Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Harlingen Waterworks System budget approved; city and staff discuss major wastewater and raw-water projects
Summary
The commission accepted the Harlingen Waterworks System budget for FY2026, which shows a capital program including the Jefferson raw-water-line replacement, Little Creek interceptor upgrades, and EQ basin expansion; staff discussed funding from the Texas Water Development Board and plans for SCADA monitoring for lift stations.
The Harlingen City Commission accepted the Harlingen Waterworks System budget for fiscal year 2026 after a presentation from Ron Delagarza, finance director for the Waterworks System. Delagarza said the Waterworks is projecting $27,712,334 in total revenues, $29,017,493 in expenses and $48,258,179 in capital outlay for capital improvement projects. The proposed ending fund balance was $10,157,533, representing roughly 157 days of working capital.
Delagarza and commissioners discussed several major capital projects identified in the capital-improvement program (detailed on the packet page staff referenced): - Jefferson raw-water-line replacement: the raw-water intake and conveyance to the treatment plant is old and deteriorating and requires replacement. - Little Creek interceptor replacement: a major wastewater conveyance running through the city; design is underway and construction was projected to begin after design completion (Delagarza said design was expected to finish in May 2026 and construction would follow). - EdWorks EQ basin expansion (equalization basin): increase capacity at the end-of-line treatment area to reduce sewer backups during storm events.
Delagarza said the Waterworks had secured Water Development Board funding (initial grant of $10 million, another $1.7 million for lead-service work, and potential additional funding of roughly $32 million under consideration, with city responsibility for an estimated share). Commissioners asked about wastewater lift-station alarms and the plan to expand SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) coverage to wastewater so the utility would receive immediate notifications when lift stations lose power or fail; Delagarza said SCADA for wastewater is expected within the next three years, subject to funding.
The resolution accepting the Waterworks budget passed unanimously.
