Comal County appoints three to Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District board

Comal County Commissioners on Thursday approved appointments of Felicia James, Ron Harris and David Evitz to the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District board, with terms effective Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2029.

The court recorded a motion by Commissioner Hogg, seconded by Commissioner Leacotte, to approve the three appointments as listed on the agenda. The court amended the appointment language for James to specify she will represent the incorporated area of New Braunfels within Comal County. The motion carried.

The matter drew a public comment from resident Jonathan Gulick, who said he routinely attends Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District meetings and asked the court to “state for the record why Felicia James, Ron Harris, and David Evitz are qualified to serve” and noted many county residents rely on wells in the Trinity Aquifer for domestic use.

Commissioners discussed statutory requirements and expectations for board members. A speaker on the dais noted the enabling legislation for the district and said board members are to be registered voters of Comal County and “to the extent practicable, shall be familiar with the use of water by industry and commerce, municipal and rural utilities, agricultural, and private wells,” language the commissioner read from the statute referenced during the discussion. Commissioners also thanked former board members David Davenport and Rob Johnson for prior service.

The court’s appointments complete three of the seven director positions noted by staff as established under the district’s enabling authority. No vote tallies were recorded in the minutes beyond the court’s statement “motion carries.”

Next steps: the three appointments will take effect on Aug. 1, 2025, and the district’s board will continue to oversee groundwater-related matters affecting residents who rely on the Trinity Aquifer.