Mayor's Taxpayer Empowerment Proposal

Below are 3 City Charter Amendments for citizens to advocate for inclusion on the 2026 November ballot.

Residence Homestead Exemption and Voter Protection

Section 1. Establishment of a Local Residence Homestead Exemption

The City shall provide a residence homestead exemption from City ad valorem taxation for qualified residence homesteads, as authorized by the Texas Constitution and the Texas Tax Code.

The amount of the City residence homestead exemption shall be no less than ten percent of the appraised value of a qualified residence homestead.

Section 2. Compliance With State Law

This Article is intended to operate in full compliance with the Texas Constitution and the Texas Tax Code, including but not limited to Section 11.13 of the Texas Tax Code, as amended.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to authorize an exemption in excess of that permitted by state law or to limit the City’s ability to implement changes required by state statute.

Section 3. Ministerial Implementation Only

The City Council shall adopt such ordinances as are necessary to implement and administer the residence homestead exemption established by this Article.

Any such ordinance shall be strictly ministerial in nature and shall not reduce, repeal, suspend, delay, condition, cap, phase out, or otherwise materially alter the residence homestead exemption established herein.

Section 4. Exclusive Method of Modification

The residence homestead exemption established by this Article may be reduced, repealed, suspended, or otherwise modified only by amendment to this Charter approved by the voters of the City.

No ordinance, resolution, budget adoption, tax rate adoption, administrative action, or other act of the City Council or City staff shall have the effect of reducing, eliminating, suspending, or negating the residence homestead exemption established by this Article.

Certificates of Obligation, Emergency Authority, and Taxpayer Transparency

Section 1. Voter Approval Required for Certificates of Obligation

A. General Rule

The City may not issue Certificates of Obligation payable from ad valorem taxes or other tax-supported revenues unless the issuance is approved by a majority of the qualified voters of the City voting at an election called for that purpose, except as provided in Section 2 of this Article.

B. Applicability

This requirement applies to all Certificates of Obligation, regardless of whether the obligation is structured as bonds, notes, or other instruments, when repayment is supported in whole or in part by property taxes or tax-supported general revenues.

Section 2. Emergency Certificates of Obligation

A. Emergency Authority

The City Council may authorize the issuance of Certificates of Obligation without voter approval only in the event of a declared emergency.

For purposes of this Article, an emergency is limited to the following circumstances:

A natural disaster or act of God
Failure or imminent failure of critical public infrastructure
An imminent threat to public health or public safety
A court order or legal mandate requiring immediate action for which delay would cause substantial harm

Financial convenience, market timing, avoidance of an election, or budgetary preference does not constitute an emergency.

B. Super-Majority Requirement

An emergency Certificate of Obligation may only be authorized upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the full membership of the City Council.

C. Limitation

Emergency authority shall be exercised only to the extent reasonably necessary to address the emergency condition and shall not be used for long-term capital planning unrelated to the emergency.

Section 3. Mandatory Public Reporting Following Emergency Issuance

Within sixty days of issuing any emergency Certificate of Obligation, the City shall prepare and publish a public report that includes, at a minimum:

A clear explanation of the emergency conditions that justified the issuance
An explanation of why voter approval was not feasible
The total principal amount issued
The interest rate, repayment term, and total repayment cost including interest
The estimated annual cost to the average residence homestead
The estimated cumulative cost per household over the full repayment period

This report shall be:

Posted prominently on the City’s website
Included in the agenda packet of the next regular City Council meeting

Section 4. Household Cost Transparency for Certificates of Obligation

A. Pre-Issuance Disclosure

Prior to final approval of any Certificate of Obligation, whether voter-approved or issued under emergency authority, the City shall publish a plain-language taxpayer impact statement.

B. Required Contents

The taxpayer impact statement shall include:

The total principal amount of the obligation
The total repayment cost including interest
The estimated annual cost per average residence homestead
The estimated cost per household over the life of the obligation
A comparison to the current average annual City property tax bill

C. Standard Format

The City shall use a consistent, standardized format for all taxpayer impact statements so residents may easily compare the cost of different obligations over time.

D. Posting Requirement

The taxpayer impact statement must be publicly posted and included in the agenda packet no fewer than a specified number of days prior to any Council vote authorizing issuance.

Responsible Budgeting and Ongoing Transparency

Section 1. Baseline Budget Requirement

For each fiscal year, every City department, division, and operating unit shall prepare its proposed budget beginning at ninety percent (90%) of the lesser of:

The department’s adopted budget for the prior fiscal year; or
The department’s actual total expenditures for the prior fiscal year.

This baseline shall serve as the starting point for budget preparation and review.

Section 2. Exceptional Item Requests

Any proposed expenditure that would cause a department’s total budget to exceed the ninety percent (90%) baseline shall be designated as an Exceptional Item Request.

Exceptional Item Requests shall:

Be clearly identified and itemized
Include a written justification explaining the necessity of the expenditure
Identify whether the request is one-time or recurring
Be approved by affirmative vote of the City Council before inclusion in the adopted budget

No department may exceed its ninety percent (90%) baseline without Council approval of the specific exceptional items.

Section 3. Council Review and Approval

The City Council shall review Exceptional Item Requests individually or in grouped categories and may approve, modify, or reject such requests in whole or in part.

Approval of Exceptional Item Requests shall not be implied by adoption of the overall budget unless such items are expressly identified and approved.

Section 4. Quarterly Budget Transparency

The City shall publish quarterly budget status reports for each department showing:

Adopted budget amount
Year-to-date expenditures
Percentage of budget expended
Projected year-end expenditure
Whether the department is over or under budget at the time of reporting
Whether the department has proposed and/or had approved a budget amendment and the details of that amendment

These reports shall be:

Posted prominently on the City’s website
Presented to the City Council at a regular meeting
Published in a consistent and understandable format

Section 5. Purpose and Interpretation

This Article is intended to:

Establish a disciplined and conservative starting point for budget preparation
Require transparency and justification for budget growth
Provide citizens with clear, ongoing visibility into departmental spending

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to prohibit emergency expenditures authorized by law or to prevent the City from meeting mandatory legal obligations, provided that such expenditures are disclosed in accordance with Section 4 of this Article.

*NO LONGER ACTIVE* ✅ Help Get HB 3643 Voted Out of Committee

Step 1: Copy and paste this list of emails into the "To" line:

tom.craddick@house.texas.gov; maryann.perez@house.texas.gov; terry.canales@house.texas.gov; pat.curry@house.texas.gov; erin.gamez@house.texas.gov; caroline.harris@house.texas.gov; cole.hefner@house.texas.gov; marc.lahood@house.texas.gov; mitch.little@house.texas.gov; christina.morales@house.texas.gov; eddie.morales@house.texas.gov; jared.patterson@house.texas.gov; dennis.paul@house.texas.gov

Step 2: Use this subject line:

Subject: Please Vote YES on HB 3643

Step 3: Copy and paste the message below into the body of your email. You can personalize it if you’d like!

Step 4: Feel Good About Your Participation

1. You didn't have to take the time to help, but you did anyways, and you should feel great about that! Thank you!

Dear Members of the House Committee on Transportation,

I’m writing to respectfully urge you to bring HB 3643 by Rep. Troxclair up for a vote and support its passage before the House deadline.

This bill addresses a fundamental fairness issue in the way small cities like Lago Vista are treated within regional transit authorities such as CapMetro. While current law provides a legal process for withdrawal, the exit fee formula is based on a city’s population as a share of the transit authority’s total financial obligations—including obligations tied to major cities like Austin. This model is punitive and unrealistic for small jurisdictions.

For example, Lago Vista contributed $1.17 million in 2024 alone to CapMetro through our local sales tax. Yet, under the current formula, our exit fee was estimated at $900,000 in 2017, ballooned to $6 million by 2022, and is projected to be even higher today. That is not based on our usage, service levels, or actual infrastructure investments—it’s based on a disproportionate population formula that has become financially impossible to meet.

HB 3643 replaces this broken model with a rational and transparent standard: a city's net financial obligation would be based on the fair market value of CapMetro infrastructure physically located within that city. That means cities will pay for what they received—nothing more. And it only applies to municipalities that make up less than 2% of the transit authority’s total service area.

The bill also improves transparency by requiring CapMetro to disclose estimated exit fees annually, and empowers local voters by reducing the required wait time between transit withdrawal elections from 5 years to 2 years.

HB 3643 is about fairness, transparency, and local control. It doesn’t eliminate regional transit—but it ensures that the smallest, most underserved cities are not forever locked into funding projects they neither use nor benefit from.

Please support this commonsense reform and vote YES on HB 3643.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City or Address, Optional]

(ARCHIVED NO NEED TO SEND) How to Submit Written Support for HB 3643

Step 1: Copy the written testimony below

1. Enter your name and information. You may personalize it with your own comments or keep it as-is.

2. Copy the letter.

Step 2: Go to

1. Check the certification box at the top

2. Fill out your name and information

3. Select HB 3643

4. Paste the copied letter below into the comments section and click Submit

Step 3: Feel Good About Your Participation

1. You didn't have to take the time to help, but you did anyways, and you should feel great about that! Thank you!

Subject: Support for HB 3643 – Empowering Citizens, Fixing Exit Fees, and Promoting Fairness

Dear Chairman Canales and Members of the Subcommittee on Transportation Funding,

My name is [Insert Full Name], and I am a resident of Lago Vista, Texas. I am writing in strong support of HB 3643 by Representative Troxclair.

This bill is about fairness, transparency, and restoring the voice of local voters in important regional transportation decisions.

Currently, cities like mine pay a 1% sales tax to fund services from transportation authorities like Capital Metro (CapMetro). In Lago Vista, for example, this amounted to approximately $1.17 million in 2024 alone. However, under current law, if our community decided to vote to withdraw from the agreement, we would face an exit fee that is not based on how much we’ve paid in or the actual value of services received. Instead, it’s calculated using a population-based share of CapMetro’s total financial obligations—obligations that include infrastructure and service for much larger cities like Austin.

This isn’t fair.

In 2017, Lago Vista’s estimated exit fee was around $900,000. By 2022, it had ballooned to $6 million, despite no proportional increase in service or usage. This growing penalty punishes small cities for merely wanting to renegotiate or revisit decades-old agreements that no longer meet local needs.

HB 3643 fixes this broken model in three essential ways:

✅ Empowers Voters – Shortens the restriction on calling a withdrawal election from once every five years to once every two years, restoring local democratic control.

✅ Fair Exit Fees – Replaces the population-based exit fee model with one that reflects the transit authorities fair market value of the authority's property that will remain in the unit after the unit's withdrawal. This applies specifically to small cities that make up less than 2% of the authority’s total population.

✅ Transparency – Requires transit authorities to publish updated exit fee estimates annually, so cities and citizens have the information they need to make informed decisions.

This bill is not about being anti-transit. It’s about being pro-accountability. HB 3643 rectifies an unfair "exit fee" and ties it to the fair market value of assets the transit authority may leave in the community after the community leaves the service area.

Please vote YES on HB 3643 and give our communities the tools we need to advocate for ourselves, protect our taxpayers, and demand transparency.

Sincerely,
[Insert Full Name]
[Insert City and Zip Code]

(ARCHIVED NO NEED TO SEND) How to Submit Your Support Letter for HB 1344 to Get a Hearing

🗳️ We need YOUR help to get this bill a hearing.

Step 1: Copy and save the Letter

1. Copy the support letter text below. You may personalize it with your own comments or keep it as-is. Save it as .doc or.pdf

2. Or, if you don't want to save the letter as a separate document, you can copy and paste it into the body of an email.

Step 2: Fill in Your Information

1. At the bottom of the letter fill in your Name and Address

Step 3: Either Attach the Letter or paste it into the email

1. Attach your document to an email

2. Or paste it into the body of an email

Step 4: Send Email to Cody.Harris@house.texas.gov and shane.saum@lagovistatexas.gov

Copy and paste the email above and cc me

Step 5: Feel Good About Your Participation

1. You didn't have to take the time to help, but you did anyways, and you should feel great about that! Thank you!

To: Chairman Cody Harris
Email: cody.harris@house.texas.gov

Dear Chairman Harris,

My name is [Your Name], and I am a proud citizen of [Your City/Town].

I’m writing to respectfully request that you schedule a hearing for HB 1344 by Rep. Ellen Troxclair, which addresses a critical flaw in how Texas awards water infrastructure funding.

HB 1344 ensures that small, high-growth-adjacent cities like Lago Vista get a fair shot at critical water funding by giving the Texas Water Development Board clear authority to provide additional scoring for communities located within 50 miles of high growth metros like Austin applying for water infrastructure funding, based on true infrastructure needs, not just census tract gimmicks.

As someone who lives in a small community near a major metro area, I’ve seen firsthand how regional growth is overwhelming our water infrastructure systems—without giving us the financial support we need. HB 1344 is a smart, conservative fix that ensures cities like mine aren't left behind while wealthy urban centers manipulate funding formulas to their advantage. Currently, major metropolitan areas such as Austin can cherry-pick specific census tracts within their city limits that meet the economically disadvantaged criteria. This allows these well-funded cities, which have substantial commercial and industrial tax bases, to qualify for funding ahead of smaller, truly disadvantaged communities. For example, in the 2024 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Intended Use Plan, the Buttermilk Creek project in Austin was prioritized as an "economically disadvantaged" project, despite Austin being one of the most prosperous and rapidly growing cities in America. Without another funding mechanism to help communities like Lago Vista, big cities like Austin will continue to exploit these funding opportunities.

This bill is essential for the long-term sustainability of growing communities across Texas. Please give HB 1344 the hearing it deserves in the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Thank you for your leadership and service to Texas.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address or Zip Code]
[Optional: Your Phone or Email]

February 25 , 2025

The Honorable Michael McCaul
2300 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

RE: Support for Federal Community Project Funding for Lago Vista’s Drinking and Wastewater Infrastructure

Dear Congressman McCaul,

I am writing to express my strong support for the City of Lago Vista’s request for $5 million in federal funding for drinking water infrastructure expansion and $5 million for wastewater system expansion under the Community Project Funding program. These projects are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our city's water resources as we experience unprecedented growth.

As a resident of Lago Vista, I have seen firsthand how our city is struggling to keep up with the rapid increase in population caused by the high-growth policies of Austin. While Austin benefits from a strong commercial and industrial tax base, Lago Vista remains a predominantly residential community. This means that our local taxpayers are forced to bear the financial burden of the water infrastructure expansions required to support this growth. Without federal assistance, our water rates and property taxes will continue to rise, placing an unfair financial strain on families, retirees, and small business owners.

This funding will allow Lago Vista to:

Expand drinking water capacity to meet the needs of our growing community while maintaining high water quality standards.
Upgrade wastewater treatment facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and prevent system overflows.
Minimize the financial burden on local taxpayers by reducing reliance on bonds and utility rate increases.

The City of Lago Vista has proactively sought solutions through responsible financial planning, including applications for Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) funding, exploring bond options, and utilizing utility reserves. However, these sources alone are insufficient to meet the demands of our rapidly growing community. Federal support is critical to ensuring that we do not overburden our residents with unsustainable water and wastewater costs.

I urge you to support these Community Project Funding requests so that Lago Vista can continue to provide safe, reliable, and affordable water services to its residents. Thank you for your leadership in Congress and for your commitment to investing in critical infrastructure for Texas communities like ours.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Lago Vista, Texas 78645

A Week of Progress for Lago Vista

By Councilman Shane Saum

This past week has been a strong one for intergovernmental affairs, innovation, and advocating for Lago Vista’s future.

I continued following up with legislative offices on HB 3643, our CapMetro reform bill. This legislation is not about eliminating public transportation — it's about ensuring our community gets a fair deal. As it stands, small cities like ours face an exorbitant exit fee if we want to reconsider our relationship with CapMetro. Our bill would reduce the mandatory gap between elections from 5 years to 2, require CapMetro to provide exit cost estimates publicly each year, and change the exit fee to reflect only tangible assets left behind (like bus signs or equipment in Lago Vista). This is common-sense reform, and we’ve been sharing our recent KVUE news segment and Austin American-Statesman op-ed to build momentum for a hearing.

Watch KVUE News Segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQT8-_KSxTY

In researching how we can improve city processes, I discovered the Texas State Institute for Government Innovation. This group partners with cities through Interlocal Agreements (ILAs) and helps improve local government operations. The work is done by students under expert supervision, which reduces costs, speeds up timelines, and avoids lengthy bid processes. They’ve helped state agencies like the DMV and numerous other cities solve issues — and I believe this is exactly the type of resourceful, outside-the-box thinking Lago Vista needs.

I also had a highly productive meeting with the Airport Advisory Board leadership and TxDOT Aviation in their downtown offices, where we discussed safety improvements and state funding opportunities. I’m encouraged by the renewed partnership and excited about what this could mean for our airport’s future.

On the Effluent Dispersal System Subcommittee, we made significant progress. TCEQ confirmed this week that they would not have permitted the original irrigation proposal due to excessive capacity, meaning that design was both too expensive and not compliant. We're now refining a more realistic and cost-effective system — and because we’re saving money, we may be able to invest in achieving Type 1 effluent status. This change would allow us to reuse treated water to irrigate parks, ball fields, and even sell Type 1 to future developments. Unlike Type 2 water, Type 1 can be used where people are present — including events on the golf course — and it can be sold to others. That one change alone could have major long-term benefits for our community.

Lastly, I drafted a Sunshine Policy, which I’ll present at next Thursday’s Council meeting. This proposal would increase transparency by publishing frequently requested public records, reducing unnecessary delays, and protecting citizens’ rights to access government information.

I’m committed to bringing fresh ideas, proven partnerships, and better service to our city. Thank you for the continued opportunity to serve.

Sincerely,

Shane R. Saum

City Council Place 1

City of Lago Vista

February 25 , 2025

The Honorable Michael McCaul
2300 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

RE: Support for Federal Community Project Funding for Lago Vista’s Drinking and Wastewater Infrastructure

Dear Congressman McCaul,

This funding will allow Lago Vista to:

Expand drinking water capacity to meet the needs of our growing community while maintaining high water quality standards.
Upgrade wastewater treatment facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and prevent system overflows.
Minimize the financial burden on local taxpayers by reducing reliance on bonds and utility rate increases.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Lago Vista, Texas 78645

(ARCHIVED NO NEED TO SEND) How to Submit Your Support Letter

Step 1: Copy and save the Letter

1. Copy the support letter text below. You may personalize it with your own comments or keep it as-is. Save it as .doc or.pdf

2. Or, if you don't want to save the letter as a separate document, you can copy and paste it into the body of an email.

Step 2: Fill in Your Information

1. At the bottom of the letter fill in your Name and Address

Step 3: Either Attach the Letter or paste it into the email

1. Attach your document to an email

2. Or paste it into the body of an email

Step 4: Send Email to Shane.Saum@LagoVistaTexas.gov

Copy and paste my email above and send the email to me.

Step 5: Feel Good About Your Participation

1. You didn't have to take the time to help, but you did anyways, and you should feel great about that! Thank you!

February 25 , 2025

The Honorable Michael McCaul
2300 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

RE: Support for Federal Community Project Funding for Lago Vista’s Drinking and Wastewater Infrastructure

Dear Congressman McCaul,

This funding will allow Lago Vista to:

Expand drinking water capacity to meet the needs of our growing community while maintaining high water quality standards.
Upgrade wastewater treatment facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and prevent system overflows.
Minimize the financial burden on local taxpayers by reducing reliance on bonds and utility rate increases.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Lago Vista, Texas 78645

Lower Colorado River Authority Proposed Rate Increase Letter

September 26, 2024

Copy and Paste the letter below into a Word document and add as an attachment to the online form or copy and paste it into the form itself (https://lcra.formstack.com/forms/lcra_firm_water_rate_comment_form). Submit your comments by October 11th, 2024.

September 26, 2024

Board of Directors

LCRA
P.O. Box 220
Austin, TX 78767

Re: Public Comment Regarding the Proposed Firm Water Rate Increase by LCRA

Dear Members of the LCRA Board,

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed increase for firm water rates from $155 to $165 per acre-foot. While I understand the necessity of funding essential water projects, I urge LCRA to explore alternatives to this rate increase that would alleviate the burden on smaller communities like Lago Vista, particularly at a time when property taxes are already rising across Travis County. Below are a few alternatives I respectively ask you to consider and provide feedback on. While I understand you may ultimately determine none of these alternatives will work for the LCRA, it could provide assurance and transparency to citizens that all options were considered prior to a rate increase that could impact their bottom dollar.

Suggested Alternatives for Rate Structures:

1. Increased Rates on Larger Users: The LCRA could consider shifting a greater share of the rate increase to larger metro areas or commercial and industrial users, many of which have greater capacity to absorb higher costs.

2. State Assistance: Texas currently has a $30 billion surplus. The LCRA could engage with state officials to secure state funding for critical water infrastructure projects rather than placing the financial burden entirely on taxpayers.

3. Transparency and Accountability on Arbuckle Reservoir Costs: The Arbuckle Reservoir project, which has experienced significant delays and cost overruns, is a key concern. In March 2019, LCRA staff observed groundwater seepage that halted the filling of the reservoir, requiring a costly engineering fix in the form of a 125-175 foot deep subsurface cutoff wall. These errors have led to escalating costs, and it is unacceptable for these additional costs to be passed on to taxpayers. There should be full transparency on how much of the proposed rate increase will fund Arbuckle-related expenditures. Mistakes in engineering and planning should not result in higher costs for the communities who depend on LCRA's water supply.

4. Reevaluating Debt Service: LCRA’s debt service for FY 2025 is significant, with nearly $9 million allocated. Other water utilities have successfully restructured their debt to reduce rate pressures. For example, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California restructured part of its long-term debt to lower annual payments, while Houston Public Works issued refunding bonds that lowered the interest on outstanding debt. LCRA could similarly consider refinancing or restructuring its existing debt to alleviate pressure on ratepayers.

5. Reserve Funds: Additionally, the LCRA has reserves that could be used to mitigate the need for an immediate rate increase. According to the FY 2025 business plan, the Rate Stabilization Fund and Agricultural Reserve Fund both hold millions in balance. These funds could be leveraged to offset part of the rate increase and allow time for more strategic planning.

There is precedent from other utilities in Texas and across the U.S. for larger metro areas and commercial/industrial users to bear a larger portion of water rate increases. For instance, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) employs tiered pricing where higher water usage by industrial and commercial entities is priced at a premium, allowing smaller towns and residential users to pay lower rates. Similarly, Austin Water has structured its rates to ensure larger users carry more of the financial burden for major infrastructure projects. Incentives or exemptions are also common for smaller communities, especially those investing in their own infrastructure, allowing them to focus on funding critical local projects.

In Lago Vista, we are in the midst of planning for our increasing need to expand both our drinking and wastewater infrastructure in the face of reaching/exceeding 80% capacity. This rate increase puts further strain on our ability to plan and finance these projects. Exempting communities like ours from this increase, or at least providing a reduced rate, would enable us to continue these essential projects without compromising our budget.

In summary, I respectfully ask the LCRA to reconsider the proposed rate increase, particularly in light of these alternatives. Shifting the burden away from smaller communities, seeking state assistance, ensuring transparency around project costs, looking at your reserves, and exploring debt restructuring could provide a more equitable solution for funding critical water infrastructure.

Sincerely,

Texas Water Development Board Proposed Rules Letter

September 12, 2024

Copy and Paste the letter below into a Word document or the body of an email and fill in your name at the bottom. Email your document or letter within the body of the email to rulescomments@twdb.texas.gov by September 29th, 2024 with the Subject "TWDB Proposed Rules for 363.2, 363.12, 363.13, 363.14, 363.17, 363.19, 363.33, and 363.41"

Office of General Counsel

Texas Water Development Board

P.O. Box 13231

Austin, Texas 78711-3231

Subject: TWDB Proposed Rule Amendments to 363.2, 363.12, 363.13, 363.14, 363.17, 363.19, 363.33, and 363.41

Dear Mr. Harden,

In reviewing the proposed TWDB rules and considering their potential impact on smaller communities like Lago Vista, there are a few key points I would like to address, especially in the context of opportunities for financial assistance. I thank the Texas Water Development Board for their work to help ensure Texans have access to adequate, clean, and affordable water supplies. I appreciate the opportunity for the public to weigh in on these proposed rule changes and I look forward to working with you to continue advocating for smaller communities like Lago Vista. Please see my comments below:

1. Audit Requirement:

The proposed rule updates the requirement for audit submissions for applicants receiving financial assistance (Section 363.12). Specifically, it mandates an annual audit prepared by a certified public accountant unless an alternative accounting method is approved.

- Potential Concern: For small communities like Lago Vista, the cost of preparing a full audit by a CPA could be burdensome. While I support efforts to ensure fiscal responsibility, I urge TWDB to allow smaller communities the flexibility to submit their existing financial statements, as many small municipalities may lack the resources for a full audit by a CPA. An alternative approval method should be clearly outlined to reduce potential barriers for these communities.

2. Waiver of Rules:

Several sections allow the TWDB Board to waive or modify requirements (Sections 363.13, 363.14, 363.41). The specific language used is “The board may waive or modify the requirements of this section for any program or category of applications covered by this subchapter.” While this provides flexibility, the lack of clear criteria for when waivers or modifications might be granted can cause uncertainty and provide an argument for some of an unfair process if a waiver or modification leads to one applicant receiving assistance over another.

- Potential Concern: Unclear waiver rules could lead to inconsistency in decision-making and disadvantage smaller towns. I request that the TWDB provide clear criteria for when and under what conditions the Board will waive or modify requirements. Small communities like ours, with limited resources, could be disproportionately impacted by such ambiguities, and clearer guidelines will help ensure fairness and transparency.

3. Risk-Based Review:

The proposed rules introduce a risk-based review method for items like engineering designs (Section 363.41). This could streamline processes for smaller communities, depending on how risk is defined and assessed. If this risk-based review benefits lower-risk projects, it could make the process easier for small towns that are working on less complex infrastructure improvements.

I support the introduction of a risk-based review process but request that TWDB clarify how risk will be assessed and whether smaller, lower-risk projects in communities like ours will benefit from streamlined approvals. This could greatly reduce the burden on small towns with limited resources.

4. General Complexity of Application Process:

The TWDB's rules propose certain requirements related to preliminary engineering reports, environmental assessments, and documentation (Sections 363.12 - 363.14). Complicated application processes disproportionately affect small communities. I ask that TWDB consider simplifying the application process for smaller communities near high-growth areas like Austin who are struggling to keep up with the growth incurred by the policies of a neighboring metro at record speeds. Complex requirements such as environmental assessments and detailed engineering reports can be a significant hurdle for small municipalities with limited staff and resources. Creating a specific section within these rules that streamlines support for such communities would enhance participation in these vital programs.

5. New Section for High-Growth Adjacent Communities:

I recommend the addition of a section within the TWDB rules that specifically prioritizes financial assistance for small communities near high-growth areas. These communities face unique infrastructure challenges due to rapid regional development, and targeted support would help ensure their continued access to essential water services. Communities like Lago Vista are seeing residential growth, but not commercial growth, and this burden is being placed on our property owners whose City Council is unable to affect the policies of a neighboring metro spurring that growth.

By focusing on these key areas that would make TWDB funding more accessible and supportive of smaller communities like Lago Vista, I would fully support the proposed rule changes, and I thank you for your time and dedication to the citizens of Texas.

Sincerely,

May 2024 TWDB Letter - Thank you to All Who Submitted your Letters!

TWDB

My written comments to the Texas Water Development Board in regards to the 2024 State Flood Plan. I am very thankful for the hard work and historic nature of this first ever state plan.

My one recommendation is that we work to find more projects that have a water supply benefit. Regions like Region 10, overseen by the LCRA, need to do more to identify water supply benefits and it is my home the TWDB can help them identify those opportunities.

Texas Water Development Board Letter Template

Copy and Paste the letter below into a Word document or the body of an email and fill in your name at the bottom. Email your document or letter within the body of the email to TexasWaterFund@twdb.texas.gov by April 30th, 2024.

March 20, 2024

Re: TWDB Request for Comments on the Texas Water Fund

To the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB),

Thank you for the opportunity to provide public input on the implementation of the Texas Water Fund. I am writing to highlight the necessity for additional scoring criteria for municipal financial assistance applications, particularly for communities situated near rapidly expanding metro areas.

On March 14th, the US Census Bureau published a press release showing that from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023, Texas had 4 of the top 10 Metro Areas with the largest growth in the country. Dallas and Houston were numbers 1 and 2 on the list. Austin and San Antonio were numbers 7 and 9. Among counties with a population of 20,000 or more, Texas has 6 of the top 8 fastest growing counties in the country.

Previously, the City of Lago Vista submitted a letter to your Board, and Lago Vista City Councilman Shane R. Saum provided public testimony at the previous board meeting advocating for consideration of additional scoring metrics for communities located near these high-growth metro areas that apply for financial assistance programs through the TWDB. It is noteworthy that current scoring mechanisms include additional points for economically disadvantaged communities, amongst other additional criteria.

I propose that scoring should now also be awarded to communities under undue stress related to neighboring communities' unfettered growth. This adjustment would ensure that smaller municipalities with a population of less than 20,000 residents located near rapidly growing metro areas are equitably supported in their efforts to meet the burgeoning demands for water resources. The absence of these funding opportunities would significantly hinder the advancement of numerous large-scale infrastructure projects, either subjecting them to prolonged delays, increasing our bond debt, or jeopardizing their realization altogether.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to the TWDB’s continued dedication to promoting sustainable water management across our great state.

Sincerely,

NEWSLETTER

By: Councilman Shane R. Saum

Lago Vista City Council Place 1

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Local Preference Program Passed!

(February 17, 2024)

I am excited to share my first ordinance I drafted and had passed by City Council this week. I am proud to help support our local businesses by creating the Local Preference Program. Businesses in Lago Vista will now receive a slight edge when competing for city procurements, ensuring a fair playing field and encouraging their continued growth.

Benefits of a local preference program:

Stimulates Local Economy:
- Encourages spending within the local community, fostering economic growth and circulation of money.

Job Creation:
- Supports the creation and retention of local jobs, contributing to lower unemployment rates and a more stable workforce.

Tax Revenue Increase:
- Boosts local tax revenues through increased business activity, providing additional funds for public services and infrastructure.

Community Investment:
- Promotes a sense of community pride and ownership as residents see local businesses thriving and contributing to the area's success.

Fosters Innovation:
- Encourages innovation and competitiveness among local businesses, as they strive to provide quality goods and services to secure procurement contracts.

Reduces Dependency on External Markets:
- Decreases reliance on external markets, making the local economy more resilient to external economic fluctuations and global market uncertainties.

Better Understanding of Local Needs:
- Local businesses often have a better understanding of the unique needs and challenges of the community, leading to more tailored and effective solutions.

Enhances Social Fabric:
- Reinforces community ties and social cohesion by strengthening relationships between local businesses and residents.

Quality Control and Accountability:
- Easier monitoring and enforcement of quality standards when dealing with local businesses, fostering accountability and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services.

Attracts and Retains Talent:
- Creates a vibrant and attractive local business environment, which can help attract and retain skilled professionals in the area.

Positive Public Perception:
- Builds a positive image for the city, as residents appreciate local policies that prioritize and support the growth of their own community.

My 2024 Resolution to Lago Vista

(December 31, 2023)

Dear Fellow Residents of Lago Vista,

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving you as a City Council Member. It is both an honor and a responsibility that I take to heart, and as we embark on 2024, I want to share with you my New Year's resolution—a commitment to amplifying your voices and addressing the issues that matter most to our community.

Lago Vista is more than a collection of homes; it's a vibrant community, shaped by the dreams, concerns, and aspirations of its residents. As one of your representatives on the City Council, my foremost goal is to serve as a conduit for your wants and needs. I firmly believe that the strength of our city lies in the unity of its people, and your input is invaluable in steering our shared destiny.

In this spirit, my resolution for 2024 is centered around active engagement and responsiveness. I am not here to dictate, but rather to listen and advocate for the changes you wish to see. I recognize that as one of six council members and the Mayor, my role is collaborative, requiring consensus and shared vision. Together, we can create a community that reflects the values and priorities of each and every one of us.

In the coming year, I am eager to address key policy areas that I have identified based on your continued feedback and community needs. These include a commitment to increase transparency in our local government, working diligently to expand our water and road infrastructure, supporting our local businesses and enhancing the functionality of our City Council. These are not just my priorities—they are a reflection of the concerns I've heard from you, my fellow residents.

I understand the significance of community input, and I pledge to be a steadfast advocate for your concerns. While I am just one voice among the others on the City Council, I promise to tirelessly work towards consensus, ensuring that your collective wishes are at the forefront of our decision-making process.

As we embark on this journey into 2024, I invite you to actively participate in shaping the future of Lago Vista. Your engagement is the cornerstone of our success, and together, we can build a community that we are all proud to call home.

Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of representing you. Here's to a year of collaboration, progress, and a stronger, more vibrant Lago Vista.

Warm regards,

Shane R. Saum

City Council Member Place 1

Transparency

Please take my Citizen Survey below so I can hear directly from you and on what issues are most important to you!

Citizen Survey Click Here

In my ongoing efforts to enhance transparency within the City of Lago Vista, I am committed to implementing innovative measures that promote open dialogue and collaboration. Recognizing the constraints posed by the Texas Open Meetings Act and its walking quorum provisions, I am proposing the establishment of an online message board in accordance with Section 501.006 of the Act. This platform will allow City Council members to openly discuss public policy and city agenda items, fostering a collaborative environment crucial for the development of well-informed and thoughtful decisions. All discussions on this board will be published on the City website, ensuring that our deliberations are part of the public record, promoting accountability and transparency in our decision-making processes.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to being more accessible to our residents. In addition to remaining available by email, phone, social media and by appointment, I am committed to holding at least one in-person event each month at a local business. This initiative aims to create a welcoming environment where citizens can comfortably share their opinions and concerns. I believe that face-to-face interactions are invaluable, and this commitment reflects my dedication to being physically present in our community, actively engaging with residents in a group setting to better understand their perspectives and address their needs.

Infrastructure

As our city embarks on significant infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of water infrastructure and road improvements, I want to ensure that our citizens remain actively involved in the planning and monitoring processes. I will explore and propose ways to facilitate public participation, keeping residents informed and engaged in shaping the future of Lago Vista. I would like to explore a program similar to this program (CLICK LINK HERE) which encourages ownership of roads by the citizens by involving them directly in the process of monitoring of road construction through training, observing and reporting. Through these transparent initiatives, I aim to strengthen the bond between the City Council and our community, building trust and collectively working towards the betterment of our beloved city.

I will also advocate the City enter into a Water System Partnership with other Municipal water systems in the central Texas area to share training, resources and help during times of need. This is a growing practice across the country. According to the EPA:

“Drinking water systems across the country face unique challenges to provide safe drinking water and operate often with limited resources. Specific issues with the water system’s technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) capacity could become a catalyst for beginning a water system partnership. Water system partnerships are a problem-solving and program enhancing tool to address the multi-faceted challenges water systems face. The impact of water system partnerships encompasses a broad range of issues and requires collaboration across a wide spectrum of stakeholders to address and provide solutions. This increases the capacity and enables systems to sustainably provide safe and affordable water to their communities.”

When I toured our water infrastructure this month I broached the idea of this concept and heard from staff that they had reached out to other communities to problem solve similar water systems. Formalizing this practice can have a great impact on our community and provide our staff extended resources they may not currently have. Additionally, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) grants the “Water Partners: Water Systems Helping Water Systems Award '' each year and I would love for a goal of Lago Vista to be to some day win that award or help a neighboring community win that award for helping us.

Furthermore, the Legislature this year passed a bill to help get more high school students interested in careers in water and wastewater careers. Previously, students had to wait until their graduation to obtain a license. Under the new law, students who complete the required training and pass an exam are eligible for provisional licenses. Once the student turns 18 and receives a high school diploma or GED, they can obtain a permanent license. I would like to see the City opt into programs like this and others to ensure we have the workforce needed in the coming years, but to also give our local students an opportunity to stay and work in their community.

Support Local Business

Supporting our local businesses is not just an economic strategy; it is a commitment to the heart and soul of our community. As a City Council member, I am dedicated to championing initiatives that foster the growth and prosperity of our local enterprises. One key proposal is the establishment of a local preference program within the city's procurement processes. This program would provide a valuable advantage to businesses rooted in Lago Vista, ensuring that our city spending contributes to the vitality of our local economy. Additionally, I aim to explore ways to streamline and support local businesses in our permitting processes. This could involve options such as pay-for-expedited-processing or providing additional educational resources to guide businesses through the intricacies of city regulations, fostering a more business-friendly environment. We all want to see Lago Vista characterized as a staunch “Pro-Business” city.

Furthermore, I recognize the importance of seeking input from our local businesses on matters that directly impact them. To achieve this, I propose initiatives to actively engage with the business community, seeking their perspectives on issues like infrastructure development, tax policies, tourism strategies, and more. By establishing channels for open communication and collaboration, we can ensure that the City's decisions align with the needs and aspirations of our local entrepreneurs. Additionally, I aspire to explore creative ways to market and promote our local businesses, leveraging city resources to boost their visibility and contribute to their success. Together, these initiatives underscore my commitment to building a thriving local economy that benefits both businesses and residents alike.

Ensuring Sure City Council Works FOR YOU

Ensuring that the City Council works for you, the residents of Lago Vista, is a fundamental aspect of my commitment to transparent and responsive governance. One crucial step in this direction is addressing the accessibility of council meetings. It is imperative that citizens who wish to participate in local government have the opportunity to do so without the inconvenience of late-night sessions. I propose measures to prevent council meetings from extending too late on weeknights, recognizing that citizens should not be required to wait until midnight to express their comments. This initiative is part of my commitment to fostering an environment where community engagement is not only encouraged but made feasible for all.

Equally important is the need to ensure that agenda items are thoroughly and thoughtfully considered. Rushing through important decisions is counterproductive to good governance. To address this, I advocate for providing City Council members with adequate time to review background documents and ordinance drafts before they are posted to a public agenda. This ensures that our council members are well-prepared to deliberate on policy matters and hear from citizens effectively. Additionally, I am dedicated to reordering the sequence of meetings to prioritize citizens' comments and align with their schedules. This includes avoiding scheduling executive sessions on topics that the public deserves to hear about and, in my opinion, placing citizen comments ahead of executive sessions. Through these initiatives, I aim to create a City Council that truly serves the needs and interests of the residents it represents.

Happy New Year

In conclusion, I embark on the journey of 2024 with a profound sense of duty and commitment to the citizens of Lago Vista. While I am just one voice among seven on the City Council, I want to assure you that your needs and desires are at the forefront of my priorities. These resolutions to enhance transparency, support local businesses, and improve the efficiency of our City Council meetings are ambitious but essential for the betterment of our community. I recognize the weight of this elected position as a sacred honor, and I pledge to give my utmost effort to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to me. Your input is invaluable in shaping the direction of our city, and I encourage you to continue informing me of your thoughts and concerns. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Lago Vista that truly reflects the aspirations of its residents. Thank you for the trust you've placed in me, and I look forward to the collaborative efforts that lie ahead. Bring on 2024!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Email me @:

Shane.Saum@LagoVistaTexas.gov