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Weslaco commission approves first reading of weedy‑lot rotation ordinance to outsource mowing work
Summary
Facing hundreds of weed‑lot work orders, the commission approved first reading of an ordinance establishing a licensed, bonded rotation list of private vendors to mow private, overgrown lots; staff said the goal is to free public‑works crews for infrastructure tasks.
The Weslaco City Commission approved a first reading on July 1 of Ordinance 2025‑09, establishing a weedy‑lot rotation list that will allow licensed, bonded private vendors to perform mowing on private lots that become a public nuisance.
Code‑enforcement staff told commissioners that the city logged more than 500 weed‑lot work orders last year and was already handling about 400 from October through May of the current year. Staff said public‑works crews are strained because they also maintain rights‑of‑way and city properties; a third‑party rotation list will let the city assign contractors to cut lots, collect stamped-date photos as proof of work and bill property owners for costs.
The proposed fee structure is tiered by square footage, staff said, with the smallest lots assessed a modest flat rate and larger lots charged proportionally more; staff indicated the city will pay contractors and then place liens or bill property owners for work performed. Commissioners expressed frustration about private property owners neglecting lots but approved the first reading and asked staff and legal to explore stiffer enforcement and workforce alternatives.
Commissioner remarks emphasized both the recurring fiscal cost and the fairness to neighbors who expect maintained rights‑of‑way. Staff will implement the rotation list and provide a final ordinance for second reading and adoption.
