Laserfiche WebLink
<br />~~ <br />TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE <br />1020 Southwest Tower Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 478-6601 <br />August 1, 1982 <br />TO: ALL CITIES SERVED BY SOUTHVdESTERN BELL <br />RE: 1982 RATE INCREASE REQUEST <br />On June 21, 1982, Southwestern Bell filed for another rate <br />increase with the Public Utility Commission. The Company has <br />asked for an additional $471.5 million per annum (an increase of <br />approximately 13.4% overall) notwithstanding just having received <br />a $243.7 million increase in October 1981. <br />The company is, once more, asking to put the bulk of its' <br />rate increase on local exchange customers, both business and <br />residential. Local exchange rates, where the company has a <br />monopoly without competition from others, would be increased by a <br />total amount of $303.3 million per annum (of this $90.1 million <br />would be imposed on local business and $213.2 million would be <br />imposed on residential). One party residential rates would be <br />increased $4.60 per month. Business rates would be increased <br />from $1.55 per month in Houston to $6.55 per month in the <br />smallest exchanges. Once again the company seeks no increase in <br />long distance rates where it now has competition from others. <br />Under the company's proposal, the monthly allowance of <br />directory assistance calls would be decreased from 10 to 3. <br />Calls over 3 each month would be billed at 25G each. Service <br />connection charges would be increased a total of $38.4 million <br />per annum. The minimum installation charge for one residence <br />phone would be $63.85. <br />Representatives of several cities met in Austin on July 8 to <br />discuss what collective action, if any, should be taken by cities <br />in connection with the above rate request. The unanimous opinion <br />of all concerned was that cities should present a consolidated <br />case before the PUC. <br />To coordinate the cities' efforts a Steering Committee was <br />selected composed of those names on the attached list. Tom <br />James, Director of Public Utilities of Dallas will serve as <br />Chairman and Marsha Gardner, Director of Public Utilities of <br />Houston will serve as Vice-Chairman. The Steering Committee may <br />be expanded to obtain a broader representation. If any of your <br />city officials wish to volunteer their services on the Steering <br />Committee, please advise. <br />~/ <br />