Alton weekend roundup

Alton heads into the second weekend of February with a mix of city business and community happenings, from a surplus auction to infrastructure work and emergency services planning.

City auction draws bargain hunters

The City of Alton is holding a public auction of surplus vehicles this morning, Saturday, February 7, at 10 a.m. at 11437 N. Glasscock Road in nearby Mission. Registration opens at 8 a.m., and bidders are asked to bring a valid ID.

The lineup includes several pickup trucks and other retired city equipment, all sold as-is to the highest bidder with payment due the same day. It is a chance for residents and local businesses to pick up work vehicles at potentially lower prices while helping the city clear out its fleet.

Lift station project headed to bid deadline

Contractors still have a few days to prepare proposals for the Lift Station No. 6 Force Main Adjustment project at the Alton Industrial Park along SH 107. Sealed bids are due by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, at Alton City Hall on South Alton Boulevard.

The project will lower and adjust about 171 feet of a six-inch force main so it can safely pass beneath a new TxDOT 42-inch storm drainage line near City Hall. It is a small but important piece of the city’s drainage and wastewater system, aimed at keeping up with regional growth and heavier rain events.

Regional EMS district taking shape

Residents may also notice more references this year to Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 5, the new district that covers Alton and surrounding areas. The district was created by local voters to provide a stable funding base for emergency medical and fire protection services.

With a dedicated board of commissioners and steady tax support, the district’s goal is to improve response times, support local fire departments and ensure equipment and staffing can keep pace with the Valley’s rapid growth.

By the numbers

• Alton’s population is just over 18,000 and continues to grow as part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission metro area.
• The 78573 ZIP code remains relatively affordable by Texas standards, with modest housing costs and a mostly working-class tax profile.
• Recent crime data show overall violent and property crime rates below national averages, though some categories remain areas of concern.

Sources

• https://www.progresstimes.net/2026/01/30/notice-of-public-auction-city-of-alton/
• https://www.progresstimes.net/2026/01/23/request-for-sealed-proposals-city-of-alton-2/
• https://www.hidalgocountyesd5.org/
• https://www.hidalgocounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/69807
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alton%2C_Texas
• https://geoiqgroup.net/zipiq/TX/78573
• https://crimeexplorer.com/texas/alton
• https://www.homes.com/local-guide/alton-tx/