BOND ELECTION ORDERED FOR PECAN GLEN ROAD DISTRICT
A bond election has been ordered for the funding of road repairs within the newly created Pecan Glen Road District in Washington County.
At their meeting this (Tuesday) morning, Washington County Commissioners approved an order calling a bond election for the road district and making provisions to conduct the election, which will be held on May 1st. Early voting will take place from April 19-27.
Action came after a public hearing to consider a petition from the road district asking for a bond election. No comments were made.
Commissioner Joy Fuchs clarified that a bond is being taken out by the road district, not by the county. Residents of the Pecan Glen subdivision had attempted to get the developer to improve road conditions for several years, but the roads were kept private. She said the county cannot take in private roads until they are brought up to the county’s specifications, which is what the bond would be used for.
Commissioner Kirk Hanath further specified that this is not a countywide bond, but one that is specific to landowners in the subdivision; an increase in property taxes would only apply to residents of the subdivision.
The district, which was formally established on December 22nd, is located on approximately 138 acres between Old Mill Creek Road and FM 389, and covers roads in the subdivision including Desirable Circle, Success Court, Pecan Glen Road, and Stuart Road. The district’s purpose will be to issue no more than $950,000 in bonds for constructing, acquiring, improving, maintaining and operating roads.
In similar action, commissioners adopted a resolution approving an agreement with Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe LLP to serve as bond counsel for the road district. Fuchs said the road district will pay the firm for services if bonds are issued.
Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:
- Held executive session discussion on economic development negotiations regarding a second amendment to the agreement between the county and BK Stringer, Ltd., in relation to the Baker Katz shopping center project. Commissioners then approved the second amendment to the agreement after reopening regular session on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Kirk Hanath voting against. County Judge John Durrenberger said the changes agreed upon are the same ones that were previously approved by the Brenham City Council.
- Approved a new rental contract for the Washington County Expo. Fairgrounds Director Harrison Williams said the new contract will enforce changes to the rental policy for the facility that were approved by commissioners in January.
- Approved the purchase and installation of aerial fiber throughout the Washington County Expo from J.C. Communications. The purchase is for $21,978.
- Approved the purchase and installation of IT infrastructure equipment for the Washington County Expo, including barns one, two and three, sales facility, VIP building, event center, entertainment and beer barn, rabbit barn and food court. County IT Director T.J. Harris said the new infrastructure will provide wireless network connections to Washington County's network and the Internet throughout and around the major buildings on the Expo complex. He said it will also provide future connectivity for a proposed public addressing system and security access control. The purchase amounts to $39,950.
- Approved payment of a monthly dollar amount to Faith Mission to act as the director of operations for the Health and Service Center, to be determined annually by commissioners during the budget process.
- Passed a resolution designating an engineering service provider for the 2021-22 Texas Community Development Fund application and project implementation, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
- Withdrew an item concerning Human Resources position descriptions from the agenda.
- Approved a 60 day extension of 185 excess vacation hours for David Zelders with EMS.