The Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District approved its Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget and tax rate and canceled elections during its regular meeting Thursday, Sept. 5.
The board approved a tax rate of $.006098 per $100 valuation for its four member counties: Erath, Comanche, Bosque and Coryell. This ‘no new revenue’ rate is a drop from the current rate of $.006463 per $100 valuation. (The vote carried with Kenneth Bullington opposed and Rodney Stephens and Joe Altebaumer absent.)
In discussions on the budget, MTGCD general manager reported the proposed budget would leave an estimated $2.1 million in the fund balance with around $988,550 budgeted for the year’s operations. Wagner said he based the budget off of the amended 2023-24 budget (final end of year adjustments were approved during the Thursday meeting) and made some changes like more money in monitoring equipment so the district can continue to get more accurate data about groundwater usage though its voluntary well metering program.
MTGCD is the governing body responsible for cataloguing well registration, ensuring the proper installation of wells and upholding the conservation of groundwater within the district’s member counties (Erath, Comanche, Bosque and Coryell).
The board also approved the cancellation of director elections for Nov. 5, 2024 as no challengers filed to run against Erath incumbent Joe Altebaumer and Comanche incumbents Rodney Stephens and Shane Tucker. The board also approved a $1500 local agreement with TML for cyber security and the annual partnership with the Texas Water Foundation.
Field Tech Johnny Wells reported taking water levels in Bosque last month, finding 21 higher than the least quarterly reading and 15 lower.