Weslaco · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Weslaco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
Employee insurance renewals and rising health costs
Two insurance awards hit snags: Hartford tried to condition its life insurance bid on extra products, so the city switched to MetLife; the accident policy bids were all rejected for a rebid, with a 30-day extension protecting coverage.
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.