2026-09-01 - City Council
Summary
Built from the official minutes (printed 9/4/2026) and the written public comments attached to them. No video is posted, so there is no transcript or timing.
- Called to order 11:33 a.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Paxson; Mayor Guajardo absent. Lunch recess 3:02 to 3:41 p.m.; adjourned 10:13 p.m.
- Around 50 people spoke in general public comment and five sent written comments.
- First readings of the operating budget (7-1), capital budget (7-1) and tax rate (7-1) all passed after hearings with no speakers.
- Inner Harbor desalination design-build contract ($78.6 million) failed 3-5; the $9.5 million owner's representative contract was withdrawn.
- Procurement ad hoc committee resolution postponed to September 8.
Fiscal Year 2027 City Budget
- Operating budget first reading 7-1 (Hernandez no); capital budget 7-1.
Property Tax Rate Increase
- Paxson's amendment to the no-new-revenue rate ($0.596985) failed; $0.599774 passed 7-1.
Inner Harbor Desalination Contract
- Failed 3-5 after 19 speakers; written opposition from John Weber, Rose Aumada, Mariah Boone and James Sutherland; Harbor Island briefing by John Byrum.
Municipal Court Judges Compensation
- First reading 8-0 after Jackie Chapa's presentation.
Airport Long-Term Parking Rates
- First reading 6-2.
City Fee Schedule Revisions
- Solid waste 6-1, recreation 7-1, fire 8-0, annexation fee 8-0, street fees 8-0.
Homewood Suites Incentive Disapproval
- Ratification of the prior week's emergency ordinance passed 5-2-1.
Professional Services Procurement Ad Hoc Committee
- Postponed to September 8.
Weber Road Annexations
- The 0.99-acre annexation passed first reading 7-0.
Evangeline Groundwater Program
- Terracon testing amendment ($1,501,795.50) approved on consent; Barbara Lopez spoke.
Palo Verde Senior Apartments Loan
- First reading on consent.
North Beach Infrastructure Improvements
- City Manager's update by Zanoni.
Farrah Fawcett Memorial
- Two written comments from James Cowman.
Other business
- Board appointments: Building Standards Board, Corpus Christi B Corporation, Business and Job Development Corporation, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Management District and Ethics Commission. Consent items: Homeland Security grants ($151,026.78) for the Police Department, a hazardous materials planning interlocal renewal, three zoning first readings (Old Brownsville Road, Stillwell Lane, 2nd Street; Scott was absent for the 2nd Street vote).