Corpus Christi City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025

The Corpus Christi City Council met on March 25, 2025, for a regular meeting that included the city manager’s first quarter budget report, public comments on multiple items, and significant discussion on far field modeling for the proposed inner harbor desalination plant. The council also approved consent agenda items, debated homeless services funding, and approved resolutions for CDBG amendments and a submerged breakwater project.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3 through 19 were approved on the consent agenda with the exception of Item 7 (pulled by Councilwoman Vaughn) and Item 19 (pulled by Councilman Hernandez). Item 7 was later approved after brief discussion (two council members voted no). Item 19 was debated and amended.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A substantial number of residents and organizational representatives spoke in support of conducting an independent far field modeling study for the desalination plant, urging the council to vote for Item 1. Elizabeth McKay (Eli McKay) read a letter signed by 12 community groups, including Surfrider Foundation, Sierra Club, and Texas Campaign for the Environment, calling for a consultant without financial ties to the project.
• Several speakers questioned the city’s transparency and cited previous cost estimates from city staff that ranged from $50,000 to $1 million. They also raised concerns about environmental impacts on the bay, including brine discharge and potential harm to marine life.
• Patricia Anderson provided a detailed analysis of water supply alternatives and expressed concern about the cost burden on fixed‑income residents, urging the city to explore groundwater options before moving forward with desalination.
• Supporters of the project, including Susie Saldania, emphasized the urgent need for water and urged the council to stop delays. Ginny Cross from the Chamber of Commerce commended the city’s efforts to support Naval Air Station and water infrastructure improvements.
• Public comment on Item 19 included statements from Lauren Cargill (Executive Director of Mission 911) and Marilyn Garza (CEO of the Free Store). Garza criticized the lack of city staff support for smaller nonprofit organizations and requested more equitable distribution of homelessness funding.
• Other comments addressed plans to bring the X Games to Corpus Christi, recognition of Texas historical dates, and concerns about beach access legislation (SB 2188 and HB 4660).

Discussion Items

• City Manager’s First Quarter Budget Report: Peter Zanoni presented the financial summary for the first three months of fiscal year 2025 (October–December 2024). General fund revenues were $128 million, exceeding the $124 million budget, while expenditures were $76.3 million against a budget of $85.9 million. Sales tax collections were on target. The hotel occupancy tax showed a slight shortfall, but spring break was expected to improve the outlook. The manager also updated capital program bonds and provided a preview of the fiscal year 2026 budget schedule, including a council retreat, financial forecast, and goal‑setting workshop. Councilwoman Campos requested details on which industries had challenged property appraisals and suggested sending a letter opposing tariffs.
• Item 1 – Far Field Modeling for Inner Harbor Desalination: Staff and consultants presented an extensive overview of the environmental studies, near‑field and far‑field modeling already completed, and the work being performed by the project team (Kiewit and GHD). They argued that far‑field calculations and hydrodynamic models have already been conducted and that the design‑build contract includes far‑field modeling as part of its scope. Council members Cantu and Hernandez expressed frustration that a far‑field study had been portrayed as unnecessary and costly, and that they had not received clear cost and timeline information. Councilman Cantu attempted to motion for engaging an outside firm (LRE Water) to perform an independent far‑field model, but the city attorney indicated it would require a certificate of funds. The item concluded with discussion but no formal vote on the motion; the council acknowledged the existing work by Kiewit and the need for continued modeling.
• Item 19 – Homeless Housing and Services Program Funding: The council considered an ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Staff recommended awarding $164,198 to MHID (the regional mental health authority) and $50,000 to Mission 911. Some council members questioned the disparity in awards and the lack of support for smaller organizations. After public comment, the council moved to increase Mission 911’s allocation by $25,000, pending negotiations with MHID. The motion passed on first reading.
• Item 20 – Substantial Amendment to FY25 Annual Action Plan (CDBG): Daniel McGinn presented a proposal to reprogram $1.4 million in CDBG funds toward park improvements, basketball courts, pool repairs, cemetery improvements, and playground designs. The amendment was approved.
• Item 21 – Submerged Breakwater Lease: The council heard a presentation from Palacios Marine Agricultural Research on a 2,500‑foot submerged breakwater off Doddridge Park to combat coastal erosion and create habitat. The project has Army Corps permits and requires a statement of no objection from the city. The council approved the resolution with an amendment that the structure shall have no lighting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved with Items 7 and 19 pulled. Item 7 approved after discussion (passed with two dissenting votes – nature of item not specified). Item 19 approved as amended.
• Far Field Modeling (Item 1): No formal action taken. Council discussion highlighted that the design‑build contract already includes near‑field and far‑field modeling by Kiewit and GHD. Councilman Cantu’s motion to directly engage LRE Water was ruled not actionable without a certificate of funds. The item was left without a vote, and the mayor stated the council will move forward with the desalination project.
• Homeless Funding (Item 19): Approved on first reading with an amendment to negotiate an increased allocation of $25,000 for Mission 911, with final amounts and metrics to be determined before second reading.
• CDBG Amendment (Item 20): Approved.
• Submerged Breakwater (Item 21): Approved, with the condition that no lighting be installed on the structure.
• Mayor and council members apologized for exchanges during the meeting and emphasized the need for professionalism and collaboration.

At the end of the meeting, Councilman Hernandez requested that future budget reports include total debt information, and the city manager acknowledged the request.