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City council unanimously appointed Andrew Jones to fill a vacant position on the Valwood Improvement Authority Board during their July 1 meeting, following council members' unanimous preference for selecting a resident who actually lives within the district.
The appointment filled a treasurer position that had been vacant since May 15, when the city was notified of the opening. Under state legislation that created the authority in 1974, cities must fill board vacancies within 60 days or forfeit the appointment back to the board itself.
"We have three applications in front of you. They have been vetted and are eligible," said Stacy Henderson, director of administrative services for the city of Farmers Branch, who presented the candidates: Albert Wolfe, Sabrina Martin and Andrew Jones.
The Valwood Improvement Authority serves as a levee improvement district focusing on flood control in an area spanning both Farmers Branch and Carrollton. The seven-member board includes three appointees each from Farmers Branch and Carrollton, plus one from Dallas County Commissioner's Court.
Pat Canuteson, executive director of the Valwood Improvement Authority, addressed the council to explain the district's operations. He described how the authority manages approximately 2,400 acres with flood control infrastructure including levees, lakes and pump stations that protect the area from Trinity River flooding.
"We're a flood control district only," Canuteson said, noting the district's property values have grown from $1.3 billion in 1989 to over $5 billion today. "Our last bond payment was March the 1st of this year," and the tax rate has dropped from 34 cents per $100 to 6 cents, he said.
Council members emphasized the importance of appointing someone who lives in the district rather than just owns property there. When Canuteson confirmed that none of the current Farmers Branch board members actually reside in the area, council sentiment quickly rallied around Jones.
"I think that's an important thing to have representation from somebody who lives there," Councilman Omar Roman, who nominated Jones for the position, said.
Councilman Tina Bennett-Burton agreed, noting that while "in 1974 when this was all drawn up, the residents weren't there," the situation has changed dramatically. "Now they are. They are. And they need to be represented."
Councilman David Reid supported the choice, saying residents need "skin in the game," while Councilman Roger Neal seconded Roman's nomination.
The appointed term expires Dec. 31, 2026, and board members serve two-year terms with no term limits. Two other Farmers Branch positions on the board, currently held by David Koch and Michelle Holmes, expire in December 2025.
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