CHAPTER 9601. RIVERBEND WATER RESOURCES DISTRICT
SPECIAL DISTRICT LOCAL LAWS CODE
TITLE 6. WATER AND WASTEWATER
SUBTITLE L. MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 9601. RIVERBEND WATER RESOURCES DISTRICT
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 9601.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Board" means the board of directors of the district.
(2) "Bond" has the meaning assigned to the term "public
security" by Section 1202.001, Government Code.
(3) "Director" means a person appointed to the board.
(4) "District" means the Riverbend Water Resources District.
(5) "Member" means a municipality, county, or other political
subdivision that is a member of the district as provided by
Section 9601.005.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.002. NATURE OF DISTRICT. The district is a
conservation and reclamation district created under and essential
to accomplish the purposes of Section 59, Article XVI, Texas
Constitution.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.003. FINDINGS OF BENEFIT AND PUBLIC PURPOSE. (a) The
district is created to serve a public use and benefit.
(b) All land and other property included in the boundaries of
the district will benefit from the works and projects
accomplished by the district under the powers conferred by
Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution.
(c) The accomplishment of the purposes stated in this chapter is
for the benefit of the people of this state and the improvement
of their property and industries and will foster and encourage
economic development in this state.
(d) The district, in carrying out the purposes of this chapter,
will be performing an essential public function under the
constitution.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.004. LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER. This chapter
shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes, powers,
rights, and functions stated in this chapter.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.005. DISTRICT MEMBERS. (a) The district is composed
of the following members:
(1) the City of Annona;
(2) the City of Avery;
(3) the City of DeKalb;
(4) the City of Hooks;
(5) the City of Maud;
(6) the City of New Boston;
(7) the City of Texarkana, Texas;
(8) the City of Wake Village; and
(9) the Red River Redevelopment Authority.
(b) After receipt of a petition from the governing body of a
municipality, county, or other political subdivision that desires
to join the district, the board may add a member to the district
on terms determined by the board to be in the best interests of
the district.
(c) A member's withdrawal from the district or the cessation of
existence of a member does not affect the validity of the
district or any of the district's powers or duties.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.006. DISTRICT TERRITORY. (a) The territory of the
district is composed of all the territory contained in:
(1) the cities of Annona, Avery, DeKalb, Hooks, Maud, New
Boston, Texarkana, Texas, and Wake Village; and
(2) the Red River Redevelopment Authority, the boundaries of
which are described by Section 3503.004, including territory that
may be added under Section 3503.005.
(b) The territory of the district also includes all of the
territory:
(1) of any municipality, county, or other political subdivision
that joins the district as a member; and
(2) added to the territory of a member by annexation or other
means.
(c) A defect in the description of the boundaries of a member or
in any past or future proceedings for the annexation of territory
by a member does not affect the validity, powers, or duties of
the district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.007. CONFIRMATION ELECTION NOT REQUIRED. (a) The
board is not required to hold an election to confirm the
district's creation.
(b) Sections 49.101-49.105, Water Code, do not apply to the
district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER B. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sec. 9601.051. COMPOSITION OF BOARD; TERMS. (a) The district
is governed by its board.
(b) The governing body of each member shall appoint a director
to represent the member on the board and shall promptly fill a
vacancy in that board position in accordance with the member's
policies, resolutions, and procedures.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), directors serve
staggered terms of four years.
(d) A director who is also an elected official of a political
subdivision serves for a term coinciding with the term of the
elected office.
(e) The board shall determine the method of staggering the terms
of the directors.
(f) A director may serve consecutive terms.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.052. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE. To be eligible to be
appointed or to serve as a director, a person must be a resident,
qualified voter of the district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.053. BOARD RESOLUTIONS; VOTING REQUIREMENTS. (a) The
district shall act through orders or resolutions adopted by the
board.
(b) All directors are entitled to vote.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.054. OFFICERS AND ASSISTANTS. (a) The board shall
elect a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
(b) The board shall elect the president and vice president from
among the directors.
(c) The president and vice president serve for a one-year term.
(d) The offices of secretary and treasurer:
(1) may be held by one person; and
(2) are not required to be held by a director.
(e) The board may appoint one or more assistant officers who are
not required to be directors.
(f) A person may not concurrently hold the offices of board
president and secretary.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.055. MEETINGS. The board shall have regular meetings
at times specified by board resolution or bylaws and shall have
special meetings when called by the board president or by a
number of directors that is equal to or greater than the number
of directors that is one less than a majority of the board.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.056. TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL MEETINGS. (a) The
board may hold an open or closed meeting by telephone conference
call only if:
(1) the meeting is a special called meeting;
(2) immediate action is required; and
(3) convening a quorum of the board at one location is difficult
or impossible.
(b) A telephone conference call meeting is subject to the notice
requirements applicable to other meetings of the board.
(c) Each part of a telephone conference call meeting that is
required to be open to the public shall be made audible to the
public at the location specified in the notice of the meeting as
the location of the meeting.
(d) The location designated in the notice as the location of the
meeting shall provide two-way communication during the entire
telephone conference call meeting, and the identification of each
party to the telephone conference shall be clearly stated prior
to speaking.
(e) Section 551.125, Government Code, does not apply to a
meeting held under this section.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.057. RECALL. A director may be recalled at any time
by the governing body of the member that appointed the director.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.058. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT. A director is not
entitled to compensation for service on the board but is entitled
to be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the
performance of official duties.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.059. BOARD POSITION NOT A CIVIL OFFICE OF EMOLUMENT.
(a) A position on the board may not be construed to be a civil
office of emolument for any purpose, including a purpose
described in Section 40, Article XVI, Texas Constitution.
(b) An elected official of any county, municipality, or other
political subdivision in the territory of the district may be
appointed to and serve on the board as a director without penalty
or forfeiture of office.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES
Sec. 9601.101. GENERAL POWERS. Except as provided by this
chapter, the district may exercise the powers applicable to a
district under Chapter 49, Water Code.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.102. SPECIFIC POWERS. The district may exercise any
power necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this
chapter, including the power to:
(1) adopt and enforce:
(A) a trade name or trademark;
(B) bylaws and rules for the conduct of the affairs of the
district;
(C) any rule that a water control and improvement district may
adopt and enforce in accordance with Sections 51.127-51.130,
Water Code; and
(D) specific rates, charges, fees, or rentals, and reasonable
rules and regulations, for providing any district commodity,
facility, or service;
(2) in the manner and to the extent permitted by this chapter:
(A) borrow money for a district purpose;
(B) enter into an agreement in connection with the borrowing;
(C) issue bonds for money borrowed;
(D) provide for and secure the payment of the bonds; and
(E) provide for the rights of the holders of the bonds;
(3) acquire any and all storage rights and storage capacity in a
reservoir or other water source inside or outside the boundaries
of the district, and acquire the right to take water from that
reservoir or source, subject to the rights or permits held by
municipalities or other persons, and in accordance with any
contract or contracts that the district may make with the United
States, any state of the United States, or any political
subdivision of any state of the United States, in reference to
those rights;
(4) construct, acquire, own, finance, operate, maintain, sell,
lease as lessor or lessee, dispose of, or otherwise use any work,
plant, or other district facility as defined by Section 49.001,
Water Code, inside or outside the boundaries of the district,
that the board determines is necessary or useful for the exercise
of a district power; and
(5) pledge all or part of district revenue to the payment of
district obligations under a contract or agreement to the same
extent and on the same conditions as the district may pledge
revenue to secure district bonds.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.103. GENERAL POWERS REGARDING WATER. The district has
all rights, powers, and privileges necessary or useful to enable
it to acquire, provide, supply, deliver, and sell water, whether
processed or unprocessed, raw or potable, inside or outside its
boundaries to any person for any beneficial purpose.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.104. AUTHORITY OF PUBLIC AGENCIES AND POLITICAL
SUBDIVISIONS TO CONTRACT WITH DISTRICT. (a) A public agency or
a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this
state or another state may enter into a contract or agreement
with the district, on terms agreed to by the parties, for:
(1) the purchase or sale of water;
(2) waste collection, transportation, processing, or disposal;
or
(3) any purpose relating to the district's powers or functions.
(b) A contract or agreement under this section must comply with
Chapter 791, Government Code.
(c) A provision of district services or facilities to a member
or an exercise of district power regarding a member's retail
services may only be made through a contract between the district
and the member under this section.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.105. CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY TO DISTRICT. A public
agency or a county, municipality, or other political subdivision
of this state may lease, sell, or otherwise convey to the
district, for any consideration that the parties agree is
adequate, any of its land, improvements, property, plants, lines,
or other facilities related to:
(1) the supply, delivery, or sale of water;
(2) waste collection, transportation, processing, or disposal;
or
(3) garbage collection or disposal.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.106. ACQUISITION OF EXISTING FACILITIES. If the
district acquires existing works, improvements, facilities,
plants, equipment, or appliances that are completed, partially
created, or under construction, the district may:
(1) assume the contracts and obligations of the previous owner;
and
(2) perform the obligations of the previous owner in the same
manner and to the same extent that any other purchaser or
assignee would be bound.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 9601.151. PROHIBITION ON ASSESSMENTS OR TAXES. (a) The
district may not under this chapter or any other law impose an
assessment on real property or an ad valorem tax or create a debt
payable from an assessment on real property or an ad valorem tax.
(b) Sections 49.106-49.108, Water Code, do not apply to the
district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.152. DEPOSITORY. District money shall be deposited in
the depository or depositories designated by the board, except
that:
(1) bond proceeds and money pledged to pay bonds, to the extent
provided in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds, or
the trust indenture securing the bonds, may be deposited with
another depository or trustee named in the proceedings or trust
indenture; and
(2) money shall be remitted to each paying agent for the payment
of principal of and interest on the bonds.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.153. INVESTMENT OF DISTRICT MONEY. (a) Chapter 2256,
Government Code, applies to the district and the investment of
district funds and funds under district control.
(b) The board may invest bond proceeds in a manner determined by
the board or in the manner permitted or required in the
proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds or in the trust
indenture securing the bonds.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.154. DISTRICT FACILITIES EXEMPT FROM TAXATION AND
ASSESSMENT. The district is not required to pay a tax or
assessment on its facilities or any part of its facilities.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER E. BONDS
Sec. 9601.201. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE BONDS. (a) The district by
resolution may authorize the issuance of bonds payable from and
secured by revenue or any other available source of district
money to carry out a power conferred by this chapter. Bonds
issued by the district are not a direct obligation of any member.
(b) The bonds must be issued in the manner and under the terms
of the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds.
(c) Bonds may be issued by the district without an election.
(d) Sections 49.181-49.186, Water Code, do not apply to the
district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.202. FORM OF BONDS. District bonds must be:
(1) issued in the district's name; and
(2) signed by the officers of the district in accordance with
the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.203. MATURITY. District bonds must mature not later
than 50 years after the date of their issuance.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.204. BONDS SECURED BY REVENUE; ADDITIONAL BONDS. (a)
Bonds may be secured by a pledge of all or part of the district's
revenue, or by all or part of the payments or rentals under one
or more contracts or leases specified by the proceedings
authorizing the issuance of the bonds.
(b) The proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds secured by
a pledge of revenue of all or part of the district's facilities
may provide that the district shall first pay the expenses of
operating and maintaining all or part of the facilities as the
board considers appropriate before paying the principal of and
interest on the bonds.
(c) In the proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds secured
by revenue, contract payments, or lease rentals, the district may
reserve the right, under conditions specified by the proceedings,
to issue additional bonds that will be on a parity with, superior
to, or subordinate to the bonds then being issued.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.205. ADDITIONAL SECURITY. (a) At the discretion of
the board, bonds may be additionally secured by a deed of trust
or mortgage lien on all or part of the district's physical
property, facilities, easements, water rights and appropriation
permits, leases, contracts, and all rights appurtenant to the
property, vesting in the trustee power to:
(1) sell the property for the payment of the bonds;
(2) operate the property; and
(3) take other action to further secure the bonds.
(b) A purchaser under a sale under the deed of trust lien, if
one is given, is:
(1) the absolute owner of the property, facilities, and rights
purchased; and
(2) entitled to maintain and operate the property, facilities,
and rights.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.206. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY. (a) In connection with
the issuance of bonds, the board may:
(1) prescribe the maximum principal amount of bonds to be issued
and the maximum rate of interest the bonds may bear;
(2) recite the public purpose for which the bonds are to be
issued;
(3) delegate to any officer or employee of the district the
authority to effect the sale of the bonds; and
(4) determine the period during which the delegation authority
under Subdivision (3) may be exercised.
(b) In exercising the authority delegated by the board to an
officer or employee, the officer or employee may establish the
terms and details related to the issuance and sale of the bonds,
including:
(1) the form and designation of the bonds;
(2) the principal amount of the bonds and the amount of the
bonds to mature in each year;
(3) the dates, price, interest rates, interest payment dates,
principal payment dates, and redemption features of the bonds;
(4) the execution of agreements determined by the officer or
employee to be necessary in connection with the issuance of the
bonds; and
(5) any other details relating to the issuance and sale of the
bonds as specified by the board in the proceedings authorizing
the issuance of the bonds.
(c) A finding or determination made by an officer or employee
acting under the authority delegated to the officer or employee
has the same force and effect as a finding or determination made
by the board.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.207. TRUST INDENTURE. District bonds authorized by
this chapter, including refunding bonds, may be additionally
secured by a trust indenture. The trustee may be a bank with
trust powers that is located inside or outside the state.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.208. CREDIT AGREEMENT. In connection with the
issuance of bonds under this chapter, the board may exercise the
authority granted to the governing body of an issuer with regard
to the execution and delivery of a credit agreement under Chapter
1371, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.209. CHARGES FOR DISTRICT SERVICES. If bonds payable
wholly from revenue are issued, the board shall set and revise
the rates, fees, and charges assessed for water sold, waste
collection and treatment services provided, and garbage
collection services provided by the district. The rates, fees,
and charges must be sufficient to:
(1) pay the expense of operating and maintaining the district
facilities that generate the revenue from which the bonds may or
will be paid;
(2) pay the principal of and interest on the bonds when due; and
(3) maintain the reserve fund and other funds as provided in the
proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds or the trust
indenture securing the bonds.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.210. STATE PLEDGE REGARDING RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF
BONDHOLDERS. Without depriving this state of its power to
regulate and control the rates, fees, and charges assessed for
water sold and waste collection and treatment services provided
by the district, the state pledges to and agrees with the holders
of district bonds that the state will not exercise its power to
regulate and control the rates, fees, and charges in any way that
would impair the rights or remedies of the holders of the bonds.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.211. USE OF BOND PROCEEDS. In addition to the
permitted use of bond proceeds provided by general law, the
district may use proceeds from the sale of bonds:
(1) for the payment of interest on the bonds while the project
or facility is being acquired or constructed and for the year
after it is acquired or constructed;
(2) for the operation and maintenance of the project or facility
during the estimated period of acquisition or construction of the
project or facility and for one year after it is acquired or
constructed;
(3) for a debt service reserve fund;
(4) for other funds as may be provided in the proceedings
authorizing the issuance of bonds or in the trust indenture
securing the bonds;
(5) to pay any expense necessarily incurred in accomplishing the
purpose of the district, including any expense of issuing and
selling the bonds; and
(6) to pay any costs incurred under the terms of a credit
agreement.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.212. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE DEBT SERVICE
RESERVE. (a) The board may provide that in lieu of or in
addition to providing for the funding of a debt service reserve
fund with cash, a line or letter of credit or an insurance policy
may be used for the debt service reserve fund.
(b) Any agreement under which a line or letter of credit or
insurance policy is provided must be submitted to the attorney
general for examination and approval. After approval, the
agreement is incontestable in any court or other forum for any
reason and is a valid and binding obligation of the district in
accordance with its terms for all purposes.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.213. REFUNDING BONDS. (a) The district may issue
refunding bonds to refund all or part of its outstanding bonds
issued under this chapter, including matured but unpaid interest
and obligations incurred under a credit agreement.
(b) Refunding bonds may be issued in the manner provided by
Chapter 1207, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.214. REMEDIES AND COVENANTS. The proceedings
authorizing the issuance of any bonds authorized under this
chapter, including refunding bonds, the execution of a trust
indenture securing the bonds, and the execution of a credit
agreement, may provide other remedies and covenants the board
considers necessary to issue the bonds on terms the board
determines to be most favorable to the district.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.215. LIMITATION ON RIGHTS OF BONDHOLDERS. The
proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds or the trust
indenture securing the bonds may limit or qualify the rights of
the holders of less than all of the outstanding bonds payable
from the same source to institute or prosecute litigation
affecting the district's property or income.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.216. BONDS EXEMPT FROM TAXATION. Payments made by the
district in connection with the issuance of bonds, the transfer
of any bond, and the income from any bond, including profits made
on the sale of any bond, are exempt from taxation in this state.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 9601.217. APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER. (a) On default or
threatened default in the payment of the principal of or interest
on obligations incurred by the district in connection with the
issuance of bonds that are payable wholly or partly from revenue,
a court may, on petition of the holders of at least 25 percent of
the district's outstanding revenue bonds, or the party to a
credit agreement, appoint a receiver for the district.
(b) The receiver may collect and receive all district revenue,
employ and discharge district agents and employees, take charge
of money on hand, and manage the district's proprietary affairs
without the consent of or hindrance by the board.
(c) The receiver may be authorized to sell or contract for the
sale of water, the collection or treatment of waste, or the
provision of garbage collection or disposal services, or to renew
contracts with the approval of the court that appointed the
receiver.
(d) The court may vest the receiver with any other power or duty
the court finds necessary to protect the holders of the bonds or
the party to a credit agreement.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
523, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.