AUSTIN, Texas – The City of Austin is a part of more than a dozen cities fighting against a rate increase proposed by Texas Gas Service.

Residents were able to express their view on the proposal during a public hearing at the City Council meeting on Thursday.

“Let me begin by stating how outrageous the rate increase is. If the gas company wins its proposal, it would increase residential rates by 105 percent since 2019. This will be over $300 per year per residential customer,” said a resident.

Residents faced city council members on Thursday afternoon with data to back their concerns about a rate increase proposed by Texas Gas Service.

“Not only are the rates too high, but they are poorly structured. They are regressive. The more you use, the less you pay per unit. This discourages energy conservation, and it hurts the poor who generally use less energy,” says a resident.

The average household should expect their bill to go up about 14% and while residential rates could go up, commercial rates could go down anywhere from 2% to 6%.

“In the case of TGS, new growth across Texas has caused existing customer gas rates to increase, which explains a lot about why gas rates have doubled in the last five years. It seems the city needs to get serious about studying a way out of this situation with the franchise renewal coming up,” says a resident.

The city of Austin is 1 of 17 cities in a coalition served by the Texas Gas Service, fighting against the rate increase.

“This is the motion that I posted on the message board and, as I mentioned there, I do not believe, and I cannot support the settlement that has been put forward and so what this amendment does is remove the cities’ affirmation of that settlement,” says Council member Ryan Alter, District 5.

“For clarity purposes and for the public, if this amendment goes on, what the city council would be doing is technically denying the application of Texas gas service and taking no position with regard to the settlement proposal because of the amendment,” says City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.

Austin City Council is still considering the gas rate proposal.

The Texas Gas Service released a statement:

“At Texas Gas Service, our top priority is maintaining a safe and reliable natural gas system for our customers. This requires upfront investments in the maintenance and operations of our natural gas system. Our rate adjustments reflect the actual costs of maintaining and improving our infrastructure, including safety, reliability and efficiency investments. The regulatory process allows Texas Gas Service to recoup an allowed portion of that investment and to continue providing the service Austinites have been able to depend on.

We are here to help and work with all our customers who face financial hardship. We encourage our customers to reach out when they need assistance, and we will work with them to find a solution. Financial assistance resources can also be found on our website at texasgasservice.com/cares. 

We’ve heard our customers’ sentiments towards our rates and overall satisfaction through survey questionnaire data in 2024. Customers residing in Williamson, Hays, and Travis counties specifically said:

• Over 64% of respondents indicated high trust in their utility to set fair and reasonable rates.
• 90% of responses indicated positive overall satisfaction.”

Dallas, Texas–(Newsfile Corp. – September 26, 2024) – John R. Teakell Criminal Defense Attorney, based in Dallas, continues to expand its impact across Texas, offering comprehensive legal defense in cases involving federal tax violations, embezzlement, and federal drug charges. With a deep understanding of federal law and an extensive background in criminal defense, the firm is poised to offer aggressive representation for individuals and businesses facing complex legal challenges. Now eyeing Houston and Austin, Texas, the firm aims to address the growing demand for defense services in these major cities.

Dallas advocate for federal tax violations, embezzlement, and drug case defense expands services to Houston and Austin, providing expert legal representation across Texas.

As federal prosecutors intensify efforts against white-collar crime and drug offenses, Teakell’s law office remains at the forefront of defending clients accused of these serious offenses.

From tax fraud investigations to embezzlement schemes and drug trafficking charges, John R. Teakell offers clients tailored defense strategies aimed at mitigating potential penalties and securing the best legal outcomes. Given the high stakes associated with federal crimes, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines, the firm’s approach prioritizes rigorous examination of all evidence and development of robust legal defenses.

Individuals facing federal tax violations, such as tax evasion or fraudulent returns, can be subject to severe consequences under federal law. Likewise, accusations of embezzlement—often involving misuse of funds from corporations or government entities—carry equally harsh penalties. John R. Teakell’s expertise in navigating federal courts, combined with in- depth knowledge of federal tax law, allows the firm to provide comprehensive defense for those charged with these serious offenses. Those seeking a consultation or legal representation can visit www.teakelllaw.com or contact the law office at 214-523-9076.

In cases involving federal charges, particularly those related to federal drug laws or tax fraud, the consequences can be severe. Federal prison sentences are dictated by strict sentencing guidelines, leaving individuals facing a criminal offense subject to both minimum sentences and, in some cases, maximum sentences. The criminal penalties for these offenses can be life- altering, and securing a strong defense is critical to protecting constitutional rights and achieving a favorable resolution. A federal defense attorney well-versed in federal offenses can challenge the prosecution’s case and raise reasonable doubt where applicable.

Federal drug charges, such as simple possession or larger cases involving drug trafficking, often carry harsh penalties. The United States legal system, guided by federal law, holds individuals accountable through rigorous criminal investigations that may lead to criminal prosecution. For those facing these challenges, a federal drug crimes lawyer is essential to navigating the complexities of federal custody, securing the best possible defense, and potentially minimizing sentences.

A crucial aspect of defending against criminal charges related to illegal drugs or criminal tax evasion is scrutinizing the methods used by law enforcement, particularly the validity of a search warrant or any false statements involved. Under Federal sentencing guidelines, individuals accused of filing false returns on their tax return or possessing illegal substances could face severe consequences, including a life sentence in extreme cases. Criminal defense lawyers play a pivotal role in challenging these accusations, especially when prior criminal records or a minimum penalty are factors.

For criminal defense law firms dealing with federal cases, the stakes are often heightened by the involvement of federal agencies and the broader implications of criminal activity or illegal activity. Whether defending clients against fraudulent statements, tax fraud penalties, or criminal tax investigations, the expertise and track record of a firm can be instrumental in pursuing a successful outcome. The costs of prosecution-both financially and in terms of personal freedom-are significant, making it vital for anyone accused of a federal crime to seek immediate legal representation.

The firm’s defense in federal drug cases spans a wide range of charges, from possession to trafficking and conspiracy. With Texas continuing to be a focal point for federal drug enforcement efforts, particularly in cities like Houston and Austin, Teakell Criminal Defense Attorney is expanding its services to ensure that individuals accused of federal drug crimes receive the strongest defense possible. By utilizing thorough investigations and tapping into extensive knowledge of drug laws, the firm works tirelessly to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect the legal rights of defendants.

Listen to A Deep Dive into Federal Criminal Defense with Texas Attorney John Teakell on the Attorney Post podcast.

Specializing in federal tax and drug cases, this Dallas attorney broadens practice to Houston and Austin, ensuring dedicated defense for clients facing serious federal charges.

About John R. Teakell Criminal Defense Attorney

John R. Teakell brings over 20 years of courtroom experience with a focused background in criminal law and securities. His comprehensive understanding of both federal and state crimes, along with his expertise in navigating the complexities of federal and state court systems, allows him to adeptly handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to federal death penalty cases. Specializing in white collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, and SEC litigation, Mr. Teakell has earned a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and effective defense strategies.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224311

AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns have released their first-ever SEC student-athlete availability report ahead of Saturday’s conference opener against Mississippi State.

The initial list released Wednesday evening includes nine players. Injuries continue to hit the running back room, as the Longhorns have five running backs listed on the report. This includes CJ Baxter and Christian Clark, who suffered season-ending injuries in training camp.

CJ Baxter, Running Back – OUT

Christian Clark, Running Back – OUT

Velton Gardner, Running Back – OUT

Derek Williams Jr., Defensive Back – Doubtful

Colin Page, Running Back – Doubtful

DeAndre Moore Jr., Wide Receiver – Questionable

Quinn Ewers, Quarterback – Questionable

Jelani McDonald, Defensive Back – Questionable

Quintrevion Wisner, Running Back – Questionable

The only contributing running backs not listed were Jaydon Blue, Jerrick Gibson and Ryan Niblett. It’s unclear what injury Gardner, a graduate transfer from SMU, is dealing with and when he suffered the ailment.

As for Ewers, Steve Sarkisian said Monday that he would currently be listed as questionable, and nothing has changed as of now on that front. Ewers practiced on Monday after suffering an abdominal injury in the win over UTSA that kept him out for last week’s game against Louisiana-Monroe.

“We’ll see how he goes throughout the week and monitor how he responds to tomorrow coming off of today’s practice,” Sarkisian said of Ewers. ” … He’s got to do enough to show me he can play.”

The Longhorns will release updated injury reports on Thursday and Friday before dropping a final one Saturday that can list players as game-time decisions if they haven’t already been ruled out.

If Ewers is unable to go, Arch Manning will get his second-career start in the program’s SEC debut.

No. 1 Texas and Mississippi State kick off from Austin on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT.