Relating to the creation of the Waller County Municipal Utility District No. 14; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
The bill gives the new utility district the authority to execute various powers that are generally associated with municipal utility districts under Texas law. Among these powers is the ability to impose a maintenance and operation tax, which can be decided upon by voters within the district. Additionally, the district can issue bonds without needing to seek permission from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain routine activities, giving it a more direct operational authority.
House Bill 1691 pertains to the establishment of the Waller County Municipal Utility District No. 14. This legislative action allows for the creation of a municipal utility district that can impose taxes and issue bonds to finance its operations, including maintaining and constructing infrastructure such as roads. The bill outlines the governance structure, which includes a board of directors elected by local residents, thereby ensuring that the district operates with some level of local representation.
Potential points of contention surrounding HB 1691 could arise from the implications of taxing local property owners and the authority granted to the district over eminent domain. While the measure aims to facilitate faster infrastructure improvements by streamlining administrative processes, concerns may be raised about the financial burden on residents. Furthermore, the limited use of eminent domain by the district could lead to debates over land use rights and local governance, especially if the district's developments conflict with the wishes of local property owners.