New: County development should be done at a 'proper pace and scale'

Apr. 2—Rockwall County Judge Frank New says he's not anti-growth but insists that continued development should be done at a "proper pace and scale [the county] can keep up with."

And he wants developers to shoulder more of the responsibilities — including financial burdens — when it comes to reigning in uncontrolled growth and development, arguing that developers have too much control over the pace and scale of growth.

"The Texas Legislature has granted counties certain regulatory authority over development," New said. "We should be a creative voice for the citizens and engage in this debate to help ensure that future development in the county pays its fair share for the services that the development will use."

Local Government Code Section 232.101 authorizes commissioners courts to adopt rules governing plats and subdivisions to promote the health, safety, morals or general welfare of the county and the safe, orderly and healthful development of the unincorporated area of the county.

"Let's avail ourselves of the tools that the Legislature has provided and thereby encourage developers to come to the negotiation table and be good neighbors," New said.

In February of 2023, the Rockwall County Commissioners Court formally adopted Section 232.110 of the TX Local Government Code in its entirety — bringing it into the Rockwall County Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.

On Feb. 13 of this year, the Commissioners Court approved the following list of 16 infrastructure items. Rockwall County, according to New, has determined the following to be critical infrastructure: schools, roads, ESC/EMT (ambulance), fire, police, water, sewer, broadband, electric, natural gas, open space, drainage, animal control, dispatch/911/GIS services, trash/refuse and radio communications.

The next step is to apportion proportionate costs to be borne by developers to offset the increased county infrastructure needs.