Council Meeting Turns Into All-Nighter as Dozens Flood the Mic

The Corpus Christi City Council's recent decision to shift public comment sessions to 5:30 p.m. has significantly increased citizen participation. At the latest meeting, dozens of residents seized the opportunity to voice their concerns, resulting in a marathon session that extended well into the night.

Environmental advocate Taylor Garcia was among the first to speak, passionately urging the council to reconsider plans for a proposed desalination plant in Driscoll. Garcia highlighted potential environmental risks, stating, "You are not just risking environmental damage. You are threatening an entire way of life, a local economy, and a cultural legacy."

The council's decision to move public comment to the evening was intended to make meetings more accessible to working residents. Councilman Eric Cantu noted, "Having public comment come at 12 noon, a lot of people are having lunch or at work. 5:30 is more convenient."

However, the extended duration of the meeting raised concerns about sustainability. Councilman Mark Scott acknowledged the challenge, stating, "I do think 13-hour meetings are not good for the community and they're not good for the elected officials."

City officials plan to maintain the new public comment time for upcoming meetings to evaluate its effectiveness in balancing accessibility with practicality.