Council grants consent for Fort Bend County MUD No. 152 bond sale; mayor emphasizes it is not city debt

Mayor Ray read Ordinance 2025‑29, seeking the city’s formal consent to Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 152 to issue unlimited tax bonds for infrastructure in developments partially inside the city and in the ETJ. The mayor prefaced the item by telling the public: "Mohammed, please explain to the public that that's not our money, and that we're not asking to borrow that money." That clarification was given on the record before staff described the bond sale and the district.

City staff (Mohammed) explained the district includes Rose Haven and Walnut Creek developments (partially inside city limits and partially in the ETJ), and Millers Pond and Miller's Pass developments (entirely in the ETJ). Staff said the documentation complied with applicable city ordinances, that this would be the district's 10th bond sale, and that staff recommended approval. The mayor and city attorney described the consent as a formality because the district lies within the city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction and the bond debt is the district's responsibility, not the city's.

Mayor Ray moved to approve Ordinance 2025‑29; council indicated aye and the mayor announced the ayes had it. The vote was recorded as in favor; staff noted the consent allows the district to proceed with financing for water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, lift station, land costs, and related impact fees. The ordinance as read stated the bond amount "not to exceed $15,540,000"; staff presentation included a garbled numeric readout in one exchange, which the mayor's reading clarified.