BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 840
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In 1989, Chapter 324 (Park and Recreation District and Park Bonds: Counties with Frontage on Guadalupe and Comal Rivers), Local Government Code, was created to allow a county, with river frontage on both the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, to create a park and recreation district in the unincorporated area of the county.
As proposed, S.B. 840 amends the statute to allow the district to run more smoothly and bring more equity to the district's taxing authority.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 324.046(d), Local Government Code, to require the board of directors of a park district (board) to hold its meetings at a public place in a county in which at least part of the district is located.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 324.062(a), Local Government Code, to authorize the board to employ managers, secretaries, stenographers, bookkeepers, accountants, technical experts, and any other support personnel or agents the board considers necessary, rather than permanent or temporary agents and employees it requires.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 324.064(b), Local Government Code, to authorize the board, if the contract is for an amount less than or equal to the amount in Section 262.023 (Competitive Requirements for Certain Purchases), rather than $15,000 or less, to enter into the contract without advertisement. Makes conforming changes.
SECTION 4. Amends Section 324.095(a), Local Government Code, to include a visitor's center and a district office as eligible to be purchased and used for a river access location through revenue bonds or any other revenue sources.
SECTION 5. Amends Section 324.099(b)(A)(1), Local Government Code, to include dry boat storage as subject to taxation under this subsection.
SECTION 6. Amends Section 324.100, Local Government Code, to include construction of facilities to house district personnel and equipment and leasing of property as necessary to benefit the district as projects that, in addition to any other purpose or obligation of a district, a district is authorized to use its tax revenue and other revenue for.
SECTION 7. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 8. Effective date: September 1, 2005.