Watauga council eyed Atmos franchise, utility fees, and e-bike rules; WEDC budget vote ahead
Watauga's City Council had a busy stretch of meetings and ribbon-cuttings from July 6 through July 16, with agendas covering an Atmos Energy franchise agreement, water utility fee changes, a specific use permit for auto-related business, and a presentation on e-bike and e-scooter regulations. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes are not confirmed — only what was agendized is reported here.
Atmos Energy franchise agreement and utility fee ordinance
The July 13 City Council meeting included three action items: a franchise agreement with Atmos Energy Corporation for pipeline construction and operation, a specific use permit for Bright Bay 2 Investments LLC to allow retail tire sales and light auto repair at 6600 Bursey Road, and an ordinance amendment to revise water connection and meter fees. The consent agenda included the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending May 31, 2026, and the May 11, 2026 Workshop Meeting Minutes. An executive session for confidential matters was also scheduled.
E-bike, e-motorcycle, and e-scooter presentation
A separate July 13 council workshop featured a presentation by Chief of Police James Lewis on e-bikes, e-motorcycles, e-scooters, and applicable laws. The workshop also included a public comment period, with residents limited to three minutes each after submitting a Request to Speak Form.
A budget statement was to be read showing the property-tax portion for an average-valued homestead of $237,285: $1,353 for FY2025 and FY2026 under the proposed budget, and $1,366 under a no-new-revenue budget.
Library Board to consider Material Selection Policy updates
The Watauga Library Board met July 14 to approve May 12, 2026 library meeting minutes as a consent agenda item and to discuss and potentially adopt recommended updates to the Watauga Public Library Material Selection Policy. Public comment and public testimony periods were included.
Ribbon cuttings and training webinar
Council members may have attended three ribbon-cutting ceremonies: Stress Free Auto Care at 5947 Rufe Snow Dr. on July 6; Suddenly Sewing at 6500 Denton Hwy #B7 on July 9 at 9:30 a.m.; and Prolific Butcher at 6751 Rufe Snow #150 on July 13 at 10:30 a.m. Each notice stated that attendance could create a quorum but that no formal action would be taken.
On July 16, council members may have attended a training webinar at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 7105 Whitley Road. The meeting was open to public observation, with no formal actions scheduled.
Coming up
The Watauga Economic Development Corporation board meets July 21 to consider adopting a resolution establishing the FY2026–2027 budget and approving a staffing and reimbursement agreement with the City of Watauga. The board will also approve June 16, 2026 meeting minutes, the monthly financial report for the period ending May 31, 2026, and discuss the Open Rewards Program before an executive session.