Bill Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 18; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes; providing authority to participate in water planning and conservation projects related to the district within and outside district boundaries; and providing other powers related to roads, water, sewer, recycled water, and related utilities.

Fiscal Notes

Because the bill would not have statewide impact on units of local government of the same type or class, no comment from this office is required by the rules of the House/Senate as to its probable fiscal implication on units of local government.  

Bill Analysis

HB 3220 would create a new water control and improvement district in Hidalgo County. The Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 18 would have the authority to construct, participate in, own, maintain, and provide services related to water conservation projects, lakes, reservoirs, canals, and wells, and water, sewer, recycled water, and related utility facilities; participate in water conservation projects; and the authority to fund and implement road projects. 

The district would have the authority to issue bonds to help fund road projects. The district would not be allowed to issue bonds payable from ad valorem taxes to finance a road project unless the issuance is approved by a vote of a two-thirds majority of the district voters voting at an election held for that purpose. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

While HB 3220 would create a new level of local government for Hidalgo County, the people of the district have the ability to vote on whether or not they want the extra local debt necessary to fund the Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 18. Due to the local nature of this bill, we are neutral on this legislation.