County Assistance Districts

County Assistance Districts

I wanted to take this opportunity to inform the citizens of precinct 2 (and Waller County) and start discussions on county assistance districts (CADs).  This is a relatively new addition to the local government code.  These districts allow counties to collect a portion of sales tax for infrastructure improvements, parks, public safety, and economic development. CADs also provide some protection against Houston expansion by creating a framework for negotiating sales tax collections in areas in Waller County currently within Houston’s ETJ (download ETJ map here). Without these CADs in place, Houston can expand and collect any additional sales tax over the state rate and Waller County would receive nothing.  If it seems inevitable that the sales tax will be imposed at some point within those areas, and possibly other in the county as Houston grows, then Waller County needs a away to receive our share to use locally.

As Waller County grows, demands on public infrastructure will require additional maintenance dollars.  Sales tax is a good solution as visitors to the county help fund (pass through revenue) needed projects that benefit local citizens. It is also a good hedge against increasing property taxes as a way to fund services.

Finally, CADs can only be enabled by a vote of those within a proposed district.  We can create these districts within designated areas or for the whole county.   Download a quick reference guide here to learn more about the CADs.  I want to hear your opinion on this.

Animal Control

Animal Control and Protection

Our recent survey concluded that 88% of citizens in Waller County believe it’s time for a good animal control and protection program. Based on many of the comments, those who responded want a program that:

1. Does not require a tax increase.

2. Provides for a humane way of dealing with animals while at the same time allows the county to enforce it’s obligation to help protect the public. This means that in some instances where an animal is aggressive and a threat to public safety, qualified personnel will use euthanasia as needed.

3. A program where those who abandon animals will face stiff penalties. This program could include a reward system for citizens who help identify those who abandon animals.

Download survey results here.

The first step in creating an effective animal control and protection plan is to approve a set of ordinances.  This will give Waller County a legal position for responding to complaints.  Right now commissioners’ court is working on putting together our ordinances.  Once that is done, then we can begin to outline the details of a program to support the ordinances.

For those of you that expressed an interest through the survey in getting involved, I hope to be able to contact you soon to see how you can help