10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Municipal Utilities District?
A Municipal Utility District (MUD) is a local governmental entity created and regulated by the State. Its general purposes are to finance, own and operate water, wastewater and drainage systems. MUD's may, among other things, incur debt, levy taxes, charge for services and adopt rules for those services, enter into contracts, obtain easements, and condemn property in order to accomplish their purposes.

2. How best can one contact our Mud District #5?
The MUD is best contacted through its General Manager, JadCo Management (Joe DaQuinzio, 478-0017; JadCo@austin.rr.com); or its Operator, Southwest Water Company (Jeff Garrett, 219-2292, jgarrett@swwc.com).

3. How are our Mud Bills calculated?
The MUD sewer bills are calculated based upon a customer's winter average water usage. The MUD first determines the amount of water that was used at the customer's home during the months of December, January and February of each year (the winter averaging period) as shown by the meter readings of the LCRA. The sewer bill is then calculated based upon the amount of water used during the two lowest water usage months during the winter averaging period. If no winter average is available, because a house was occupied after the winter averaging period, a flat volume of 8,000 gallons is utilized. Once a winter average is established, the winter average volume replaces the assigned volume. If, at any time, actual water use is less than the winter average volume, the sewer bill is based upon the lesser amount.

4. What is the easiest way to pay our bill?
Currently, sewer bills may only be paid by check or money order. However, Southwest Water Company is investigating a program that will enable customers to pay their sewer bills by credit card. If this program is cost=effective for the MUD is could be implemented within sixty days.

5. How many board members exist?
There are five elected Board Members.

6. When are the board elections?
The next election is May 1, 2010. Three positions will be filled. Candidate packets will be available from the Districts attorney beginning in early February 2010. The tentative deadline for candidate filings is March 1, 2010.

7. What are the existing board members terms due to expire?
The remaining two Directors terms expire in May 2012.

8. What are the board members paid?
Directors receive a per diem of $150. This per diem is set by State law.

9. What role does Jadco serve?
JadCo Management is the MUD's General Manager.

10. What role does SWWC serve?
Southwest Water Company is the MUD's utility operator.