Brownsville is changing its drainage fee. Businesses could pay more as the city looks to raise $6.2M a year
A reservoir in Brownsville. The city is considering a new drainage utility fee expected to generate about $6.2 million annually for drainage maintenance, flood-reduction projects, resaca maintenance and other stormwater infrastructure. Photo Credit | Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza

Brownsville is moving closer to replacing its existing monthly Resaca Fee with a broader stormwater utility fee expected to generate about $6.2 million annually for drainage and flood-control infrastructure.

On Tuesday, the Brownsville City Commission approved the first reading of two ordinances establishing a municipal drainage utility system and its fee structure. The measures are scheduled for a second reading and public hearing Wednesday before final action.

If ultimately approved, the new fee is expected to take effect in the first quarter of 2027.

For most homeowners, however, the monthly bill would not change.

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