A frequently asked question, "Is Sanctuary going to happen?"
Answer: "Yes." With or without the Village, Sanctuary is going to happen.
What is planned?
Answer: The best answer is that it is evolving.
Will the Village have much say in what Sanctuary builds?
Answer: Difficult to answer because there are two replies, "Yes and No." As long as there is frequent and open communication, the Village will have a say. If the Village shuts-down and ends all communication pretending/hoping it is not going to happen, we will have some say, but not much.
What does that mean?
Answer: They are not in our city limits which limits what the Village can and cannot do. For instance, they can establish a MUD.
What is a MUD?
A Municipal Utility District (MUD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas authorized by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to provide water, sewage, drainage and other services within the MUD boundaries.
How is it created?
A majority of property owners in the proposed district petitions the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality to create a MUD. The TCEQ evaluates the petition, holds a public hearing, and grants or denies the petition. After approval, the TCEQ appoints five temporary members to the MUD's Board of Directors, until an election is called to elect permanent Board members, to confirm the MUD's creation, and to authorize bonds and taxing authority for bond repayment.
How does the MUD work?
The publically elected Board of Directors manages and controls all of the affairs of the MUD subject to the continuing supervision of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. The Board establishes policies in the interest of its residents and utility customers. A MUD may adopt and enforce all necessary charges, fees and taxes in order to provide district facilities and service.
Do residents and commercial businesses pay property taxes?
MUD tax rates, like all property tax rates, vary according to property values and debt requirements. Property taxes do not come to the Village. They remain in the District.
Does a MUD recreational amenities?
In addition to their common functions of water and wastewater service, MUDs are legally empowered to engage in conservation, irrigation, electrical generation, firefighting, solid waste collection and disposal, and recreational activities (such as parks, swimming pools, and sports courts). A MUD can provide for itself the recreational amenities that are approved by the Board of Directors and funded by the District.
Do developers have authority over MUDS?
Developers must petition the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality to create a MUD. Developers are prohibited from serving or placing employees, business associates, or family members on the MUD Board of Directors. Developers must pay for or put up a letter of credit equal to 30% of the cost of subdivision utilities. This requirement ensures against "fly-by-night operators" who are not committed to the success of the MUD. The "30% rule" also offers protection to MUD residents in the event that a subdivision is not built according to schedule. Unless they are voting residents within a MUD, developers have no authority or control over the MUD's Board of Directors. If they are voting members of a district, they have the same power to vote and attend Board meetings as any other resident.
What does all this mean?
If there is no communication, no agreements to work together, no effort on the part of the Village and the owners/developers of Sanctuary, there will be two separate communities: The Village of Salado and the Municipal Utility District of Sanctuary.
So?
Do you really want that to happen? Think about the long range consequences of the Village having no say in Sanctuary's plans not to mention no tax revenue. Some of Salado's southern growth will end at College Hill. Killeen is coming from the West, Belton from the North, Temple from the East -- Salado will be surrounded. Not a scare tactic -- look at the map and see for yourself. You will elect your Board of Aldermen. The District will elect their Board of Directors. Each will work on behalf of their own Village or District. They have their own "governments." They can meet in the middle or go in opposite directions.
When will the Village know everything?
As quickly and as prudent as possible. Like any negotiation, nothing is permanent until a signed agreement is reached. The Board of Aldermen must vote on any agreement. Good guidance, (1) Talk to your Aldermen/Lady. They are involved in the negotiations. (2) Attend the Board of Aldermen meetings and workshops. They are long but necessary. The issues are many. (3) As much as possible, be positive and know that your elected officials love this Village as much as you. We all have hopes, dreams, and financial investments just like you. We want the very best for all.
As quickly and as prudent as possible. Like any negotiation, nothing is permanent until a signed agreement is reached. The Board of Aldermen must vote on any agreement. Good guidance, (1) Talk to your Aldermen/Lady. They are involved in the negotiations. (2) Attend the Board of Aldermen meetings and workshops. They are long but necessary. The issues are many. (3) As much as possible, be positive and know that your elected officials love this Village as much as you. We all have hopes, dreams, and financial investments just like you. We want the very best for all.
Please come to an evening with the Mayor. There will be four distinct evenings : (1) Citizens (2) Business owners, (3) the Leaders of the Service Groups and Religious institutions and (4) new residents to Salado.
As Henry Ford often said:
Coming together is a
Beginning
Keeping together is
Progress
Working together is
Success
Please tell others about this Blog; it will keep you as informed as possible. There is also a Skip Blancett Facebook Page that is composed of pictures and highlights. The Village Voice is a good source, also. Tim does much research before writing a factual story.
VR/Skip
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