TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

In attendance: Brian Robertson, Gary Shuck, Chad Blake, Roger Fouse, and Teresa Retherford, Secretary

Robertson opened the Public Hearing for the sale of the Gas Utility. Dan Cutshaw stated the process. He stated that this is the only Public Hearing. There were three appraisals and the average was $4,307,000. Citizens Energy Group matched that appraisal. The first reading of the Ordinance will be read on September 1 8, 2025 and the second reading will be on October 1 6, 2025. Cutshaw introduced Mike Bartone, director of gas supply systems, with Citizens Energy Group. Roger Fouse arrived at 6:32. Mike Bartone passed out handouts to everyone. Bartone introduced JP, Vice President of energy operations. Alex, senior legal counsel and Bridget, director of governmental affairs. Bartone went through his introduction and stated how the transition would go. They operate for their customers. He gave a background of Citizens Energy Group. He then spoke about the gas bills themselves. He spoke about the gas bill comparison. It's projected to be about an 18 percent reduction in costs. They will have live local call takers. They also have an emergency number and online services and budget billing. They provide financial assistance. Shuck was worried about customer service. That is very important to the customers. Retherford asked how the Budget Billing would work. They said they hoped to be able to pull in historical information. Blake stated that the town is always at the mercy of the market because we don't have storage. Citizens probably have storage where they could have a more stable bill. Bartone stated that storage will be a part of the gas mix. A resident asked if Citizens would be purchasing any other Lapel utilities. Robertson said not at this time.

Robertson then closed the Public Hearing.

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