[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6455902,"mediaKeyId","5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6","parentId",5711805,"title","Large public turnout urges council to halt Inner Harbor seawater desalination; speakers cite environmental and fiscal risks","audioSeconds",252,"startMs",10416630,"endMs",10668735,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6&start=10416&end=10668","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6/thumbnail_10416630.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455902/Texas/Large-public-turnout-urges-council-to-halt-Inner-Harbor-seawater-desalination-speakers-cite-environmental-and-fiscal-risks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455902-ba5356a7814c0212624ad6c0275d8428/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490141&Signature=C4GY5N0gW2KqioyQTTkyo9BpAuotsg1wO9EUvzOhCqlc6xtAz58Ow7LG-5P0SB3hKbbjvuUmHXIfA6KFXtUmA1Q5xPRoO1AsAqmUEG8PQ8DKdwJfNgeFPxqXihF~RW-PxIpIhWzCBZYm-KBVG4MYgjYF9mCG0dA~aWvXLO1OJ8stzKMvh2CfU~Tje1n0E~CaKH9S2vJWNlFz5t1iA00tN~Yr6ESqjcRQed9c242QITq8163X1Q7hwSJAE-L-UT2YaJUd0G41zC1JjitzcrL7Yb4NdgEdaqIGBUnudr3fbGWPpvG2PaZh3J5uXWpcpSEk0Xi30GUfyYOwgYN4g5tsYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council","date","2025-09-04T00:27:13Z","article","A prolonged public comment period Aug. 12 brought dozens of residents, business owners and advocates to the podium to press the City Council on the proposed Inner Harbor seawater desalination project and related debt and design choices.

Speakers opposing the Inner Harbor location raised environmental, fiscal and equity concerns. Common themes included the potential for hypersalinity and low dissolved oxygen in the near‑harbor bay environment, uncertainty over modeled impacts, the proximity of intake and discharge, and the perception that a large share of the plant’s water would serve industrial users rather than residents. Multiple commenters urged the council to halt or redirect the project, pursue alternatives such as Harbor Island or offshore intake/discharge, expand reuse and capture from other watersheds (including proposals to enlarge capture on the Mary Rhodes Pipeline corridor), or focus on conservation and industrial curtailment.

Speakers cited a range of technical and budgetary concerns: large cost increases from initial estimates (comments noted figures that rose from the low hundreds of millions toward more than $1 billion), operating cost uncertainty, and historical examples of desalination plants achieving less than design capacity or shutting temporarily for maintenance. Several speakers asked for independent review of the modeling used to support permits and for greater transparency about assumptions and contingency costs.

Those in favor of desalination urged council to secure an additional water source quickly, arguing the city needs capacity for industry and residents as growth continues. Other commenters framed the issue as a choice about the city’s future economy and recommended alternatives such as expanding the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, capturing peak flows, creating storage and pursuing floating solar to lower evaporative losses.

Public commenters included longtime district residents, civic groups and business owners; several speakers asked that decisions be delayed or put to a public vote. Council did not take a vote on the desalination project during the Aug. 12 meeting; staff noted that later agenda items tied to the project were scheduled for future council consideration. Several commenters urged the council to prioritize transparency, independent scientific review and measures to protect Hillcrest and other neighborhoods historically burdened by industrial impacts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Corpus Christi | City Council Meeting September 2, 2025 I Pt.2","oneSentenceSummary","More than 80 members of the public used the council’s comment period Aug. 12 to oppose a proposed Inner Harbor seawater desalination plant, saying the plan threatens the bay’s health and risks large public debt; supporters of desal urged action to secure water supplies.","taxTitle","City Council, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas","taxId",77669,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6455908,"Council rejects proposed stormwater drainage fee increase after public outcry and fiscal questions",0,5998025,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6&start=5998&end=5998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6/thumbnail_5998025.jpg","/articles/6455908/Texas/Council-rejects-proposed-stormwater-drainage-fee-increase-after-public-outcry-and-fiscal-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455908-6dc9eb2b490e700a76a903161f2bab68/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490141&Signature=BgW4EkSQ~XTZDFuQmY7ntgugeBHLmYGQ3wQY8SnUuHR2dnsYmOc5B48RmuUEDMromVSMXxASwCm6ucB~vg8bA0JJY0MdROpucWFTheFQkTEtecggbENOTvH7i3eDSyHfBq2zGKJ1cOb~miTudB4xA0lc4KnM1R~gwaaPetXw0iHYyvmCHImcSUQRX~vu5v1pJPd7TnvIGEQcDxktj8CAFAScD6xoh2L~o9HUagrv8UOTyXOex60hOzv-1ccZQAuk4FB4HILiV5xurLYBNtdqYRu1JvoE21PFWLsyZnO5LCUlhbX2fgdkgzF05D2eB9i4mMyLyzhnxjmegIrSgB-h4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council considered an ordinance to raise the residential drainage utility fee from $10.32 to $11.59 but the motion failed after public comment and a detailed staff presentation about lines of service and fund projections.

Interim Assistant City Manager and Public Works director Ernie Nunez De La Garza presented the proposal and explained how the fee supports a range of stormwater services: inlet cleaning and maintenance, minor and major channel work, vegetative maintenance along rights of way, street sweeping, flood control pump stations and environmental inspections tied to the city’s MS4 permit. Staff said the city maintains more than 20,000 inlets, hundreds of channel miles and thousands of acres of right‑of‑way and that current staffing and equipment cover a fraction of the total need.

Nunez told council that changing from the current estimated‑impervious methodology to measured impervious would require a multiyear project and roughly $600,000 in upfront cost. He also presented multi‑year fund projections showing a future shortfall driven by capital projects and debt service, and he said the proposed rate would help avoid a negative fund balance in later years.

Council members asked for more detail on debt service and how the drainage fund balance had grown; several members said fund projections were not aligning with the budget book figures and asked for a clearer explanation of upcoming CIP obligations and how Prop F (coastal resilience bond items) and other revenue sources intersect with stormwater needs. Some council members signaled that they were unwilling to approve the rate until staff reconciled those figures and provided a clearer capital‑project timeline and funding plan.

Public comment included residents who objected to higher monthly fees and noted fixed incomes; others asked for more clarity on what the stormwater fee paid for. After discussion, the council voted and the motion failed. Staff said they will return with additional analysis and reconciled numbers for the second reading.","A proposed increase to the city’s stormwater drainage utility charge failed at first reading after councilmembers and residents raised concerns about cost, fund balances and capital spending priorities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6455912,"Council approves parks and recreation fee changes but holds off on after‑school latchkey increases",2904,5384385,8289340,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6&start=5384&end=8289","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6/thumbnail_5384385.jpg","/articles/6455912/Texas/Council-approves-parks-and-recreation-fee-changes-but-holds-off-on-afterschool-latchkey-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455912-820a578c2fb84138cd7054793469d2d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490141&Signature=UpW~x~aTDqVZWlTFuwAPUSGN0TFyIkxBrPPb9VuU5YP181L7xb3~gkY-qilyZufqXve95inDMGE10ROvsh27KAc~qFIq3SayWb-s21NPrC0eFHEKcMZPLAoF8CHnuYwi8sf4SR4h-2aiYOtAQzcxsDrG0j1KOdeXeYDR6RM1DINNo9jwiPWbJGG3eOjY6NGRtC7dX5gnDyhMkG5zEj76jc6XMhXGy-uzXitUm83X-v4YBKlWrq6dr9Vv5J5qqi5kWb7UqQ3T8tNjtg4P8ZXSSUFF6OGSx-B4kV03PDXFRdeQqXzwk0j7H7~t~O4pjP3RLo1jAXNYqkY5I2MjxbiUEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Corpus Christi City Council approved an omnibus update to Parks and Recreation and marina fees Aug. 12 but amended the package to remove proposed increases for the after‑school latchkey program and certain administrative fees.

Robert Dodd, director of Parks and Recreation, told council staff reviewed market comparables and inflation to propose increases across a range of rental, program and marina fees. Proposed changes included updated facility rental processing fees, new rates at Oso Bay Wetlands and fee changes for pool setups (moving a 25‑meter configuration to 50‑meter setup). Staff said the department prices were generally lower than comparable cities and that some items — such as vendor permits for Gulf Beach locations — serve large summer visitor volumes.

The most contested element was after‑school child care (\"after‑our kid power\" or \"latchkey\"), which staff described as a licensed program with roughly 1,300 registered participants last year. The department proposed raising monthly latchkey rates to align with state workforce reimbursements and inflation; staff noted scholarships and workforce vouchers are available and that a limited number of scholarships were distributed. Many public commenters urged the council not to raise latchkey fees, saying small increases create hardship for working families.

Councilmember discussion focused on affordability and alternatives to balance the budget without cutting youth services. Council amended the motion: members voted to approve the parks‑and‑marina fee schedule but exclude the after‑school latchkey increases and related administrative fees. Staff said the excluded items total approximately $350,000 in projected revenue and committed to return options next week addressing the budget gap and potential grant offsets. The amended motion passed.

Council and members of the public urged staff to work with workforce agencies, nonprofits and community partners to maximize scholarship access and to explore grants and sponsorships for youth programming. Staff noted the department recently added a grants coordinator to pursue outside funding.","Council approved a broad Parks and Recreation fee schedule update but removed proposed after‑school 'latchkey' fee increases and certain administrative fees from final approval pending further review and alternatives to cover a $350,000 budget gap.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6455917,"Council approves vacant-building registration program to fund abatements; debate centers on enforcement and impact on absentee owners",163,1391925,1555045,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6&start=1391&end=1555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6/thumbnail_1391925.jpg","/articles/6455917/Texas/Council-approves-vacant-building-registration-program-to-fund-abatements-debate-centers-on-enforcement-and-impact-on-absentee-owners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455917-037dcc7d73865e1b8a3ec4488a5c1895/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490142&Signature=ckexDx4nQZDibaI6gwRe7kQ0WWjcOPFvtkgA0BDTnUsnK9WZffowur-gudYU4rKySWdMyJAQJg2iCAzCnZt3DpPUOEiFU-6xy7s3MPUBtqHuiGOHn8bIU4xbGVVXeSyiThbLqjJg6uls~xiF~ZDubzTgrWnJwIYB-9l9mpr1WPcY1LPgZhquPJfvTbcPvjFbUx4BhHIUKGbi~fFIKPSY7rNnL7lYam7aXBabCYpNtLaQsBkze4-Gbh3XjHcWoujjLVFX0wuLexBC6TrYwWj9Nte3kv2IQO0WVKk0KChbO56IZCzaLo5IaMYsPi7l6P72FMAAIlyC5C7eNYOSPIQkTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Corpus Christi City Council on Aug. 12 approved an ordinance that requires owners of buildings vacant for more than 30 days to register those properties, provide a point of contact and an operation plan, and pay a registration fee intended to fund abatement, board‑ups and demolition when necessary.

Michael Dice of Development Services told council the change targets nuisance vacant buildings that account for a large share of code cases and emergency responses. Dice said the city logged nearly 20,000 visits to about 1,300 vacant properties in the prior 12 months; he said the city’s abatement budget was halved in fiscal 2025 and the proposed fees — a $250 registration fee and a $50 annual inspection fee, with first‑year proration — would help recover costs for mowing, debris removal, board‑ups and demolitions.

Council and staff repeatedly framed the proposal as aimed at absentee owners and nuisance properties, not houses actively for sale or rent. Dice said inspections would be suspended once a property registers and an approved plan is in place, so the registration provides a path for owners to engage and avoid repeat enforcement. He said the program will be managed by existing code‑compliance staff using current software with a new permit type.

Council discussion was extensive. Supporters said the fee program creates funding and accountability for recurring nuisances that strain police, fire and code resources. Corpus Christi Police Chief David Blackman said police support the program and noted many absentee landlords and bulk property owners shift costs onto taxpayers by letting properties decline. Several council members urged a time‑limited pilot and regular reporting if the program is adopted.

Opponents and skeptics questioned whether persistent absentee owners would register or pay and raised that many liens are junior to tax liens, limiting recoveries. Councilman Hernandez and others argued the city should more aggressively use existing legal avenues, including foreclosure when feasible, before adding another regulatory layer. Some council members asked staff to work with local stakeholders such as the Corpus Christi Association of Realtors and neighborhood groups before implementation. Staff said they will provide regular status updates and include the program in monthly code newsletters.

The ordinance passed after debate; the council recorded the motion as carried. Staff said the program is intended to be self‑sustaining and focused on nuisance properties, and that revenues would be used for abatement and emergency work related to vacant properties.","Council adopted an ordinance establishing mandatory registration and inspection fees for long‑term vacant buildings aimed at recovering abatement costs. Debate focused on whether registration would change owner behavior and the city’s ability to collect liens.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6455920,"City Council updates multiple water service fees, approves new tap and lab charges",71,69965,141590,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6&start=69&end=141","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711805-65cc2a57592b9a89fc5ec1c96f9ff5c6/thumbnail_69965.jpg","/articles/6455920/Texas/City-Council-updates-multiple-water-service-fees-approves-new-tap-and-lab-charges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455920-1a97bd0a46b407dc1318607d2b17baa1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490142&Signature=RFQkkOM04D4lIdbJ2LYFCSczhwIDEj7U7GagdhVQC9tfwENKXUdbUygy29WgEY0gq5x1uJHv4~L13asl78mYDP~3x4HcU3JM818Osg2QsbxoD4Lt1vpGcFJbrl1xX4-2HErcUuWlb9CZ3KnaFEwNfBytPU7~J7ITDcRFjEtR5RaUgn7hh9lLaFeExhRl8GM0ASjIebaL79vXpiOGwb0RVlWSMzWgpDBEwBYAgPViUVqv~2In9CwpbSBdrJh83SG9Bd7hIfhp9kR3Y0CwoaoiM7O~2p2FxWXV0ncLlKpIQVaPzGwigHX7ty0xza8sxV8ZdV-3f40RjwEGClx6c2Filg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Corpus Christi City Council approved a series of ordinances updating several water utility fees, including laboratory testing charges, temporary construction water service deposits and water/wastewater tap fees.

City staff said the adjustments reflect higher material and labor costs and aim to recover more of the actual cost of providing those services. Nick Winkelman, director of Water Systems, told council the laboratory fee increases range “anywhere from 5 to 10%,” and that CCW compared its rates to nearby private laboratories.

Winkelman said CCW’s laboratory at the Owen Stevens Water Treatment Plant serves internal city departments and about 100 external customers, including other municipalities and private individuals. On temporary construction meters, staff described an increase to the refundable deposit: the current $600 deposit would move to $1,500 to cover replacement of lost or stolen meters and associated backflow prevention devices. Council members asked whether charges were based on market comparables and staff said the increases primarily reflect materials costs and competitive procurement for meters and meter sets.

On tap fees for new water and wastewater connections, staff said the ordinance updates fees to reflect higher meter set costs, AMI equipment and labor. For meters larger than 2 inches, staff said CCW will provide a site-specific quote because material costs and installation labor vary widely.

Council opened public comment on the items. For the tap-fee ordinance a few residents and developers asked about cost breakdowns and whether the city considered comparables; staff offered to follow up individually. The ordinances were then moved, seconded and approved by council vote with no roll-call tallies recorded in the minutes.

Council members and staff said the changes are part of a series of fee updates meant to better capture cost of service so the utilities’ operational budgets are not subsidizing replacement or labor expenses.

The ordinances take effect as specified in each ordinance text.","Corpus Christi City Council on Aug. 12 approved ordinances raising charges for water laboratory testing, temporary construction meters and utility tap fees as part of a broader effort to align fees with cost of service.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Large public turnout urges council to halt Inner Harbor seawater desalination; speakers cite environmental and fiscal risks

Council rejects proposed stormwater drainage fee increase after public outcry and fiscal questions

Council approves parks and recreation fee changes but holds off on after‑school latchkey increases

Council approves vacant-building registration program to fund abatements; debate centers on enforcement and impact on absentee owners

City Council updates multiple water service fees, approves new tap and lab charges