Weslaco · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Weslaco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Citywide water and sewer infrastructure assessment
Reservoir levels are historically low at 27%, but both plants passed TCEQ inspection at 100% compliance. Floodwater moving down from upstream could raise levels — and bring water into local levees.
Wastewater capacity and $10M plant expansion
The South Wastewater Treatment Plant hit 72% capacity this month — higher than usual — and the mayor flagged it as concerning since most new development flows there. Inframark will track whether it stays elevated.
Sludge study and screw press at South Plant
An extra $108,000 of engineering work will finish the sludge study and design the pad for a new screw press; a commissioner pushed on the slow timeline, with completion eyed for early 2027.
Water valve maintenance and recent pressure drop
A new $99,266 trailer will exercise and GPS-map water valves so crews can find them in emergencies — a response to past overlays that buried valves and a recent leak that wasted 650,000 gallons. Inframark also explained the recent citywide pressure drop was caused by a power outage and generator failure.
Paisano Lane Drainage Deficiencies
After waiting on FEMA funding that never came, the city is using 2023 bond money to design the fix for serious, long-standing flooding in the Paisano area. The project reroutes over a mile of drainage lines with new 48-inch pipes and box culverts toward existing reservoirs.
Cotton Estates drainage improvements
Two approvals move this drainage project forward: $15,000 in extra engineering scope and a $118,156 deal with the irrigation district to do the excavation and hauling — about 29% below the engineer's estimate. Roughly 300 homes in Cotton Estates, Tahoe, and downstream subdivisions should see better drainage.
PFAS 'forever chemicals' settlement pursuit
Weslaco hired contingency-fee lawyers to claim its share of a national PFAS settlement before July 31 — a chance to recover money related to contamination, with no upfront cost.
Pleasantview drainage flooding
The area near CVS on Business 83 floods because a drain line was disconnected when Freedom Storage was built. The cheap $71,000 fix risks pushing water onto Camelot subdivision and the mobile home park downstream, so the commission ordered a full study of all three options before spending money.
North Water Treatment Plant reservoir rehabilitation grant
The city is applying for up to $21 million in state grant money — with zero local match — to rehab the North Water Treatment Plant reservoir, embankments, pumps, and piping.
Citywide drainage improvements and federal funding push
The city is lobbying Washington for $33 million for three major drainage projects (Paisano, Plaza, Agostadero) and has 2025 bond money for more. These projects aim to stop the repeat street and home flooding residents have seen since 2018.
Ditch maintenance coordination with Irrigation District No. 9
The mayor and mayor pro tem flagged two problem ditches — one near Mile 2.5 and one north of Mile 5 — that haven't been cleaned in years. Since city ditches connect to irrigation district systems, everyone has to clean together or water backs up.
Water treatment plant generator reliability
A $61,762 repair keeps the plant's backup generator ready — critical after recent power outages and with hurricane season here.
Bridge Elevated Storage Tank emergency repair
A major leak at the water tank in April required emergency repairs totaling $109,338, which the Commission ratified. More manholes in the South Border area will also need future evaluation.
Rio Grande Valley Public Utility Agency
Weslaco will chip in $45,000 toward the new regional water utility agency — but only if every member city pays its share, a safeguard after San Benito's leadership change raised questions.
South Wastewater Treatment Plant repairs
A $127,000 contract will replace deteriorated 18- and 24-inch elbows at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant, keeping the plant running reliably.
Class A water rights acquisition
The commission refused to waive $12,311 in water rights fees for the Pena Shelton Ranch Subdivision, agreeing the developer — not taxpayers — should pay. Staff warned that unpaid fees become the city's burden.
Citizens Drainage Advisory Board appointments
Three volunteers — Lucas B. Garcia (returning), Noe Mendoza and Pedro M. Zamorano Jr. — join the board that advises on drainage, with the mayor thanking outgoing members for their unpaid service.
San Joaquin Avenue water line replacement
$262,000 in federal CDBG money will replace about 1,400 feet of old 2-inch water lines and six 1960s-era hydrants between Republic and Border — better pressure and better fire protection for that neighborhood.
CDBG funding for Bridge Street water lines and services
$279,996 in federal grant money is coming for a water line replacement on Bridge Street between Pike and Business 83, plus senior and health services. The next round of projects comes before the Commission soon.