Relating to the powers, duties, and governance of the Starr County Drainage District, the change of the name of the Starr County Drainage District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District, the dissolution of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District, and the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District; authorizing the imposition of a tax.

Contracts

• Automatic Assumption: Existing contracts with the dissolved Groundwater District legally transfer to the new Combined District. You do not need to execute new agreements.
• Notice of Acknowledgment: Legal departments should issue a formal "Notice of Acknowledgment" to the new District confirming recognition of the transfer to prevent service interruptions or payment disputes.
• Municipal Agreements: If your business relies on municipal water, monitor for new inter-local agreements, as the District is now authorized to assume municipal utility functions.

Hiring/Training

• Government Relations: Assign a representative to engage the Starr County Commissioners Court immediately. The Court appoints the new five-member Board.
• Board Representation: If you are an industrial operator, you must advocate for a favorable appointee to the specific Board seat reserved for "active industrial interests" (Sec. 11022.0201(4)).

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Vendor Management: Update vendor master files immediately. Payments made to "Starr County Groundwater Conservation District" after September 1 may be rejected. Redirect all payments to "Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District."
• Permit Audits: Audit all active groundwater well permits. While valid, the issuing authority has changed. Ensure renewal applications reference the new District name to avoid administrative rejection.

Fees & Costs

• Tax Accruals: The new District has authority to impose ad valorem property taxes. Finance teams must adjust tax accruals for the 2026 tax year to account for potential rate increases or new assessments.
• Utility Exemptions: Electric, gas, telecom, and cable utilities are statutorily exempt from impact fees, standby fees, or assessments on equipment/rights-of-way. Accounts Payable must flag and contest any invoices attempting to apply these fees.