Texas Senate Bill SB2289

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the Fairfield Hospital District.

Impact

One of the bill's key components is the amendment related to the tax rate within the hospital district. Under the current legislation, the maximum tax rate is set at 12 cents per $100 of property valuation. The bill allows for an increase in this rate, by permitting the board to hold an election to raise the maximum tax rate up to 25 cents per $100, provided that the increase receives approval from at least 100 registered voters in the district. This change is intended to give the hospital district increased flexibility in funding its operations, possibly enhancing services or infrastructure.

Summary

SB2289 seeks to amend the regulations governing the Fairfield Hospital District, affecting its taxation and election procedures. The bill proposes changes to the notice requirements for director elections, mandating that the notice be published in accordance with the Election Code. This shift aims to ensure better transparency and communication regarding elections within the district, which could enhance civic engagement among voters.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding SB2289, particularly regarding the increase in the tax rate which some constituents may perceive as an additional financial burden. The requirement that a petition signed by 100 registered voters must be presented to initiate an election on the tax rate increase could be seen as a safeguard for community involvement; however, it also raises concerns about the possible difficulty in gathering sufficient support and the potential for political maneuvering during elections. Stakeholders may debate the balance between the district's financial needs and the taxpayers' capacity to absorb higher taxes.