Harris County Fresh Water Supply District #61
P.O. Box 325 Cypress, Texas 77410-0325
281-469-9405
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Water User Coalition 2016 Year End Communication
Water Users Coalition
December 21, 2016
Season’s Greetings to All,
2016 has been a year of success for the Water Users Coalition (WUC)! After encouraging the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) to consider the many ideas and concerns our members have brought to their attention, the WUC determined to take a – wait – and – see approach effectively giving them some time to respond. The NHCRWA, led by Mr. Rendl, has responded to our many ideas and concerns in a very positive way. The NHCRWA has become more transparent and inclusive, as well as improving direct communication and education to the Municipal Utility District (MUD) community. Although, we still have some pending areas of concern, we have made great strides and commend the NHCRWA for becoming more cooperative in achieving our common goals.
The WUC is currently working with the Association of Water Board of Directors – Texas (AWBD) to bring attention to the fact that MUDs are under attack! Many negative articles written by the Houston Chronicle about MUDs were slanted with misinformation. This is a clear intent to harm the MUD concept and leave the reader thinking MUDs are corrupt and nontransparent. Of course we know how important the MUDS are in developing our communities and having local control of our tax dollars.
Several counties are also on the move to shift the responsibility of repairs and maintenance of storm sewers and roads over to the MUDs. This effort by the counties is an ongoing push to change and/or enact new legislation to allow this shift, including affecting current Strategic Partnership agreements between the City of Houston and the MUDs. Be aware of the use of buzz words such as “partnership” coming from the counties. This is a slippery slope that the MUD community cannot afford to go down.
AWBD is seeking our assistance in this ongoing fight to protect the interest of the MUDs and our constituents. Remember, WE ARE AWBD! This fight will require us to engage our local representatives, senators, commissioners, etc… There will be more information addressing these issues at the AWBD winter conference.
The WUC is in the process of forming an Advisory Council made up of member volunteers. Several members have committed to serve and we are planning on having our first meeting in January. If you have an interest please send us an email or give us a call, www.wateruserscoalition.org .
Thank you to the 52 people that attended our October, 2016 meeting, with a special thanks to our guest speaker, AWBD president Michael Parks.
Best regards,
Jerry Homan
Water Users Coalition