Ingleside council advances updated drought contingency plan to second reading

Ingleside — The City Council voted to advance to a second reading an ordinance to repeal and replace the city's drought contingency plan (Chapter 66, Article 2, Division 4) with a version that aligns with the San Patricio Municipal Water District and the City of Corpus Christi.

Sam, a city staff member, explained that Corpus Christi and the San Patricio Municipal Water District updated their plans and the city needs an updated drought contingency plan because the city is under contract with the district. "We do have to have a drought contingency plan," Sam said, and staff recommended the update to ensure the city's rules match the district's implementation and TCEQ regulations.

Council members asked whether adopting the revised plan obligates the city to seek or fund alternate water sources or imposes financial commitments. Staff replied it does not. "No, sir. This is just to... make sure we are in line with San Pat and TCEQ regulations," staff said. The ordinance sets drought stages and corresponding water‑use restrictions; staff described the changes as primarily clarifications and minor enforcement adjustments rather than new financial obligations.

The council voted to move the ordinance to a second reading; the motion passed with the council registering unanimous support at the vote. A subsequent final adoption would codify the updated restrictions and enforcement provisions into the city code.

Why it matters: The change updates the city's operational rules for water shortages to conform with regional providers and state requirements; the update establishes which conservation measures the city may implement during designated drought stages and clarifies enforcement. It does not itself fund alternative water sources.

Next steps: The ordinance will return to council for the second and final reading before it becomes effective.