Relating to the powers, duties, and governance of the Starr County Drainage District, the change of the name of the Starr County Drainage District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District, the dissolution of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District, and the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District; authorizing the imposition of a tax.
Impact
The passage of HB5320 is expected to streamline the management of water resources in Starr County, aligning drainage and groundwater conservation efforts under one governance structure. The bill authorizes the new district to impose taxes to finance its operations, which could provide essential funding for various water management projects and infrastructure improvements. The implications of this bill extend to the integrity of local water supply systems, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of water conservation efforts and ensuring that local needs are adequately addressed through a unified management approach.
Summary
House Bill 5320 focuses on restructuring the governance and operations of the Starr County Drainage District by dissolving the existing Starr County Groundwater Conservation District. This bill aims to rename the drainage district to include groundwater conservation in its operations, highlighting an integrated approach to managing water resources in the region. The legislation facilitates the transfer of assets and liabilities from the dissolved groundwater conservation district to the new governance structure, ensuring continuity of operations and responsibilities concerning local water management.
Sentiment
Generally, the sentiment around HB5320 appears to support the consolidation of water management resources; however, there are concerns regarding the taxation authority granted to the district. Advocates believe that combining drainage and groundwater conservation functions will lead to more efficient management and resource allocation. Critics, on the other hand, may fear that the ability to impose taxes could lead to increased financial burdens on local residents, especially if the intent and effectiveness of the consolidated operations are not transparently communicated and managed.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB5320 revolve around the dissolution of the existing groundwater conservation district and the potential economic impact of the newly imposed tax. While proponents argue that the consolidation will benefit the region through more focused governance and resource use, opponents raise concerns about losing local autonomy and adequate representation in decision-making processes concerning water management. Questions about the effectiveness of the new governance model and its financial authority will likely be focal points of ongoing discussion.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Special District Local Laws Code
Chapter 6606. Starr County Drainage District
Section: 001
Section: 002
Section: 003
Section: 004
Section: 051
Section: 101
Section: 102
Section: 103
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 8803. Starr County Groundwater Conservation District
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: 001
Section: 002
Section: 103
Section: 104
Water Code
Chapter 36. Groundwater Conservation Districts
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 56. Drainage Districts
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Utilities Code
Chapter 31. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 101. General Provisions And Office Of Public Utility Counsel
Similar
Relating to the powers, duties, and governance of the Starr County Drainage District, changing the name of the Starr County Drainage District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District, and the dissolution and transfer of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District; authorizing the imposition of a tax.
Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.
Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.
Relating to the boundaries of the single-member districts for and vacancies on the board of directors of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.
Relating to the creation of the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Harrison County and Prairielands Groundwater Conservation Districts; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds and granting a limited power of eminent domain.
Relating to the creation of the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes.