Dissecting the Agenda: January 15, 2025

January 15, 2025 Agenda

The first meeting of the year under president Beth Jones is about as surprising as the sun rising in

the east. Self-interest and dodged responsibilities? Right on cue. Let’s dive into the highlights

(and lowlights).

Unclaimed Funds: Lost in the Void

The bookkeeper’s report promises another round of financial déjà vu, with bills and invoices

regurgitated for review. Yet, one glaring omission stands out: the “unclaimed funds” report, last

seen in June 2023. Artesian took over bookkeeping that same month, and it seems their

QuickBooks came with a clean slate—and perhaps a memory wipe.

What are unclaimed funds, you ask?

Think of them as the district’s version of a scavenger hunt, except instead of treasures, it’s your

deposit refund. Here’s the process:

1. Sign up for water services and leave a deposit.

2. Move and hope your deposit refund finds you.

3. If it doesn’t, the district logs it as “unclaimed” and reports it to the Texas Comptroller.

At least, that’s the theory. But seven months past the reporting deadline, the bookkeeper claims

no time, waiting on the operator and essential too difficult to produce. Difficult? Reconciling a

check register and identifying uncashed checks isn’t exactly splitting the atom.

What’s more likely: genuine complexity or a solid case of “I forgot”?

General Manager: Mission Unaccomplished

The General Manager’s report is a masterpiece of omission, conspicuously missing key

assignments from November and December:

• Proposals for upgrading the meeting recording system.

• Public notices about Hypoxylon Canker tree disease.

• Web notice on Led and Copper FAQ’s.

• Proposals for re-striping the tennis courts.

• Customer use instructions for electronic meters.

• True and accurate accounting of the 80 accounts with missing deposits.

Is this a case of “too busy,” or has the art of procrastination reached new heights? Either way, it’s

hard to imagine these tasks ranking lower than, say, organizing paperclips.

65+ Water Rates: A Discount Wrapped in Smoke and Mirrors

Item 8(a) claims to address water rates for seniors, but let’s not pop the champagne just yet.

What’s being touted as a “discount” looks more like a sleight of hand.

The Breakdown

• Rate Order (Page 7): Seniors get a discount on the Basic Service Fee.

• Rate Order (Page 8): No mention of age-based discounts on water usage. Instead, the

water rate includes what Cedar Park charges, plus 10%—which goes straight to district

revenue.

The Basic Service Fee, covering Waste Management services, offers:

• Weekly trash and recycling pickup for 1,891 properties.

• Bulky item collection for the same 1,891 properties.

• Hazardous waste collection for... 1,641 properties?

Wait, what? What about the other 250 properties? Are they practicing hazardous waste

abstinence, or is the math just on vacation?

The Numbers

• Basic Service Fee (Under 65): $25.00/month.

• Basic Service Fee (65+): $18.43/month.

Waste Management invoice billed the district $45,269.54, while “Base Service Revenue” from

the financial report presented in December came in at $48,494.00. That’s a $3,224.46 monthly

profit. Sounds good, right? Except this figure fluctuates wildly each month, making it harder to

track than Bigfoot.

Questions That Deserve Answers

1. How much is actually being collected in Basic Service Fees?

2. How many seniors are receiving the Basic Service Fee discount?

3. Why is it easier to find a unicorn than a straight answer about revenue?

Without transparency, this discount feels less like a gift and more like a distraction.

Attention Seniors!

If you’re 65 or older, claim your discount before it vanishes into the abyss. Call 512-246-0498 to

save $6.57 a month on your Basic Service Fee. (Yes, you have to ask for it—because apparently

fairness is an elective course.)

Other Agenda Mysteries...

Public Information Act Policy (Item 8(b)): Another stab at making public records less, well,

public.

Public Comment Restrictions (Item 8(c)): If you enjoyed November’s attempt to stifle

residents’ voices, you’re in for a sequel.

Outside Legal Counsel (Item 8(e)): The board is discussing hiring external counsel, likely to

pursue their pet project: silencing muducation.org.

What’s Up with 1000 Old Mill?

Item 8(f) mentions “park and use of 1000 Old Mill,” but provides no details. If I were a betting

person, I’d wager this is Beth Jones’s attempt to resurrect her social club AMWNA (pronounced:

Am Wanna), with perks conveniently aimed at her inner circle.

Final Thoughts

This agenda is a greatest hits compilation of half-finished work, financial murkiness, and policies

that prioritize board interests over public good. If you’re wondering where the accountability is

—join the club.

Stay tuned as we continue peeling back the layers of district operations. Transparency isn’t just a

buzzword; it’s a necessity. Let’s see if this board gets the memo.