MUD clarity

Regarding “Dirty MUDS” editorial (Page B8, Friday), Harris and surrounding counties have enjoyed tremendous growth over the years. Municipal Utility Districts drive this growth. The cost of building a new residential, or commercial development runs into the millions, which the developer could not bear. The state Legislature recognized this years ago and passed legislation to allow the creation of Municipal Utility Districts.

The districts finance the cost through the Texas Water Development Board. The money is paid back through the assessment of taxes. Most obligations are repaid in 20 years. Property tax values are established by the Harris County Appraisal Distract.

The law allows utility districts to build parks, swimming pools, green-ways, fire protection and police protection.

The “unsustainable growth” the writer speaks of is not created by utility districts. The growth is sustained by developers who purchase the property.

I have served on North Forest Municipal District Board for 40 years and have been president for 20 of those years. Our meetings are publicized and open to all residents and property owners; our annual audit is available to all; newsletters are included with the water/sewage invoices.

The name of directors, all of which are residents in the subdivision, are publicized. If we receive complaints, they are usually from someone who has never taken the time to attend our public meeting. Our office facility is located in the subdivision. Dale W. Crawford, president, North Forest Municipal Utility District