Letter to the Editor
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Dear Editor,
Many Pearsall residents may not realize that, depending on which version of the utility service contract they signed, they may or may not have the right to request the return of their utility deposit—even after maintaining a good payment record.
When I opened my account with the city of Pearsall, I paid a $215 deposit. The version of the contract I signed included a clause stating that the utility will refund a deposit after 12 months of satisfactory payment history and upon proper request. After meeting those conditions, I submitted a written request. At first, City Hall denied it, citing a supposed ordinance preventing them from doing so — which I could not find in the city’s code.
I eventually brought the issue to the city manager, who, after some time, helped ensure my deposit was returned. I appreciate him honoring the contract.
However, during that conversation, I was informed that the city generally follows an older version of the utility contract — one that does not allow customers to request the return of deposits based on payment history.
Under that version, the city can keep a deposit until the account is closed, which could take years.
I also asked whether the city pays interest on that money and was told it does not.
That’s concerning, as the deposit likely earns interest for the city while sitting in its accounts.
It appears that the refund clause only exists in a newer contract, likely issued within the last year or two (and still being issued today).
Unless residents signed up recently, this right may not apply. Still, if the city claims a different contract governs the account, they are responsible for providing a copy.
People should review contracts and consider requesting a deposit — it may rightfully be theirs.
Sincerely,
Dan Schmidtke
Pearsall
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