Harlingen commission approves rezoning, annexation, MOUs and donations; calls election

The Harlingen City Commission took a series of routine actions during the Aug. workshop and regular meeting, voting on rezoning, annexation, interlocal agreements, donations, the proposed tax rate and election logistics. Most items passed with unanimous support; Commissioner Lopez abstained on the election contract items.

Key votes and outcomes

- Rezoning ordinance (first reading): The commission adopted on first reading an ordinance to rezone a 77.89-acre tract (part of Block 15 and all of Block 16, Harlingen Land and Water Company subdivision C) from not designated to a planned development district to allow smaller lot sizes and 32-foot-wide paved streets within 50 feet of right-of-way. Outcome: motion carried unanimously on first reading. (Agenda item 10a.)

- Voluntary annexation (second and final reading): The commission adopted an ordinance annexing a 126.5-acre tract of Cameron County school land for full-purpose city limits; the motion carried unanimously. (Agenda item 10b.)

- Memorandum of Understanding with drainage and irrigation districts: The commission approved a memorandum of understanding among the City of Harlingen, Cameron County Drainage Districts No. 35 and No. 6 and Cameron County Irrigation Districts No. 1 and No. 2 and authorized the city manager to sign the MOU. Staff said at least Drainage District No. 6 had approved the agreement and drafts had been shared with the other districts. Outcome: approved unanimously. (Agenda item 10e.)

- Donation for Harlingen Soccer Complex (Rotary Club): The commission accepted a donation from the Rotary Club of Harlingen for improvements at the Harlingen Soccer Complex. Club representatives announced a $100,000 pledge to provide covered bleachers, benches, water stations and equipment; commissioners moved to accept the donation and the motion carried. (Agenda item 10c.)

- Downtown restrooms (Jackson Street Market Days): The commission approved a donation agreement with Jackson Street Market Days for $100,000 to provide public restrooms at Lozano Plaza downtown and authorized the installation. Staff and the market committee said the facilities will be located at Lozano Plaza where the market and related events are held. Outcome: approved unanimously. (Agenda item 10d.)

- Proposed tax rate: The commission set a proposed tax rate of 0.52606 per $100 of assessed value to be published for public notice and set the public hearing and first reading of the budget and tax ordinance for August 20, 2025. Outcome: motion passed. (Agenda item 10f.)

- City election call and election services contract: The commission approved a resolution calling the Nov. 4, 2025 general election for mayor and two commission seats and authorized the city manager to execute an election service contract with the Cameron County Elections Department. Commissioner Lopez abstained on this item. (Agenda item 10g.)

- Early-voting locations for elections: The commission approved the temporary use of the Harlingen Cultural Arts Center and the Town Hall meeting room for specified early-voting dates and times; staff said additional county locations (Wilson Annexation Building and Harlingen Convention Center) would be included as final contracts arrive. Commissioner Lopez abstained on this item. (Agenda item 10h.)

Notes on procedure and documentation

- Several agenda items referenced ordinances or interlocal agreements by legal description; the ordinances and the MOU were included in the meeting packet and the commission took the stated actions without extended debate.

Ending

Most items passed unanimously; the commission scheduled the budget and tax public hearing for Aug. 20 and approved the city election calendar and related facility contracts with the county, with Commissioner Lopez recorded as abstaining from the election service items.