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Wimberley council backs state bill to give Hays Trinity Groundwater District expanded authority
Summary
The Wimberley City Council unanimously approved Resolution 01-2025 supporting state legislation to grant the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District broader authority to manage the Trinity Aquifer and allow reasonable production fees.
The Wimberley City Council unanimously approved Resolution 01-2025 on April 3, 2025, supporting state legislation to authorize the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District to manage the Trinity Aquifer for all users and to allow reasonable production fees.
The resolution, introduced by Mayor Jim Chiles and Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Minnick, says the change would align the Hays Trinity District’s authority with other Texas groundwater conservation districts and permit the district to collect production fees to fund operations and scientific monitoring. The council voted in favor by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously.
Council members said they were prompted by outreach from Charlie Flatten, general manager of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, and by conversations at recent Hill Country Alliance legislative briefings. Chiles and Minnick said the proposed legislation responds to a funding shortfall the district could face if current connection-fee revenue declines as permitted development reaches capacity.
The resolution cites Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and notes the 2011 amendment recognizing landowners’ groundwater rights. Council members referenced Senate Bill 2660 (referred to in the meeting as “26 60”) as the measure the city is supporting; Minnick said the bill’s sponsor, Senator Perry, and other legislators signaled bipartisan support during legislative visits.
The resolution directs the city to sign and transmit a copy in support of the legislation. No council member recorded opposition during the April 3 vote.
The change, if enacted by the Legislature, would allow the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District to assess reasonable production fees (cited in the discussion as an example rate of $0.38 per 1,000 gallons) to maintain operations and data collection for long-term aquifer management.
The council did not adopt implementing rules or ordinances; the action in this meeting was limited to the resolution of support and transmitting that position to legislators and stakeholders.
