Official Declaration of Disaster and Extension

DECLARATION OF LOCAL STATE OF DISASTER 

WHEREAS, on or about July 17, 2026, City of Carrizo Springs experienced heavy rainfall resulting in flash flooding damaged infrastructure, hazardous travel conditions, and threats to public health and safety; and 

WHEREAS, the event has caused or threatens to cause widespread damage to public infrastructure, private property, roads, bridges, drainage systems, and other public facilities, while creating dangerous conditions for residents throughout Carrizo Springs; and 

WHEREAS, the severity of these conditions requires extraordinary measures to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens and to preserve public property; and

 
WHEREAS, I, Mario Ruiz, Mayor, have determined that a local state of disaster exists due to the imminent threat and occurrence of flooding within the City of Carrizo Springs. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT: 

•    Pursuant to Section 418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code, a Local State of Disaster is hereby declared for the City of Carrizo Springs.

•    Pursuant to Section 418.108(b), this declaration shall continue for a period not to exceed seven (7) days unless continued or renewed by the governing body.

•    Pursuant to Section 418.108(c), this declaration shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the appropriate City Clerk.

•    Pursuant to Section 418.108(d), this declaration activates the City of Carrizo Springs Emergency Management Plan and authorizes the furnishing of aid and assistance under the declaration.

•    All appropriate and lawful actions necessary to mitigate the effects of this disaster, protect life and property, preserve public health and safety, and facilitate emergency response and recovery are hereby authorized.

•    All departments of the City of Carrizo Springs are directed to utilize all available resources and to cooperate with state and local agencies in responding to this disaster.

•    This declaration shall take effect immediately upon its execution.

ORDER CONTINUING THE LOCAL STATE OF DISASTER

A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARRIZO SPRINGS, TEXAS TO ORDER CONTINUING THE LOCAL STATE OF DISASTER THAT WAS DECLARED FOR THE CITY OF CARRIZO SPRINGS DUE TO CATASTROPHIC FLOODING THAT CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE CITY'S PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM AND OTHER PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE 

WHEREAS, on July 17, 2026, a Local State of Disaster was declared for the City of Carrizo Springs due to catastrophic flooding that caused extensive damage to the City's public water system and other public infrastructure; 

WHEREAS, floodwaters submerged critical electrical equipment, water production facilities, pumps, generators, and related infrastructure, resulting in the interruption of the City's water supply and requiring emergency response and temporary repairs; 
WHEREAS, although significant progress bas been made to restore water service, the City remains under emergency conditions, including reduced water production capacity, emergency operating conditions, mandatory water restrictions, and ongoing repairs necessary to fully restore the City's public water system; 

WHEREAS, the conditions giving rise to the Local State of Disaster continue to exist and pose an imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Carrizo Springs; 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 418.108 of the Texas Government Code, the governing body may continue a Local State of Disaster beyond seven (7) days; 

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that emergency procurements remain necessary and are exempt from the competitive bidding requirements of Chapter 252 of tbe Texas Local Government Code pursuant to Section 252.022(a)(l), (2), and (3), including procurements made because of a public calamity requiring the immediate appropriation of funds to relieve the necessity of the City's residents or preserve municipal property; procurements necessary to preserve or protect the public health and safety of the City's residents; and procurements necessary because of unforeseen damage to public machinery, equipment, or other municipal property; 

WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that enforcement of all emergency orders and water conservation measures remains necessary and that violations may be prosecuted pursuant to applicable law, including Texas Government Code Section 418.173(5), as applicable. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARRIZO SPRINGS, TEXAS: 

1. The Local State of Disaster for the City of Carrizo Springs is hereby continued until terminated by subsequent order of the City Council. 

2.    All emergency powers authorized under Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code shall remain in full force and effect.

3.    The City Manager is authorized to continue taking all actions reasonably necessary to protect public health, safety, and property, including coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts.

4.    The City is authorized to continue making emergency procurements pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 252.022(a)(l ), (2), and (3) as necessary to restore essential public services, repair damaged infrastructure, secure emergency equipment and materials, and protect the health and safety of the public.

5.    All mandatory water conservation measures, emergency restrictions, and other disaster-related orders previously issued by the City shall remain in effect until amended or rescinded by the City Council.

6.    Any person who knowingly or intentionally violates an emergency management order issued pursuant to this declaration may be subject to penalties as provided by Texas Government Code Section 418.173 and other applicable law.

7.    The City Clerk shall promptly file this Order in the official records of the City and provide prompt and general public notice as required by law.