Corpus Christi City Council is expected to take up several high-profile issues Tuesday, including the city’s water supply, utility rates, beach parking fees, proposed charter amendments and an update on Bass Pro Shops.
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Water-related items are expected to dominate much of the meeting.
Council members are scheduled to discuss the city’s drought stage, anticipated water inflows and possible changes to environmental flow release requirements under the 2001 Nueces Agreed Order.
City leaders are also considering whether to pursue temporary regulatory relief while remaining in compliance with state and federal law.
Water and wastewater rate changes are also scheduled for a second reading. If approved, the new rates would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Council will also revisit a proposal tied to the Inner Harbor desalination project. The item involves accepting a private donation to help fund the city’s application for a federal WaterSMART desalination grant.
Another closely watched item is a proposed increase to the annual beach parking permit fee from $12 to $20.
City officials say the additional revenue is needed to offset rising costs for beach maintenance, equipment, public safety, lifeguards and trash collection.
“Inflation costs alone have increased the cost of fuel, equipment that we purchase, wages,” said Jonathan Atwood, assistant director of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation. “We’ve reached the point where we can’t continue to rely on the current price. It needs to be increased.”
The proposal has been under consideration since December 2025. Even if City Council approves the increase, it would not take effect immediately.
The city would next submit the proposal to the Texas General Land Office, which would conduct a public comment period before deciding whether to approve the change. Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Nueces County would continue honoring the same permit along their shared Gulf beaches.
Council members are also expected to receive an update on the long-discussed Bass Pro Shops project. The agenda allows for discussion and possible action, and city leaders could address the project’s status, timeline or any changes to the development.
Proposed City Charter amendments are also returning to council. The possible November ballot measures include four-year and staggered council terms, changes to term limits and council compensation, revisions to the process for removing elected officials and a possible property tax allocation for street improvements.
Council will also receive another briefing on the Far Field Study of the Corpus Christi Bay system, which is connected to long-term water planning, freshwater inflows, salinity and potential environmental impacts.
For Island residents, council will consider accepting a $249,990 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant for the first phase of renovations to the Packery Channel Boat Ramp. The city would provide an $83,330 match.
The funding would be used for design and permitting work involving two boat ramps, ADA accessibility improvements, repairs related to ground settling and plans for permanent public restrooms.
“The current boat ramp really has not been updated since it was first built in 2006,” Atwood said. “We’re looking at updating it, adding some public restrooms and making it better and more accessible to the public.”
The design and permitting phase could take two to three years. The city would then pursue additional grant funding for construction.
Other agenda items include a multimillion-dollar Federal Aviation Administration grant for improvements at Corpus Christi International Airport, the ordering of the November city election and a special election on whether to continue the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District and its associated sales tax.
The Corpus Christi City Council meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers.