Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Court approves Accenture engagement to explore Wimberley Valley public utility agency for water projects
Summary
Hays County authorized negotiating a professional services agreement with Accenture (up to $50,000) to help form a public utility agency for the Wimberley Valley so local governments can collaborate, apply for grants and plan water and wastewater infrastructure; commissioners discussed board representation and election vs appointment of directors.
The commissioner court voted to authorize negotiation of a professional services agreement with Accenture to help design and organize a public utility agency (PUA) serving the Wimberley Valley.
Commissioner Hammer, who sponsored the item, said the PUA would let local governments and partners apply for grants, accept funds and coordinate water-infrastructure projects. "This would give us somewhat, not only teeth, but it would also allow us to accept funds, and to help our water infrastructure," Hammer said.
Public commenters representing the cities of Woodcreek and Wimberley urged support. Mayor Deborah Hines of Woodcreek told the court the PUA would help "solidify and strengthen our local partnerships in perpetuity" and protect drinking water and the local economy tied to recreational waterways.
Commissioners debated board makeup and whether members should be elected or appointed. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Chase Young explained statutory limits: participating public entities are entitled to appoint at least one director and board composition is governed by Texas statutes for PUAs. Commissioners asked Accenture to advise on governance options during the contract work. The motion to proceed passed on a unanimous roll call.
