Public: The attended public had no comments to make.
Trash Collection: No report was received or representative present. There were approximately five to six calls complaining of trash cans damaged during pickup.
Bookkeeping: The District’s bookkeeper report consisted of interest earned on various accounts, revenue and tax balances, operating accounts, approvals of various checks, bank account updates, budgets (on 11th month), expenses noted, 2026 budget proposed, payment requests, joint facility account updates and investment reports. The District’s Engineer proposed to add a $25,000 line for the Waste Water Treatment Plan Inspection. The Board inquired as to what would be done. The Engineers explained that they will prepare a report with findings and potential improvements. The current plant has been in service for 14 years. Budget approval was deferred for the moment, as the tax rate issue would need to be discussed first. Directors noted that they were not properly recognized nor paid for the last attended joint meeting. Discussion on payment/checks of previous meetings proceeded. At the JFAC meeting, Director Cote proposed that he attend the Groundwater Conservation District Conference for education in San Antonio to better understand conservation districts. Cost will be between $2,500-$3,000. After the Board received the information on the tax rate, they circled back to discuss the 2026 budget. Director Cote requested that there be an additional $5,000 increase to the joint budget for special counsel. He also requested that there be an addition in the budget for Education and an adjustment to the miscellaneous category to cover costs incurred that directors could submit reimbursement for. The Board adopted the budget with addition of the $25,000 WWTP inspection and $5,000 for joint special counsel.
2025 Tax Rate: Financial Advisor was present and discussed the following items: approval of publishing the tax hearing notice for the public, tax year comparisons, calculations and limitations, homestead exemptions, district status (developed), and cash flow analysis. The Board discussed the tax rate at length. The Financial Advisor explained that the adjusted tax rate was to cover costs due to inflation. Overall the tax rate would stay the same but Maintenance & Operation and Debt Service allocated amounts would change. The average tax payer would see an increase of approximately $102. The Board approved publishing the public hearing notice. The Board will hold the public hearing regarding the tax rate on September 3rd at 4PM at Legends Ranch Clubhouse.
Infrastructure & Maintenance
Drainage & Detention Ponds: No report from Stuckey’s. Director Cotes broached ATT’s presence and procedures while installing fiber optics around the District’s lake. There was a light discussion on how much easement they have. Counsel requested that if any of the Directors come across broken sprinklers or messed up yards by ATT, that they submit photos to ABHR and Quiddity to confirm if ATT is allowed to be there or trespassing. Counsel mentioned that there is wide conflict from other counties and MUDs of fiber installment companies destroying property and/or equipment. Director Cote mentioned that there should be a type of inspection at the areas ATT have been to, to look for damages. Director Greene requested that an update on the nutria issue Stuckey’s has been managing be presented at next month’s meeting.
San Jacinto River Authority: No additional action items at this time.
Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Matters: No items to discuss.
Engineer’s Report:
Water Well Plant No. 2 – Have received approvals from Montgomery County and TCEQ. Waiting on the City of Houston, hopefully they’ll have it within 3-4 weeks. Estimated costs for the project have slightly increased. The Engineer needs approval from the Board to advertise to bidders once City of Houston approval has been received.
The Chicot Well – No updates.
CIP – No updates.
Birnham Woods Pedestrian Bridge – Was discussed at the JFAC meeting. Approvals have been received. There were no objections from the precinct. Communication has started with the Montgomery County ADA for updates on the draft agreement.
SJRA Surface Waterline Connection – Will hopefully have the revised water model by late August or early September.
Bond Application No. 9 – Final draft ready to submit early next week, Engineer needed the updated budget first.
Storm Water Permitting Matters – The District’s Engineer and Operator attended the meeting on July 15th. The Engineer mentioned that it was recorded if anyone wants to hear it. TCEQ reported no issues or violations.
Drought Contingency – Currently in Stage One. There was a recap of last month’s information (presented analysis, approved rates for commercial and residential and deferred public space users). A draft of the amended rate order was presented by the Counsel to be approved. Director Goodman suggested they implement the new plan and leave public space alone and that he would like metrics they can measure. Counsel suggested that the DCP subcommittee prepare proper notices with the Operator. Director Cote had a message to those listening to the recording: That the implementation of the water rates is about providing a fair number to individuals/users but it’s also about conservation. That the more water you use, the higher the cost. It’s about encouraging conservation at a user level. The amended rate order was approved, to be effective as of October 1st, 2025. A draft of the preliminary notice to the residents was presented. Director Goodman suggested an edit to emphasize that the DCP is a joint effort. Director Cote requested that the notice be posted to the website and alerts be sent out. Approval of the notice was granted per the subcommittee’s final edits. The Engineer also mentioned that during the JFAC meeting, the new triggers were discussed for stage changes. Director Goodman suggested that when this happens, or any changes in stages, that the Operator needs to properly draft a letter and notify the Board and have it posted to the website as soon as possible. He also requested that there be a post to the website now about their current status (Stage One) and that it’s voluntary.
Operator’s Report: July reported over 10.4 million gallons of consumption across various categories. 95% was accounted for. The report was standard, giving monthly permitted percentages, well reports, breakdowns of receivables, irrigation accounts, MUDs water consumption comparisons, leak updates, and appropriate cut offs were approved. Directors asked if square footage could be included in the comparisons, so that they may see the whole picture between MUDs. Director Cotes happily noticed the differences of the wells compared to previous years. There was discussion about the status of a few residential users and their usage/unpaid/partially paid accounts.
Legal
Insurance Renewal: Current contract ends in October 2025. Consultant ‘Brown & Brown’ plan to have a quote presented at the September meeting.
Resolution Expressing Intent to Reimburse: The resolution was approved.
Property Association Matters: No current updates to report.
Additional Legal Services: A contract for special legal counsel regarding enforcement action against regulatory agencies was reviewed and approved.
Upcoming Meetings
September 3rd, 4 PM at Legends Ranch Clubhouse – Public Hearing regarding the 2025 Tax Rate
September 12th, 11 AM at ABHR – Regular meeting day, location and time
