Work Session 8/17/2026

This was a work session of the El Paso City Council held on August 17, 2026, focusing primarily on the city's stormwater utility update and the fiscal year 2027 budget discussions. The stormwater utility report detailed ongoing and planned capital improvement projects, maintenance challenges, and funding priorities, including a $12 million emergency project and a total investment of over $400 million since 2008. The council discussed the prioritization of projects, grant funding, and maintenance schedules. The budget discussion highlighted a proposed property tax rate increase of 4.9 cents per $100 valuation to address rising costs, including public safety collective bargaining agreements and utility expenses. The council considered the financial sustainability of the city, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fund balance and the impact of state-mandated property tax exemptions. A resolution to update the sister cities agreement with Chihuahua, Mexico, was approved. The council voted to postpone the final budget vote to August 18, 2026. Several executive session items related to utility rate cases, economic development agreements, and legal consultations were addressed, with some motions passed. Overall, the meeting involved significant procurement and budgetary deliberations affecting capital projects, public safety funding, and intergovernmental agreements.