By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
All seven members of the Del Rio City Council were present for the meeting.
Council approves major increase in water, sewer rates
City council members voted 6–1 to approve an ordinance revising the city’s water and wastewater rates, with Mayor Pro-tem Jim DeReus casting the sole opposing vote. The council initially approved the new rates in June based on a revised rate study recommended by city staff. In November, council members learned a required public hearing had not been held 30 days prior to that vote, rendering it void. The city subsequently held the required public hearing. City Manager Shawna Burkhart told council the new rates will cover maintenance and operation costs, current fund balances and additional debt tied to upcoming priority water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The new rates will take effect Jan. 1.
City manager offers possible modifications to new rates
Before the vote, Burkhart presented three measures developed after meetings with the public, where affordability concerns were frequently raised. She asked council to consider increasing the senior discount on water and sewer bills from 5 percent to 8 percent, raising Del Rio International Bridge tolls by 25 or 50 cents to help fund water and wastewater needs, and revisiting the rate study again next year. Each proposal was discussed at length. Burkhart said staff will draft ordinances for each option and bring them back to council early next year.
Council approves further funding for second international bridge planning
Council members voted 5–2 to approve a resolution authorizing Burkhart to execute a revised agreement with R.R.P. Consulting Engineers, LLC to complete Phase II of the presidential permit process for a second international bridge between Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña, Mexico. Councilman Randy Quiñones and Mayor Pro-tem DeReus voted against the measure. Assistant City Manager Manuel Chavez said the revised agreement, totaling $445,252.94, will fund a new traffic and revenue study required for the permit application. The city’s previous study is more than two years old and no longer eligible. R.R.P. engineer Michael Riojas said a recommended route is expected in March 2026, followed by a public hearing in June and submission of the permit application in July 2026. A motion by Quiñones to postpone the item failed on a 2–5 vote.
Council extends waste collection contract for eight months
In a 7–0 vote, council approved an ordinance authorizing Burkhart to extend the city’s contract with Platform Waste Solutions, LLC for eight months, from Feb. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026. The extension covers residential, commercial, bulky, yard and recycling waste collection and disposal services. City Purchasing Agent Luis Menchaca said the extension will allow staff time to review landfill rates and present any recommended changes to council. A new five-year contract with Platform Waste is set to begin Oct. 1, 2026.
Council accepts $2.3 million grant for sidewalk projects
Council unanimously approved acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation Alternatives Program Grant totaling $2.3 million to construct more than 7,600 linear feet of five-foot-wide sidewalks along North Bedell Avenue and Braddie Drive. The project requires a 5 percent local match, but the city qualifies to use transportation development credits instead. Council members praised Michael Garcia, assistant to the city manager and grant writer, for securing the funding.
Council orders May 2026 municipal election
Council members voted 7–0 to order a regular municipal election on May 2, 2026, to elect a mayor, a District 1 council member, a District 2 council member and a Councilperson-At-Large Place C. The council also approved a contract with Val Verde County for election services, including early voting and any required runoff. City Secretary Mari Acosta said candidate filing opens Jan. 14, 2026, and closes Feb. 13, 2026.
Council authorizes advertising for major water line replacement project
In another unanimous vote, council approved advertising a request for qualifications for the Del Rio Water Pipeline Replacement Project Phase II. Public Works Director Greg Velazquez said the project includes replacing approximately 41,650 linear feet of 8-inch water mains and 4,800 linear feet of 12-inch water transfer lines.
Council receives update on capital projects
Council members heard a comprehensive update from Velazquez and project engineers on major water and wastewater projects. Water projects discussed included Phase II of the pipeline replacement, East Springs containment wall replacement, a new municipal well, filtration membrane rack replacement, lead service line inventory, water distribution lines and automated meter infrastructure. Wastewater projects included the northside sanitary sewer trunkline, collection lines and bar screens. No action was taken following the briefing.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
