Members of the Big Spring City Council are expected to vote to postpone the rate increase — which is slated for Aug. 8 — in favor of joining a steering committee made up of more than 100 cities that are currently customers of Oncor

The steering committee is expected to hire legal counsel to review the validity of the rate increase and prepare a response for the electric delivery company.

State law grants regulatory authorities the right to suspend the effective date of a proposed rate change for 90 days, giving the steering committee until the first part of November to review and possibly dispute the rate increase.

The city of Big Spring has joined similar steering committees in the past to dispute rate increases for natural gas and electrical services.

Also during Tuesday's meeting, the city council will consider approval of the consultant and contractor for the Settles Hotel environmental abatement project.

The council will consider approval of an abatement agreement that will authorize Mayor Russ McEwen to execute all necessary documents once the escrow agreement between the city and the Settles Hotel Development Company is reached and the funds — an estimated $75,000 — are deposited by the city.

SHDC announced plans for a $12 million renovation project in December 2006. According to SHDC officials, the project includes plans for commercial and residential use of the property, with retail space available on the first and second floors.

The Dallas-based company agreed to purchase the structure from the city of Big Spring for $75,000, which was placed in escrow until the company, led by Big Spring Native Brint Ryan, is ready to take possession of the historic downtown building.

Also Tuesday, City Finance Director Peggy Walker is expected to request first reading of a resolution giving the go-ahead to pay for renovations to the city's water and wastewater treatment plant. The renovations are expected to cost approximately $113,500.

City Manager Gary Fuqua will report on recent efforts to clean up the city's District 3, as well as the recent development of the city's Historic Preservation Committee, which was approved by the council approximately two weeks ago.

The council will also meet in executive session to consider pending or contemplated litigation, as well as receive an update concerning claims involving the municipality.

The meeting is to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers, located at 307 E. Fourth St.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it