In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed pressing infrastructure needs and financial challenges facing their rapidly growing border community. The dialogue centered on the necessity for increased state support to address issues related to water, sewer, and overall infrastructure, which have not been adequately recognized due to a population-based funding model.

Officials highlighted the community's unique position as a significant economic driver, being located near the largest port in the Western Hemisphere. They expressed concerns that the current property tax cap of 3.5%, established in 2019, is insufficient for a city experiencing rapid growth, leading to a situation where the community feels it is falling behind.

Three key recommendations were proposed to address these challenges:

1. **Increase Infrastructure Funding**: Officials called for enhanced state funding for border cities, arguing that their economic contributions warrant greater financial support.

2. **Modify Sports Venue Tax**: The discussion included a proposal to convert the existing sports venue tax to a 4A/4B tax, which would allow for more flexible funding options for community projects. This change would require voter approval, and officials emphasized the need to present this option to the public.

3. **Adjust Revenue Caps for Growing Cities**: There was a strong push for legislative changes to allow cities experiencing rapid growth to exceed the 3.5% property tax cap, enabling them to better manage operational costs associated with public services.

The meeting underscored a collective desire among officials to advocate for legislative changes that would empower their community to meet its growing needs. The officials acknowledged that while many cities in Texas face similar challenges, their unique circumstances as a border community necessitate a tailored approach to funding and support. The conversation concluded with a call to action for city management to draft a resolution to present these recommendations to state legislators, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement with state government to secure necessary resources.