Collin County court adopts resolution opposing HB 23; staff briefs court on HB 4275, HB 2494/SB 1844
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Summary
The Commissioners Court approved a resolution opposing HB 23 (allowing third-party plan review and inspections) and received staff updates on two other bills — HB 4275 on countywide polling costs and HB 2494/SB 1844 on deannexation where full municipal services are not provided.
The Collin County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution opposing House Bill 23, a proposal staff described as permitting developers to use third-party firms for planning compliance and inspections in lieu of county staff.
Russell Shofford, deputy county administrator, presented the resolution and told the court it was requested because the county is "not for sure the level of review, and not for sure if the private sector firm would necessarily have the same priorities" as county reviewers. The court moved and seconded the resolution, and the motion passed unanimously.
Shofford also briefed the court on other bills up for the 89th Texas Legislature. He said HB 4275 (countywide polling places) was debated in committee and that staff estimates the county could face an estimated $13,000,000 cost to implement countywide polling if the bill requires new equipment and staffing. He explained the bill would amend countywide polling statutes to require a location in all precincts while allowing voting anywhere in the countywide system.
Shofford additionally described HB 2494 (and Senate companion SB 1844), a measure that would require areas annexed by a municipality to receive full municipal services (police, fire, water, sewer and fire hydrants) or face deannexation. He said the policy would shift responsibilities for some high-growth areas back to the county in places that do not receive full municipal services.
The court did not take additional formal action on the other bills; staff said they will continue to monitor the legislation.