The Willow Fork Drainage District (WFDD or the “District”) tax rate for 2023 is $0.16 per $100 of assessed value. The 2023 tax rate of $0.16 per $100 of assessed valuation is comprised of a debt service component of $0.05 and a maintenance and operations component of $0.11. Of the $0.11 component, $0.06 funds drainage and $0.05 funds recreational facilities. The District has gradually decreased its tax rate since 1990 when the initial tax was approximately $1.00 per $100 assessed value.
Information related to the financial and bookkeeping records about the District required by Section 26.18, Texas Tax Code, created by Senate Bill 2 (also known as the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019) is available here.
Tax Rate History
FAQS
To whom do I pay my taxes?
Taxes are paid to the Fort Bend County Tax Assessor/Collector, regardless of whether you live in Fort Bend or Harris County. Remit payment as indicated on the bill.
Why do I have to pay taxes to WFDD when I already pay taxes to Fort Bend or Harris County?
WFDD is a separate political entity that was created to construct, operate, manage, and finance drainage and recreational facilities within its boundaries. It collects a tax for those purposes.
When are WFDD tax bills due or delinquent?
Tax bills are generally mailed in October for the current tax year or as soon thereafter as possible. Taxes are due when billed and become delinquent after January 31 of the following year. For example, 2023 tax bills mailed in October 2023 become delinquent after January 31 of 2024.
Does WFDD offer a homestead exemption?
WFDD offers a homestead exemption annually for all residents over the age of 65 or for disabled persons living in the District. In 2023, the exemption from taxation of the appraised value for those individuals is $70,000. A person qualifying for both may choose the exemption he or she wishes to apply but may not claim both. Exemptions can be filed with the Fort Bend or Harris County Appraisal District, whichever is applicable.
Can I protest my tax value?
WFDD levies its tax based on values certified by the Fort Bend and Harris County Central Appraisal Districts. To confirm or protest values or inquire about exemptions, contact the appraisal district where your property is located, either Fort Bend County Appraisal District or Harris County Appraisal District.
PARK FUNDING
In 2011, bonds in the amount of $29 million were approved by voters to construct, operate, manage, and finance park and recreational facilities benefiting residents in WFDD, with the following phased implementation:
Phase I
2012 – $5,980,000 in bonds were issued to fund Phase I of the District’s park plan, including open space enhancements and park facilities at 10 Katy ISD schools within WFDD’s boundary, a community Central Green, ball field improvements at Freedom Park, and the first phase of Exploration Park along the District’s diversion channel. WFDD completed park facilities at the 10 schools, ball field improvements at Freedom Park, Central Green Park in LaCenterra, and phase one of Exploration Park in 2014.
Phase II
2015 – $9,800,000 in bonds were issued to fund Phase II of the District’s park plan, which included phase two of Exploration Park, 32-acre Willow Fork Park, and phase one trail enhancements. Phase II was completed in 2016.
Phase III
2017 – $9,780,000 in bonds were issued to fund Phase III improvements, which consist entirely of trail extensions and enhancements within WFDD. Phase III was substantially complete in 2020.