LA MARQUE — The City of La Marque is facing a financial crisis, with cash reserves estimated to cover only about two weeks of operations, city officials said in a statement Monday.

In a letter to residents, city leaders acknowledged the severity of the situation, citing years of overspending combined with insufficient revenues as the root of the problem.

“This financial strain is the result of two primary issues: a lack of sufficient revenues coming in and overspending in key areas over the past years,” the press release states. “These circumstances were not caused by a single event, but rather a pattern that has now come to a head.”

The city has already frozen some vacant positions and cut non-essential expenses in an effort to stretch resources while maintaining basic services.

At tonight’s council meeting, officials plan to present a financial recovery plan. That includes a proposed tax adjustment and a short-term loan to sustain operations until property tax revenues arrive early next year.

“We have a plan. We are committed to transparency. And most importantly, we are committed to you,” the city said in its statement.

For residents with questions, they can direct them to the City Manager’s Office at 409-938-9211 or b.holly@cityoflamarque.org.