Irving Flood Control District SECTION III

Transcription

1 Irving Flood Control District SECTION III Flood Protection for the Valley Ranch Community 2013 ANNUAL REPORT Addressing the 5 Ws of IFCD 3

2 WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE & WHY A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Who oversees the work on the canals and structures that carry ground water off and away from the community? What are the construction crews doing when they can be seen along the canal banks? When and where are maintenance activities happening? Why does Irving Flood Control District Section III (IFCD 3) provide the personnel, equipment and plans for those activities as opposed to another entity or organization? As you re driving through Valley Ranch, these are a few questions you may have asked yourself. Irving Flood Control District Section III (IFCD 3) is the entity you are seeing. It is responsible for flood control and ground water runoff in Valley Ranch. It is one member of the larger Valley Ranch team that serves the community to preserve the amenities and public spaces in the District. IFCD 3 is an environmental steward that oversees the canals, retention ponds and other facilities designed to maintain proper surface water levels in a manner that protects and reinforces the natural beauty of Valley Ranch. Dear fellow Valley Ranch residents and business owners-operators, Your IFCD 3 has successfully completed another year of service to the Valley Ranch community. During 2013, we focused significant attention on making improvements to the District s flood control infrastructure, including sump walls, levees and the pump station. Building on work that started in 2011, IFCD 3 made critical improvements to electrical facilities at the District s pump station in preparation for installation of on-site emergency back-up power capabilities in Additionally, IFCD 3 made planned improvements to levees and canals in the District that were needed as a result of the natural forces of erosion. As a tax-funded entity, our goal is to keep the community s best interests at the forefront of everything that we do. In addition to managing the District s assets, we strive to keep you informed about our work. Whether it s alerting residents to ongoing construction projects in the District or building community engagement via social media, our desire is to create understanding for the services we provide and how this helps ensure that the quality of life in Valley Ranch remains strong. As always, IFCD 3 is committed to working together with our colleagues at the City of Irving and VRA. These longstanding relationships have helped ensure that the work we do is conducted in the most efficient, effective manner possible. In closing, keeping our facilities secure is also of key importance. We appreciate Valley Ranch residents being alert to any security concerns when near any of our facilities. Please dial 911 if you observe any situation involving IFCD 3 facilities that may require immediate response from public safety officials. If you have routine questions or concerns, please contact us by at [email protected] or by phone at Sincerely, Kim Andres President, Irving Flood Control District Section III 2 3

3 THE 5 Ws OF IFCD III WHO FORMED IFCD III? At the time of its creation in 1983, it was determined that the land that is now Valley Ranch was situated in a major floodplain of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. To provide and maintain proper flood control, enabling practical use of the area, the Texas Legislature formed IFCD 3. The decision to create the District removed Valley Ranch and surrounding areas from the 100-year floodplain, providing owners with a means to develop their property without the additional burden of having to purchase flood insurance. WHAT IS IFCD III? IFCD 3 is a publicly funded entity that works behind the scenes as an environmental steward and is responsible for helping preserve the high quality of life in Valley Ranch. As you walk, ride or drive around the District, you may notice construction and maintenance crews working on IFCD 3 facilities. These groups help maintain the features in Valley Ranch which ensure that the community continues to be an outstanding place that residents are proud to call home. WHEN WAS IFCD III CREATED? IFCD 3 was created in 1983, as a way to help prevent or mitigate any potential damage from flooding along the Trinity River. In 2013, IFCD 3 celebrated its 30th anniversary and, throughout that time, has helped transform Valley Ranch from an area of land with little practical functionality to a community with beautiful aesthetic features and active flood control management. 4 5

4 THE 5 Ws OF IFCD III WHY WAS IFCD III CREATED? Prior to the formation of IFCD 3 in 1983, present day Valley Ranch consisted of 2,500 acres of open land north of the city of Irving that had high potential for significant flooding. Because of the economic growth of Irving and surrounding areas, residential and business developers were forced to move north. However, because of the prospects of flooding, property owners wanting to develop land in the area that was to become Valley Ranch were faced with the added cost of flood insurance. IFCD III MAP LEVEE IFCD BOUNDARY LINES To help mitigate the burdens associated with potential flooding from the Trinity River floodplain, the Texas Legislature created and appointed IFCD 3. Initially, the main task of IFCD 3 was to oversee the creation of a system of lakes, sumps, canals and a pump facility to manage area water levels, reducing the risk of flooding and allowing for the development of Valley Ranch. Once constructed, IFCD 3 was charged with management and maintenance of these facilities. WHERE DOES IFCD III OPERATE? IFCD 3 manages 5.5 miles of waterways and features in the District, implementing a number of key projects to serve the Valley Ranch community. The District manages canals, ponds and other storm drainage facilities through Valley Ranch, protecting residents, businesses and their respective assets from the impact of flood-related water damage. IFCD 3 also oversees operational and maintenance activities at the levee and storm water pump station located in the southeast corner of Valley Ranch, near the intersection of LBJ Freeway and the President George Bush Turnpike. 6 7

5 NEWS AND UPDATES TOP 5 QUESTIONS Board Reappointments The Irving City Council unanimously voted to reappoint Chris Wallace and William Correa to the IFCD 3 board, extending their terms until January of Chris Wallace serves as the Board s vice president and CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. William Correa serves the IFCD 3 as board treasurer and is CEO of Paragon Project Resources, Inc. 1. What is the role of DCURD with IFCD 3? A number of years ago, IFCD 3 engaged the Dallas County Utility and Reclamation District (DCURD) to provide IFCD 3 with ongoing maintenance and operational support. DCURD is a local governmental body originally created to construct, maintain and operate infrastructure and amenity elements within the Irving s Las Colinas planned urban development. Working with DCURD significantly reduces operational costs to taxpayers and improves project efficiency, providing another great example of how the District collaborates to secure the best value for the people and businesses it serves Cents per $100 Valuation Tax Rate Adopted Approved for Fiscal Year In September, 2013, IFCD 3 approved a new tax rate of 14.2 cents per $100 valuation for fiscal year , representing a less than one half of one cent increase. In addition to funding general operations, the tax rate funds key capital improvements such as completion of the District s pump station revitalization. Led by residents of Valley Ranch appointed by the Irving City Council, IFCD 3 works to carefully and intentionally manage its programs and facilities to maximize value to the community. 2. How is IFCD 3 governed? IFCD 3 is community centric governmental body led by a five member board of directors who are appointed by the Irving City Council to serve the Valley Ranch community. Serving on the board are the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and member at large. Each member serves a two-year term and may be reappointed for consecutive terms. 3. What are the physical boundaries of IFCD 3? The District is bordered by Belt Line Road on the north, LBJ Freeway on the south, the city s recently extended Sam Houston Trail Park on the east and North Lake on the west. 8 Keeping You Informed In an effort to better serve our citizens and community, IFCD 3 continues to work with organizations like the Valley Ranch Association (VRA). Our goal is to provide you with important updates and community news so that you can stay informed. Visit our website, for up-to-date news and information about IFCD 3. Social media users can like the District on Facebook ( and follow us on Twitter (@IFCD3). Additionally, city officials are encouraging all Irving residents to check out a specialized social network that builds and encourages neighborhood-level relationships that can be effective in quickly communicating what is going on in the community. 4. VRA and IFCD 3 both provide services within Valley Ranch. Do these services ever overlap? Although VRA and IFCD frequently coordinate efforts, each has different responsibilities. IFCD 3 is responsible for the design and construction of flood control facilities, oversees maintenance of all IFCD 3 assets within the District and mows grass on land immediately adjacent to IFCD 3 facilities. All other landscaping design, installation and maintenance throughout the Valley Ranch community are the responsibilities of VRA. 5. Are IFCD 3 s board meetings open to the public? All meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. The board generally meets each month at the Red River Recreation Center, 201 Red River Trail, Irving, TX Valley Ranch citizens and property owners are welcome to attend, are encouraged to ask questions and share their views. Meeting dates, times, locations and agendas are posted online and can be viewed by going to 9

6 FISCAL YEAR 2013 FINANCIALS Irving Flood Control District III Financials From a Report by Independent Auditors The District is a special purpose governmental entity created solely for the governmental purpose of reclaiming and protecting property in the District from flooding. Approximately 99% of District revenues are derived from ad valorem taxes collected by District through a contract with the Dallas County Tax Collector Assessor s office. Tax revenues are based upon taxable values set by the Dallas Central Appraisal District for property in the District and a tax rate established by the District each year. Property in the District is predominately single family and multi-family housing. The District has granted a 20% Homestead Exemption, but does not allow Freeport Exemptions, any Tax Abatement or participation in any Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. Revenues and Expenses: For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013 Property taxes...$ 1,941,978 Investment earnings...$ 7,665 Penalties and interest...$ 4,464 Total.... $ 1,954,107 Expenses: Capital Outlay... $ 400,000 Debt Principal Pmt... $ 320,000 Maintenance Expenses... $ 207,097 Debt Interest Pmt... $ 72,030 Finance Services... $ 69,262 Communication Services... $ 43,346 Mowing Expenses... $ 24,000 Legal... $ 21,925 Tax Appraisers & Collections.. $ 15,527 Total Expenditures: $1,218,791 Utilities... $ 12,230 Engineering... $ 11,330 Audit Fees... $ 7,680 Director Fees... $ 7,650 Miscellaneous... $ 2,828 Insurance... $ 2,285 Paying Agent/Reg. Fees... $ 1,481 Bank Fees... $ 120 CAPITAL OUTLAY DEBT PRINCIPAL PMT MAINTENANCE EXPENSES DEBT INTEREST PMT FINANCE SERVICES COMMUNICATION SERVICES MOWING EXPENSES LEGAL TAX APPRAISERS & COLLECTIONS UTILITIES ENGINEERING AUDIT FEES DIRECTOR FEES MISCELLANEOUS INSURANCE PAYING AGENT/REG. FEES BANK FEES PROPERTY TAXES INVESTMENT EARNINGS Capital outlay breakdown by project: Ledbetter Sump Erosion Control Wall Phase IV: $400, PENALTIES & INTEREST 11