Harlingen — The Harlingen City Commission voted to accept conveyance of irrigation easements from Harlingen Irrigation District No. 1 after sending the matter to executive session for legal consideration following public objections.

Staff told commissioners the irrigation conveyance involves easements the district owns and that the district was not charging the city for the transfer. During citizens communication, a resident identified as Padilla (address not specified on the record) said the easement documents contradicted each other, appeared altered and would improperly take her property. Padilla urged the commission not to approve the conveyance and to further investigate the matter.

City staff and City Attorney Mark advised the commission that parts of the discussion touched on litigation and that additional legal review was appropriate. A motion was made to retire to executive session under Texas Government Code section 551.072 to deliberate real-property matters. After returning to open session, commissioners moved to accept the conveyance and amended the motion to make acceptance subject to legal counsel approval; the motion carried.

Commissioners and staff discussed funding and clarified that, according to staff, no payment was required to obtain the conveyance from the irrigation district. Commissioners also noted public concern about property boundaries and litigation; the amendment requiring legal approval directs staff to ensure the city's acceptance proceeds only after counsel signs off.

Next steps: the commission's formal approval is recorded in the meeting minutes subject to legal review. Residents who raised the dispute urged the city to pause final execution until the document inconsistencies are resolved and any litigation issues are addressed.