Potter County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Potter County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Utility Billing System Review
Amarillo’s outside review found the water-bill math is correct, but it didn’t test the meters—so nobody can yet explain why thousands of residents got hit with huge bills after April’s billing switch. The city says it will work with vendors and residents to fix abnormal bills.
Proposed On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Regulations
The county adopted tougher septic rules: every system gets permitted regardless of acreage, failed systems must be fixed within 90 days of a construction authorization, and food-establishment systems need annual testing and alarms. The unpopular point-of-sale inspection requirement was dropped after realtor pushback. Existing systems are grandfathered.
Public Defender Grant Adjustments for Operational Needs
The county accepted a state grant for the Panhandle Regional Problem Solving Court and approved applying for the annual TIDC indigent defense formula grant that helps pay for representing defendants who can't afford attorneys.
Lobo Trail Stormwater Erosion Mitigation
A resident raised concerns about stormwater runoff from Lobo Trail causing severe erosion and threatening home foundations. The county agreed to modify the bar ditch and install a culvert to help manage the drainage.