Texas Senate Bill SB1184

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/4/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/29/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/4/11
• Refer: 3/16/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 4/29/11
• Voted on by House: 5/19/11
• Engrossed: 5/4/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/4/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Enrolled: 5/20/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Timber Springs Municipal Management District; providing authority to impose a tax, levy an assessment, and issue bonds.

Impact

The creation of the Timber Springs Municipal Management District allows for a structured approach to handling growth and development within the area. This legislation enables the district to impose a property tax on all taxable properties within its boundaries. These funds will support improvement projects that benefit the community directly, such as enhancing public safety, increasing housing availability, and fostering economic development by attracting businesses and tourism. Such initiatives are aimed at diversifying and strengthening the local economy while ensuring environmental and public safety standards are met.

Summary

SB1184 establishes the Timber Springs Municipal Management District, a special district created for the purpose of promoting and maintaining the public welfare through the provision of infrastructure and public services. This includes the authority to impose taxes, levy assessments on property, and issue bonds to finance various improvement projects, which are instrumental in developing local economic conditions and enhancing the community's overall quality of life. Among the projects contemplated under this bill are public water and wastewater facilities, drainage systems, and transportation infrastructure.

Contention

While the bill is generally aimed at improving community services and infrastructure, it may raise concerns regarding the fiscal impacts of additional taxes and assessments on property owners within the district. As the district gains the authority to impose various user charges and taxes, residents and property owners might worry about the financial burden these measures could create. Furthermore, there may be discussions surrounding the oversight of tax implementations and whether local residents feel adequately represented in decisions made by the appointed board governing the district. Critics of such special districts are also concerned about potential overreach or misuse of funds designated for specified projects.