Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Weslaco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Enterprise fund finances and commission budget retreat
The general fund is healthy, but water/wastewater and airport funds ran deficits last year. The mayor wants a commission retreat to truly understand how sanitation and water revenues and costs work before big votes on streets, trucks, and rates.
Trash tipping fees and a possible transfer station
January's trash disposal bill hit $65,809 because short-staffed crews hauled to the closer but pricier La Feria transfer station — $43.11 a ton versus $17.75 in Edinburg. Staff will study the logistics and consider renegotiating the Republic Services rate.
FY 2026-27 property tax rate reduction
Weslaco adopted a property tax rate of $0.6678 per $100 — nearly two cents lower than last year. The mayor credited long-term financial discipline, noting staff began working toward a cut before the Attorney General's rate ceiling letter arrived.
Property tax rate reduction
The city locked in a tax rate of $0.6678 per $100 — nearly two cents lower than last year. The mayor credited years of financial discipline, noting staff was already working toward a cut before the Attorney General's letter set the ceiling.
Employee insurance renewals and rising health costs
The city's health insurance carrier initially projected a 40%+ renewal increase due to high claims; negotiations have brought it down but it's still a few points above target. The Commission let staff bid out all insurance lines while negotiating one more week on health.
Employee health insurance premium increase
The city's group health insurance is renewing at a 35% premium increase — negotiated down from 41% — costing roughly $4.5 million a year. It's a significant budget hit, but staff said it was the best available bid.
Commercial insurance package renewal at higher cost
Nobody else bid on the city's commercial property/liability package, so the commission had to take the Texas Municipal League renewal — a $310,000 increase over last year.
Mid-Year Budget Amendment
The city's mid-year budget fix covers overtime, two garbage trucks, a refurbished ambulance, and two new director positions. All funds net out about $1.4 million positive thanks to property taxes, but the major operating funds run about $777,000 negative — and overtime is under scrutiny.
City Employee Pay Raises After Compensation Study
A study found Weslaco pays workers about 50% below the market — around the 12th percentile — making it hard to hire and keep staff. The commission approved 10% raises for hourly workers and 5% for salaried staff, retroactive to February 1. Full implementation of the study would cost about $1.5 million and raise payroll roughly 18%.
City-EDC funding alignment and employee retention
The city asked the EDC to help pay for infrastructure like drainage and water lines so the city can redirect money toward competitive raises — parks and public works keep losing trained workers to cities paying $2-3 more an hour. Both sides agreed to work out multi-year funding expectations during budget sessions starting in May.