By james art LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) – The Laredo City Council met to discuss next steps following a boil water advisory.
In addition to extending the emergency declaration, the mayor and council also decided how to deal with what they called “illegal water connections.”
Multiple Laredo residents took to the podium to voice their concerns about Laredo’s water supply and the city’s response.
Elected officials hope that a slew of the latest initiatives will address some of their concerns.
As a result, Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino passed a motion to extend the state of emergency for the community.
Trevino mentioned, “The emergency declaration serves to gain access to support and funding from the state or federal government, and we still need staff from TDEM. It’s a way to keep them here.”
The city will also create an amnesty program where community members can self-report their connections and get a free check from utility officials.
Over 200 illegal connections were found in Central Laredo.
Mayor Pro Tem, Ruben Gutierrez, expressed his support for the program because many Laredo residents don’t know they even have illicit relationships.
“I’m all for amnesty for people who hire contractors, but if the contractors did the work illegally and didn’t do it professionally, the right way. Then I went to the city and got permits, then the contractors have to pay those penalties,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez specified that professional contractors are well versed in the procedures necessary to follow and maintain the integrity of Laredo’s water supply.
People will be able to call 311 or the utility department directly to get a free inspection, which will then be scheduled within 30 days.
Gutierrez added, “We can find out who the contractor was and if they did anything illegal because it’s not fair to the homeowners who hired these people on a professional basis.”
The amnesty program will end on July 1, 2025. From then on, any illegal connections found could result in a fine of up to $500.
The amnesty program will last seven months and workers will be given approximately 90 days after the inspection to correct any problems found.
One of the issues the city of Laredo still needs to address is an increase in inspectors to ensure compliance continues.
Also, a topic of discussion among council members was the creation of a goodwill rebate program.
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