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Council approves midyear budget changes, grant applications and drone purchase; several resolutions adopted
Summary
La Marque City Council approved an ordinance for midyear budget amendments, accepted multiple no‑match grant applications, authorized a catalytic‑converter grant, postponed a TWDB ordinance hearing and approved a drone purchase funded by a state grant. Council also directed staff on grant application procedures.
La Marque — The La Marque City Council voted April 22 to approve a package of midyear budget amendments and a set of resolutions authorizing grant applications and accepting grant awards, including a purchase of a drone funded entirely through a state catalytic‑converter grant.
The council approved Ordinance O-2025-0011, a midyear budget amendment for fiscal 2025 that adjusts staffing and program line items and adds a stormwater equipment operator position. Councilmembers discussed reallocating existing line items and avoiding further draws on the general‑fund balance before voting to approve the ordinance.
Council also adopted several resolutions and actions: acceptance of the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority catalytic‑converter grant award (Resolution R-2025-0020); approval of proclamations recognizing World Migratory Bird Day (R-2025-0021) and Drinking Water Week; authorization to apply for a no‑match road safety grant (R-2025-0022); and a standing authorization for the city manager to submit no‑match grants up to $25,000 with conditions for council notification and final council approval prior to accepting funds (R-2025-0023). Council voted to postpone an ordinance/public hearing tied to the Texas Water Development Board Clean Water State Revolving Fund to maintain compliance with public‑notice requirements.
Separately, the council approved the purchase of a law‑enforcement grade drone for $29,458.40 to be funded by the FY2024 Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant; the police chief and deputy chief said the model will be used for 3‑D outdoor crime‑scene mapping, thermal searches and a proposed “drone first responder” capability.
Votes were taken by voice; formal tallies were not read into the record for each item. Where motions and seconds were recorded, the presiding officer called the question and announced passage.
Why it matters: the budget changes add capacity for stormwater maintenance at a time when council repeatedly heard resident complaints about standing water and clogged ditches. The drone purchase and catalytic‑converter funding are part of an effort to expand public‑safety tools without additional local match. The council also set a new operational practice for timely no‑match grant submissions while preserving council oversight for acceptance of awarded funds.
What’s next: staff will return budget documents and an implementation schedule for the stormwater positions; the city manager will notify council when smaller no‑match grant applications are submitted; and the police department will report on drone program policies, training and annual operating costs as the program develops.
