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Residents demand transparency over alleged data‑center water deal; public accuses officials of secrecy
Summary
Public commenters at the Harlingen commission meeting accused city and utility officials of an unpublicized Sept. water agreement that may include potable water sales to a data center, demanding records and transparency; commissioners said they would follow up and request the agreement be produced.
Residents pressed the Harlingen City Commission on July 1 for transparency over a water agreement they said was negotiated without public disclosure. Speakers accused the city’s associated waterworks board and a family‑linked LLC of including potable‑water provisions in a September contract with a data center developer.
What was alleged: Don Ray Leonard told the commission he believed the waterworks board had approved an agreement providing reclaimed water to a data center and that “potable water was included in the agreement that they voted on.” During public comment he urged officials to explain who authorized the contract and to publish the agreement.
Public tone and demands: Leonard said, “We want answers. We want the truth. We want transparency,” and other speakers echoed concerns about disclosure and the role of elected officials. Ron Lozano accused city leadership of failing to disclose family ties and questioned whether the contract had been correctly characterized as effluent only.
City response and next steps: Speakers said the media had sought comment from city representatives with little response; the commission did not produce the contract during the meeting. Commissioners and staff acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and indicated follow‑up would be required to determine whether procedures were followed and whether records should be released.
Context and caution: Several commenters framed the issue as a matter of public trust rather than a legal finding; commissioners deferred any determination until staff review. The commission did not vote on any action at the meeting but indicated it would seek the contract and report back.
