At its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Brownsville City Commission issued proclamations recognizing public safety and digital community engagement, while receiving updates on state legislative impacts and city budget performance.
The Commission proclaimed May 22, 2025, National Stop the Bleed Day, highlighting efforts to train residents in emergency bleeding control. The campaign, initiated nationally in 2015, has been implemented locally by the Brownsville Fire Department and the Trauma Regional Advisory Council (TRAC-V).
Speaking on behalf of the Fire Department, Lieutenant Roy Lerma noted that thousands of residents, including school students, have been trained. The program has also extended outreach efforts to neighboring regions, including Tamaulipas, Mexico.
In recognition of World Social Media Day on June 30, the Commission honored Brownsville Online, a local social media platform for promoting small businesses and community events.
The Commission was informed that the Office of the Governor has designated Brownsville a tourism-friendly Texas city. The designation follows a six-month review process and makes Brownsville the only city in Cameron and Hidalgo counties currently holding this status.
According to Mali Montes, assistant director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the designation will be used in official city marketing, promotional materials, and tourism campaigns.
City lobbyist Snapper Carr provided the Commission with a comprehensive update on the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Carr reported that over 2,600 proposed bills directly affecting cities were tracked.
Interim Finance Director Stephen Muse presented a budget workshop forecasting a $4 million surplus for the fiscal year. Projected revenues are $144 million, with expenditures at $140 million. The city maintains a 90-day general fund reserve, keeping staffing lean while expanding employee benefits.
Highlights of recent initiatives include a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, expanded parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and increased life insurance coverage for city employees. The city’s internal financial planning policies, including a cap on reliance on sales tax, were credited for its strong financial position.
The full city commission meeting can be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_PKQ8T-03Q