Harlingen Boards and Commission Consider Budget, Land Use, and Federal Funding
The Harlingen City Commission was scheduled to consider the Fiscal Year 2026 budget amendment, the FY 2027 Street Improvement Program list, and the appointment of Marie Leal as General Manager of the Harlingen Waterworks System at its July 15 meeting. Minutes for recent city meetings have not yet been published, so the outcomes of these proposed items are not yet available.
City Commission
On July 15, the City Commission agenda included a 20% discount on green fees and golf cart fees at Tony Butler Golf Course, authorization for Texas Water Development Board financial assistance, and the appointment of Marie Leal as General Manager of the Harlingen Waterworks System. A July 16 workshop was scheduled for a presentation by Schneider Electric on the 60% IGA update.
Community Development Advisory Board
The July 14 meeting included a public hearing on the proposed one-year action plan budget. The agenda listed a $30,000 CDBG grant to the Boys and Girls Club, a $157,789 CDBG grant to Public Works for solar lights, and $229,884.08 in HOME-ARP funding for affordable housing programs. Applications from Sunny Glen Children’s Home, Friendship of Women, Inc., and Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley were also scheduled for presentation.
Planning and Zoning Commission
The July 14 agenda featured preliminary construction plans for Altas Palmas Subdivision Phase II, covering 41.72 acres. The commission was set to consider rezoning 5.06 acres on Paloma Lane from R-1 to Planned Development for smaller lot sizes, and a special use permit request for an adult business (bar) at 112 E. Jackson Street. Also on the agenda was the voluntary annexation of 35.32 acres and zoning of 3.536 acres as Multi-Family (M-2) on Montezuma Road, along with proposed amendments to Chapter 105, "Flood Damage Prevention," of the Code of Ordinances.
Zoning Board of Adjustments
On July 7, the board was scheduled to hold public hearings on three special exceptions for accessory structures encroaching into front yard setbacks in Residential, Single-Family (R-1) Districts. The requests involve carports at 1609 Sunnyside Drive (25 feet into setback), 2414 E. Bowie Avenue (7.25 feet into setback), and 513 Chapote Avenue (3 feet into setback).
Other Boards and Committees
- The Arts & Heritage Museum Advisory Board met July 8 to discuss the Harlingen Hospital Historic Preservation Strategic Plan.
- The Harlingen Elective Commission participated in a District #4 Town Hall at Bowie Elementary on July 9, noted as not a formal meeting of the Commission.
- The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee met July 14 to discuss shelter operations under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 823.
Coming Up
- **July 21:** The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will review updates on the Wilson Sports Complex, tennis facility improvements, summer swimming lessons, and the Texas A&M Forestry Grant.
- **July 27:** The Civil Service Commission will consider appointing Ms. Christine Castillo as the new Civil Service Director. The meeting is at 12:00 p.m. at City Hall, 118 E. Tyler.