Harlingen commissioners review proposed FY2025–26 budget; prioritize drainage equipment, new positions and event sponsorship tracking

At a Harlingen City Commission workshop on the proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget, city staff told commissioners the draft keeps revenues modestly above projected expenditures but relies on restricted fund balance and one‑time transfers for capital items and grant matches.

The discussion on the workshop agenda focused on drainage equipment and crew capacity, 25 newly added staff positions, requested 4B grant matches, and proposals to track and increase sponsorship revenue for city events. Commissioners directed staff to add a boom mower to the one‑time budget items and authorized staff to implement a limited additional personnel pay authorization if the final cost is below $50,000.

City finance staff presented the working figures and said revenues are projected at about $66.9 million compared with roughly $66.1 million in expenditures, leaving a small operating surplus before one‑time items. Staff reported a multi‑million‑dollar deduction from the general fund for one‑time items added in previous workshops and set aside about $2.4 million for two fire engines and roughly $500,000 in encumbrances; after adjustments staff estimated an available fund balance for 09/30/2026.

Staff told the commission the single largest outstanding uncertainty is what the Harlingen 4B board will fund. Staff said the city needs approximately $2,070,275 to match previously awarded grants and listed additional 4B requests that together total roughly $4.0 million; commissioners were told they should expect a final 4B decision before the next commission meeting this week.

Drain…