[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6491741,"mediaKeyId","5823201-35ae8253f9abff1e7fdf9a1bc7e60faa","parentId",5823201,"title","Council’s water committee endorses phased bond approach, details well and storage timeline and conservation push","audioSeconds",1699,"startMs",2291000,"endMs",3990000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823201-35ae8253f9abff1e7fdf9a1bc7e60faa&start=2291&end=3990","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823201-35ae8253f9abff1e7fdf9a1bc7e60faa/thumbnail_2291000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6491741/Heath/Rockwall-County/Texas/Councils-water-committee-endorses-phased-bond-approach-details-well-and-storage-timeline-and-conservation-push","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491741-5c5fb2b73618bab52442aaa09cdb9c19/orig.mp4?Expires=1774962215&Signature=AFRjyFK5DxbNFrDAav-CVQZSSqIWUaifc01k96IXBBmo9sxtzhvDQb3~NU8s98~0zlFZ56YdfaIH9Kk9T1vBI7zXHP74aYuUGNNtPwLK0yihCzRhQyj14tn-mhhi948Xyy0HuNXMNSxXaAR41oo4vBK7HoE8E9ltHFqpgWXu3FSOcLEmoC5r7IgJE73a3OjQtxkEfTu2z3OVlq~0oxNukneq-3Z346Y6pbvGYH9Rk9tNDnUpvWh8H83f-tSS-fnm~4mV95PsdpBwCnHROPu5046Wr6XmJx21UVQLx8Pkk97i7hioV9UKmCLGum5Hj6lljLrUZvKJclc5y50b~zw6Ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Heath","date","2025-09-23T18:30:00Z","article","At the Sept. 23 Heath City Council meeting the Water & Infrastructure Committee presented an in-depth update on the city’s Water Bridge plan and recommended steps to increase supply and storage while limiting short‑term rate shocks.

Committee chair Councilman Scott Dodson and City Manager Steve Alexander outlined supply and storage shortfalls, consultant projections on wholesale water cost increases, and a financing approach to spread borrowing across two fiscal years. The committee and staff said phasing the debt reduces near‑term pressure on customer rates and better times bond proceeds with construction schedules.

Steve Alexander summarized rate projections from the city’s rate consultant, Willdan, and the updated cost picture after a lower-than-expected bid for Water Well No. 1. He told council that Willdan’s recalculation showed materially higher rate impacts if the full previously planned $72 million bond issue were sold immediately — illustrations in staff slides showed possible first‑year water increases in the 30% range under that scenario — but that phasing the borrowing (Option 2) reduces projected increases in the first two years (presented examples: ~24% then ~24%, then 16%). Alexander also presented sample household impacts: an example household using 15,000 gallons would see an illustrative average monthly bill move from about $236 to roughly $282–$285 depending on the financing scenario.

Councilman Dodson and committee members emphasized that Heath’s peak demand is seasonal and largely driven by irrigation; the committee recommended a multi‑channel conservation campaign to reduce peak loads, make better use of current supplies and delay or reduce future rate pressure. The committee described a 90‑day outreach plan including social media, in‑person education, water‑wise demonstrations at Town Center Park and targeted messages to high‑use customers.

Staff reported that the low bid for Well No. 1 came in at $5.5 million (below earlier estimates near $8 million). Because that bid was lower than anticipated, staff proposed trimming the initial bond request and phasing the remainder: Phase 1 to fund wells 1–4, a 1.5‑million‑gallon elevated tank and a shared 3‑million‑gallon ground tank; Phase 2 to fund wells 5–6 and the city’s separate 3‑million‑gallon ground tank.

Engineering and project updates
Engineers and project staff reported on sequencing and construction readiness. Jeremy White of Schaumburg & Polk explained a cost‑driven choice on Meadowview Road: rather than raising the entire roadway, the design uses two 8×8 reinforced concrete box culverts and operational floodgates at either side to increase conveyance capacity and reduce construction cost. He said raising the road to avoid overtopping would have been substantially more expensive.

Town Center Park and irrigation
Staff and the park designers provided a construction update for Town Center Park and coordinated its interface with the well‑drilling schedule. Emily Drake, lead landscape architect (Kimley‑Horn), said planting and sod work are scheduled for early spring (March) to take advantage of establishment conditions; initial vertical work (playground footings, courts, stage footings and dry‑pond walls) will be visible within weeks. The committee noted that park installation and early irrigation demands will be significant at the time of planting but said irrigation strategy and nonpotable reuse options are part of longer‑term planning.

Committee recommendations and next steps
- Proceed with Well No. 1 construction and finalize engineering for wells 2–4. (Well No. 1 construction contract awarded and funded by amended budget.)
- Use phased bond issuance (option 2) to match borrowing to construction timing and reduce near‑term water‑rate pressure.
- Launch a multifaceted conservation and customer‑education campaign (web, social, town hall, demonstrations at Town Center Park).
- Continue engineering and design of elevated and ground storage tanks; staff noted engineering timelines (approx. 200 days for an elevated tank; ~400 days for an in‑ground tank) and recommended staging procurement and financing accordingly.

Council direction and context
Council discussed timing, the potential for interest‑rate savings by delaying portions of the borrowing until market conditions improve, and the committee’s focus on peak demand reduction through conservation measures. Council adopted the FY2025–26 budget (see separate article) which implements the committee’s recommended phased approach in its financing assumptions and directs staff to proceed with engineering and procurement steps.

Ending
Committee leaders said the Water Bridge investments, combined with a sustained conservation program, are intended to increase Heath’s long‑term reliability while limiting sudden bills shocks for customers. Staff will return with detailed financing documents, construction schedules and conservation materials for public outreach.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Heath - City Council 250923","oneSentenceSummary","Council’s Water & Infrastructure Committee and staff reviewed the Water Bridge plan, recommended phasing bond issuances, described expected water‑rate impacts and outlined a conservation and customer‑education campaign tied to Town Center Park and new metering.","taxTitle","Heath, Rockwall County, Texas","taxId",69591,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491746,"Heath council adopts FY2025–26 budget, sets tax rate at $0.27565 and approves fee, contract and budget amendments",627,2877000,3504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823201-35ae8253f9abff1e7fdf9a1bc7e60faa&start=2877&end=3504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823201-35ae8253f9abff1e7fdf9a1bc7e60faa/thumbnail_2877000.jpg","/articles/6491746/Heath/Rockwall-County/Texas/Heath-council-adopts-FY202526-budget-sets-tax-rate-at-027565-and-approves-fee-contract-and-budget-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491746-ef30cecde874f3188106619b37de2411/orig.mp4?Expires=1774962215&Signature=WDH-o5yfW60TDQgY9P~hQgplTGinmECXGTdXfaJY8YoHBh2AYR~44WOI98Z08WVHORG6hWx8-vsBpYHAZKHNnGDVzCBCdPlaICkNeD99Qz0mxi5UIyOzW7xltYhrM43ePqiXK2vnnrHj0kMRPWLc5YSSw3IjC-fiuzXw3HrXd6HBSrBQFJZCfgnk7VMQMVdbnKtcuwGqK1W7uPEwzqqRuBlJlX4xIYSjQDtdXpDw5fJQ5~EyIYKnyhk82bsL1MXYHimQanmuNxC5YSw59AR2oLIuCj5yn5N0tuOCi8fOT-zp6CzqyyJx5Mi7vN-PAfDVoAjX-UVHcQztuIdIGJjI7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Heath City Council on Sept. 23 adopted the city’s fiscal 2025–26 budget, set the property tax rate at $0.27565 per $100 of taxable value and approved several related ordinances, a culvert contract and a budget amendment to fund Water Well No. 1 and license‑plate cameras.

City Manager Steve Alexander presented the budget and related financial options and told the council the staff recommendation was to split the planned water debt into two issues (option 2) rather than issue the full amount at once. Council approved that option; the ordinance adopting the budget (No. 250,923 A, option 2) passed on a recorded vote. Mayor Jeremiah McClure, Mayor Pro Tem Scott Dodson, Council members Cindy Horn, Johnny Myers, Michelle Thurgood and Mitch Olby voted in favor; Council member Ryan Mormon recorded the lone vote against the budget ordinance.

At a separate vote the council adopted the property tax ordinance (No. 250,923 B) setting the voter-approval rate at $0.27565 per $100 of taxable valuation. The council also adopted a resolution (No. 250,923 A) ratifying that increase as required by state law. City staff and the mayor clarified the tax rate is lower than last year’s rate (29.0311¢ to 27.565¢), but rising property values mean the calculation is an “effective” tax increase under state rules; that statutory phrasing requires a ratification.

Council also approved the FY 2025–26 master fee schedule (ordinance 250,923 C), which includes water and wastewater rate adjustments for 2026 tied to the water financing options the council considered. Separately, the council amended the current fiscal year budget (ordinance 250,923 D) to add $5,497,777 for construction of Water Well No. 1 and $65,400 for expanded Flock license‑plate recognition cameras. That amendment passed with one dissenting vote.

Other actions included approval of a final plat (case FP202502) for two tracts at 7440 S. FM 549, and award of the Meadowview Road culvert replacement project to a low bidder. The council approved the consent agenda without objection.

Votes at a glance (key items)
- Ordinance 250,923 A — Adopt FY 2025–26 budget, option 2: Passed (record vote). Mover: motion recorded; second recorded. Vote: McClure, Dodson, Horn, Myers, Thurgood, Olby — yes; Mormon — no. Notes: Option 2 splits the bond issuance (Phase 1: $40,500,000 in FY2026; Phase 2: $21,500,000 in FY2027). Staff presented financial impacts (example figures: revenues reduced to $91,700,000; appropriations $110,500,000; ending fund balance $43,400,000 under Option 2 as presented).
- Ordinance 250,923 B — Levy property tax rate at $0.27565 per $100 (voter-approval rate): Passed (record vote). Vote recorded as unanimous in roll call. Note: City attorney/staff explained rate decline vs. last year while taxable value increases trigger state-required “effective increase” language.
- Resolution 250,923 A — Ratify property tax increase: Passed (record vote). Notes: statutory ratification because proposed rate exceeded the no-new-revenue maintenance-and‑operation rate.
- Ordinance 250,923 C — Adopt master fee schedule (FY2026) (option 2): Passed unanimously. Notes: water rate adjustments for 2026 only; later years presented as projected scenarios.
- Ordinance 250,923 D — Amend FY2024–25 budget to add $5,497,777 (Water Well No. 1) and $65,400 (Flock cameras): Passed. Vote: recorded as 6–1 (one no). Notes: funding moved from utility capital reserve; staff said some costs will be reimbursed from future CO proceeds.
- Case FP202502 — Final plat approval, 2 tracts totaling 5.372 acres, 7440 S. FM 549: Passed unanimously. Mover: Councilman Mormon; Second: Councilman Thurgood. Notes: staff and Planning & Zoning recommended approval; structure to be built outside mapped floodplain areas.
- Meadowview Road culvert replacement — award to low bidder (amount shown $780,915): Motion passed unanimously. Staff presented project history, emergency designation, and design choice; engineering explained design uses larger box culverts and floodgates rather than raising the roadway to contain costs.
- Consent agenda (minutes and routine items): Accepted unanimously.

What the votes mean
- Financing approach: Council chose the phased (two-issue) bond approach (option 2) staff recommended. Staff said splitting the issue reduces the near-term required rate increases and times borrowing to match construction needs.
- Household bills: Staff and the consultant presented sample bill impacts; one illustrative household using 15,000 gallons (10,000 wastewater) would see average monthly bills move in the models from about $236.13 to between $281 and $285 depending on the financing option and timing presented.

Context and immediate next steps
Staff will proceed with the actions required by the adopted ordinances: preparing bond issuance documents consistent with the phased plan, launching the fee schedule for FY2026, and beginning construction work for Water Well No. 1. Staff said they will return with resolutions and formal bond‑issuance paperwork to reimburse capital expenditures from certificates of obligation when those COs are sold.

Ending
Council members who spoke emphasized that the budget choices are intended to preserve Heath’s long‑term water supply and storage while limiting near‑term rate shocks; at least one council member recorded a dissent on the budget motion. The council moved on after approving the final items and project updates.

","At its Sept. 23 meeting the Heath City Council adopted the fiscal 2025–26 budget (option 2), set the property tax rate at $0.27565 per $100 of valuation, approved the master fee schedule for water and sewer rate changes, awarded a culvert contract and approved a budget amendment funding Water Well No. 1 and license-plate cameras.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council’s water committee endorses phased bond approach, details well and storage timeline and conservation push

Heath council adopts FY2025–26 budget, sets tax rate at $0.27565 and approves fee, contract and budget amendments