For Hearthstone residents, some of the most consequential neighborhood work happens quietly: underground sewer repairs, water plant upgrades, park planning, public safety contracts and decisions about how district funds will be put to work.

The July 13 meeting of the Spencer Road Public Utility District (PUD) touched on all of those areas. The minutes, which are the most recently available, show a district balancing day-to-day utility operations with several larger projects that could shape infrastructure and neighborhood amenities in the years ahead.

Among the biggest items were an effort to pursue grant funding for improvements at Bob Allen Park, plans to use $1.8 million in surplus funds for water and wastewater projects, and an expected increase in the cost of the district's Harris County Precinct 5 Constable contract.

Bob Allen Park Grant Effort Moves Forward

One of the meeting's most community-facing discussions centered on Bob Allen Park.

The board held a public hearing related to a possible Texas Parks and Wildlife Local Parks Urban Outdoor Recreation grant. Meeting minutes note that there is strong community support for improvements to the park.

The overall project scope was estimated at $534,000. Under the grant program discussed at the meeting, Spencer Road PUD could seek up to half of that amount, or $267,000. The Hearthstone homeowners association was reported to have approximately $127,000 available to contribute toward the project.

The board unanimously ratified and approved a $20,000 contract with The Goodman Corporation for grant application services and authorized execution of an accompanying resolution. Letters of support were also being sought from the HOA and Hearthstone Garden Club.

The grant program could award as much as $1.5 million, with awards expected to be announced in January, according to information presented at the meeting.

For Hearthstone, that makes the park effort one of the more visible projects to watch. A successful application would not by itself complete the improvements, but it could bring outside funding into a project already drawing local support.

One idea that will not be moving ahead for now is a small splash pad. After a customer asked about the possibility of adding one at Bob Allen Park, the board authorized the district operator to inform the resident that the district is not considering installing a splash pad at this time.

$1.8 Million Proposed for Water and Sewer Infrastructure

Much of the July meeting dealt with infrastructure residents rarely see but depend on every day.

The board unanimously approved an Application for Use of Surplus Funds totaling $1.8 million, subject to final review by district counsel, the engineer and bookkeeper. The money is intended for the district's sanitary sewer rehabilitation work and electrical upgrades at the water and wastewater treatment plants.

Engineering work also continues on a sanitary sewer repair project serving Hearthstone Section 4 and Hearthstone Green Sections 2 and 4. At the time of the meeting, the district was awaiting bonds and insurance for a contract with Champion Cleaning Specialists valued at $548,260.44.

Meanwhile, design work was underway for improvements to the Water Plant No. 2 Motor Control Center and building, as well as electrical upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant.

At Lift Station No. 1, delivery of a new generator was expected by September 2026. Fence panels for the site were also being manufactured and were expected to arrive after the generator.

The Water Plant Nos. 1 and 2 recoating project was also in progress, although the contractor had reported rain delays and increased staffing while seeking additional time to finish the work.

Taken together, the projects offer Hearthstone residents a clearer picture of where significant Spencer Road PUD investment is going: maintaining and modernizing the water, wastewater and sewer systems already serving the neighborhood.

Water Use, Sewer Issues and District Operations

June water operations totaled approximately 12.56 million gallons across 1,548 connections, with water accountability reported at 95%. Average monthly residential use was 6,940 gallons, while revenue collected for the period totaled $218,242.76.

The wastewater system treated about 8.21 million gallons during June, with wastewater reuse reported at 21%. The district's operator reported that the water and wastewater plants were operating well overall.

Four specific sanitary sewer access or repair issues were also discussed at properties on Royal Birkdale, Trophy Club and Blenheim Palace. The complications included a generator blocking access to a manhole, structures located over or near repair areas and root intrusion affecting a sewer line connection.

The board authorized the operator to coordinate with district counsel regarding correspondence to the affected property owners as the district works through those access and repair questions.

District Finances Remain Part of the Larger Picture

The district's financial position also received considerable attention.

The operating fund had a reserve equal to 13.5 months as of May 2026, while a five-year cash-flow forecast projected an estimated 21-month reserve by the end of the district's fiscal year. The Capital Projects Fund had a reported remaining balance of approximately $3.42 million at the time of the meeting.

The board also reviewed an arbitrage rebate calculation connected to the district's Series 2022 bonds. No rebate was currently owed to the IRS, but an estimated future rebate of approximately $414,000 was being tracked if current circumstances continue. District officials are monitoring those funds while also working to spend eligible bond proceeds on construction projects.

Separately, the tax assessor/collector reported that 98.521% of the district's 2025 tax levy had been collected as of the prior month.

While those figures are less visible than a park improvement or construction crew, they matter because they provide context for how Spencer Road PUD is managing reserves, debt proceeds and upcoming capital work.

Precinct 5 Constable Contract Expected to Cost More

Public safety was another item residents may want to watch as budget discussions continue.

Spencer Road PUD currently contracts for four Harris County Precinct 5 Constable deputies at 70% coverage. According to the July minutes, the district was notified of an upcoming increase in deputy contract costs.

The estimated annual increase to the district is approximately $30,680.

No action was taken at the July meeting because additional information regarding a renewal contract was still expected from the Constable's Office.

The June incident report itself did not contain anything unusual requiring discussion, according to the minutes.

Longtime Board Member Prepares to Step Away

The July meeting also marked a transition for the district.

Board President Wayne Ahrens, who has served on the Spencer Road PUD board for more than 40 years, told fellow directors that the July meeting would be his last as a director. According to the minutes, Ahrens recently retired from an engineering career of roughly 50 years and plans to help serve on the board of a newly created regional water authority, meaning he cannot serve on both boards.

His resignation was expected to be formally considered at a subsequent meeting.

For a district responsible for some of Hearthstone's most fundamental services, a leadership change after more than four decades represents a notable moment even as the routine work of maintaining neighborhood infrastructure continues.

What Hearthstone Residents Should Watch Next

Several projects discussed in July were still moving through planning, contracting or review, including the Bob Allen Park grant effort, sewer rehabilitation, water and wastewater electrical upgrades, the Lift Station No. 1 improvements and the Precinct 5 deputy contract.

The next Spencer Road PUD meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. The board generally meets on the second Monday of each month at Hearthstone Country Club, located at 7615 Ameswood Road in Houston.

For Hearthstone residents who want to keep an eye on neighborhood infrastructure, utility spending, Bob Allen Park improvements and other local decisions, those meetings provide one of the closest looks at how projects affecting the community move from discussion to implementation.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for future updates on Spencer Road PUD projects and decisions affecting Hearthstone.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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