The Bryan city council and BTU board of directors...which are appointed by the council...held its annual meeting earlier this month.

The topic receiving the most discussion was about future excess BTU revenue being transferred to the city of Bryan's capital projects fund.

BTU general manager Gary Miller said this was different than the yearly transfer the city of Bryan general fund receives from BTU right of way fees.

The transfers were questioned by councilman Mike Southerland and answered by city manager Kean Register and Gary Miller.

The transfer of BTU excess revenue to the city of Bryan's capital projects fund was one of four BTU recommendations adopted by a council majority.

Another recommendation is to formalize the existing practice of BTU having a cash reserve of at least 175 days of operating money...which is up from 110 days. That's in order to improve BTU's bond rating. Councilman Mike Southerland asked...and Gary Miller and Kean Register answered...the question of increasing the number of days in the cash reserve to further improve bond ratings.

The chairman of the BTU board of directors, Flynn Adcock, said improving bond ratings was not the only goal to be considered.

Another member of the BTU board, Pete Bienski, said BTU excess revenue should go towards reducing rates instead of the city budget.

Mayor Andrew Nelson, who said he appreciated the debate, was joined by four councilmen in supporting the transfer of excess BTU revenue to the city of Bryan's capital projects fund.

The others were Buppy Simank, Brent Hairston, Reuben Marin, and Prentiss Madison. Greg Owens did not attend the meeting.

In addition to the excess revenue transfer and increasing the number of days of a cash reserve, the council agreed with BTU staff's goals to maintain competitive rates and continue system maintenance efforts.