Rio Grande City Commission approves ordinances, grant applications and contracts; rejects wastewater plant bids

The Rio Grande City Commission on Thursday approved a series of ordinances, resolutions, grant applications and contracts and rejected bids for the city's wastewater treatment plant expansion after engineers reported bids exceeded the available budget.

The commission unanimously approved second reading of an amended franchise ordinance with Medina Electric Cooperative and a new ordinance to regulate private use of the name "Rio Grande City." Commissioners also advanced first readings of proposed rules to require permits for door-to-door sales and to regulate parking of heavy commercial trucks in residential and commercial areas. Several grant-authorizing resolutions were approved, covering Department of Justice awards for victim services and interdiction, a Border Zone grant for radios and a drinking-water state revolving fund application amendment.

Why it matters: The package includes multiple grant applications that would fund public safety, water and downtown revitalization projects; the wastewater bid rejection means the city must seek additional funding or reduce project scope before construction can begin.

Most important actions - Rejected bids for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Extension (TWDB project 73874) after engineers and staff concluded the lowest responsive bids exceeded available funding; the commission voted to reject the bids so staff can seek alternative funding or revise scope. (Unanimous vote.) - Approved second reading of the Medina Electric franchise ordinance (ordinance cited as "94 14 o 1" in the meeting packet). (Unanimous vote.) - Approved second reading of ordinance 2025-01 to regulate private use of the name "Rio Grande City." (Unanimous vote.) - Approved first reading of ordinance 2025-02 to require permits for door-to-door solicitation and 2025-03 to regulate…