[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6484887,"mediaKeyId","5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a","parentId",5551513,"title","GBIC proposes $20.2 million FY2026 budget that funds Tech District phases and an office project; board to adopt before city readings","audioSeconds",179,"startMs",10865000,"endMs",11044000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a&start=10865&end=11044","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a/thumbnail_10865000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6484887/Brownsville/Cameron-County/Texas/GBIC-proposes-202-million-FY2026-budget-that-funds-Tech-District-phases-and-an-office-project-board-to-adopt-before-city-readings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484887-9b9f889490628ea8de5e15c4e428e561/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153305&Signature=TZh1VPuZSXFwt2~860dk6Iwny1bkzGe0lSliIUtnZcnapFneSQWUIPCoViJfdW~ByLau0dpEGn~jeFb4SLyyUgxW~pWDSAps9g~WWCd-NsZOeH0qNLwSnq3I2fFMScfVCwWvUdsT1Qr5PwQKCcKf6-PFGIe-8xa3gW6xmWkgkj-8YagC8mIPsKOU2k6tjsbzMaX5T~Px-opm-KE47AMn07yIkM2LAyAuqXplkLd16kGH~ZmwIfnDq4Oj28-RBkN8TIseYXAEcwUPODeWEP7q6oAceloth8IOFLzNKUEF0KMHlkTVaUe-1ka5P3ky-mxhD8PNNuq1ud9Vx1Y4tsuoAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Brownsville","date","2025-08-06T06:16:34.257Z","article","The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) presented its proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the City Commission Aug. 5, outlining large‑scale industrial and development initiatives and a planned sequence of board approvals prior to city readings.

Gilberto Salinas, GBIC president and CEO, told commissioners the organization has grown staff levels and marketing capacity and that the proposed budget aligns with a one‑year strategic roadmap emphasizing team building, lead generation, project delivery and industrial park groundwork.

Financial materials presented by Salvador Villalpando, GBIC director of finance and investments, show proposed FY2026 revenues of $9.2 million and proposed expenditures of $20.2 million, producing a budgeted deficit of roughly $11.0 million. GBIC materials state a beginning fund balance of $23.5 million and an anticipated year‑end fund balance of about $12.6 million under the proposed plan.

The budget groups expenditures into three categories: operating ($4.3 million), contractual commitments ($1.5 million, including airport debt service), and initiatives ($14.4 million). Initiatives listed in the presentation include $6.5 million for phase 1 of the Greater Brownsville Tech District (86 acres), $5.0 million budgeted toward phase 2 of the Tech District (266 acres; total estimated cost of phase 2 described in materials as $17.0 million), $1.6 million budgeted for an office building (presentation referenced a larger overall estimate), $380,000 for North Brownsville Industrial Park landscaping and sidewalks, $300,000 for workforce development and training grants, and $250,000 for space‑sector activities.

Villalpando said the budget assumes possible lot sales within the Tech District that could partially offset costs and that forecasts through 2029 model further commitments and anticipated returns tied to industrial development, office construction and job creation.

Salinas said GBIC’s approach is to proactively market Brownsville for investment, build a larger staff to support expanded activity and use strategic marketing and lead generation to attract projects. He said the work supports long‑term returns in increased sales and property tax revenue, wages and capital investment.

GBIC said it will return to its board for initial adoption on Aug. 21 and to the City Commission for final adoption as part of the city's budget readings on Sept. 2. The presentation included a five‑year forecast that, under certain sale assumptions, shows projected fund balances through the implementation time frame.

Commissioners thanked GBIC staff for the presentation and the organization’s expanded activity; commissioners asked for continued updates on project timelines, sources of construction financing, and the timing and assumptions used for lot sales and revenue forecasts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting 08/05/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation presented a FY2026 proposed budget on Aug. 5 that funds Tech District infrastructure and workforce initiatives while projecting a multi‑million‑dollar use of reserves.","taxTitle","Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas","taxId",2775,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484892,"Brownsville presents fiscal year 2026 budget proposal; staff recommends voter‑approval tax rate and completes compensation plan phase",1492,9142000,10634000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a&start=9142&end=10634","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a/thumbnail_9142000.jpg","/articles/6484892/Brownsville/Cameron-County/Texas/Brownsville-presents-fiscal-year-2026-budget-proposal-staff-recommends-voterapproval-tax-rate-and-completes-compensation-plan-phase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484892-b82d0bfd9cbe6f66c08e1a2866b7c682/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153305&Signature=RW6tjw72wpEUzIkVXuB1pt-cri2ZfOo1Dem4d7e~95-o~653ZC2ekN9ojtdm7cbmgoNd5PuydOsQcbuTiWCDX1rHiKYXwWewsOm9tuKw1mb7axDQ-mg56ACkh8gw3aC4mcm0hByd2Ej5Ci~hAVGMdCwJwe6H1XlQdc4smjcnVQmkCQCFjDH3Lwq7K5bb42JiAK0Z8yIaRSfiOC077ma7ZuTHposXUihfJAOE9EuraGjbfc~GDqO59K8kXdvKW7Mix4ffLx5RLv7KhQePD96KpDZBUGkpLEB6zB4gGOCRrJYuaCwtkwVoSWGcDGm76xsViCzgKvH6oL7s7aumzX1-kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance staff presented the second budget workshop for fiscal year 2026 on Aug. 5, detailing a proposed budget that officials said relies on the voter‑approval tax rate as the modeling assumption, continues a multi‑year employee compensation plan and increases spending in targeted service areas.

Steven Lecil Muse, interim finance director, reviewed a five‑year fiscal forecast and the city’s budget policies, including a 90‑day general fund reserve target, a self‑imposed 5% debt limit (the city currently estimates its debt at roughly 3% of assessed value), and guidance on using one‑time revenue for capital and deferred maintenance. Muse said the proposed FY2026 budget uses the voter‑approval tax rate — described in staff slides as a 1.68% increase over the current rate — in revenue estimates and that growth in property appraisals could produce larger tax bills absent adjustments.

Muse said staff is budgeting approximately $6.3 million more in total revenues than the prior year’s adopted budget, with property taxes and sales taxes the two largest sources. The presentation shows sales tax modeling that budgets 98% of fiscal‑year‑2024 actual receipts (noted in the slides as about $44.6 million) and cautioned about state legislative activity that could alter property‑tax exemptions or caps (staff referenced proposed measures including Senate Bill 23 and the cap in prior years known as Senate Bill 2).

On personnel, Muse told the commission the city will complete the final phase of a multi‑year compensation plan in FY2026, targeting market adjustments for non‑civil‑service staff and senior managers. He said the city will continue previous pay‑package elements (market adjustments, stipends, tuition reimbursement and benefits) and will add a deferred‑compensation employer match of $50 for employees who elect to contribute at least $25; staff estimated a 50% participation rate would cost about $430,000 next year.

Muse also outlined anticipated collective bargaining impacts: staff estimated approximately $650,000 in increased costs tied to ongoing fire department collective bargaining this year, and anticipated police bargaining negotiations next year with an estimated $660,000 impact in a subsequent budget cycle.

Staff projected a balanced set of internal service and enterprise funds, highlighted planned transfers from PUB (shown on slides as a combined cash transfer and utility line totaling approximately $13.8 million in one chart and $10.2 million in the transfers line depending on slide grouping), and said the presentation would be followed by additional workshops on the FY2026 capital improvement program and convention and tourism fund. Muse said some line‑item differences in the presentation reflect combining cash transfers with utility receipts and corresponding expense adjustments on the PUB side.

Commissioners praised the focus on employees and flexible scheduling policies. No budget readings or formal adoption occurred at the Aug. 5 workshop; Muse said first readings on the FY2026 budget would occur at the commission meeting on Sept. 2, with final adoption scheduled later in the fall before the Oct. 1 start of the fiscal year.","City finance staff on Aug. 5 outlined the proposed FY2026 budget, recommending use of the voter‑approval tax rate in the budget model, finishing a multi‑year compensation plan, and budgeting increased transfers and service level expansions. No final budget adoption occurred at the work session.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484896,"Brownsville officials host United Soccer League visitors as city explores prospect of pro team",304,8775000,9079000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a&start=8775&end=9079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a/thumbnail_8775000.jpg","/articles/6484896/Brownsville/Cameron-County/Texas/Brownsville-officials-host-United-Soccer-League-visitors-as-city-explores-prospect-of-pro-team","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484896-9cc1da022342c4a9f3e638358ae84240/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153305&Signature=hIEvPMjSl4TK-kc3LDZ1ESGooDoq6utQ4w2oL5WTva6OYw8cOvg-e-2KEMJmliKcjREaihEbTp2ez6nuEZBmuVJya7M3xCcnbT4CbqQCCJD0MFVLYAjRekD5une0LYjdknzP0ZpcpgE5xrq6yhdkSq2Wq2zo8ACGgBwsy5FjVz2-Zg3pTFEUg69jXYo7RrvU4bwrS0uVAnQtY-HVh1WKoda2MzbZpA~2Yx-DJeNCctSnEW74H365uXvsGiOL0E2S0WQxv6rmRIqFFD1j6l1ZiVmVr3Q0olO5qS8U8AbeJup1MM8sNFi2vmbXUOH0pVsbHG1HsunIukgYT9YzFYjTlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials said Aug. 5 the United Soccer League (USL) will visit Brownsville to tour facilities and discuss potential investment, marking an exploratory step in considering a professional soccer franchise tied to youth development.

Commissioner Tino Villarreal described the trip to the USL summit in Spokane, Washington, and said league representatives signaled interest in Brownsville as a market. Villarreal said the visit is exploratory and emphasized that while professional soccer and stadiums can cost millions, he does not expect taxpayers to pay stadium construction costs.

Sean DePalma, director of Parks and Recreation, told the commission that USL ownership models vary: some clubs lease municipal facilities while others make their own investments. DePalma said Brownsville’s market position, youth soccer success and the existing Brownsville Sports Park could form the basis for future opportunities if an appropriate investor and operational model are found.

Villarreal referenced examples from other cities, noting a privately funded $35 million investment into a Reno expansion team and pointing to Spokane — a similarly sized city — where a roughly 5,000‑seat stadium has drawn sold‑out crowds. Commissioners said the goal is to attract investment that supports youth development without undue burden on taxpayers.

Officials said USL representatives will tour Brownsville the day after the meeting to evaluate the market and discuss investor interest. No formal agreement or incentives were approved at the Aug. 5 meeting; staff said the visit is an initial step and that additional information or proposals would return to the commission for consideration.

Commissioners encouraged staff to present follow‑up materials after the visit, including specifics on stadium options, potential investor proposals, and any request for city assistance or incentives.","Commissioners and staff told the City Commission on Aug. 5 that USL representatives will tour Brownsville as part of exploratory talks about a potential professional soccer team and stadium; officials said private investment will be sought and that any deal should avoid taxpayer subsidy of stadium construction.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484901,"Brownsville launches citywide BRITE beautification program, commission selects new brand",1538,7223000,8761000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a&start=7223&end=8761","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a/thumbnail_7223000.jpg","/articles/6484901/Brownsville/Cameron-County/Texas/Brownsville-launches-citywide-BRITE-beautification-program-commission-selects-new-brand","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484901-c72b42993a274d3de60544f482c7773a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153305&Signature=auSs2bMgWbXh~3eMz8fXd2pmelXagtPHotgpUJSetevTJYQENpWd166ZNcIAKdU7VNi2kVYN8k9kn094QVeMQuw3vy4zb~tOmxSCzOr-sl4H96z~sVlCNbzByLUkLsOd4yIoHtqODyChD9-P-cHPY2qD6924YHgmZ2eRqKB2VkcbAcz4p-WJabn8~RAkEFRT~Fox8VULhEdPVwaizpXiV9NTAGjZH65sF7yFGJ6pXdWB7Z7bqUYAEzzhTSBRO915X~aIegQqh-SPogefuHE4-aO~12t68~K9xVm6beZXGZBUJYMGUUkubgHWe6QPDJ7IzMx50N3EgnzwGayRQMCSjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brownsville officials launched a citywide beautification effort on Aug. 5, unveiling BRITE — an acronym the presenters identified as Brownsville Residents Improving Grounds, Homes, and Tomorrow — and selecting branding officials said will be used on outreach and signage.

The initiative, presented during a work session on Aug. 5, aims to expand neighborhood cleanups, graffiti abatement, signage standardization, public‑art partnerships and volunteer mobilization. City staff said the program will coordinate multiple departments, local schools and nonprofit partners and will begin a series of neighborhood cleanups this fall.

The program manager described BRITE as a multi‑phase effort focused on neighborhood cleanups, illegal dumping removal, trash pickup, graffiti abatement and community education about existing services such as recycling and bulk pickup. Officials said the effort will recruit volunteers through a city volunteer link and expects to increase the size of cleanup crews from about 20 people on a good day to more than 60, with the goal of engaging hundreds for major events.

Assistant Director Roberto Garcia and other presenters listed a first phase of focused cleanup events scheduled from September through December, with a sample date of Sept. 19 targeting the University Area/International area. Later phases presented in the meeting map included November work in District 4, a March date in District 2 (Renfro and Los Evanos area), a May date in District 3 and a fiscal‑year‑end event for District 1 covering Mid Ploverde and Colonia Acacia. Staff said phase 2 would scale successful tactics and phase 3 would pursue sustainability measures including budgeted incentives and community transfer of ownership to neighborhood ambassadors.

Mayor John Cowan said he supported the plan and the branding selection, telling staff, “I’m gonna go with option 1.” Commissioner Linda Macias and other commissioners voiced support for greater volunteer engagement, working with schools and universities for art installations, and using bond or external grant funding to augment city resources.

Staff described milestones and tactics including establishing a “beautification watch” to empower residents to report illegal dumping, targeting high‑graffiti corridors for abatement, developing uniform signage with the city’s engineering and public works teams, and a neighborhood “beauty contest” with a traveling trophy to recognize civic improvement. Presenters said public safety, parks and libraries and municipal court staff will provide roles for outreach, while procurement and finance will support logistics.

City materials presented at the meeting list a volunteer registration link and said a press release would be issued the day after the presentation.

The commission chose one of three logo concepts after a live show-of-hands during the presentation; staff reported four votes for the cupola-and-sun logo (option 1), three for option 2 and one for option 3 and said option 1 would be used as the BRITE branding going forward.

Implementation questions remaining from the discussion included precise funding sources for ongoing maintenance beyond the initial phases and how BCIC or bond 1% allocations might be used later in the program. Commissioners encouraged staff to continue partnering with school art programs and BCIC for sponsorships and to target grant opportunities.

Officials said additional details, including a sustainability plan and a phase‑by‑phase budget, will be brought back to the commission in future workshops. The presentation indicated the city will run the first large cleanup events in the last quarter of the calendar year and then continue into the next fiscal year.","The Brownsville City Commission on Aug. 5 launched BRITE (Brownsville Residents Improving Grounds, Homes, and Tomorrow), a multi‑phase beautification and community-engagement initiative, and selected a cupola-and-sun logo as the program brand after limited on‑floor feedback and a show of hands.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484883,"Public commenters press Brownsville commissioners on policing, training and alleged PUB contract losses",298,6848000,7146000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a&start=6848&end=7146","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551513-9d6141b62d45847815c5f6a681e3d62a/thumbnail_6848000.jpg","/articles/6484883/Brownsville/Cameron-County/Texas/Public-commenters-press-Brownsville-commissioners-on-policing-training-and-alleged-PUB-contract-losses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484883-f3129ff26550a8950ebf8f3b211f6bea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153305&Signature=fU8LWpRtn5dlnjB8Kexd~6Igp8Ru9jHXtxrPdLewNJU7ieekzqdF~IX8nMkO~JqQDc6hr2xaja9XOhXPMQqg1fsXtRpuTYfPy2VKO3I9EAiqierLWkXSfmGO-wfaUYZ-OB1NLEEjAFRv8cgq1NTa-0yEBL1CZ74xA8SC~KbaMBs4VcZKzD9KBy5DtozfdCb1Zm21RBSADwVCJoLRa~dbwh6qMBCwgaRNmciw1WtIpOazwG9FqSlz0SEtR9DAV5FHccMcNHM9MTu6mFGWb3E~f6l3mk5vuYVYlq60fiBOSPNCXEPY1dco1EkltpA1XqkUVKpsOZKDXzvM0O0izXUo5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several members of the public used the Aug. 5 public comment period to criticize city policing practices and to urge changes to training and accountability, and one speaker raised questions about the status of a PUB audit and alleged contract losses.

Yolanda Spies, the first preregistered speaker, described multiple incidents she said demonstrate problems in policing, including an account about a former Brownsville police officer who was shot by friendly fire and later promoted despite civil litigation and internal‑affairs involvement. Spies urged ongoing, proactive de‑escalation training for officers and criticized what she described as ‘‘quiet retirements and reassurances’’ instead of transparent investigations. She said the community’s confidence in public safety is harmed when officers are promoted after alleged misconduct.

Spies also asked about the status of a PUB audit and raised an allegation that contracts tied to the county judge’s law firm had eroded city finances by more than $100 million; she presented the assertion as a concern for the commission to address. The transcript records this as a public comment allegation; the commission did not respond with findings or a report at the meeting.

Another preregistered commenter, Diablo Velez, spoke about personal hardship and criticized a City ordinance that he said criminalizes the poor for asking for money; his remarks included broader statements about poverty and community obligations but did not reference specific policy changes proposed to the commission.

The commission’s agenda proceeded to business after public comment; no board action was taken in response to the public remarks during the Aug. 5 session. Commissioners did not take up an immediate staff report on the PUB audit or policing policies during the meeting, but the issues raised may be subject to future agenda items or staff follow‑up requests.","During public comment on Aug. 5, residents criticized policing practices, called for ongoing de‑escalation training, raised concerns about promotions after alleged misconduct, and asked for transparency about a PUB audit and contracts they said resulted in large losses; the commission did not take formal action during the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

GBIC proposes $20.2 million FY2026 budget that funds Tech District phases and an office project; board to adopt before city readings

Brownsville presents fiscal year 2026 budget proposal; staff recommends voter‑approval tax rate and completes compensation plan phase

Brownsville officials host United Soccer League visitors as city explores prospect of pro team

Brownsville launches citywide BRITE beautification program, commission selects new brand

Public commenters press Brownsville commissioners on policing, training and alleged PUB contract losses