Texas House Bill HB2540

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the conversion of the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency to the Alliance Regional Water Authority; providing authority to issue bonds; granting the power of eminent domain; providing authority to impose fees.

Impact

The bill grants the Alliance Regional Water Authority certain powers, including the authority to issue bonds, assume assets, and impose fees necessary to finance its operations. Notably, it allows the authority to exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire property essential for its functions, making it a significant player in local water management. This transformation from a public utility agency to a broader authority reflects a strategic move to centralize and enhance water resource management in the affected areas.

Summary

House Bill 2540 establishes the Alliance Regional Water Authority, which is intended to take over the operations of the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency. This conversion allows the new authority to manage water resources and provide regulation for water services across multiple counties, including Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, and Hays. The bill outlines the authority's responsibilities in administering water services, managing financial operations, and ensuring public access to resources essential for regional development.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked discussions regarding its implications for local governance and individual property rights due to its provisions for eminent domain. Critics express concerns over the potential for overreach, as the authority could potentially seize property without necessarily requiring a public election for such actions. This concern regarding public input and the methods of financing operations, particularly in the context of imposed fees and bond issuance without elections, highlights the delicate balance between efficient water resource management and community rights.