Discuss and Possible Action on Operating Permit Fees for Well Owners

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

9. Discuss and Possible Action on Operating Permit Fees for Well Owners Converting from Exempt to Permit Status to File Applications Before April 16, 2027, Deadline General Manager Erik Kubinski explained that under the current fee schedule, well owners converting existing exempt wells to operating permits would be charged the standard $3,000 application fee. Staff determined this could discourage compliance ahead of the April 16, 2027, deadline. The proposed resolution clarifies that no operating permit application fee will be charged for existing wells required to go through the permitting process under the new rules, while the standard fees will still apply to new wells and permits. The goal is to encourage voluntary compliance without generating revenue as the primary motive. Staff will issue a press release and use social media to publicize the fee waiver. Motion to adopt Resolution 20260623-2 was made by Director James Sultemeier and seconded by Director George Cofran. The motion carried unanimously. 10.Discuss and Possible Action on District Drought Status and Drought Conditions General Manager Erik Kubinski reported that monitoring wells on the north side of the county have improved, while the southern portion remains in Drought Stage 3. The overall monitoring network still reflects Drought Stage 3. He noted that a meteorologist from the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, speaking at the Texas Water Association conference, predicted above-normal rainfall over the next 12 months due to a strong El Nifio pattern, with significant precipitation expected in fall and winter. Staff recommended maintaining the current Drought Stage 3 designation. No action was taken.

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.8/10). 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.