The Cameron County Commissioner's Court convened on July 29, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the annual streetlight billing assessment fee and the upcoming fiscal year budget.

The meeting began with a discussion on Item 4f, which focused on setting the annual streetlight billing assessment fee for neighborhoods enrolled in the Cameron County Rural Streetlight Program (CCRSP). Currently, 46 unincorporated rural neighborhoods participate in this program, with approximately 1,500 streetlights installed. The tax office reported that it collected $348,231.35 out of a total of $447,080.38 from the previous year, resulting in a delinquent balance of $98,949.03, or 20% of the total. The county covers the monthly electrical usage costs, which are reflected in property tax statements that include a billing and handling fee.

The proposed adjustments for the 2025-2026 assessment fees were presented, showing variations across neighborhoods. Some fees increased due to new participants and delinquent accounts, while others decreased as communities matured in the program. The court discussed the challenges of collecting delinquent fees and explored options such as placing liens on properties of non-compliant residents. Legal counsel confirmed that the court has the statutory authority to impose liens for unpaid assessments.

Commissioners expressed concerns about fairness, noting that compliant residents might bear the burden of increased fees due to non-participating neighbors. The court acknowledged the need for viable solutions to address these issues and ensure equitable participation in the program.

Following the streetlight discussion, the court moved on to the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. The county auditor provided updated revenue projections, indicating a slight increase in the general fund's excess to just over $5.2 million. Adjustments were made to account for revenue from bridge systems, which showed a decrease in available transfers. The court is nearing completion of the budget recommendations, with further details on expenditures expected in the coming weeks.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the adjusted streetlight assessment fees, which passed unanimously. The court will continue to refine the budget and address departmental requests in future sessions.