City Commission Special Work Session 06/23/2026

The City Commission of Brownsville, Texas, held a special work session on June 23, 2026, focused primarily on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. City Manager Alan Gard and Finance Director Steven Muse presented a comprehensive overview of the budget process, strategic priorities, and legislative impacts affecting local taxation and funding. Key procurement-related topics included the city’s capital improvement program with nearly $480 million planned through 2031, leveraging $184 million in grants alongside $295 million in debt financing for projects such as road improvements, a new public safety facility, and airport runway expansion. The commission discussed new fee proposals, notably the potential elimination of the Resaca fee and the introduction of a dedicated stormwater drainage utility fee to fund flood control and drainage infrastructure projects. The presentation highlighted $17 million in new departmental budget requests, with only about 20% for new positions, and emphasized maintaining the property tax rate at 60 cents per $100 valuation. Public engagement was encouraged, with opportunities for community input on budget priorities and fee adjustments. The session concluded with commissioners inviting public questions and comments, underscoring transparency and fiscal responsibility in managing city resources.