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Commission denies developer's request to waive $12,311 water-rights fee for Pena Shelton Ranch subdivision
Summary
The Weslaco City Commission voted to deny a requested waiver of $12,311.44 in water-rights fees for the Pena Shelton Ranch subdivision after staff warned unpaid fees would fall to the city; the denial was moved by Commissioner Farias and seconded by Commissioner Garcia.
The Weslaco City Commission on Wednesday denied a request to waive $12,311.44 in water-rights fees for the Pena Shelton Ranch subdivision, citing staff concerns that unpaid charges would be assumed by the city.
City staff told commissioners the fee arose from the subdivision process and was not anticipated in the developer's budget, and that an engineer had failed to advise the owner. "The water right fees were not anticipated during the development budget, and the engineer failed to tell the owner," staff said in presenting the item. Staff recommended denying the waiver; Planning/municipal zoning staff had recommended approval.
Commissioner Farias moved to deny the waiver, with a second from Commissioner Garcia. After a voice vote, the motion passed.
Why it matters: The fee covers conversion of agricultural water for municipal drinking-water supply and—if not paid by the property owner—would be a liability for the city. Commissioners and staff discussed the risk that the city might be required to cover the assessed fee if waived.
What happens next: The denial means the applicant must pay the $12,311.44 fee as part of the subdivision process or seek other remedies outside this meeting. The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote.
