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CenterPoint Energy has agreed to install streetlights within the boundaries of Big Oaks MUD along Bellaire from near FM 1464 to just west of Westmoor. Several additional streetlights will be installed on Westmoor north and south of Bellaire. The streetlights will bring a long-needed enhancement to the Big Oaks communities and will improve traffic safety along Bellaire.

The work will be scheduled, managed, and performed by CenterPoint, not Big Oaks MUD, though Big Oaks MUD will pay CenterPoint for installation and the future electricity needed to power the lights. The current scope of the plan is for 49 lights, though a few more may be added close to FM 1464 as negotiations for additional easements near Walgreens and the Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy are completed. It is anticipated that CenterPoint will have the work completed in or around the October, 2023 time-frame.

As temperatures begin to rise, water conservation becomes especially crucial. What can residents of Big Oaks do? Learn about and practice methods to help save water.

According to TakeCareOfTexas.org, some excellent tips for conserving water are:

• Water lawns efficiently
• Install water efficient showerheads, toilets, faucets, and faucet aerators
• Fix household leaks
• Use a basin of soapy water to hand- wash dishes instead of letting the faucet run
• Invest in an ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwasher
• Turn off the tap when brushing teeth
• Invest in an ENERGY STAR-qualified clothes washer
• Install a smart sprinkler irrigation controller

Proper maintenance of household plumbing equipment can help reduce the overuse of water and aid in lowering water bills. Regularly check hose bibs and faucets for leaks and repair as needed. Ensure that toilet flapper valves are in working order and toilets are not consistently running water. If a toilet is running, the flapper valve may need to be replaced. If a water leak in the home is suspected, turn off all water faucets and spigots, and observe the water meter. If the meter is running, there may be a leak in need of repair.

Big Oaks MUD grants a $10,000 exemption from ad valorem taxation for resident homeowners who are sixty-five (65) years of age or older or disabled.

To apply, visit:
https://www.fbcad.org/residence-homestead-exemption

Residents of Big Oaks and Twin Oaks can request a vacation watch on their home. Deputies working the area will periodically check the home to make sure it is secure. Deputies look for any signs of unusual activity or suspicious persons around your home. During the past year, the constables conducted hundreds of vacation watch checks while homeowners were out of town.

Please click here to sign up for the vacation watch program.

West Oaks Village HOA and Twin Oaks Village HOA have meters that measure the water they use on their respective HOA properties. As set by the original Developers of West Oak Village and Twin Oaks Village, both HOAs have for many years been charged a fixed monthly flat rate of $5 per HOA irrigation meter regardless of their actual water usage. This resulted in Big Oaks MUD heavily subsidizing HOA water usage.

After careful review, the Big Oaks MUD Board of Directors has adopted rates for the HOA irrigation meters that reflect their actual water usage. Beginning in January, 2023, each HOA irrigation meter rate will match the tiered rates applied to single-family residences within the MUD.

• Tiered rates increase as more water is being used; users of large amounts of water pay incrementally more per gallon.
• Using tiered rates is common practice for many water districts and is intended to encourage optimal water management by larger users.
• This change means that both HOAs will receive an increase in their monthly water bills.

To help the HOAs offset the increase in their water costs, the MUD is absorbing two other expenses previously born by the HOAs. Historically, both HOAs have paid a proportional share of the costs related to the Contract Deputy patrols and the mosquito control services. Going forward, Big Oaks MUD is taking full financial responsibility for the Contract Deputy patrols and the mosquito control services; the two HOAs will no longer pay any part of the costs for those two services.