Pflugerville, Monarch Utilities ask TCEQ for time to negotiate deal

Neither SouthWest Water nor Pflugerville representatives would comment on the nature of the negotiations, but Pflugerville spokeswoman Terri Waggoner released a statement following the announcement.

"Preliminary negotiations indicate a willingness by Southwest Water Company to resolve the pending disputes in a way that would not result in a rate increase to the citizens of Pflugerville, and a willingness to participate in a long-term plan to manage the water needs of Pflugerville," the statement read in part.

It went on to say that the city was approached by legal counsel from SouthWest Water requesting a nonjudicial method of resolving the STM case.

Pflugerville City Manager Brandon Wade said last week that SouthWest representatives had approached the city with an offer, but the offer was rejected because Wade said it would "lead us to the same place."

That place Wade is referring to is a proposed rate increase of 62.3 percent increase to water rates and a 33.6 percent increase to wastewater rates. The rate increase is still pending before the TCEQ.

"The rate increase was proposed because our sizeable investment across the state means our costs are significantly higher and can no longer be sustained by the current rates. However, we are open to working with all customers on a mutually beneficial resolution," Profilet said in a statement.

Windermere Utility Company provides water to about 5,000 residents in east Pflugerville.