Weslaco · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Weslaco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.