El Campo council backs AM-radio-in-vehicles bill, authorizes Lone Star grant submission and posts proposed FY27 budget

The El Campo City Council unanimously approved resolution R2026-34 to show the city's support for federal legislation that would require AM radios in every vehicle. Staff said the request originated from local broadcaster KULP, which staff said provided community information and requested the council's support. Councilmember (S3) moved the resolution and the mayor seconded the motion; the council voted to adopt the resolution and staff said it would forward the action to the city's congressional representative.

Council also approved resolution R2026-35, authorizing submission of an operational Lone Star grant application and designating the city manager as the official representative for matters related to the program. Staff told council the grant application is similar to a recent submission (R2026-15) but required language changes requested by the state; staff said the changes did not affect the substance of the request. Councilmember (S2) praised City Manager Courtney Slade and staff for pursuing grant funding that reduces the local taxpayer burden.

Separately, staff announced the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget document was available digitally on the city website and would be emailed to council; paper copies are available on request. Staff said the budget is fluid and that final tax figures were not yet available because appraisal district numbers are due July 25.

No votes were required to publish the proposed budget; council will review the document in upcoming meetings.