The big picture
In a June 10 meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners approved sending a letter to Missouri City officials sharing the county’s intent to create a county assistance district within the city's ETJ, near the Sienna area. The district would also include parts of the city of Alvin's ETJ, according to agenda documents.
The item—which was previously set to be placed on the 2024 ballot—will need to be placed on the November ballot to allow voters to determine whether the district will be created.
Zooming in
The district’s primary role would be to provide construction, maintenance and improvements to roads, bridges and drainage facilities, said Carlos Guzman, director of the county’s internal economic opportunity and development department.
Guzman said additional responsibilities could include:
- Law enforcement and detention services
- Maintenance or improvements of libraries, museums, parks and other recreational facilities
- Public health services and welfare
- Firefighting and prevention
- The promotion of economic development and tourism
If approved by voters, the projects would be funded by an additional 2% of sales tax in addition to the state’s 6.25%, Guzman said. The 2% tax would be limited to use in the assistance district boundary.
“The county is interested in implementing a tool that will directly benefit the residents of the [assistance district],” he said. ‘The county already has 23 [assistance districts] and they are used to help fund infrastructure projects and quality of life projects.”
Going forward
To be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot, Fort Bend County commissioners will need to call an election no later than Aug. 18, according to agenda documents.
