A retail public utility seeking to change its rates for services provided within the City.
Application.
The documentation submitted to the City requesting a rate change.
Area served.
The geographic area within the City limits that receives service from the applicant.
System.
The utility's water or wastewater infrastructure serving customers in Kyle.
(b) 
Application process.
(1) 
Any applicant seeking a rate change must submit an application in duplicate:
(A) 
One original to the City Manager;
(B) 
One original to the City Secretary.
(2) 
The application shall include all information required in Attachment A to this article (maintained by the City Secretary) and may include any supporting documentation.
(3) 
The application must be submitted as an affidavit, sworn by an authorized officer of the applicant, certifying that the information is true and correct.
(4) 
The application is not considered complete until it includes substantially all required information. If incomplete, the City Manager shall notify the applicant within 30 days, specifying deficiencies. The applicant has 10 business days to cure.
(c) 
Evaluation and decision.
(1) 
Upon receipt of a complete application, the City may:
(A) 
Review the proposed rate changes for reasonableness, equity, and consistency with regional benchmarks;
(B) 
Request clarifying information;
(C) 
Schedule a public hearing if deemed appropriate.
(2) 
The City may approve, reject, or modify the proposed rates by ordinance or resolution.
(d) 
Forms and instructions.
(1) 
The City Manager may prescribe standard forms for submission and may issue guidance documents to aid in the preparation of an application.
(2) 
All applicants must comply with required formats and must respond to City requests for additional information in a timely manner.
(e) 
Water source flexibility.
(1) 
In the event that the City transitions to a new primary water service provider or billing platform (e.g., for wastewater), the City retains authority to:
(A) 
Adjust water or wastewater rates via Appendix A;
(B) 
Modify billing structures to reflect differences in sourcing, delivery, or service levels.
(2) 
Any such adjustment shall be adopted by City Council resolution with at least 30 days' notice to affected customers.
(Ordinance 675, §§ 1—3, adopted 10/3/2011; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Purpose and applicability.
(1) 
The City of Kyle requires new development connecting to existing or future utility infrastructure to participate in the cost of capital improvements that serve their development.
(2) 
This requirement applies when:
(A) 
The City constructs a capital improvement that provides capacity to a new or previously unserved area;
(B) 
A developer extends or upgrades infrastructure, and the City requests oversizing to benefit future growth;
(C) 
Any other circumstance where cost recovery is warranted, as determined by the City Engineer.
(b) 
Cost calculation and participation.
(1) 
The City shall calculate each development's cost participation based on:
(A) 
The pro-rata share of the project capacity used by the development; and
(B) 
Either the actual construction cost (if known), or a reasonable cost estimate prepared or validated by the City Engineer.
(2) 
The City may also include costs for design, permitting, and legal or administrative expenses directly associated with the utility extension.
(3) 
Developers shall be provided with a summary of cost basis, including assumptions and methodology, upon request.
(c) 
Payment of participation fees.
(1) 
Cost participation fees shall be paid:
(A) 
Prior to approval of final plat; or
(B) 
At a time specified in a written agreement between the developer and the City.
(2) 
If the developer and City agree to future reimbursement or payback mechanisms, these shall be documented in a formal utility extension agreement approved by the City Manager or Council, as applicable.
(d) 
Appeal process.
(1) 
A developer may appeal the City's cost participation determination to the City Manager within 15 business days of receiving written notice of the fee amount.
(2) 
If unsatisfied with the City Manager's determination, the developer may pursue further appeal consistent with Texas Local Government Code § 212.904.
(e) 
Administrative flexibility.
(1) 
The City Engineer is authorized to update or modify the method of estimating pro-rata costs to reflect changes in:
(A) 
Utility design standards;
(B) 
Service area capacity assumptions;
(C) 
Regulatory requirements.
(2) 
The City may adjust cost participation calculations when:
(A) 
Final construction costs differ significantly from preliminary estimates;
(B) 
Capacity is reallocated due to project phasing, annexation, or utility reconfiguration.
(Ordinance 914, § 2, adopted 10/18/2016; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Authority to impose liens.
(1) 
The City of Kyle is authorized to impose a lien on real property for delinquent water, wastewater, and solid waste charges, including:
(A) 
Unpaid service charges;
(B) 
Late penalties;
(C) 
Reconnection fees;
(D) 
Administrative and collection costs.
(2) 
This lien is imposed pursuant to Texas Local Government Code and City ordinance authority and shall attach upon proper notice and recording.
(b) 
Perfection of lien.
(1) 
The lien shall be perfected by filing a notice of lien in the real property records of Hays County.
(2) 
The notice must include:
(A) 
A legal description of the property;
(B) 
The utility account number;
(C) 
A statement of the delinquent charges;
(D) 
Signature of the City Manager or Director of Public Works, or their authorized representative.
(3) 
Liens may be filed for both current and past-due accounts, provided that delinquency exceeds 60 days and collection efforts have been documented.
(c) 
Exemptions from lien.
No lien shall attach to:
(1) 
Homestead property, as defined under Texas law;
(2) 
Property where utility service is in a tenant's name, and the landlord has:
(A) 
Provided the City with a signed Landlord Notice of Rental Property form;
(B) 
Maintained a current landlord agreement with the City, if applicable.
(d) 
Priority and duration.
(1) 
The lien shall be subordinate to any bona fide mortgage lien recorded prior to the City's lien.
(2) 
The lien shall be superior to all other liens, including judgment liens and liens recorded after the City's filing.
(3) 
The lien remains in effect until released by the City following full payment.
(e) 
Release of lien.
(1) 
Upon full payment of the delinquent balance, the City shall execute a release of lien, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
(2) 
The release shall be filed in the real property records of Hays County and may include administrative fees as listed in Appendix A.
(f) 
Administrative policies.
(1) 
The Utility Billing Division shall maintain a lien record log, including:
(A) 
Dates of filing and release;
(B) 
Amounts recovered;
(C) 
Service address and property owner of record.
(2) 
The lien process may be used in combination with other enforcement tools, including:
(A) 
Referral to a collection agency;
(B) 
Civil or criminal enforcement actions in cases involving theft of services.
(Ordinance 1124, § 2, adopted 11/17/2020; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Purpose and applicability.
(1) 
The City of Kyle may take enforcement action against properties located within special utility districts, including but not limited to Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs), where those properties:
(A) 
Receive utility service from the City; and
(B) 
Are subject to regulatory requirements imposed by the district or by interlocal agreement with the City, including:
(i) 
Crosswinds Municipal Utility District (MUD).
(ii) 
Any other special district that fails to comply with adopted regulations.
(2) 
This enforcement authority includes, but is not limited to, violations of erosion and sediment control standards, construction requirements, or other obligations established through:
(A) 
Interlocal agreements;
(B) 
District rules adopted by reference;
(C) 
City ordinances or permitting conditions.
(b) 
Enforcement actions.
The City may take any of the following actions to ensure compliance:
(1) 
Withholding utility services, including but not limited to:
(A) 
Water meter installation;
(B) 
Water or wastewater service activation;
(C) 
Tap approvals or inspections.
(2) 
Delaying or denying permits, certifications, or development-related approvals issued by City departments, where noncompliance has been verified.
(3) 
Imposing penalties or surcharges for repeated noncompliance if authorized by interlocal agreement or City ordinance.
(4) 
Issuing written warnings or notices of violation to the developer, property owner, or utility account holder.
(c) 
Appeals process.
(1) 
Property owners or developers subject to enforcement under this section may submit a written appeal to the City Manager or their designee within 10 business days of receiving a notice of action.
(2) 
The Director shall review and issue a decision within 10 business days. If not resolved, the appeal may be elevated to the City Manager, whose decision is final unless reversed by City Council.
(Ordinance 1199, § 2, adopted 5/17/2022; Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Purpose.
The Utility Customer Assistance Program (UCAP) is established to provide limited financial assistance to eligible utility customers experiencing financial hardship, as determined by guidelines adopted by the City Council.
(b) 
Program administration.
(1) 
The UCAP shall be administered by the Utility Billing Division.
(2) 
The City may contract with a third-party administrator to manage applications, distribute funds, and maintain records on behalf of the City.
(3) 
All administrative relationships with a third-party UCAP provider shall be disclosed through:
(A) 
The City's website;
(B) 
Program documentation available to the public;
(C) 
Utility billing communications.
(c) 
Eligibility and application.
(1) 
Eligibility criteria, benefit limits, and application procedures shall be defined in official program guidelines, which may be updated by Council resolution without amending this article.
(2) 
At minimum, program eligibility shall consider:
(A) 
Income thresholds (e.g., based on area median income or public benefit participation);
(B) 
Emergency circumstances (e.g., medical, disaster, loss of income);
(C) 
Account standing and payment history.
(3) 
Applicants must complete a formal application and provide any documentation required under the program guidelines.
(d) 
Program cap and appeals.
(1) 
Program benefits may be capped annually per customer, as specified in the guidelines.
(2) 
If a customer reaches the cap or is denied eligibility, they may submit a written appeal to the City Manager or their designee within 15 days of the notice.
(3) 
Appeals will be reviewed within 10 business days, and the decision shall be final unless modified by the City Manager or their designee.
(e) 
Funding sources.
UCAP may be funded by:
(1) 
City general funds, as approved during the budget process;
(2) 
Voluntary customer contributions collected via utility bills;
(3) 
Donations, grants, or other sources accepted by the City for this purpose.
(4) 
All contributions shall be tracked separately and used solely for the program.
(f) 
Transparency and reporting.
(1) 
The Director of Finance or designee shall provide annual program reports to the City Council, including:
(A) 
Total funds distributed;
(B) 
Number of participants;
(C) 
Contribution revenue;
(D) 
Summary of appeals.
(2) 
The City shall maintain a public-facing summary of the program on its website.
(Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)
(a) 
Purpose.
(1) 
The City of Kyle establishes a Voluntary Contributions Program to allow utility customers to support community initiatives through optional donations made in conjunction with their monthly utility payments.
(2) 
This program aims to enhance civic participation, promote environmental stewardship, and expand support for vulnerable residents.
(b) 
Eligible uses of contributions.
Voluntary contributions may be directed toward the following purposes, as determined and authorized by City Council resolution:
(1) 
Utility Customer Assistance Program (UCAP) — to assist low-income or financially distressed customers with utility bills;
(2) 
Environmental initiatives — such as tree planting, native landscaping, or water conservation programs;
(3) 
Park and public space enhancements — including maintenance, beautification, or small capital improvements;
(4) 
Other Council-approved initiatives — deemed consistent with community values and public benefit.
All designated categories must be publicly disclosed and described on the City's website and utility billing portal.
(c) 
Customer participation and opt-in structure.
(1) 
Participation in the program shall be voluntary and offered as an opt-in feature. No customer shall be automatically enrolled or penalized for nonparticipation.
(2) 
Customers may designate:
(A) 
A monthly contribution amount; and
(B) 
The program(s) they wish to support.
(3) 
Contribution options shall be available through:
(A) 
Online account portals;
(B) 
Paper or digital billing statements;
(C) 
Customer service channels.
(4) 
Customers may change or cancel their participation at any time, without penalty.
(d) 
Accounting and transparency.
(1) 
All contributions shall be accounted for separately from other City revenues and deposited into designated funds created for each eligible program.
(2) 
No voluntary contributions may be used for general fund expenditures unless explicitly authorized by Council resolution.
(3) 
The Director of Finance or designee shall publish an annual contribution report, which includes:
(A) 
Total contributions received per program;
(B) 
Expenditures and fund balances;
(C) 
Narrative summaries of program impact.
(e) 
Administration.
(1) 
The Utility Billing Division shall oversee customer enrollment, contribution processing, and billing system integration.
(2) 
The City Manager or designee may issue administrative procedures to ensure the integrity, transparency, and security of the program.
(3) 
Any changes to eligible contribution categories shall be made by City Council resolution.
(Ordinance 1404 adopted 4/21/2026)