Council approves nonbinding pediatric‑services survey on Nov. 3 ballot

The council discussed updates to a June 2024 resolution on expanding pediatric services and voted to order a nonbinding survey election for Nov. 3, 2026. The proposed ballot language asks whether the city should support efforts to expand pediatric hospital services in Laredo and to encourage Webb County to evaluate governmental options under Texas law to support such services. Mayor and staff framed the measure as an informational survey to guide council and county action, and staff said Webb County elections officials did not anticipate additional printing costs for adding the question to the Nov. 3 ballot.

Council members asked staff about existing outreach and provider commitments; staff noted Driscoll Children’s Hospital and local hospitals are exploring clinic and specialty arrangements but that inpatient pediatric capacity is not yet established locally. Council approved the nonbinding survey resolution and directed staff to continue coordination with the county and providers.