Harlingen commission approves annexation, special-use permit and pays county election invoices; several items tabled

The Harlingen City Commission on Monday approved a set of routine and legislative measures, including a voluntary annexation of roughly 10 acres, a special-use permit for a tattoo studio and payment of two invoices from the Cameron County Elections Department for the city’s recent elections.

The commission unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading to issue a special-use permit for an adult tattoo studio at 602 S. F Street (Lots 1–4, West Harlingen Addition), described in the meeting as Jerry Lopez’s application. The commission also adopted an ordinance to annex a 10-acre tract out of Block 3 of the FH Hanley Subdivision along Paloma Lane into the city’s corporate limits for full purpose.

Commissioners approved two invoices from Cameron County for city election costs: $168,623.70 for the Nov. 5, 2024 election and $111,834.51 for the Dec. 14, 2024 runoff. Remy Garza of the elections office explained the countywide voting system rollout, higher personnel and supply costs tied to the presidential election and county decisions that affected staffing and equipment. Garza said the city’s charges reflect a negotiated allocation rather than the full straight-prorated share…