Eagle Pass council revises food permit fee tiers after split vote

The Eagle Pass City Council approved on April 1 an amendment to the city's food establishment permit fee schedule that moves the flat annual fee into a tiered structure based on employee count — a measure councilmembers said is intended to better align staff inspection time with fees.

City staff proposed retaining the $25 per-event fee and restructuring annual fees so that establishments with five or fewer employees remain at $150, 6–10 employees pay $200, 11–20 pay $250 and 21 or more pay $300. The council debated whether the top tier—$300 for the largest establishments—would unduly burden local businesses.

“Based on the current situation... I'm just scared of the 300,” a councilmember said during debate, urging protections for small local operators. Staff said larger establishments require more inspection time—sometimes more than an hour—because of facility complexity and certification records.

Councilman Garcia moved the amendment to set 5–10 employees at the $150 tier (kept at the low level); Councilwoman Cruz seconded the motion. The council approved the change by a 3–2 vote.

The ordinance also adds penalties for operating without a permit and for late renewal to better reflect the city’s inspection workload, staff said. Councilmembers asked staff to monitor impacts on local businesses and report back.

The action updates chapter 16 (food establishment permit fees) of the city code. Staff said the fee changes are intended to better cover enforcement and inspection costs; no immediate additional staffing or program funding was approved at the meeting.