City Council Briefed on Kane Beef Utility Account and Committee Appointed to Address Commercial Account Delinquencies

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The City Council was briefed earlier today regarding the status of commercial utility account delinquencies and specifically the payment agreement for Kane Beef. Mayor Joe McComb also appointed an ad hoc committee of council members including Debbie Lindsey-Opel as chairperson along with Everett Roy and Greg Smith. As of April 26, 2018, approximately $1.6 million or 1.2% of total dollars owed on current commercial accounts are delinquent. This does not include disputed balances, payment plans, bankruptcy or collection accounts.

“The City Council takes this very seriously. We are pleased that Kane Beef entered into a payment plan and has paid $270,302.95 since last week,” said Mayor McComb. If the payments for both current utility usage and any outstanding balances are not fulfilled, as detailed in the payment plan, it will result in utility disconnection. The company employs over 700 and is the only beef processing facility in South Texas.

The Utility Billing Office works with both residential and commercial customers to fulfill their payment obligations for utility services. “We encourage customers to contact us in the event they need the option of a payment plan to avoid disconnection. City staff will meet with them and discuss options on a case-by-case basis,” said Constance P. Sanchez, Finance Director.