City prepares to offer natural gas to residents

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA – Mayor Dan Dunlap this week reported to city council members about updates to the impending Southwest Texas Municipal Gas Company (SWTMG) dissolution. The cities of Marfa and Alpine, which co-owned the gas company have decided to part ways after years of partnership and offer the natural gas utility to residents through the respective city governments. The dissolution takes place on February 21.

“We are in the process of beginning our gas customer accounts,” Dunlap said, adding that he and city employees are adding gas customer accounts to the city’s utility accounts.

Dunlap reported that City Administrator Jim Mustard will be meeting with the city’s gas employees to work out details on getting Marfa’s half of the inventory.

“It’s lots of work transporting pipe, right down to the nuts and bolts,” Dunlap said.

Mustard said that Marfa gas employees are still getting certified.

Dunlap said that after the dissolution, each city will be able to set their own price for the gas utility, saying Marfa’s rate will be three dollars cheaper than what SWTMG was offering. Since this is new to city officials, there was some confusion over what dictates the gas rates.

City officials voted to have Leak Detection Services conduct a survey of the gas lines in Marfa. That company has worked with SWTMG in the past and is familiar with the gas lines in Marfa, Mustard argued.

In other city business, council members:

Voted unanimously to allow the George Lujan Family to use Coffield Park on July 13-15 for their second annual softball tournament and fundraiser. Council members also authorized an alcohol permit for the event.

Discussed ongoing talks with Presidio County regarding the Marfa golf course. County commissioners set up a committee made up of County Judge Paul Hunt, County Commissioner Frank ‘Buddy’ Knight, and County Attorney John Fowlkes, to come up with a proposal on how to move forward with the golf course as it’s 50-year lease has expired. After county officials come up with a proposal, city officials will be notified to discuss and possibly take action on a proposal.

Set a general election date for three city council positions up for election. The date set is May 12, 2012.