TBCD approves budget, project updates

ANAHUAC— Trinity Bay Conservation District met earlier this month to discuss the budget and tax rate for the new fiscal year and updates on recent and potential projects.

TBCD held a regular meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10, approving a budget of just under $5.4 million, a $500,000 decrease from last year’s budget.

The board adopted a tax rate of $0.291133 per $100 of valuation, a decrease from last year’s $0.29616/$100. While the rate is decreased, taxpayers could see a tax increase based on appraisal values.

The board noted that those aged 65 and older have a discount on their water bill.

Paperwork for bond projects was discussed, which is moving along, and a payment of just over $292,000 went towards the 20-inch water line project.

General Manager Jerry Shadden said the pipe was laid along Interstate 10, and the project should be completed in about a month and a half.

Shadden also updated the board on the wastewater evaluation for the west side of the district, saying the firm is in its last phase of evaluation. The board will review the assessment once completed.

TBCD and Anahuac City Council decided to meet to discuss the sewer agreement between the two entities, mainly to help support the Lakes of Anahuac subdivision.

Director Justin Woody suggested seeing how much it would cost and a timeline for getting TBCD’s sewer plant operational to give the district options.

“I can see where the city of Anahuac’s hold up is right now, because we don’t have an operational plant. Theirs is still inebriated,” Woody said.