Texas Senate Bill SB2541

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the Rolling V Ranch Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 of Wise County.

Impact

The bill empowers the district to divide itself upon a majority petition by property owners, thereby allowing for potentially more localized governance. Each new district formed will inherit the powers and duties of the parent district, making it crucial for residents to be aware of how governance may shift as new districts form. Additionally, the bill mandates elections to confirm the creation of new districts, ensuring that community voices are heard in these structural changes.

Summary

SB2541 addresses the powers and duties of the Rolling V Ranch Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 of Wise County. The bill primarily focuses on the district's ability to be divided into multiple new districts, necessitating specific conditions for such division. Notably, the existing district must have no outstanding bonded debt and should not be imposing ad valorem taxes at the time of division. This aspect of the bill aims to streamline governance and ensure districts operate within their financial means before additional divisions occur.

Contention

An important amendment in the bill allows the newly created districts to contract for law enforcement services, which could raise questions about law enforcement coverage and responsibilities in the newly formed areas. Furthermore, the power to impose a tax for contract services, separate from operation and maintenance taxes, could lead to disagreements over financial management and allocations within these districts. The overall implications for district governance, law enforcement, and taxation could be significant as communities navigate the new regulations.