Eagle Pass council approves first reading and directs negotiations on waterworks transfer schedule

The Eagle Pass City Council on Dec. 9 approved an introductory ordinance and directed city staff to negotiate final terms with the city waterworks before returning with a final agreement. The ordinance replaces the prior flat transfer rate with a tiered schedule that would start at 1% for the first two years and rise in stages to a maximum of 7% in the seventh year unless replaced by a new agreement.

Councilwoman Jessica Ramon moved to proceed with the first reading and asked that staff meet with Mr. Barrera, who represents the city waterworks, to confirm whether the schedule is feasible. “I would like to get the opportunity to formally meet with him and discuss what was approved before,” Ramon said. Staff told council the ordinance language matched a decision made by a prior council but that the waterworks department had not formally been notified.

City staff framed the action as corrective: the language had been approved previously but was never formally adopted on the city’s behalf. City leaders said the next step is a staff-level negotiation with waterworks to determine whether the proposed percentages are workable. If both sides agree to revised terms, staff will bring the negotiated agreement back to council for final approval.

The council voted unanimously to approve the item on first reading and to authorize the negotiations. The measure as presented is an introductory ordinance only; final adoption will depend on the outcome of staff talks with waterworks and any further council action.