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9 • GeneralBlanco Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District (Blanco County)

General Managers Report

Presented in: Blanco-Pedernales GCD Board Meeting - May 21, 2026 on 2026-05-21
Meeting Agenda PDF

Official Roll-Call Vote

Restrains Gov't • 2.5/10 Impact Weight
PASSED (5 - 0)
“Action on General Managers Report”
GS
Gregory Stevens
Board Secretary - Treasurer, Precinct 4
YES
JS
James Sultemeier
Director, Place 4
YES
GC
George Cofran
Director, Place 5
YES
TM
Tom Murrah
Director, Place 1
YES
JK
Jimmy Klepac
Director, Place 2
YES

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

9. General Managers Report a. Update on Lagom Ranch Permit P-20250112 General Manager Kubinski reported that a hearing examiner, Judge Alicia Franklin York, has been secured. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, and will be held at the District office and open to the public. Twenty-three protestants have been identified. General Counsel Greg Ellis cautioned board members and the public against any ex parte communication with board members regarding this contested case, as doing so could ; jeopardize the integrity of the proceeding and expose the district's decision to legal challenge. b. Update on Johnson City Permit P-20250028 The district is still reviewing the pump test results submitted by the city's consultant, KT Groundwater. While the technical data appeared to meet board order requirements, the submission lacked the required demand and population report. A letter was sent to the city's chief administrative officer on May 19, 2026, requesting that information within 20 business days. c. Texas Capitol visit on April 29, 2026: Met with Senators, Representatives, and staff to discuss Resolution #20260416-1 and secure support General Manager Kubinski reported on meetings held at the Texas Capitol. Senator Charles Perry, chairman of the water committee, declined to carry legislation providing legal defense coverage for GCDs but advised the district to engage the Lieutenant Governor's office and the House Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. Appointments were secured with both for June 26, 2026. Senator Perry indicated that GCD-related bills are more likely to originate and advance through the House in the next regular session. General Counsel Ellis added that both the Texas Water Association and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts have formed large legislative committees to identify and prioritize water-related bills for the upcoming session. d. Update on 2026 Groundwater Availability Model The new Southern Trinity Plateau Groundwater Availability Model (GAM) was formally approved by the Texas Water Development Board on May 8, 2026. The district plans to use this updated model for the next DFC cycle, with planning expected to begin after the New Year. e. TCEQ Permit Notice - City of Blanco The Board was notified of a TCEQ permit allowing the City of Blanco to discharge daily flow not to exceed 225,000 gallons per day. The district is a recognized stakeholder in this matter. f. Replacement of TRB Credit Card Texas Regional Bank notified the district that its existing credit card program is being discontinued. The district currently holds two other cards and will transition accordingly. The existing TRB card balance will be paid off by mid-June 2026. &. Employees Retirement System of Texas Invoice The district's annual payment of $35 to the Texas Social Security program was made on schedule. A. Hill Country Alliance Photo Contest General Manager Kubinski noted that the Hill Country Alliance is accepting photo subm

Bastiat Liberty & Property Rights Analysis

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.5/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.