Brownsville proposes drainage utility fee to fund ditch cleaning and projects
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Brownsville, TX (KRGV) — The city of Brownsville is considering a new drainage fee that would replace the city's $6.25 resaca fee and help pay for ditch cleaning, maintenance and drainage projects.
Most homeowners would continue to pay $6.25 a month under the proposal. Some with smaller homes could pay as little as $3.
For businesses, the fee would depend on how much of a property is covered by surfaces that do not absorb rainwater. That could mean higher bills for properties with large parking lots and buildings.
"That's why it works as a utility. So if you use more water, you pay a larger water bill. If you have more impervious area and water drains off your property into our drainage system, then you pay more," Brownsville City Manager Alan Guard said.
The city is holding a free community fair on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, for people with questions or who want to learn more.
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