City sues to recover utility losses By Dave Kucifer Examiner Publisher

The Navasota City Council voted Monday to begin legal action against Johnson Controls to recover funds the city says it is due.

Basis of the action is the non-compliance with the terms of a contract signed in April 2003. The City agreed to the installation of new water meters, which Johnson Controls representatives said would improve the accuracy of meter readings and would generate more water and sewer revenue.

“The city has met with Johnson Controls representatives a number of times in the past year but have not been able to reach an agreement. We know there are tens of thousands of dollars involved, but have no idea just how much,” city manager Brad Stafford said. Stafford did not go into details because of pending litigation.

Following an executive session to discuss the possible action, the council hired the law firm of Naman, Howell, Smith and Lee of Austin to represent the city's interest. City Attorney John Fultz will continue to work with the attorneys assigned by the law firm.

In other action, council members voted to table action on establishing usage rates for Navasota Center, referring the proposed policy back to city staff and asking that they give the policy additional study and present their recommendations at the next council meeting.

Council members also voted to amend the city manager's contract to include a monthly auto allowance of $575, an increase of $75 monthly. The allowance will be included in the manager's salary to comply with IRS regulations.

Police Chief Shawn Myatt asked the council to consider amending the current personnel policy requiring new officers to pay for required psychotic and psychiatric examinations to determine satisfactory psychological and emotional health.

The chief explained that since the new-hires would be working for the city, then the city should pay for testing, which is approximately $300. The city would only pay the charges if the applicant is hired. The council agreed with the recommendation and approved the policy change.