[{"_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",6744111,"mediaKeyId","5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf","parentId",5611867,"title","Harlingen approves trail planning contract; resident and commissioner voice concerns about potential property impacts","audioSeconds",229,"startMs",6795000,"endMs",7024000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf&start=6795&end=7024","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf/thumbnail_6795000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6744111/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-approves-trail-planning-contract-resident-and-commissioner-voice-concerns-about-potential-property-impacts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744111-7f77ee879701a1a88a389271401554b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204055&Signature=DOf4Lh9czCt0hrmWql2yYYVpFEKzeAfKXdmRICxeaV2GncJChYOn5E7SfN~VSkCSQttF6hgH6NWdbFGRmznUu6RK81SoTF5uTaYtBZjHHpAp2Tdml~h102OUhVCjzPl0ng58CInxNAsYTKPkFqhuAnlOyx~BsYh53sA~zF2iTse2iAWGKKPcIy2rabRiZSCTAbjRwV93pw25w38TdckeWpAYdwYxHUjZbvCAne3iA9HXofhGpu9Ar83RvEc6sUutWvN3mlX04E0mOFhEDi0iSdv5gSW8-upIdMqCru7LiYIg~8kcxUKWkRCKg4DjGXI9~OsFJT5BzhtOUBFCfRwHmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Harlingen","date","2025-08-21T01:38:26.863Z","article","The Harlingen City Commission voted to award a professional-services contract to Shavey Consulting for design and environmental permitting for the Arroyo Colorado hike-and-bike trail extension (phase 3), covering roughly 1.1 miles between McKelvey Park and Hugh Ramsey Park. The contract amount approved in the meeting packet was $332,355 and the motion authorized the city manager to execute the agreement.

A member of the public attending the meeting objected sharply during the discussion, saying the planning would lead to the city seizing private property for the trail and urging the commission not to spend money on planning that could require acquiring 22 private parcels. Commissioners and staff responded that the current action authorized planning and environmental permitting only and that the consultant\u0000deliverables will include identification of any required right-of-way or acquisition needs; no acquisitions will be made without future approvals. One commissioner noted the city has grant funding for the project and would proceed with required environmental work while identifying options that minimize impacts.

The motion passed after discussion; minutes show recorded opposition by at least one commissioner and vocal public concern during the item.

Quote from the meeting: a resident said, \"22 people's property will be seized by the city to do this,\" and urged commissioners to \"save the money.\" The commission approved the planning-phase contract and instructed staff to return with analyses of land impacts as part of the design and permitting work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Regular Meeting | 08-20-25","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved a $332,355 contract for design and environmental permitting of the Arroyo Colorado hike-and-bike trail extension, and staff said the planning phase will determine whether any private land acquisition is required before further action.","taxTitle","Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas","taxId",3687,"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},6744116,"Schneider Electric presents energy-efficiency plan; commission authorizes detailed design phase",398,3617000,4015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf&start=3617&end=4015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf/thumbnail_3617000.jpg","/articles/6744116/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Schneider-Electric-presents-energy-efficiency-plan-commission-authorizes-detailed-design-phase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744116-9fb940cb89346d11dcc9afbc547b135d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204055&Signature=o2zc0uqSVy98k3ksxsfL2VtpMhnCwwrb53B2YQXR56YITbXQZ~XErT3ybsm9CaZX6MqV9GlqQX7oUZIfq1UegyekhjeHTbPiCmjqQE9Qib2gIRjCFZ4nsgN2j3yBjHBiRWGJTuXBBVep3FsrZaUUBLCfAZgmEbYkHFLd6hHyzDZBvciF3As6DG7vyMnb6Hyv31a4qKfO82yPtC~Lvt-qqzHMZYKZ9xIRKfJEP1oR7AQcpMgRreNr2HoVgG87EyI7DBd0xGpIcjbLm646bSjM5geG9q~~Ll1szZ7p0GCuHPz84hylfAv3IxRIUcvTQKmwDZC4d5yEC81J1L0XaCiV3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Schneider Electric presented a revised analysis of municipal facilities showing an estimated 23% reduction in utility consumption if the city proceeds with a proposed package of LED lighting upgrades and building-automation controls, with optional additional measures (HVAC replacement, roofing and building-envelope work) that carry longer payback periods. Schneider representatives said a smaller-sized package (LED lighting + building controls) could be deployed as a self-funding, approximately $3 million project that would pay for itself from guaranteed utility savings and available utility rebates.

Schneider's project-development engineer described a standard design sequence (30/60/90%) and requested a $57,000 agreement to proceed with detailed design and financial modeling. Commissioners asked questions about which city buildings were included in the scope, whether sports-park lighting would be covered (answer: yes, limited park lighting was included), and whether guaranteed savings would be contractually backed. Schneider said the firm would present a turnkey, guaranteed-savings contract at the end of the design phase; the $57,000 would be rolled into the construction price if the city accepts the final proposal.

Commissioners generally supported moving forward into the design phase but requested the item return to the agenda with contract language, a comprehensive building list and prioritization rationale so the commission could review the exact scope and financial guarantees before construction-phase authorization.

Direct quote from Schneider: “We expect to see approximately $100,000 in utility-cost savings annually” based on the proposed LED and controls scope (presentation remarks).","After a revised audit showing an estimated 23% utility reduction for city buildings, commissioners directed staff to return with Schneider Electric's 30/60/90% design deliverables and consider a $57,000 IGA to develop a firm turnkey proposal.",{"_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},6744121,"Harlingen advances FY2026 budget on first reading; tax-rate components set for record vote",550,4813000,5363000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf&start=4813&end=5363","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf/thumbnail_4813000.jpg","/articles/6744121/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-advances-FY2026-budget-on-first-reading-tax-rate-components-set-for-record-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744121-0cd1b5fbae1681dc7315d9a0a85e693e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204055&Signature=POYkzjKxa0s0SJODXepIliNNPL0mAp3AdWBB6mlAryY1jPY-rtUkU6gMxZvaAFvJYnii~OqvJ2h2pkXX~cmUr9FUbKhsGdOa2gzJa9WLSbur1BjrZ3tT1h-K0lamhvXH4HSiONaBPnsnJcTYPEl1-90W1pjMvF5Ts6nRBOzmMLJolXfOyHoxsCbed3FfE7QxXUo~-WJTNwiCPKC5Xxl3Plsy6rocYQTtqSwfqK51baL9mCWzUc26bZpyH9ebRS~fpWHG8o4QCX-Nn8KG8I35BKLsujT~I3HZ0xdfKAxZP7m8rCbt2uaHU~yHgX3-CFNhjLI6g9G08y3K-gZGiP~IPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Harlingen City Commission advanced the city\u0000budget for fiscal year 2026 on first reading after a presentation from finance staff outlining revenues and expenditures. The proposed FY2026 budget lists projected revenues of $119,595,005.78 and proposed expenditures of $117,000,534,130.

Commissioners identified priorities in the budget including accelerated drainage work, compensation considerations for police, and support for airport operations. The first-reading action was taken as a record vote. The commission also recorded separate votes on tax components: it set the maintenance-and-operations rate at 0.458038 per $100 of assessed value and the interest-and-sinking (debt) rate at 0.068022 per $100. Those component votes were recorded; the combined rate reported in the record was 0.52606 per $100, an effective 3.33% increase compared with the adopted rate baseline discussed in the meeting. Commissioners noted that continued growth in sales tax revenue and new construction were factors enabling a lower tax rate trend while still funding services.

The commission scheduled the required second and final reading of the tax ordinance for Sept. 3 and directed staff to publish the required caption for the ordinance and prepare the record vote documentation.

Quote from the meeting: “This represents a lot of hard work,” said a commissioner during the budget presentation, thanking city staff for the budget workshops that produced the proposal.

The commission\u0000record shows broad support for the budget and the tax-rate components; Commissioner Frank Morales recorded a dissent on the broader tax-rate discussion.","The Harlingen City Commission advanced the city\u0000budget for fiscal year 2026 on first reading and set maintenance and debt portions of the ad-valorem tax rate in record votes; a second and final reading was scheduled for Sept. 3.",{"_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},6744124,"Harlingen commissioners approve city budget, multiple land-use measures and several service contracts",4088,2867000,6955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf&start=2867&end=6955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf/thumbnail_2867000.jpg","/articles/6744124/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-commissioners-approve-city-budget-multiple-land-use-measures-and-several-service-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744124-e0f7749e73e27b13dc1edec9b912d437/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204055&Signature=jya4em0Gr-dPQEI6hzLx76dkYEDmb2mUEMUK7W-APmRE866FPFyRu9l1a5HUin8D1P34N0JvvgPfc-s3QxlMMZcNMrgwZSsU4yE8~9ulX-zzbNJoOBYew3nshMv2Kf7BmLqnTPvcDjM8pi4VS~KzgNYCaVcOyMq7tAV-hnPCzber2zByEK0BK~3-531dhCgaYGk9Nv~29cRG~SkcR5l92moz~L2fMPwKozHIZ55uvS3PNcD8ZmngbDqxXm520NUdZ5p2typPT~HQnZ0KAsfznUrWEpJJXucRYl4qzpFArSF6I8omRougloH6RXJEZOGm811~XnN9MCMfDOi~J4opJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Harlingen City Commission took a slate of budget, land-use and project actions at its meeting, approving the city\u0000budget for fiscal year 2026 on first reading by record vote, setting proposed tax rates for the coming fiscal year, and approving a series of ordinances and professional-services contracts.

The commission approved the FY2026 budget on first reading; the finance presentation listed proposed revenues of $119,595,005.78 and proposed expenditures of $117,000,534,130. Commissioners said the budget prioritizes drainage work, public-safety personnel costs and airport operations. The item was advanced by record vote and the second and final reading of the tax ordinance was scheduled for Sept. 3.

On the tax-rate item the commission set the maintenance-and-operations rate at 0.458038 per $100 of assessed value and the interest-and-sinking (debt) rate at 0.068022 per $100, producing a combined rate of 0.52606 per $100 (an effective 3.33% increase called out in the record). The initial votes on the components were recorded; commissioners overwhelmingly supported lowering the rate while one commissioner, Frank Morales, dissented on the broader rate discussion.

Land-use and regulatory votes included:
- Special-use permit: Approved a special-use permit for a food-truck park at 2906 S. Expressway 83 (applicant James Kendrick). Motion passed on first reading.
- Rezoning: Approved rezoning of a 25.78-acre tract to single-family residential (R-1). Motion carried unanimously on first reading.
- Comprehensive plan amendment: Removed a proposed extension of New Hampshire Street from the thoroughfare plan (amendment approved on first reading).
- Limousine/black-car ordinance: Approved updates to chapter 28 and chapter 18 (licenses and fees) to add definitions, supplemental-operating-permit requirements and fee adjustments for limousine and commercial passenger services; the commission approved the ordinance after a presentation from a transportation-industry representative.

Project- and contract-related votes included:
- Harlingen Waterworks System budget: The commission accepted the Waterworks System budget for FY2026 after a presentation from Waterworks finance staff. The Waterworks plan showed $27,712,334 in projected revenues, $29,017,493 in projected expenses, and $48,258,179 in capital outlay for improvement projects including the Jefferson raw-water-line replacement and upgrades to the Little Creek interceptor and EQ basin. The board-approved resolution passed unanimously.
- Schneider Electric engagement: The commission heard a revised Schneider Electric audit and discussed a $57,000 IGA to proceed into 30/60/90% design for a potential energy-efficiency package (LED lighting and building controls as a self-funding option). Commissioners asked for a next-step agenda item to return with contract language and analysis.
- Arroyo Colorado hike-and-bike trail (phase 3): The commission awarded a professional-services contract to Shavey Consulting for design and environmental permitting for the 1.1-mile extension (McKelvey Park to Hugh Ramsey Park) in the amount of $332,355. The public record includes objections from a resident concerned about potential right-of-way and private-property impacts; commissioners approved moving forward with planning and said the study will identify whether any land acquisition is required.
- Drainage priorities: The commission approved an in-house prioritized list of drainage improvement projects for FY2026\u0000\u00002727 (Limbscum ditch outfall, Westway outfall, Spanish/Secluded Acres, 13th Street ditch, North Bass Hill crossings, Treasure Hills, and detention improvements tied to police/Hardinge areas) and authorized staff to coordinate with county drainage and irrigation districts.

Votes at a glance (selected):
- FY2026 City budget (first reading, record vote): motion carried (record vote).
- Tax-rate components (first reading, record votes): M&O 0.458038 approved; I&S 0.068022 approved; combined rate discussion recorded (commission majority supported lowering the rate; one commissioner dissented).
- Harlingen Waterworks budget (resolution): approved unanimously.
- Food-truck park special-use permit: approved on first reading.
- Rezoning (25.78 acres to R-1): approved on first reading.
- Comprehensive-plan amendment (New Hampshire Street): approved on first reading.
- Limousine/black-car ordinance: approved unanimously subject to review.
- Shavey Consulting contract for trail planning ($332,355): approved (motion carried with recorded opposition by some commissioners and at least one resident comment in the record).
- Drainage priority list: approved unanimously.

The commission recessed to an executive session to discuss city-manager employment and reconvened to approve the motion taken in closed session.","The Harlingen City Commission approved the city\u0000budget for FY2026 on first reading (record vote), set the proposed tax rates for first reading, approved several land-use measures including a food-truck park and rezoning, and awarded planning and engineering contracts, while also adopting the Harlingen Waterworks System budget.",{"_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},6744106,"Harlingen Waterworks System budget approved; city and staff discuss major wastewater and raw-water projects",656,2881000,3537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf&start=2881&end=3537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611867-3fc81429ff5e5620fd0cb21c286e13cf/thumbnail_2881000.jpg","/articles/6744106/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-Waterworks-System-budget-approved-city-and-staff-discuss-major-wastewater-and-raw-water-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744106-e6b5a1376916ccb50ee1f78ef0c790d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204055&Signature=mp89bktI4lvw-Dh2jAqZ-~037agJEsl5xGoGRNzN2j2CuqiCz3BW~UIeMcEOvmlHik76U~xe16L3odJBglPw~~SWGeyLAoSDCzuQbnbQtkieQEUzkyNzXynMbk1~y4t9rZ1Uyo19EyMHrk69e66uvNa23XtK8FvKU-~Gn3LZtWyNePHY~kR8-QlE2IjDO9zjBFPJR~sC8jpP3vides4YG9gTBavQ6KAOo1XGPl~LARQhovyljAC-kZwdUzOcu8hLBbbb7xbYCcmJgZzceBJuutH23BQynIW8FAKiBHt~QDdGIuqrC67087KV-Hn9-A-iTMAj0EKXdAOtSRf~2GDZQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Harlingen City Commission accepted the Harlingen Waterworks System budget for fiscal year 2026 after a presentation from Ron Delagarza, finance director for the Waterworks System. Delagarza said the Waterworks is projecting $27,712,334 in total revenues, $29,017,493 in expenses and $48,258,179 in capital outlay for capital improvement projects. The proposed ending fund balance was $10,157,533, representing roughly 157 days of working capital.

Delagarza and commissioners discussed several major capital projects identified in the capital-improvement program (detailed on the packet page staff referenced):
- Jefferson raw-water-line replacement: the raw-water intake and conveyance to the treatment plant is old and deteriorating and requires replacement.
- Little Creek interceptor replacement: a major wastewater conveyance running through the city; design is underway and construction was projected to begin after design completion (Delagarza said design was expected to finish in May 2026 and construction would follow).
- EdWorks EQ basin expansion (equalization basin): increase capacity at the end-of-line treatment area to reduce sewer backups during storm events.

Delagarza said the Waterworks had secured Water Development Board funding (initial grant of $10 million, another $1.7 million for lead-service work, and potential additional funding of roughly $32 million under consideration, with city responsibility for an estimated share). Commissioners asked about wastewater lift-station alarms and the plan to expand SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) coverage to wastewater so the utility would receive immediate notifications when lift stations lose power or fail; Delagarza said SCADA for wastewater is expected within the next three years, subject to funding.

The resolution accepting the Waterworks budget passed unanimously.","The commission accepted the Harlingen Waterworks System budget for FY2026, which shows a capital program including the Jefferson raw-water-line replacement, Little Creek interceptor upgrades, and EQ basin expansion; staff discussed funding from the Texas Water Development Board and plans for SCADA monitoring for lift stations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Harlingen approves trail planning contract; resident and commissioner voice concerns about potential property impacts

Schneider Electric presents energy-efficiency plan; commission authorizes detailed design phase

Harlingen advances FY2026 budget on first reading; tax-rate components set for record vote

Harlingen commissioners approve city budget, multiple land-use measures and several service contracts

Harlingen Waterworks System budget approved; city and staff discuss major wastewater and raw-water projects