Texas House Bill HB2893

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/5/11
• Report Pass: 3/31/11

Caption

Relating to the Ranch at Clear Fork Creek Municipal Utility District No. 1; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

The bill permits the district to carry out essential projects, including the design, construction, and improvement of roads, along with storm drainage and related infrastructure. One notable provision stipulates that the district must meet local and state construction standards, which ensures that developments adhere to existing regulations. Additionally, the district is provided with the necessary financial mechanisms, such as the ability to impose taxes to repay bonds for improvements, thus enabling a structured approach to financing municipal projects.

Summary

House Bill 2893 establishes the Ranch at Clear Fork Creek Municipal Utility District No. 1 in Texas, granting it the authority to impose taxes and issue bonds to fund various utilities and infrastructures within its jurisdiction. The bill outlines the governance structure of the district, necessitating an election for the confirmation of the district's formation and the election of its permanent directors. The governing body consists of a board of five directors, serving staggered four-year terms, which directly influences the district's administration and decision-making processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2893 center on the district's exercise of eminent domain. While the bill provides limited eminent domain powers, it explicitly forbids the district from exercising this authority outside its boundaries. This limitation raises concerns among residents and landowners who fear the overreach of local government and the potential for land appropriation without adequate compensation or public involvement. The requirement for municipalities' consent, prior to the elections for permanent directors, further underscores the balancing act between local governance and wider community needs.