Texas House Bill HB3695

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/28/09
• Voted on by House: 5/12/09

Caption

Relating to fees of office for directors of certain water districts.

Impact

If passed, HB 3695 would directly impact how water districts compensate their board members, potentially leading to higher operational costs for these districts. The increase in fees is positioned to reflect the actual time and effort directors invest in governance, aimed at attracting qualified individuals to these positions. This could help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of management within water districts, ensuring better oversight of water resources and related issues.

Summary

House Bill 3695 aims to amend Section 49.060 of the Texas Water Code to increase the daily fees of office for directors of certain water districts from $150 to $200. The bill defines 'performing the duties of a director' as substantive activities related to the management or business of the district, which includes participating in board and committee meetings and engaging in educational programs relevant to the district's operations. However, it explicitly excludes routine tasks that require minimal time, such as document preparation or administrative functions.

Contention

While the bill could be interpreted as a necessary adjustment to ensure that directors are fairly compensated for their substantive contributions, there may be concerns regarding the potential financial burden imposed on water districts. Opponents of the bill might argue that increasing compensation could divert funds away from critical projects or services that directly benefit local communities. Additionally, there may be skepticism about whether higher fees will lead to improved outcomes in district management or simply increase administrative costs without clear benefits.