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Weslaco staff recommend a conservative $30 million bond option, outline projects and timeline for 2025 issuance
Summary
Finance staff presented options for a 2025 bond program, proposing a $30 million issuance (rather than $35 million capacity) to fund drainage, water/wastewater, a public-safety substation and other infrastructure; timeline includes a special meeting on July 31, 2025 and a potential closing Aug. 27, 2025.
City finance staff briefed the commission on June 3 on the proposed composition and timing of a 2025 bond program. The team said the city initially developed a $25 million project list and, after meetings with the financial advisor, identified capacity to add another $10 million — up to $35 million total — but staff recommended a conservative $30 million sizing to preserve fiscal flexibility.
Staff outlined how the additional $10 million could be allocated: Phase 4 of Mount 10 North (initially $2 million), a Public Works economic-assistance program to provide the 20 percent match for an anticipated $4 million grant (city match $800,000), a public-safety substation ($5 million) and a drainage component ($2.2 million). Staff also presented a down-scaled option that would reduce new borrowing and reallocate amounts (for example, dropping some project elements to hold total borrowing closer to $30 million).
Timeline and process: staff said the notice of intent to issue obligations was first published locally, that a second publication is scheduled for June 9, and that a special meeting to approve the issuance is planned for July 31, 2025, with a potential closing on Aug. 27, 2025. Staff cautioned that House Bill 19 (pending state legislation discussed in the presentation) could affect municipal bond capacity going forward and recommended choosing a conservative issuance level now to preserve options in 2028.
Commission discussion focused on prioritizing drainage and immediate infrastructure needs. One commissioner noted recent flood damage in March and urged prioritizing drainage improvements; staff said the proposed bond dollars would largely fund infrastructure and drainage projects that have been prioritized in capital planning.
What happens next: staff will continue working with commissioners to finalize project lists and dollar allocations and will return with a recommended bond ordinance and preliminary official statement before the July special meeting.
