The Trinity Bay Conservation District (TBCD) held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 13, to review several key issues for the upcoming 2025–26 fiscal year.
Discussions included a slight drop in the proposed tax rate, budget planning, new development projects in the Anahuac area, and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Small Tax Rate Drop Proposed for 2025–26
One of the major items discussed was the proposed tax rate of $0.291133 per $100, slightly lower than last year’s rate. While this may seem like a reduction, officials noted that rising property valuations could still result in higher tax bills for some property owners.
TBCD covers both Jefferson and Chambers counties, but the final rate may change slightly depending on Jefferson County’s finalized property values.
A public hearing on the tax rate has been scheduled for the next regular board meeting on Wednesday, September 10, at 9 a.m. The board will also hold a public hearing for the upcoming budget before finalizing it.
Wastewater Services for Lakes of Anahuac Under Review
TBCD General Manager Jerry Shadden updated the board on a nearly completed wastewater evaluation study focused on the west side of the district. He asked whether the Lakes of Anahuac, a potential 330-home subdivision located outside city limits, should be included in the study.
This development was previously discussed in a May Anahuac City Council meeting, along with another possible subdivision near Fort Anahuac Park (with 75 to 150 homes).
At that time, council members raised concerns about whether the city’s current sewage plant could handle both projects and expressed reluctance to ask taxpayers to fund any upgrades.
Shadden stated that the city of Anahuac currently has capacity for the Lakes of Anahuac but isn’t taking action. He suggested the district sign an agreement to build a new wastewater plant once the city reaches capacity.
The board agreed to move forward, approving attorney Kate Leverette to meet with Anahuac’s attorney Richard Baker to explore a possible partnership agreement.
Waterline Project Approved After Customer Complaint
Under another agenda item, the board approved a plan to install 2,000 feet of 6-inch waterline along the Belton Lane extension to improve water pressure after a customer complaint. The project is expected to cost $20,000 and will also allow water to be sold to the city of Anahuac.
Bond Projects and Water Infrastructure Updates
TBCD continues to work on its bond-related infrastructure projects:
Attorney Leverette confirmed that the bond application is nearly ready for submission.
The 20-inch waterline installation project is ongoing.
Water tank design plans were recently submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for review.
With development in the Anahuac area picking up, TBCD is working to stay ahead of infrastructure demands while managing costs and planning for long-term growth.
