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ABOUT US
About Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District
We believe water conservation is crucial to West Texas. That is why SLUWCD is making the most of your tax dollars to study and serve your water needs. Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District is committed to efficiently managing the groundwater of Yoakum County.
The district was created by the 71st Legislature of the State of Texas under Article 16, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution and is governed by its elected board of directors. Elections are held on the first Saturday in May of odd years. Our next election is to be held on Saturday, May 8, 2027 at the designated location. There will be three directors up for re-election. To be eligible to file for candidacy, you must meet the qualifications listed in Texas Election Code 141.001, which include being a registered voter of Yoakum County. Deadline to file for the May 2027 Election is February 19, 2027. Contact the District office for further information.
2026 TAX RATE INFORMATION:
Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District will hold a meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the District Office located at 1012 Avenue F, Plains, Texas, to consider adopting a proposed tax rate for tax year 2026. The District proposes to adopt the No New Revenue Rate which is $0.012974 per $100 of value.
Board of Directors
- President – Stanley Ashburn; Term expires 2029
- Vice President – Linda Powell; Term expires 2027
- Secretary – Tracy Welch; Term expires 2027
- Member – Rickey Bearden; Term expires 2027
- Member – Duwane Billings; Term expires 2029
Election Information
- Form 1-20 – Internet Posting Requirements
- December 16, 2024 Posting – Deadline to file for place on the Ballot
Amber Blount
District Manager
Amber has been with the District since August of 2007. Through her years with the district, she has worked with all programs of the district from education to water quality and acts as the district’s field technician. She has been the District Manager since March of 2015.
Gale McDonnell
Office Manager
Gale has been with Sandy Land since September of 2007. She functions as the district’s Ag Loan Program supervisor and manages the office’s human resource obligations. Gale also oversees the accounting aspect of the district’s financial responsibilities. She specializes in organizing office operations to ensure effective and efficient daily operations.
Michelle Cooper
Education Coordinator
Michelle is the District’s Education and Outreach Coordinator. The District partners with two other GCDs in the area to create the Southern Ogallala Conservation and Outreach Program (SOCOP). Michelle has worked in education for 30+ years as a science teacher as well as a campus administrator. She has a Masters in Education as well as her Bachelor of Science. She joined the district and co-op during the fall of 2015.
Ray Brady
Hydrologist
Ray Brady of RMBJ, Geo, has contracted with the District since 2006. He and his colleague Amy Bush work with the district to analyze well and water data to ensure the district’s goals and Desired Future Conditions are being met.
