Votes at a glance: Eagle Pass council approves PID documents, auditor contract and appointments; tables toll ordinance amendment

EAGLE PASS, Texas — The Eagle Pass City Council on Monday handled a package of administrative and policy items including approval to distribute preliminary offering materials for public improvement district (PID) bond projects, confirmation of several board appointments, award of an independent audit contract and final action to authorize a county fire-and-EMS service agreement. The council also tabled a third-reading ordinance on proposed noncommercial toll-rate increases to send an amended version to the bridge advisory board for recommendation.

Why it matters: The council’s approvals advance financing steps for two PID improvement-area projects and put a new audit firm under contract, both actions that affect how infrastructure and financial oversight are managed in the city. Tabling the toll ordinance delays a potential rate change and asks the advisory bridge board to weigh in on a staff-proposed amendment.

What the council voted on (high-level): - Approval to distribute preliminary limited offering memoranda for the City of Eagle Pass special assessment revenue bonds for the Eagle Pass Public Improvement District No. 1, Improvement Area No. 1 project and Improvement Area No. 2 project. Council clarified these documents are for underwriters and investors and do not finalize bond terms or authorize issuance. - Appointments to the Southwest Area Regional Transit (SWART) board and the Eagle Pass Animal Welfare board (multiple names). - Award of RFQ 2025-033 (professional services, independent accounting and audit services) to Lyle & Carter and authorization for the city manager to execute a contract. - Approval to negotiate and execute a fire and EMS service agreement with Maverick County after executive-session negotiation with legal counsel. - Tabling of the ordinance (third reading) amending Chapter 26, Article 7, Section 26-183 (noncommercial vehicle toll rates); council directed staff to take an amended version to the bridge advisory board and return for a final reading.

Key procedural notes: Most votes recorded in the meeting were unanimous. Several items were presented as non-actionable reports (capital outlay/audit explanation, quarterly investment report, S&P credit rating briefing, and a presentation on data-driven street maintenance) and did not require votes.

What remains pending: The toll ordinance (third reading) was tabled so a formally amended draft can receive the bridge board’s recommendation before final council action. PID bond documents are offering materials only; no final bond issuance, interest rates or repayment schedules were approved at the meeting.

Meeting context: The session was a special meeting with a quorum present; the council proceeded through announcements, citizen communications, consent agenda, ordinances, resolutions, presentations, and executive session on the fire/EMS agreement. Several presentations focused on fiscal transparency and infrastructure planning.

Votes (select records): - Motion: “Approve consent items.” Mover: Councilwoman Ramon; Second: Councilman Diaz. Outcome: Approved (unanimous). - Motion: “Amend ordinance wording (keep express card/toll tag users at $4 per vehicle and set cash payment per vehicle to $5) and table third reading to take amended version to Bridge Board and return.” Mover: Councilwoman Ramon; Second: Councilman Diaz. Outcome: Approved to table and return with amendment (unanimous). - Motion: “Authorize distribution of preliminary limited offering memoranda for PID Improvement Area Nos. 1 and 2.” Mover: (recorded motion to proceed). Outcome: Approved (unanimous). Note: Council clarified the city and general taxpayers are not liable for PID assessments; assessments secure the bonds. - Motion: “Award RFQ 2025-033 to Lyle & Carter and authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute contract.” Mover: Councilman Diaz; Second: Councilwoman Ramon. Outcome: Approved (unanimous). - Motion: “Authorize negotiation and execution of Fire and EMS service agreement with Maverick County (after executive session).” Mover: Councilman Diaz; Second: Councilwoman Ramon. Outcome: Approved (unanimous). - Motion: “Approve appointments to Animal Welfare Board and others.” Outcome: Approved (unanimous).

Sources: City council meeting transcript (citizen comments, staff presentations, motions and roll-call votes) and staff presentations on PID documents and audit matters.

Ending: The council adjourned after concluding the agenda; several presentation items were listed as information-only and will return to council as needed for follow-up or final action.