Texas Senate Bill SB2562

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/18/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Rowlett Waterfront Entertainment Management District; providing authority to impose a tax, levy an assessment, and issue bonds.

Impact

The bill outlines specific powers and responsibilities for the district, including the ability to undertake various improvement projects such as landscaping, construction of parks, and beautification of roadways, which could attract more visitors and businesses. It emphasizes the district as a supplement to existing city and county services, aiming to create a seamless integration of efforts for local economic activity without relieving the city of its service obligations.

Summary

SB2562 establishes the Rowlett Waterfront Entertainment Management District in Texas, aimed at promoting and enhancing the local economy by creating a dedicated governance structure to manage urban development and public services primarily focused on entertainment and tourism. The district is empowered to levy taxes, impose assessments, and issue bonds to fund improvement projects, making it a significant initiative for financial and infrastructural enhancement in the community.

Contention

Critics of the bill may be concerned about the implications of creating such special districts, including potential tax burdens on residents and businesses within the district. The arbitrary nature of assessments and the power to issue bonds without needing direct approval from voters could raise concerns about accountability and financial governance. The bill’s details on the issuance of bonds dictate that the governing body of the city must approve bond issuance plans, which provides a level of oversight but may not suffice to alleviate all apprehensions from constituents worried about transparency and fiscal responsibility.