By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The Port Isabel City Commission held a Special Meeting on September 24, 2025, addressing a full agenda that ranged from tax ordinances to community events and departmental updates.
The meeting began with approval of routine consent agenda items, including budget amendments and minutes from the September 9 session. Reports followed from the city’s key departments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire, Police, Public Works, the Museum, and the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on finances. Commissioners conducted first readings of three major ordinances: Ordinance No. 572-2025-2026, setting the levy of property taxes for the fiscal year; Ordinance No. 574-2025-2026, adopting the city’s budget; and Ordinance No. 573-2025-2026, fixing the ad valorem tax rate. Discussion noted that the new rates reflect an 8.02 percent increase intended to support city maintenance and operations.
Under new business, the Commission approved a request from the Point Isabel Independent School District (PIISD) to temporarily close State Highway 100 for the annual Homecoming Parade scheduled for October 2. Commissioners also approved training opportunities, including sending EMS staff to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) conference and acknowledging the Police Department’s purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe using Stone Garden federal grant funds.
Other community approvals included permission for Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church to close Monroe Street for its October 4–5 bazaar, and authorization for Marketing Director Valerie Bates to attend the Texas Society of Association Executives Conference in San Antonio. The Commission also reappointed members to the Parks and Recreation Board and considered appointments to the Port Isabel Housing Authority.
The meeting concluded with approval of a school affiliation agreement between the South Texas Independent School District (STISD) and Port Isabel EMS, enabling medical students in Brownsville to gain field experience.
The Commission adjourned after balancing fiscal responsibilities with community engagement, underscoring its commitment to both city services and residents.
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