By David Taylor
Editor
New construction and aging infrastructure in the Crosby MUD district have forced directors to seek $20 million in bonds for repairs and new taps on the Nov. 7 ballot.
While it might seem like bad news for homeowners and commercial businesses who already feel overtaxed, the bond will not mean a tax rate increase with one caveat — if it passes.
“Realistically, we have about $40 million worth of projects that need attention, but we’re trying to think about the voters too,” said board president Steve Schreiber.
Over the last decade, the district tax rate has decreased by approximately 15 cents.
Schreiber said the bonds would only be issued on an as needed basis.
The district currently supports 1,400 taps and more need to be added to provide for new growth coming off Runneburg and Bohemian Hall.
The north boundary of the district extends to where Straight Off The Road Barbecue is located, then south to old US 90 and FM 2100 and east to Runneburg Road.
“We have most of the commercial along 2100 and what little is on old US 90,” he said.
New taps would be added to homes being built behind Crosby High School, old Crosby State Bank, behind Thunderdome, and the new housing development near Bohemian Hall and Runneburg Road.
Chris Wallace, who is one of the few Double A Operators in the state, is the superintendent of the district.
“He does an outstanding job of running the show,” Schreiber said.
The last two bonds failed by a mere 24 votes.
“All of us board members are local people. We live and pay taxes here the same as everyone else. We don’t want to raise our bill unnecessarily,” he said.
They kept the water rates the same, despite the San Jacinto River Authority raising their prices for the water, and through the loss of major income with KMCO following the explosion.
“We were pretty good financially. We had a lot of good professionals and have overcome all of that, but this time will be different,” the board president said.
They were able to secure millions in Community Development Block Grants to help them through the tough times.
“I hate to have to say this, but if the bond vote fails, the rates will go up,” he said.
They can’t avoid the maintenance issues nor the new taps that have to be served.
“We sit on a board, but our rules from the state — TCEQ, subsidence district, Texas Natural Resources Commission — that govern what we have to do,” he said.
To stay in compliance, the district must follow the rules and provide maintenance and operations that meet their standards.
Early Voting by Personal Appearance is at Crosby Branch Library at 135 Hare Road, Crosby, Texas 77532, or at any of the early voting polling locations to be published on www.HarrisVotes.com the following days and times:
Monday, October 23 through Saturday, October 28, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.;
Sunday, October 29, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.;
Monday, October 30 through Friday, November 3, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Election Day voting is on November 7, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. is at Crosby Branch Library at 135 Hare Road, Crosby, Texas 77532, or at any of the polling locations to be published on www.HarrisVotes.com.
For more information, please see the district’s website at www.crosbymud.org or call 281-328-4242.
“We’re trying to get the word out that this is an important election for the MUD district. We’re all Crosby folks, and we’re local people doing something for the community. The community has a great opportunity to do something positive,” he said.
Bond failure would mean revenue bonds which would be expensive and a water rate hike.
“Our hands are tied,” Schreiber said.