Author: PGMUD

Jones Creek Rehabilitation Construction Notification

As you have seen, the Contractor for the construction project, Jones Creek Rehabilitation, has started with preliminary measures to assist construction access to the project. This work includes construction of access roads, temporary irrigation and the construction of the material staging area located north of the Pecan Lakes subdivision.

On Monday, October 14 the Contractor will begin the demolition of the existing structures. This activity will be loud at times and we appreciate the patience and understanding the residents that are directly affected by this construction activity.

The Contractor is allowed to work from 7 a.m. until sunset for seven days a week and, at this time, the Contractor does expect to work seven days a week in order to achieve the project delivery schedule.

During this time, please remember this is a construction site and stay safe! Please keep out of the construction area and instruct children not to play in or around the construction site.

If you have any questions about the work, please contact the District office at 281-238-5000.

PGMUD September 24th Board Meeting Highlights and Construction Update

Dear PGMUD Resident:

Below please find a summary of the many activities underway within the District.  Please feel free to call the District’s office, (281) 238-5000 for answers to any questions you may have.

Odyssey Engineering informed the board that construction is scheduled to begin in early October to remedy slope failure on Jones Creek. This is a major project and is necessary to insure the long-term integrity of the levee wall protecting Pecan Lakes.  Details about this project can be found at www.pecangrovemud.com.

The District sold on September 24 series 2019A bonds (A1 rated) totaling $8,385,000.  The effective interest rate the District will pay is 2.68 percent – a record low interest rate.

The Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department responded to 81 calls during the most recent 30 days of which 58 were in Pecan Grove (Waterside Estates and Harvest Green are also served by PGVFD).

An Orienteering Course in Pecan Grove Park was dedicated on September 13.  This course was built by Eagle Scout candidate Jonah Haven whose home is in Plantation Meadows.  It consists of some 22 hidden brass markers that persons navigating the course using either a compass or GPS must find.  Successful navigation of an Orienteering Course is required for Scouts and ROTC, but can be enjoyed by anyone.  The documentation needed to navigate the course will be posted soon at www.pecangrovemud.com under menu item “Parks”.

The Butterfly Garden in Memorial Park is largely complete.  Soon to be installed is a bench donated by a PG resident in honor of a deceased relative.  The girl scouts who built the garden intend to build a decorative fence around it as soon as funds are available.

The board approved repair of aerator 7 on Bullhead Slough.  At future meetings a proposal to improve the reliability of the aerator system will be considered.  This would involve changing the type of aerators and anchoring them to the bottom of the channel.  BTW there are fish in Bullhead and fishing (with a Texas license) is allowed.

Windmill Park Potential Transfer:  The board was advised by its attorney that negotiations are ongoing  but that there are substantial difficulties dealing with provisions in the land title that must be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties before a transfer requested by the POA to PGMUD can be completed.

Sidewalks Most Recently Improved:

  • Tilman at Southern Place
  • 2439 Standing Oaks
  • 2422 Standing Oaks
  • 1814 Foster Leaf
  • 1935 Foster Leaf
  • 2539 Silent Shore
  • 2547 Silent Shore

Please keep in mind the district does not own nor maintain sidewalks, driveways and curbs and is unable to spend tax payer dollars to fix private issues. However, the district can make repairs to a sidewalk in the event there is a failed district utility in the area of the sidewalk and the deformation is substantial. Please call the customer service office to have your sidewalk investigated.

Water Meter Replacement:  EDP continues to replace meters as they approach the 1.5 million gallon mark as well as hard to read and stuck meters. There is a total of 4,828 meters replaced to date, with 23 meter(s) replaced this month.

Water Accountability

  • Percent Accountability 95.2 %
  • PGMUD Total Metered Water 96,511,000
  • Amount Produced 101,420,000
  • Amount Unaccounted for 4,909,000
  • Amount Used for Maintenance, Est. 50,000
  • Amount Lost Due to Known Leaks, Est. 150,000
  • Adjusted Accountability 96.3%

E-mail Alert Subscribers now total 3,227.

 

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
  • Improvements to Raw Water Tanks at Surface Water Treatment Plant
  • Lift Station No. 4 Rehabilitation Is Complete
  • Main Channel Rehabilitation Contract Awarded
  • Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation Begins In October
  • Culvert Rehabilitation at Mayweather Begins In October
  • Drainage Improvements to serve Victoria Garden Drive
  • Levee Drainage Improvements adjacent to Harvest Green
PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN
  • Mason Road Levee Improvements
  • North Pump Station Improvements
  • South Pump Station Automation
  • Electrical Improvements and Generator at Water Plant No. 2
  • Improvements at Water Plant No. 3
  • South Pump Station Access Road Improvement
  • Rehabilitation of Lift Station 7

 

Additional Information

For a description of all of the projects listed above, please visit the Construction Projects page of the website.

Construction Notification

Dear Pecan Grove Resident,

As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain the levee facilities in the community, Pecan Grove Municipal Utility District has awarded the contract for the Jones Creek Rehabilitation project to Texas Wall & Landscape (TWL). This project will repair the slope failures along Jones Creek behind the Pecan Lakes subdivision that were caused by Hurricane Harvey. The construction project involves removing the existing sheet piling and constructing a soldier pile wall with gabion basket slope protection. The gabion basket system is the preferred system for slope stabilization by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers due to their flexibility during the life of the project as well as their ability to allow saturated soils to more freely drain without impacting the structural stability of the overall system. The gabion system has successfully been used in similar areas along the Brazos River and Jones Creek. Please visit the Districts’ website for more information.

TWL will begin construction as early as the first week of October 2019. The construction project is expected to take 220 days, depending on weather and the conditions of the Brazos River. Due to the expedited construction schedule, TWL will be working seven (7) days a week from 7 a.m. until sunset. We are receiving federal funding for a significant portion of the design and construction and expedited construction is necessary to meet the federal funding requirements. We apologize in advance for the fact that the construction will be loud at times.

TWL will access the site from the north via F.M. 359 and from the east via a haul road from FM359, just north of the Pecan Grove Baptist Church. Please be mindful of the construction traffic in these areas.

During this time please remember this is a construction site and stay safe! Please keep out of the construction area and instruct children not to play in or around the construction site.

If you have any questions about the work, please contact the District office at 281-238-5000.

Brazos River Forecast

Good morning, Pecan Grove. We have received 4.5” of rain on September 19th. The system is fully operational and working as designed to drain the channels and basins. The current weather forecast indicates that the region is expected to receive rain later this afternoon (September 20th) and we are prepared accordingly.

The included pictures show Bullhead Slough at the North Pump Station and Main Channel at the South Pump Station.

PGMUD August 27th Board Meeting Highlights

Highlights of PGMUD Board Meeting, August 27, 2019

1. The average appraised value of all the residential properties in PGMUD has stayed almost the same. The average fell from about $244,000 last year to $243,000 this year.

2. The PGMUD tax rate will be increased from $0.61½ to $0.63½ per hundred dollars of appraised value. This is a 3.25% increase. The biggest reason for the increased taxes is the impending loss of revenue from selling water to Harvest Green, which amounted to about $1 million in fiscal 2019. Harvest Green is completing their own wells and will not be buying water from Pecan Grove in the near future. The new tax rate will also provide funds needed to cover principal and interest for $8,385,000 in new bonds to be sold September 24, 2019. The new bonds are for the first set of projects identified in the recent bond election. The expected interest rate is 2.5% or less – a very good rate for PGMUD. The expected rating by Moody’s is A1.

3. The sheriff’s deputy contracted to Pecan Grove reported there were a few cars burglarized in August. The only cars broken into were those unlocked and one even had keys left inside it.

4. The possible Windmill Park transfer from the POA to PGMUD is waiting on legal issues related to paperwork that is missing.

5. The board voted to: increase the deposit fee to $125 with an additional $100 deposit charged per disconnection up to a maximum of $600; increase the reconnection fee to $75; and add charges of $10 each for delinquent letters and termination tags delivered to the customer. Click here to see the entire rate order.

6. Fire Chief Wooley informed the board that the Smith Estate bordering Harlem Road, where the brush has been cleared and a fence installed is going to be used as ranch land. It was also noted that the County’s Harlem Road park is planned as a baseball park.

7. Two sidewalks were repaired or raised in August: 1411 Roundstone Dr. and
2814 Greens Ferry Ct. Remember that PGMUD only addresses those sidewalks where district property (like manholes or water line leaks) have caused or contributed to the sidewalk moving substantially. Anyone with a sidewalk issue should contact the MUD office, 281-238-5000.

8. Water connections in PGMUD remained steady at 4484 (South Grand Apartments counts as one connection).

Please find below a partial list of projects in various stages of completion now underway in Pecan Grove MUD. This information is being provided so that you can stay up to date on these projects which are discussed at every meeting of the board of directors. If you have a question or comment about any topic, please call EDP, the district’s operator, at (281) 238-5000. And as always, if you would like to address the district’s engineer or the board, please join us at the next regular meeting September 24th at the Pecan Grove Baptist Church starting at 5:30 p.m.

Projects Under Construction

  • Bent Creek Court Drainage Improvements
  • Improvements to Raw Water Tanks at Surface Water Treatment Plant
  • Lift Station No. 4 Rehabilitation
  • Main Channel Rehabilitation
  • Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation
  • Culvert Rehabilitation at Mayweather
  • Drainage Improvements to Serve Victoria Garden Drive
  • Levee Drainage Improvements adjacent to Harvest Green

Projects Under Design

  • Mason Road Levee Improvements
  • North Pump Station Improvements
  • South Pump Station Automation
  • Electrical Improvements and Generator at Water Plant No. 2
  • Improvements at Water Plant No. 3
  • South Pump Station Access Road Improvements
  • Rehabilitation of Lift Station 7

Additional Information

For a complete description of all of the current projects taking place in Pecan Grove MUD, visit the Construction Projects page of the website.

Labor Day Trash Collection

In observance of Labor Day, there will be no trash collection Monday, September 2nd. Trash collection will resume on the next scheduled service day.

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

The Pecan Grove Municipal Utility District will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. CDST at the Pecan Grove Baptist Church, 1727 FM 359, Richmond, TX. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the
tax rate that is adopted.

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate (PDF)

PGMUD July 2019 Project Highlights

Please find below a partial list of projects in various stages of completion now underway in Pecan Grove MUD. This information is being provided so that you can stay up to date on these projects which are discussed at every meeting of the board of directors. To view the status of a particular project, please visit the construction projects page. If you have a question or comment about any topic, please call EDP, the district’s operator, at (281) 238-5000. And as always, if you would like to address the district’s engineer or the board, please join us at the next regular meeting August 27 at the Pecan Grove Baptist Church starting at 5:30 p.m.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Motor Control Center (MCC) Update for Water Plant No. 2
  • Bent Creek Court Drainage Improvements
  • Improvements to Raw Water Tanks at Surface Water Treatment Plant
  • Lift Station No. 4 Rehabilitation
  • Levee Drainage Improvements Adjacent to Harvest Green
  • Mason Road Levee Improvements
  • Main Channel Rehabilitation
  • Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation
  • Culvert Rehabilitation at Mayweather
  • Drainage Improvements to Serve Victoria Garden Drive

Independence Day Trash Collection

In observance of Independence Day, there will be no trash collection Thursday, July 4th. Trash collection will resume on the next scheduled service day.

PGMUD June 2019 Project Highlights

Please find below a partial list of projects in various stages of completion now underway in Pecan Grove MUD. This information is being provided so that you can stay up to date on these projects which are discussed at every meeting of the board of directors. To view the status of a particular project, please visit the construction projects page. If you have a question or comment about any topic, please call EDP, the district’s operator, at (281) 238-5000. And as always, if you would like to address the district’s engineer or the board, please join us at the next regular meeting July 30 at the Pecan Grove Baptist Church starting at 5:30 p.m.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Motor Control Center (MCC) Update for Water Plant No. 2
  • Bent Creek Court Drainage Improvements
  • Improvements to Raw Water Tanks at Surface Water Treatment Plant
  • Lift Station No. 4 Rehabilitation
  • Levee Drainage Improvements Adjacent to Harvest Green
  • Mason Road Levee Improvements
  • Main Channel Rehabilitation
  • Jones Creek Slope Rehabilitation
  • Culvert Rehabilitation at Mayweather
  • Drainage Improvements to Serve Victoria Garden Drive

June 4, 2019 Severe Weather Update

Why is there a Flash Flood Watch tonight through Thursday morning? The US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas issued the watch due to potential high rainfall RATES over the next couple days. We’re not expecting a high TOTAL amount of rainfall, but it’s hard to predict right now what areas will see rates as high as 2-3 inches per hour.

What does this mean for you? It sounds basic, but if it seems like it’s raining hard, it probably is. If you’re driving and get caught in the heavy rainfall, exercise extreme caution. If you’re driving when the rain moves in, get off the road and to a safe, high, place since flash flooding can occur on streets and low areas.

How can you prepare?

  • First: Today and tonight before it gets dark you can clear drains, ditches, gutters, and curbs of debris that can wash into drains and cause street flooding. Stay hydrated and be mosquito smart! If you have a yard crew coming today, tell them not to blow your yard waste into the road.
  • Second: Secure anything in your yard that could wash away if it rains hard on your property.
  • Third: Check the weather before you go, since the rain is hard to predict and can quickly overwhelm drainage systems. Plan around the storms if you can since flooded roads can stall your car leading to permanent or expensive damage to your vehicle.

Drainage and Rivers

Right now our rivers are high but well within their banks. Unless the situation changes dramatically, we are not expecting any river impacts at this time. If rain falls at 3 inches per hour, isolated areas may see drainage systems overwhelmed and see some flash flooding.

Sign up for Alerts

Did you know that you can subscribe for automatic alerts like this straight from the National Weather Service from our FBC Alert system? When you register for alerts you can select what types of weather alerts you’d like, from lightning strike warnings to hurricane warnings! You can even choose quiet times so we don’t alert you at 2:00 AM unless it’s a really serious threat.

Board Meeting – May 28 Highlights

  • A Girl Scout troop came before the board and asked for permission to build a butterfly garden in Memorial Park. Each of the 12 scouts shared telling the board about the project and permission was enthusiastically granted.
  • Greg Lentz of Masterson Advisors informed the board that certain outstanding portions of the District’s Series 2010 Bonds have been successfully refinanced about one week ago. This refinancing will save the residents of PGMUD $3,920,743 in interest without extending the length of payback.
  • Justin Ring of Odyssey Engineering Group updated the board on many projects in various stages of completion:
    • Work to start in June to install a flap gate that will protect homes on Bent Creek Ct. from water backing up when water level in main Channel rises.
  • Storm Water Solutions’ Karen Sears reported that as of mid-May they had they had re-anchored and cleaned the 8 aerators serving Bullhead Slough.  One aerator is temporarily out of service waiting for a damaged power cord to be replaced.

Memorial Day Trash Collection

In observance of Memorial Day, there will be no trash collection Monday, May 27th. Trash collection will resume on the next scheduled service day.

Thursday Morning Update

Good morning, Pecan Grove.  We are continuing to pump the water out of our system from the rains two days ago.  The system is fully operational and working as designed to drain the channels and basins.  The current weather forecast indicates that the region is expected to receive significant rain over the next three days.  While we do not know where the heaviest rainfall will occur, we are preparing the District accordingly.

Once the trash service has come to your house, please remove your trash cans from the curb.  In the event of heavy rains and street ponding, this will prevent the trash cans from blocking street inlets and keep the water from entering the storm sewer system.

Please continue to monitor information coming from Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management and www.pecangrovemud.com.

Weather Update

Good morning, Pecan Grove. Overnight the rains started to let up and stop so the inlets and storm sewers were able to catch up with any water ponding on the streets and drain them into the channels and basins. Right now those systems are holding the water and we continue to pump the water out of the system. All water is contained within the channels and basins and we do not have any reports of remaining flooding.

The system is fully operational and working as designed to drain the channels and basins. The longer the rain can stay away, the better it will be for the drainage system.

The rest of the week still has potential for more rain and perhaps heavy storms. Please continue to monitor information coming from Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management and www.pecangrovemud.com.

Brazos River Update

Due to the Brazos River level, as of this morning, our operator, EDP, has closed the sluice gate at the South Storm Water Pump Station and confirmed operations of the pumps. EDP is also running the lead pump at the Pecan Lakes Pump Station. The current forecast keeps us at these operational levels, but EDP is monitoring conditions as we expect local rain fall throughout the next few days. We will do another update tomorrow morning.

The graph below shows the river is expected to crest well below our levee height.

Brazos River Update

Forecast

The Brazos River at the Richmond Gauge is currently at a depth (or stage) of 39.9 ft. After this past weekend’s rain, the National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service forecasts the Brazos River rising to a depth of 47.4 ft at Richmond by Friday May 10, 2019. In addition, the National Weather Service forecasts a 40%-60% chance of rain every day next week, with a “slight” chance of severe thunderstorms predicted by the NWS Storm Prediction Center.

Predicted Impacts

Based on the forecast flood stage of 47.4 ft, the following impacts are anticipated:
29.8’ – Water is over bottom of South Pump Station flap gates.38.6’ – Water is over bottom of Pecan Lakes flap gates. 40.0’ – EDP close South Pump Station Sluice Gates43.6’ – Pecan Lakes Pump Station – Lead Pump On45.6’ – Pecan Lakes Pump Station – All Pumps On

Actions

Based on the approved PGMUD EAP, the following actions are warranted at this time:
With predicted flood stage over 40.0 ft, we are in Readiness Level 4 (“Routine Operations”). The Operator should perform the following:Check gates for debris and seepageCheck channel slope conditionsCheck interior lakes for elevation changesCheck fuel level in Generator Once actual flood stage exceeds 40.0 ft, PGMUD will enter Readiness Level 3 (“Precautionary Operations”). Per the EAP this Readiness Level will add the following tasks to the Level 4 list: Set up Staffing Plan for OperationsCheck Emergency CommunicationsNotify Board daily of current & forecast conditionsNotify Board daily of equipment/supplies available and equipment/supplies needed

We will continue to monitor the situation and should the conditions change we will update you accordingly.

Unofficial Results of Election

Thank you to our voters who came out to Saturday’s bond and maintenance tax authorization election. We appreciate those of you who took the time to educate yourselves on the issues and vote.

Fort Bend County has reported the results to us, but they are unofficial until the Board canvassing the returns May 10. However, we have received word from the County, that even if the outstanding mail in ballots are returned before today’s 5 pm deadline, the results will not change.

Our proposition to vote bonds to improve our water sanitary sewer, drainage and levee facilities passed by a 64% margin – 246 for and 137 against.

Our proposition to be authorized to increase the maintenance tax to 75 cents passed by a slim margin – 196 yes to 190 no votes. There are 4 mail in ballots that still could arrive before the deadline, but even if those ballots are returned to Fort Bend County before the deadline, the favorable outcome will not change.

(NOTE: THERE ARE NO PLANS BY THE BOARD TO INCREASE THE MAINTENANCE TAX FROM 25 CENTS TO THE VOTED MAX OF 75 CENTS… this is just a voter authorization for the future.)

The Board plans to proceed as soon as possible with a bond application to the TCEQ to construct additional drainage improvements. We hope to sell bonds before the year end. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing some of you at our monthly meeting.

May 4, 2019 Bond Election, Operation and Maintenance Tax Election/El 4 de mayo de 2019 Elección de Bonos, Elecciones de Impuestos de Operación y Mantenimiento

Notice of Bond Election, Operation and Maintenance Tax Election
Aviso de Elección de Bonos, Elecciones de Impuestos de Operación y Mantenimiento

Order Calling Bond Election, Operation and Maintenance Tax Election
Orden Para Convocar Elección de Bonos, Elecciones de Impuestos de Operación y Mantenimiento

Trash Collection Tips

  • Tree trimmings need to be cut into 4 foot lengths, tied and bundled not to exceed 50 pounds.
  • Recycle cans are available at no charge. Call the customer service office (281-238-5000) to arrange delivery.
  • The maximum size allowable container is 50 gallons unless you purchased a cart directly from WCA.
  • The maximum weight per container, bag or bundle is 50 pounds.
  • Containers larger than 50 gallons and or items exceeding 50 pounds will have a notice placed on them indicating the need to use a smaller
    container or to remove some of the content on overweight containers or items for collection the next scheduled day.
  • Dirt, rocks, brick and concrete are not part of normal trash collection.

Pecan Grove Residential Awareness Open House Summary

The Pecan Grove Municipal Utility District 26 (PGMUD) Board of Directors and the District’s consultants would like to thank all of our neighbors who took the time to attend our recent open house to learn more about the District and the upcoming bond proposal that will be on the May 4th ballot. Our Board members enjoyed speaking with you about the future of the District and we really appreciated your participation. Many great questions were asked, and we hope they were all answered.

For our attendees and those who were unable to attend, please find in this article the welcome video and a .pdf of the financial information provided at the open house.

View the Open House Digital Handout

Folleto Digital de Puertas Abiertas

Again, thank you to everyone that attended the open house events. If you have any questions or comments please reach out to us using the “Contact” page on the website.

Resumen de la Casa Abierta de Información Para los Residentes del Pecan Grove MUD

Pecan Grove MUD Authorization Election FAQ

As many Pecan Grove residents are aware, the district has called for an election on May 4th, 2019, to obtain authorization for bonds and to raise the cap on the maintenance and operations tax rate.

The May 4, 2019 election will include two propositions that registered voters of the district will be asked to vote on, Proposition A and Proposition B.

  • Proposition A provides the funding for the District’s plan for the rehabilitation and long term improvements to our aging water, sewer and drainage systems.
  • Proposition B provides the district an option, if needed in the future, to increase the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate beyond the current 25 cents cap instead of raising water rates to generate revenue that might be required for operations.

The Board of Directors will be hosting a Resident Awareness Open House on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at the Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club. We will be on the second (2nd) floor, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; residents are encouraged to come at their convenience any time during that window to speak with resident directors and the district consultants and review the exhibits, regardless of whether they are registered to vote. There will be exhibits outlining the engineering plans for the district, drainage solutions, bond and financial details, and more. In addition to your 5 resident board members, district consultants will be on hand to answer your questions.

As this process has proceeded, many residents have asked a number of financial questions via the website. For those who may not be able to attend the open house, we have summarized the most frequently asked questions into this news post.

How much is the district asking to authorize in bonds with Proposition A?

  • The bond proposal is set for $33,600,000. If so authorized, the bonds would be sold in phases to allow for continued paydown of existing debt while accomplishing priority engineering tasks.Currently, the district Board has discussed all possible scenarios with the financial advisor and their goals are: once authorized, the bonds would be sold in phases to allow for continued paydown of existing debt while accomplishing priority engineering tasks, starting with critical drainage improvements.

What is the impact to my bills?

  • Current goals and assumptions are there be no planned impact to your water bill, and the anticipation is an initial 2.5 cents (0.025) increase in your annual taxes as a result of issuing approximately $5,450,000 principal amount of bonds in late 2019 to address critical drainage improvements. Assuming the best case with the information at hand, this would bring debt service to 39 cents (.039), which is roughly where it was 4 years ago. Assuming an average home value of $244,400, a 2.5 cent increase per $100 assessed value results in a capital increase of $61.10 to the tax bill annually, based on current assumptions and goals.The all-resident, PGMUD Board is dedicated to completing the projects in a timely fashion while managing existing bond debt efficiently, simultaneously being mindful of tax impact to all residents.

With Proposition B, is there a cap to increasing M&O tax rate?

  • Short answer: There is no current plan to raise the M&O tax rate if the M&O authorization passes.
  • Long answer: Currently, the cap is set at $0.25/$100 of your assessed property value. If the election were to pass, the cap would be raised to $0.75, giving the district the option to raise the M&O tax rate, if needed, in the future. However, at this time, the resident directors on the board do not intend or anticipate needing to raise the M&O tax; they are merely asking for the option to be able to raise it. The election is an authorization, not an actual increase. As residents, the directors are also impacted by tax rate increases and are committed to managing the rates and keeping them as low as possible to service the district needs.

Is the M&O tax rate applied as a tax on the taxable value of our property?

  • The M&O tax is part of your ad valorem tax (or, property tax) assessed by the district. Pecan Grove MUD assesses both a debt service tax and the M&O tax. The combined amount right now for your tax rate from the MUD is $0.615/$100 of your assessed property value. With the first bond issuance (if approved by voters) addressing critical drainage concerns, the anticipated debt service increase would be less than 3 cents per $100 ($0.025/$100). Keep in mind this is based on conditional research and estimates, but it is the anticipation that will be presented at the open house.

What is the current indebtedness of the district?

  • The current principal amount of the District’s outstanding debt is $51,515,000 and the associated debt service is 36.5 cents (0.365) per $100 assessed value. Thus, for the average home value of $244,400, that adds up to $892.06 per year. Over the last five years, the District has lowered the debt service tax rate through repayment and fiscal management from 41 cents (0.41) to the current rate of 36.5 cents.For more information on your tax rate and water rate, click here to view the EVO dashboard showing comparative tax and water rates.

What happens if the Propositions do not pass?

  • The capital improvements to the district still need to occur to maintain the quality of water service and wastewater removal that exists now. Systems age, and rehabilitation needs to happen; further, as all residents are aware, there are severe drainage issues to consider. There are only three ways to fund projects for districts (from lowest impact to highest):
      • Sell bonds, paid through debt service tax rate;
      • Raise the Maintenance & Operation tax rate; or
      • Raise water rates

    As residents, the Board of Directors do not want to increase water rates or taxes beyond that which is necessary, and only then to service the needs of the district. As you can see via the answers above, the lowest impact on residents is funding through the sales of bonds.

Again, we encourage everyone to come out to the Open House on April 16th, 2019, and ask questions of the resident directors and their consultants. If you can’t make it, be sure to share this information with your neighbors through social media!

Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday

This weekend is the 2019 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday in the State of Texas. You can purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ending at midnight on Monday, April 29. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to issue an exemption certificate to claim the exemption. Please visit the Texas Comptroller’s Website for more information, including a list of qualifying and excluded supplies. Hurricane Season is just around the corner. Don’t wait until the next storm is in the Gulf before preparing yourself and your family.