The La Marque City Council meeting on October 28, 2024, focused heavily on the city's wastewater treatment plant project, with discussions centering on a proposed shift to a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) system. This change is projected to save the city approximately $4 million in construction costs compared to the originally planned conventional system.

Council members expressed concerns about the lack of community input regarding the choice of technology, emphasizing the need for transparency and thorough understanding before committing to the $32 million project. The SBR system, which operates in a single basin rather than two, is expected to reduce concrete and equipment costs significantly. City officials noted that while the original budget was set before the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating prices have necessitated a reevaluation of the project.

The council highlighted the urgency of the situation, as the city is under orders from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to address deficiencies in the existing wastewater treatment facility. The proposed SBR system not only promises cost savings but also aligns with new regulatory requirements, including elevating infrastructure to meet floodplain standards.

Despite the potential benefits, some council members voiced frustration over the prolonged discussions surrounding wastewater treatment, urging for decisive action to move forward. The city is now at a critical juncture, with plans to finalize the design and put the project out for bids, aiming to commence construction within the next year to year and a half.

As the council prepares to make a final decision, the focus remains on ensuring that the chosen solution meets both regulatory demands and the needs of the community, with hopes that the new technology will enhance efficiency and reduce long-term operational costs.