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Orange council approves budget amendments, grants and procurement updates; suspends proposed CenterPoint rate filing
Summary
The City of Orange approved fiscal-year budget amendments rolling forward prior-year purchases and grant-funded projects, authorized a $25,000 EDC infrastructure grant for Lava Java, accepted a $30,000 Sabine River Authority CAP water-quality grant (with city match), authorized an interlocal procurement agreement with Orange County, and approved a final reading to suspend CenterPoint Energy’s proposed reliability program filing.
The City of Orange council on April 14 unanimously approved a package of financial and administrative measures including budget amendments, grant acceptances and an ordinance to suspend a proposed utility rate filing.
Finance staff summarized the budget amendments for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026, noting roughly $75,000 in added general-fund revenue, $215,000 in general-fund expenses, and a $1.3 million roll-forward in grant-funded projects such as generator purchases and elevation projects; staff explained the roll-forwards represent purchases or projects started in the prior fiscal year that require current-year expenditures.
On economic development, the council approved a resolution authorizing an EDC infrastructure grant not to exceed $25,000 for Lava Java at 16th Street (first reading March 24). Staff said the business — referred to in remarks as Guava Java — has opened near Sunset Park and has received positive community feedback.
The council also authorized the city manager to accept a $30,000 Community Assistance Program grant from the Sabine River Authority to fund 18 automatic water-flushing devices on hydrants at system dead ends; the city will match the grant. Staff said the timed flushers will improve water quality, reduce labor and lower water use roughly 50% compared with manual flushing.
Council approved an interlocal agreement with Orange County to allow joint procurement of goods and services — specifically cited for debris cleanup and debris monitoring contracts — to ensure updated contractual language and readiness for upcoming procurement needs.
On utilities policy, the council took final reading action to suspend the rates proposed by CenterPoint Energy Resources and CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas Company related to a reliability infrastructure program filing made on or about Feb. 17, 2026; staff noted this was the second reading of the ordinance and the council approved the suspension.
All measures passed by voice/roll call with no recorded dissent. Where staff requested follow-up or provided grant conditions, the city will return with contract documents and project timelines as appropriate.
