San Benito meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

San Benito boards weigh city manager, rezoning, drone contract; no decisions yet published

San Benito city boards and commissions met twice last week, but minutes have not yet been published, so no official decisions are available. The most significant agenda items included a possible city manager appointment, a 65-acre rezoning request, and a $100,000 drone contract for police.

City Commission

The City Commission held two special meetings in the past week.

On Aug. 11, the commission met in executive session to conduct final interviews of two City Manager finalists. Following the closed session, the agenda allowed for possible action on the appointment and an employment agreement, as well as authorization for the Mayor to negotiate and execute the contract. No outcome has been reported.

On Aug. 18, the commission held public hearings and considered several items, including:

• A conditional use permit for a bar and grill at 1820 West Business 77 (applicant: Maria Norma Ramos).
• A rezoning of 65.52 acres on South Helen Moore Road from Planned Development District to Commercial General Retail Business (applicant: South Texas ISD).
• First readings of the FY 2026-2027 budget ordinance (Ordinance 2640-09-2026) and the ad valorem tax rate ordinance (Ordinance 2641-08-2026).
• A $100,000 Flock Safety drone agreement for the police DFR program.

The agenda also included presentations on Q3 financials and investment reports, plus an executive session on charter provisions regarding officer vacancies and conduct.

Planning & Zoning Board and Board of Adjustments

On Aug. 10, both the Planning and Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustments held special meetings.

The Planning and Zoning Board considered:

• A conditional use permit for a bar and grill at 1820 West Business 77 (applicant: Maria Norma Ramos).
• A rezoning of 65.52 acres on South Helen Moore Rd from PDD to C-2 (applicant: South Texas ISD).
• Approval of an amended final plat of Stenger Subdivision, Lot 1, Block 1 (applicant: Michael Rios).
• Approval of minutes from May 28 and June 25, 2026, and appointment of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

The Board of Adjustments considered a parking-space variance request from San Benito CISD for property at 2115 North Oscar Williams Road (Lot 1, Block 1, San Benito CISD Subdivision No. 3). The board also planned to appoint a chairman and vice-chairman and approve minutes from prior meetings. Public comments were limited to three minutes per speaker, with a maximum of three speakers per topic.

Coming up

The Planning and Zoning Board will meet on Aug. 27 to consider:

• A preliminary and final plat for a Stripes store, 6.932 acres, Block 15, San Benito Land and Water Company Subdivision.
• A variance to a 15-foot utility easement for Peralez Farms Subdivision, 1-acre lot, Block 65.
• A conditional use permit for a storage building over 200 sq ft at 2760 East Expressway 83 (C-2 zoning).
• A conditional use permit for a public school at 400 South Helen Moore Road, 42.14 acres, applicant South Texas ISD.
• A voluntary annexation of 3.33 acres on Line 17 Road, applicant Andy Vigstol.

Public hearings are scheduled for the conditional use permits and the annexation.

San Benito boards weigh $1.9M fire truck, rezoning, city manager pick

San Benito city boards held several meetings over the past two weeks, and another is scheduled for Tuesday. No minutes have been published from the recent sessions, so outcomes are not yet known. The City Commission met Aug. 4 and Aug. 11, and the Planning and Zoning Board and Board of Adjustments met Aug. 10.

City Commission (Aug. 4)

The commission held public hearings on the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and property tax rate. It also considered:

• Purchase of a 2026 Pierce Enforcer Aerial Fire Ladder Truck for $1,900,000.00.
• Payment of $72,500.00 to OMT Utilities for emergency repairs at El Camino Lift Station.
• Change order of $162,286.79 for City Buildings A and B at 101 Doherty Street.
• Employee benefits package for FY 2026-2027 with a recommended annual premium of $1,632,774.24.

City Commission (Aug. 11)

The commission met in special session to interview two finalists for city manager and possibly appoint one. The agenda included an executive session for interviews and deliberation, followed by possible action on the appointment and authorization for the mayor to negotiate and execute an employment agreement.

Board of Adjustments (Aug. 10)

The board held a public hearing on a parking-space variance request from San Benito CISD for property at 2115 North Oscar Williams Road (Lot 1, Block 1, San Benito CISD Subdivision No. 3). It also planned to appoint a chairman and vice-chairman and approve minutes from May 28 and June 25 meetings. Public comments were limited to three minutes per speaker, with a maximum of three speakers per topic.

Planning & Zoning Board (Aug. 10)

The board held public hearings on two land-use requests:

• A conditional use permit for a bar and grill at 1820 West Business 77 (applicant: Maria Norma Ramos).
• A rezoning of 65.52 acres on South Helen Moore Road from Planned Development District to Commercial General Retail Business (applicant: South Texas ISD).

It also considered approving the amended final plat of Stenger Subdivision, Lot 1, Block 1 (applicant: Michael Rios), approving minutes from May 28 and June 25, and appointing a chairman and vice-chairman.

Coming up: City Commission (Aug. 18)

The commission will hold public hearings and consider action on the conditional use permit for the bar and grill, the rezoning of the 65.52 acres, and the proposed ad valorem tax rate for FY 2026-2027. It will also take up first readings of the budget ordinance (Ordinance 2640-09-2026) and tax rate ordinance (Ordinance 2641-08-2026), and a $100,000 Flock Safety drone agreement for the police DFR program. The agenda includes presentations on Q3 financials and investment reports, plus an executive session on charter provisions regarding officer vacancies and conduct.

San Benito Commission agenda includes $1.9M fire truck, budget hearings

The San Benito City Commission held two budget-related meetings in late July and is set to consider a $1.9 million fire truck purchase and other items at its Aug. 4 meeting. Official minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so no decisions or vote tallies are available. The following is based solely on the published agendas.

Budget workshop and community forum

On July 28, the commission held its second budget workshop for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The agenda included a review of revenue projections, expenditure estimates, and the proposed 2026 Ad Valorem Property Tax Rate.

The same day, the commission conducted a community budget forum to receive public input and answer questions about the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. According to the agenda, this forum was for discussion and providing direction to staff; no final action on the budget was to be taken.

Fire truck purchase and other Aug. 4 items

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the commission was scheduled to hold public hearings on the proposed 2026-2027 budget and the property tax rate. The agenda also included several specific items:

• Purchase of a 2026 Pierce Enforcer Aerial Fire Ladder Truck for $1,900,000.00.
• Payment of $72,500.00 to OMT Utilities for emergency repairs at El Camino Lift Station.
• A change order of $162,286.79 for City Buildings A and B at 101 Doherty Street.
• An employee benefits package for fiscal year 2026-2027 with a recommended annual premium of $1,632,774.24.

The meeting summary also indicates the commission was to consider a new City Manager appointment, though that item is not listed separately in the agenda items.

No decisions reported yet

Because minutes have not been published, it is not known whether the commission approved any of these items or took action on the budget or tax rate. The agendas are the only official record available at this time.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents should check the city's official website or contact the commission for future meeting schedules.

San Benito budget talks advance; $1.9M fire truck purchase heads to August 4 Commission meeting

San Benito's City Commission spent late July in a series of budget workshops and public forums shaping the next fiscal year, while the August 4 meeting looms with major spending decisions — including a $1.9 million aerial fire truck. Minutes from the July meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes on most items remain unconfirmed.

City Commission — July 21

The Commission's July 21 agenda included several items up for action, though minutes are not yet available to confirm what passed:

• **Resolution 2026-0721-001(R)** — adopting the 2024 Water Conservation Plan.
• **Ordinance 2252-AY-1** — amending parking aisle width requirements.
• **Ordinance 2639** — requiring background checks for City board and commission appointments.
• **$38,900** for coating inspection services at the Oscar Williams Road and Freddy Fender water towers.
• **$10,000** SBEDC sales tax subsidy grant for The Wing Shack.

Planning & Zoning Board — July 23

The regular Planning and Zoning meeting scheduled for July 23 was cancelled due to a lack of quorum and rescheduled for August 27, 2026.

A separate agenda for that date listed items the board was set to consider, including a public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for a bar and grill at 1820 West Business 77 (applicant: Maria Norma Ramos), an amended Final Plat of the Stenger Subdivision (applicant: Michael Rios), and appointment of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the commission. Whether these items were addressed is not yet confirmed.

Budget Workshops — July 28

The Commission held its second budget workshop for the fiscal year running October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Discussion covered revenue projections, expenditure estimates, and the 2026 Ad Valorem Property Tax Rate. A separate Community Budget Forum that same day invited public input on the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. No final action on the budget was taken at the forum.

Coming up: August 4 City Commission meeting

The August 4 agenda includes several high-dollar items and public hearings:

• **$1,900,000.00** purchase of a 2026 Pierce Enforcer Aerial Fire Ladder Truck.
• Public hearings on the proposed FY 2026-2027 Budget and Ad Valorem Property Tax Rate.
• **$72,500.00** payment to OMT Utilities for emergency repairs at the El Camino Lift Station.
• **$162,286.79** change order for City Buildings A and B at 101 Doherty Street.
• Employee benefits package for FY 2026-2027 with a recommended annual premium of **$1,632,774.24**.
• Appointment of a new City Manager.

The rescheduled Planning and Zoning meeting is set for August 27, 2026.

*Note: All recent meeting summaries are based on agendas only; minutes have not been published. Items listed were scheduled for consideration, and final actions are not yet confirmed in the record.*

San Benito roundup: Commission agendas covered comprehensive plan, alcohol permits, and background-check ordinance; minutes not yet published

San Benito's City Commission had a busy two weeks, with agendas covering a new comprehensive plan, alcohol sales permits for two Stripes stores, police equipment purchases, and a proposed ordinance requiring background checks for board appointees. However, minutes for all three recent meetings have not yet been published, so it is not yet possible to confirm what was decided versus what was only discussed.

July 7 — City Commission

The July 7 agenda included public hearings on conditional use permits for two Stripes convenience stores to sell alcohol for on-site consumption — one at 898 N. Sam Houston Blvd. and another at 2500 W. Expressway 83.

Commissioners were scheduled to vote on the second reading of Ordinance 2532-01, which would adopt a new Comprehensive Plan for the city. The agenda also listed several rezoning ordinances and a street vacation for consideration.

Two spending items were on the agenda: $35,385.90 for a police motorcycle from RGV Cycles, and $59,365.00 for emergency manhole repairs at Kilgore Dr. and Business 77. Grant applications were also listed for discussion.

Because minutes have not been published, the outcome of each item is not confirmed.

July 14 — City Commission

The July 14 agenda featured the first reading of Ordinance 2639, which would require criminal background checks — described as Tier 1 and Tier 2 screening — for appointees to city boards, commissions, and the EDC board, and would establish disqualification standards.

Commissioners were also set to consider a facility use agreement allowing the Rotary Club to hold a Loteria fundraiser at the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, along with a $500 sponsorship donation to the San Benito Rotary Club.

The agenda included two executive sessions: one to deliberate separation terms for former City Manager Fred Sandoval, and another to consult with the city attorney on applicant screening and selection for the city manager search. Possible action could follow the executive sessions.

Again, minutes are not yet available, so no outcomes can be confirmed.

July 16 — Rio Grande Valley Public Utility Agency

The RGVPUA Board of Directors held a special meeting with a largely administrative agenda. Items listed for consideration included approval of the agency's bylaws, approval of April 2, 2026 meeting minutes, securing Director and Officer liability insurance, website development services, depository bank account services, and General Counsel services.

The board was also scheduled to discuss potential RGVPUA projects and the House Bill 500 process. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

July 21 — City Commission. Commissioners will discuss Resolution 2026-0721-001(R) adopting a 2024 Water Conservation Plan, and Ordinance 2252-AY-1 amending parking aisle width requirements. Ordinance 2639, the background-check measure from July 14, appears again on this agenda. Infrastructure payments include $38,900 for coating inspection services at the Oscar Williams Road and Freddy Fender water towers. The commission will also consider a $10,000 SBEDC sales tax subsidy grant for The Wing Shack.

July 23 — Planning & Zoning Board. The commission will hold a public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit for a bar and grill at 1820 West Business 77, with Maria Norma Ramos listed as applicant. The board will also consider an amended final plat for the Stenger Subdivision (applicant: Michael Rios) and appoint a chairman and vice-chairman.

San Benito commission set to vote on comprehensive plan; recent meeting outcomes not yet confirmed

San Benito's City Commission is scheduled to vote July 7 on adopting a new Comprehensive Plan and on alcohol sales permits for two Stripes convenience stores, capping a two-week stretch in which several boards met on zoning, variances, and the city's next budget.

However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the four recent meetings held between June 23 and June 30. The summaries below reflect what was on each agenda; outcomes and vote tallies cannot be confirmed until minutes are available.

City Commission — June 23

The commission's agenda included the first reading of Ordinance 2532-01, adopting a new comprehensive plan, plus public hearings on conditional use permits for alcohol sales at Circle K (800 S Sam Houston) and Stripes (304 S Sam Houston).

Also on the agenda: a rezoning request for 17.23 acres near Pennsylvania and McCulloch to a Planned Development District; ratification of a $94,000 emergency payment to O.M.T. Utilities for a collapsed sewer line repair; and ratification of a $58,000 payment to Carpe Nox Industries for 2025 Christmas events.

Board of Adjustments — June 25

The Zoning Board of Adjustments was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a setback variance request for 451 South McCulloch Street. The applicant listed was Shawn Saldana. The request concerned whether an existing structure could encroach into the required rear setback.

Planning & Zoning Board — June 25

The Planning and Zoning Commission agenda included final plat approval for the 12.088-acre Villa Dolce Subdivision and a variance for a 10-foot utility easement for Stripes San Benito (6.932 acres).

Two public hearings were set on conditional use permits for alcohol sales and on-site consumption at Stripes Store #40735H, 2500 West Expressway 83, and Stripes Store #40749H, 898 North Sam Houston Boulevard.

City Commission — June 30 (Budget Workshop)

Commissioners held their first budget workshop to review the proposed 2026 ad valorem property tax rate and the preliminary Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027). The agenda listed discussion of revenue projections, expenditure estimates, and capital improvement needs. No votes were expected; this was a discussion-only workshop.

Coming up

City Commission — Tuesday, July 7: The commission is scheduled to hold public hearings on Stripes alcohol permits at 898 N. Sam Houston Blvd. and 2500 W. Expressway 83, and to vote on the second reading of Ordinance 2532-01 adopting the new Comprehensive Plan. Also on the agenda: approval of $35,385.90 for a police motorcycle from RGV Cycles and $59,365.00 for emergency manhole repairs at Kilgore Dr. and Business 77.

Residents seeking confirmed outcomes from the June 23, June 25, and June 30 meetings should watch for posted minutes, which had not been published as of July 6.

San Benito commission advances new comprehensive plan, schedules final vote

The San Benito City Commission took the first legislative step toward adopting a new comprehensive plan during its June 23 meeting, setting up a final vote at the next regular session on July 7. Commissioners also handled alcohol permit requests, emergency repair payments and a budget workshop, while two advisory boards weighed land-use and variance matters.

Comprehensive plan advances toward July 7 adoption

Ordinance 2532-01, which would enact a new comprehensive plan for the city, received a first reading at the June 23 commission meeting. No vote total was available. The second reading and possible adoption are on the July 7 commission agenda. The plan is expected to shape future land use, zoning and infrastructure decisions.

Also on June 23, the commission held public hearings on conditional use permits for alcohol sales at a Circle K at 800 S. Sam Houston and a Stripes at 304 S. Sam Houston, and considered rezoning 17.23 acres near Pennsylvania and McCulloch to a Planned Development District. The outcomes of those hearings were not published.

Alcohol permits reviewed by advisory boards

The Planning & Zoning Board met June 25 and considered final plat approval for the 12.088-acre Villa Dolce Subdivision and a variance for a 10-foot utility easement for a Stripes store on 6.932 acres. The board also held public hearings on conditional use permits to allow alcohol sales and on-site consumption at two Stripes stores: store #40735H at 2500 West Expressway 83 and store #40749H at 898 North Sam Houston Boulevard.

The Board of Adjustments, also on June 25, heard a variance request for a property at 451 South McCulloch Street, where applicant Shawn Saldana is seeking to allow an existing structure to encroach into the required rear setback. No decision was available.

Emergency repairs, holiday event payments ratified

Without reporting vote counts, the June 23 commission agenda asked members to ratify two significant payments: $94,000 to O.M.T. Utilities for emergency repair of a collapsed sewer line, and $58,000 to Carpe Nox Industries for services tied to the city’s 2025 Christmas events.

Budget workshop kicks off tax-rate discussion

City commissioners held their first budget workshop of the year on June 30, a discussion-only session that covered the 2026 ad valorem property tax rate and the preliminary Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. No votes were taken. Officials reviewed revenue projections, expenditure estimates and capital improvement needs, providing initial direction to staff.

Coming up

The City Commission will meet again on July 7. Agenda items include public hearings and votes on conditional use permits for alcohol sales and on-site consumption at Stripes stores at 898 N. Sam Houston Blvd. and 2500 W. Expressway 83, a second reading of the comprehensive plan ordinance, a $35,385.90 purchase of a police motorcycle from RGV Cycles, and a $59,365 emergency expenditure for manhole repairs at Kilgore Drive and Business 77.