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HB 1691 would expand the number of members on the board of directors for both the Harris County Improvement District No. 10 (HCID) and Five Corners Improvement District from 7 to 9 members.
HB 1691 would also authorize the creation of a 10-year plan to provide sufficient funds for projects and programs dedicated to public improvements in preparation for the 2017 Super Bowl. 60% shall be apportioned to fund services and improvements in the territory added to the Harris County Improvement District No.10 after March 1, 2015 and 40% shall be apportioned to fund services and improvements in the territory of the Harris County Improvement District No.10 that existed on March 1, 2015.
While we are opposed to economic development districts which generally bear all the classic hallmarks of government intervention in free markets, we recognize that this bill does not create new districts but provides updates to current districts. Still, this bill is more than a technical update in that it expands the footprint of the HCID which is an increase in the size of government.
This bill is aimed at cleaning up and developing the area around NRG Stadium in preparation for the 2017 Super Bowl which means that it will also necessarily increase the cost of government. The bill provides that the HCID board shall levy assessments, set the amount of installments, and set the penalties and interest that may be collected on delinquent payments.
On the grounds of expanding government, we oppose SB 1691.