Texas House Bill HB995

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 19; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes.

Impact

The passage of HB 995 grants the Hidalgo County district a broader set of powers, including the authority to design, construct, operate, and maintain roads and storm drainage improvements. By enabling the district to issue bonds primarily payable from ad valorem taxes, the bill facilitates increased funding for infrastructure projects that may not have been possible under previous limitations. It also ensures that any new road projects comply with specific construction and safety standards as outlined by state regulations, thereby strengthening the overall governance of public works in the area.

Summary

House Bill 995 addresses the management and authority of the Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 19. This bill establishes provisions for the district to issue bonds and impose fees and taxes necessary for accomplishing its designated purposes, primarily focusing on water control and related infrastructure improvements. The district is defined as a municipal utility district created under the constitutional provisions aimed at promoting improved management of water resources and the construction of essential infrastructure such as roads.

Contention

While the bill advances the interests of infrastructure development within Hidalgo County, it may draw contention regarding the implications of tax imposition to support such projects. Local residents may have concerns about the burden of additional taxes that could arise from the district's authority to impose fees. The requirement for a two-thirds voter approval for certain financial maneuvers, such as issuing bonds, serves as a safeguard against arbitrary tax increases, yet it also reflects the necessity for transparency and community input in governing local resources and development projects.