By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Port Isabel city commissioners considered budget and tax measures, cemetery regulations and a request for a temporary Highway 100 and causeway closure during their Sept. 22 regular meeting.
The closure request, Resolution No. 09-08-2026-02, involves the X-Pedition to Padre, scheduled for May 16, 2027. Discussion at the meeting described a closure of about 15 minutes and a route from Brownsville through Los Fresnos and Port Isabel to Washington Park, then toward South Padre Island.
Interim Police Chief Robert Rodriguez said the organizers’ security plan did not appear complete. Asked about a recommendation, he said that as presented, his recommendation was not to approve the request until more information was provided. Commissioners were also reminded that the request conflicts with an existing moratorium on events and falls outside the window set for them. Discussion included the May date coming just before the summer season and whether approving the request could make similar ones difficult to deny.
Commissioners also discussed first reading of Ordinance 707-A, which concerns cemetery regulations.
Discussion described a proposal to allow up to four cremated remains in biodegradable containers to be buried on top of a sealed vault, with a total of no more than eight. A related proposed policy would let families buy monuments from outside vendors that meet the city’s size and insurance requirements.
Members of the cemetery committee in the audience said they supported giving families that choice. A request was made to have the committee review the item.
Financial items included the city’s 2026-27 budget and related tax ordinances. It was also stated at the meeting that Republic Services had increased the city’s solid-waste rates by 4% and that the city would need to raise its fees by the same amount.
Queen Isabel Days activities were also discussed during department reports, including a car show, a run, a queen’s luncheon, a lucha event and a Friday and Saturday Pachanga. Thursday’s concert and dance was changed to free admission, with VIP admission still charged.
The scheduling of the festivities was also discussed. The city had relied on a published school football schedule showing no game, but an out-of-town game was later discovered. Fireworks and bands had already been ordered, so the event schedule was expected to remain unchanged.
The next Port Isabel City Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. at 305 E. Maxan St.