Eagle Pass City Council Doubles Water Works System’s Contribution

By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The Eagle Pass City Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance that doubled the contribution from the Eagle Pass Water Works System to the City of Eagle Pass during its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

The ordinance amended Chapter 27, Article 1, Division 1, Section 27-26(C) of the City of Eagle Pass Code of Ordinances by increasing the amount paid by the city-owned utility from 1 percent to 2 percent of its gross revenues.

Approval of the third reading placed the ordinance into effect following its required publication and other applicable procedures.

Based on previous Water Works System budgets and financial reports showing approximately $16.6 million in annual overall revenues, the former 1 percent contribution represented an estimated $166,000 per year.
At the newly approved 2 percent rate, the contribution could total approximately $332,000 annually, potentially providing the city with an additional $166,000 each year if future revenues remained near those levels.

The financial figures were estimates based on previous budgets and reports. The actual amount transferred to the city will depend on future water and wastewater revenues, customer demand, utility rates and operating conditions.

The Water Works System is owned by the City of Eagle Pass but operates as a separate utility responsible for providing water and wastewater services to the community. The increased contribution will provide additional revenue for municipal operations and other city needs.
The ordinance also contained a cumulative clause allowing the amendment to operate alongside existing city ordinances without repealing other provisions unless specifically stated.

It included a severability clause providing that if any portion of the ordinance were found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions would continue in effect.
The measure also established publication requirements and formally completed the three-reading approval process required for the ordinance.