‹ Bridgeland Water Agency · All districts' issues
question
Other
$600
money moved
Under what authority does the Agency donate funds to the County beyond the law enforcement agreement?
Gov't Code §791.011(c)(2), (e); Tex. Const. art. III §52(a)
The board action behind it
2026-08-04: Approved a $600.00 donation to Precinct 5 for Halloween candy (Trustees Goodspeed, Vicknair, Markiewicz and McCarroll in favor; Trustee Barrington against)
What else happened at that meeting
The Board approved the bookkeeper's report and the quarterly investment report for the period ended May 31, 2026, and deferred action on a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2027 operating budget. It approved $3,000.00, plus up to $500.00 for miscellaneous expenses, to sponsor National Night Out, and, by a 4-1 vote, a $600.00 donation to Precinct 5 for Halloween candy. By a 4-0 vote with one abstention, it allowed Harris County MUD No. 419 to use the Agency's name if it holds a holiday parade. The Board also agreed to send residents a clarification of a CenterPoint Energy notice and to start a 'Fats, Oils & Grease' education campaign.The law and guidance in force on 2026-08-04
| Public money may be spent on a private party only for a public purpose, with adequate controls and a return benefit Tex. Const. art. III §52(a) (three-part test from case law)
art. III §52: Same text in force then and now |
Question | Candy for deputies to hand out; Trustee Barrington voted no because she believes Precinct 5 should fund officer outreach (p.4). |
| Payments under an interlocal contract fairly compensate the performing party Gov't Code §791.011(e)
§791.011(e): Same text in force then and now |
Question | The Agency already pays the County for the deputies' time; a donation on top of the contract price is outside that agreement. |
Who's involved
Harris County (Constable, Precinct 5) (law enforcement provider under interlocal agreement)
Cost to the district
$600 Donation; no FY2027 budget line for donations or event sponsorship.Money or costs moved
Member MUDs (pro rata by connections) → Harris County (Precinct 5): $600 Donation for Halloween candy.
Why the board approved it
Recorded: “Carried 4-1; dissent and reason recorded (p.4).”
Small amount; the dissent states the policy question clearly.