Wastewater project under budget

Those who hook up to the newly created Hull Circle wastewater system will pay a monthly surcharge of $20 for the next 13 years, about half the cost West Lake Hills officials estimated they would have to pay.

The project is a boon to residents, who will no longer have to rely on septic systems, city officials said. The city has been discussing the plans with those who can opt in, including residents on Hull Circle, Hidden Cove and parts of Westlake Drive.

“There were people that were going to have to move out of their homes because they couldn’t build a new septic field — because their lot was too small — to meet (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) standards,” West Lake Hills Mayor Dave Claunch said. “We really rescued a lot of property owners.”

After the wastewater system is complete, road repairs will start soon after, and then work will begin to make a curve less slick on Westlake Drive at Hull Circle, city administrator Robert Wood said.

Claunch thanked the city’s Wastewater Commission for “taking on the tough policy decisions and thinking through the math” for the Hull Circle wastewater project and others it oversees.

“A $20 monthly surcharge to bring wastewater to a part of the town that a lot of us really questioned would ever be financially viable to do so is a huge win,” he said. “I’m sure they’ll be thrilled with such a small surcharge.”

That fee can be adjusted annually by the City Council, so it could go up or down in the future, commission Chairman Steve Hudson said. The fee will fluctuate if more or fewer residents opt in than expected.

The total project cost is estimated be $760,000, below the initial $1 million estimated price tag, he said. The city issued $1 million in bonds to pay for the project.