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Residents urge Edinburg council to address water rates, fireworks and school safety
Summary
Speakers at the Dec. 16 Edinburg council meeting criticized recent water-rate increases, asked why the Unified Development Code changes were applied selectively, urged stiffer penalties for fireworks, and delivered a petition from Austin Elementary parents seeking a fenced play area.
At the Dec. 16 Edinburg City Council meeting, multiple residents used the public–comment period to press council members on local decisions and neighborhood safety.
Mr. McCrary told the council officials had raised water rates by 67% and criticized spending priorities, saying the rate increase was being used to fund projects he described as unaffordable for many residents. He also questioned why policy changes — citing the city’s Unified Development Code — appear to favor developers over individual homeowners and asked that rules be applied consistently.
Maria Sosa urged the council to step up enforcement against illegal fireworks inside city limits and suggested increasing the fine for violations to as much as $500. "If people have money to buy firecrackers and shoot them and guns, please jack up the fine up to $500," she said, describing repeated disturbances near her home.
A petition and short presentation came from Cash Silva, a third‑grade student at Austin Elementary, and family members asking the city to fence Fountain Park adjacent to the school to expand safe play areas for about 300 students at the campus. A parent and petition organizer said the family had researched the Safe Routes to School program, which the school district has used previously for fencing projects at other local elementary schools.
Speakers also asked for clarification about "Unified Development Code Article 5 Table 5.203‑1" (right‑of‑way width), urging the council to explain why the code is amended and how changes are applied.
The council did not take action during public comment; members thanked the speakers and noted staff would follow up on requests for future agenda consideration.
