In 1998 the residents of High Pointe subdivision petitioned to become the city’s first public improvement district, or PID. The special district, established by State statute, levies an additional assessment on all properties within specific boundaries. Typically a percentage of the appraised value of the property, the assessment is reflected on the annual tax statement and confers a special benefit on definable parts of the improvement district. To learn more about PIDs, click here.
Per Texas Local Government Code (LGC), Chapter 372 projects may include, but are not limited to:
(1) landscaping;
(2) erection of fountains, distinctive lighting, and signs;
(3) acquiring, constructing, improving, widening, narrowing, closing, or rerouting of sidewalks or of streets, any other roadways, or their rights-of-way;
(4) construction or improvement of pedestrian malls;
(5) acquisition and installation of pieces of art;
(6) acquisition, construction, or improvement of libraries;
(7) acquisition, construction, or improvement of off-street parking facilities;
(8) acquisition, construction, improvement, or rerouting of mass transportation facilities;
(9) acquisition, construction, or improvement of water, wastewater, or drainage facilities or improvements;
(10) the establishment or improvement of parks;
(11) projects similar to those listed in Subdivisions (1)-(10);
(12) acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of real property in connection with an authorized improvement;
(13) special supplemental services for improvement and promotion of the district, including services relating to advertising, promotion, health and sanitation, water and wastewater, public safety, security, business recruitment, development, recreation, and cultural enhancement;
(14) payment of expenses incurred in the establishment, administration, and operation of the district; and
(15) the development, rehabilitation, or expansion of affordable housing.
(b-1) Payment of expenses under Subsection (b)(14) may also include expenses related to the operation and maintenance of mass transportation facilities.
(c) A public improvement project may be limited to the provision of the services described by Subsection (b)(13).
(d) A county may establish a public improvement district unless within 30 days of a county's action to approve such a district, a home rule municipality objects to its establishment within the municipality's corporate limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The High Pointe PID has a current assessment of $0.10 per $100 valuation. Example:
- Appraised value $150,000 divided by $100 multiplied by $0.10 equals $150 per year
The PID is governed by seven, at-large directors elected by residents and appointed by the Cedar Hill City Council to serve staggered terms of two years, subject to the terms and conditions of the City Council approved by-laws established for the district.
