Harris County Mud 55

The Board of Directors held a special session to formally adopt an order canvassing the results of a maintenance tax election. The Board reviewed the election procedures, confirmed compliance with state and federal codes, and officially declared the final vote tallies for the maintenance tax proposition, ultimately determining that the proposition did not pass and the Board is not authorized to issue the proposed tax.

The Board of Directors discussed various operational and administrative matters, including the presentation of emergency medical service reports and updates from the District's operator and engineer. Actions taken included the cancellation of the uncontested Directors Election, the appointment of election judges and clerks for the upcoming tax election, and the review of tax assessor-collector reports. Financial matters, such as the review of bookkeeper and investment reports and the approval of bill payments and budget items, were addressed. The Board also reviewed engineering progress on water infrastructure and construction projects, including lift station rehabilitation and water plant improvements, and approved an extended warranty for District signage.

The Board meeting included public comments regarding the District's budget, potential M&O tax, and recent firework incidents. Key financial actions included the approval of the Tax Assessor and Collector's Report and associated checks, and the acceptance of the Bookkeeper's Report and Investment Report for December 2025. The Board unanimously adopted an order authorizing a $40,000 tax exemption for elderly or disabled individuals and adopted a resolution authorizing an additional 20% penalty on delinquent taxes to cover attorney fees. Significant discussions and decisions focused on the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax election, resulting in the Board voting to hold the election during the May 2026 election season, and approving the Order Calling the Maintenance and Operations Tax Election. The Engineer's Report covered several projects, including approving Change Order No. 1 for the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Phase I, authorizing advertisement for the Water Plant No. 1 Booster Pump Replacement project, and approving final payment for the McCormack Tract Public 12" Waterline Extension. The Board also reviewed updates on various City of Houston/County projects, including the Southeast Water Purification Plant quarterly meeting and coordination for utility transfers related to the Blackhawk Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The Board of Directors meeting agenda included reviewing reports from the Forest Bend Fire Department, Windsor EMS, Inc., and Touchstone. Key discussions involved purchasing an election voting machine and matters pertaining to the 2026 M&O Tax Election. The Board planned to review the Tax Assessor-Collector's Report, authorize invoice payments, approve tax refunds, and address delinquent tax accounts. Other items included reviewing the Bookkeeper's, Investment, Operator's, and Engineer's reports, authorizing payments and budget amendments, discussing ongoing construction, pay estimates, and contract awards, and reviewing the Park and Recreational Facility Report and general maintenance of District Facilities.

The special session of the Board of Directors focused on two main agenda items. The first item involved public comments, where none were presented. The primary discussion concerned the budget for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Key discussions included proposed changes to operating costs and options for tracking expenses related to the 142 lift station. The Board agreed to group the 142 expenses in a dedicated section of the budget and reviewed the draft budget line-by-line, making necessary adjustments based on 2025 actual expenses and 2026 forecasts. The Board requested a review of these changes before the regular meeting scheduled for the following week.