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AGENDA HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING JANUARY 27, 2026 2:00 P.M. |
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NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a REGULAR MEETING of the Commissioners Court will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Courthouse Annex III Building, 100 E. Cano, 1st floor, Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. Discussion and possible action relating to the following business will be transacted:
In accordance with Section 551.127, NOTICE is hereby given that a physical quorum, including the presiding officer/member, will be present at the specified meeting location. Some members of the governing body and/or government officials may participate via videoconference.
Members of the public are encouraged to watch the meetings online, at: www.hidalgocounty.us/HClive
1.
Roll Call
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Prayer
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda
5.
Open Forum
6.
County Judge's Office:
A.
AI-102210
Discussion, consideration and action approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Hidalgo, Texas and the AltaCair Foundation to assist and collaborate for the public purpose of providing the underserved rural areas of the County with vital social and health care related services.
7.
District Courts:
A.
AI-102162
449th District Court - FY2027 Hidalgo County LIFELINES Girls Juvenile Mental Health Court Program (1286):
1. Authorization and approval to submit grant application to the Office of the Governor — Criminal Justice Division Specialty Courts Grant Program for FY2027 in relation to the Hidalgo County LIFELINES Girls Juvenile Mental Health Court Program for the period of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution in support of the Hidalgo County LIFELINES Girls Juvenile Mental Health Court Program and to designate the County Judge as the grantee's authorized official with authority for Commissioners Court, Governing Body, to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign application and all related documents under eGrants.
1. Authorization and approval to submit grant application to the Office of the Governor — Criminal Justice Division Specialty Courts Grant Program for FY2027 in relation to the Hidalgo County LIFELINES Girls Juvenile Mental Health Court Program for the period of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution in support of the Hidalgo County LIFELINES Girls Juvenile Mental Health Court Program and to designate the County Judge as the grantee's authorized official with authority for Commissioners Court, Governing Body, to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign application and all related documents under eGrants.
B.
AI-102155
449th District Court - FY2027 Hidalgo County Juvenile Drug Court Program (1286):
1. Authorization and approval to submit grant application to the Office of the Governor — Criminal Justice Division Specialty Courts Grant Program for FY2027 in relation to the Hidalgo County Juvenile Drug Court Program for the period of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution in support of the Hidalgo County Juvenile Drug Court Program and to designate the County Judge as the grantee's authorized official with authority for Commissioners Court, Governing Body, to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign application and all related documents under eGrants.
1. Authorization and approval to submit grant application to the Office of the Governor — Criminal Justice Division Specialty Courts Grant Program for FY2027 in relation to the Hidalgo County Juvenile Drug Court Program for the period of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution in support of the Hidalgo County Juvenile Drug Court Program and to designate the County Judge as the grantee's authorized official with authority for Commissioners Court, Governing Body, to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign application and all related documents under eGrants.
8.
HIDTA - Task Force:
A.
AI-102173
HIDTA Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) (1291):
1. Approval of the FY 2026 Overtime Agreement (MIS Number: P25-SAT-TXS-0051) between the Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) and the Hidalgo County DA HIDTA Task Force in the amount of $22,155.25.
2. Authorization to pay overtime reimbursable under the agreement terms and conditions.
3. Approval of certification of revenues as certified by the County Auditor for the FY 2026 HSTF agreement in the amount of $22,155.25 and appropriation of same.
1. Approval of the FY 2026 Overtime Agreement (MIS Number: P25-SAT-TXS-0051) between the Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) and the Hidalgo County DA HIDTA Task Force in the amount of $22,155.25.
2. Authorization to pay overtime reimbursable under the agreement terms and conditions.
3. Approval of certification of revenues as certified by the County Auditor for the FY 2026 HSTF agreement in the amount of $22,155.25 and appropriation of same.
9.
Sheriff's Office:
A.
AI-102168
Sheriff's Office — MOU Equipment Transfer/Loan HCSO & Alton Fire Department
1. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and Alton Fire Department regarding the transfer/loan of equipment.
2. Authorization for the County Sheriff, as an authorized Law Enforcement Official, to sign the MOU.
1. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and Alton Fire Department regarding the transfer/loan of equipment.
2. Authorization for the County Sheriff, as an authorized Law Enforcement Official, to sign the MOU.
10.
Constable Pct. #1:
A.
AI-102120
Constable Pct. 1 - FY 2027 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program:
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY 2027 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor grant program with the Office of the Governor-Criminal Justice Division (OOG-CJD) through e-grants for the period of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution for the FY 2027 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor grant program to designate Judge Richard Cortez, as grantee's authorized official with authority for County Judge to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign application and all related documents.
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY 2027 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor grant program with the Office of the Governor-Criminal Justice Division (OOG-CJD) through e-grants for the period of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution for the FY 2027 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor grant program to designate Judge Richard Cortez, as grantee's authorized official with authority for County Judge to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign application and all related documents.
11.
Constable Pct. #2:
A.
AI-102200
Constable Precinct 2 - FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant Program (OLS):
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant Program with the Office of the Governor Public Safety Office Homeland Security Grants Division (OOG-HSGD) through e-grants for the period of September 01, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution for FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant to designate County Judge Richard Cortez as grantee's authorized official with authority for County Judge to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign grant application and all related documents under e-grants.
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant Program with the Office of the Governor Public Safety Office Homeland Security Grants Division (OOG-HSGD) through e-grants for the period of September 01, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution for FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant to designate County Judge Richard Cortez as grantee's authorized official with authority for County Judge to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign grant application and all related documents under e-grants.
B.
AI-102126
Constable Pct. 2 - OLS FY26 (1284):
Authorization and approval to submit a budget adjustment to fully utilize the funds awarded for OLS FY26.
Authorization and approval to submit a budget adjustment to fully utilize the funds awarded for OLS FY26.
12.
Constable Pct. #3:
A.
AI-102124
Discussion, consideration, and approval to appoint Arnold Salazar as a Reserve Deputy Constable by Constable Lazaro Gallardo, Jr., Precinct 3 in accordance with Texas Local Government Code Section 86.012.
B.
AI-102138
Constable Precinct 3 - FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant Program (OLS):
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant Program with the Office of the Governor Public Safety Office Homeland Security Grants Division (OOG-HSGD) through e-grants for the period of September 01, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution for FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant to designate County Judge Richard Cortez as grantee's authorized official with authority for County Judge to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign grant application and all related documents under e-grants.
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant Program with the Office of the Governor Public Safety Office Homeland Security Grants Division (OOG-HSGD) through e-grants for the period of September 01, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
2. Approval of resolution for FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant to designate County Judge Richard Cortez as grantee's authorized official with authority for County Judge to execute resolution.
3. Approval for County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign grant application and all related documents under e-grants.
13.
Constable Pct. #4:
A.
AI-102181
Presentation and discussion of the 2025 Racial Profiling Report as presented by Hidalgo County Constable Precinct 4 Office in accordance with Article 2.133 of the Texas Code of Criminal procedures.
B.
AI-102141
Constable Pct. 4 - FY 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant Program (OLS):
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY27 Operation Lone Star Grant Program (OLS) (09-01-2026 to 08-31-2027) with the Office of the Governor's Homeland Security Grants Division (OOG-HSGD) through e-grants.
2. Approval of resolution for the FY 2027 OLS Grant to designate County Judge Richard Cortez as grantee's authorized official with authority for County Judge to execute resolution.
3. Authorization for County Judge to e-sign application and all related documents under e-grants as authorized official.
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY27 Operation Lone Star Grant Program (OLS) (09-01-2026 to 08-31-2027) with the Office of the Governor's Homeland Security Grants Division (OOG-HSGD) through e-grants.
2. Approval of resolution for the FY 2027 OLS Grant to designate County Judge Richard Cortez as grantee's authorized official with authority for County Judge to execute resolution.
3. Authorization for County Judge to e-sign application and all related documents under e-grants as authorized official.
C.
AI-102110
Requesting authorization to reclassify overtime and associated fringe benefit expenditures from FY24 OPSG into Constable Precinct 4 General Fund in the amount of $474.02.
14.
Health & Human Services Department:
A.
AI-102128
Requesting approval and authorization to increase the Health Clinics change funds, pursuant to Local Government Code 130.902.
| Clinic | Location | Current Change Fund | Increase | Total Change Fund |
| Edinburg | 3105 E Richardson | $100.00 | $50.00 | $150.00 |
| Hidalgo | E Texano Drive | $100.00 | $50.00 | $150.00 |
| McAllen | E Hackberry | $100.00 | $50.00 | $150.00 |
| Mission | 211 N Schuerbach | $100.00 | $50.00 | $150.00 |
| Pharr | 300 W Hall Acres | $100.00 | $50.00 | $150.00 |
| Weslaco | 1901 N Bridge | $100.00 | $50.00 | $150.00 |
| Totals | $600.00 | $300.00 | $900.00 |
B.
AI-102131
Requesting approval and authorization for a change fund in the amount of $100.00 for the El Paraiso Clinic, pursuant to Local Government Code 130.902.
C.
Health Care Funding District:
1.
AI-102149
A. Discussion, consideration and approval to draw down funds for Demonstration Year 15 UC Advance Payment and IGT in the amount to be determined by HHSC instructions from the Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF) with a transfer date of 02/02/2026 and a settlement date of 02/03/2026.
B. Approval of Certification of Revenues as certified by the County Auditor from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
C. Approval of Appropriation of funds from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
B. Approval of Certification of Revenues as certified by the County Auditor from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
C. Approval of Appropriation of funds from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
2.
AI-102160
a. Discussion, consideration and approval to draw down funds per HHSC instructions in the amount to be determined by HHSC instructions from the local provider participation fund with a transfer date and settlement date to be determined by HHSC.
b. Approval of certification of revenues as certified by the county auditor from the local provider participation fund in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
c. Approval of appropriation of funds from the local provider participation fund in the amount determined by HHSC final instructions.
b. Approval of certification of revenues as certified by the county auditor from the local provider participation fund in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
c. Approval of appropriation of funds from the local provider participation fund in the amount determined by HHSC final instructions.
15.
Community Service Agency:
A.
AI-102167
1. Discussion, consideration, and possible action to accept an amendment to Texas Veteran Commission General Assistance Grant for program year 2025-2026 with an increase in funding of $150,000.00 for Operation Bravo Zulu.
2. Authorization for Judge Richard F Cortez to sign and all pertinent documents.
2. Authorization for Judge Richard F Cortez to sign and all pertinent documents.
16.
Precinct #4 - Comm. Torres:
A.
AI-102154
Discussion, consideration and acceptance of a donation of caliche from Perales Pit, LLC in the amount of $4,806.39 for road improvements to Laguna Seca Road North and FM 3250 located within Hidalgo County Precinct 4, as found reasonable by the Court.
B.
AI-102134
Requesting approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hidalgo County and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, on behalf of the School of Public Health's Diabetes Prevention Program.
17.
Budget & Management:
A.
AI-102146
2025 General Fund & Special Revenue Fund - Leases (Various Departments):
1. Approval of certification of revenues, as certified by the County Auditor, to fund lease expenditures.
2. Approval of 2025 appropriation of revenues and expenditures to fund lease expenditures.
3. Approval of 2025 transfers to fund lease expenditures.
1. Approval of certification of revenues, as certified by the County Auditor, to fund lease expenditures.
2. Approval of 2025 appropriation of revenues and expenditures to fund lease expenditures.
3. Approval of 2025 transfers to fund lease expenditures.
B.
AI-102150
Approval of Magic Valley Purchase of Power Agreement for the installation of 17 streetlights for Las Comadres Acres Ph 3 located in Precinct # 3
18.
Purchasing Department - Notes:
A. FOR ANY CONTRACT(S) AWARDED AND APPROVED UNDER THIS AGENDA, EXECUTED COPIES OF THE CONTRACT(S) WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE COUNTY INTRA-NET WEBSITE AND WILL BE FORWARDED VIA E-MAIL, FAX OR HAND DELIVERED TO HIDALGO COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE.
B. ANY AND ALL REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT(S) APPROVED WILL BE SUBJECT TO COUNTY AUDITORS PROCESSING PROCEDURES INCLUDING AUTHORITY FOR COUNTY TREASURER TO ISSUE PAYMENT(S)/CHECK(S).
A. FOR ANY CONTRACT(S) AWARDED AND APPROVED UNDER THIS AGENDA, EXECUTED COPIES OF THE CONTRACT(S) WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE COUNTY INTRA-NET WEBSITE AND WILL BE FORWARDED VIA E-MAIL, FAX OR HAND DELIVERED TO HIDALGO COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE.
B. ANY AND ALL REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT(S) APPROVED WILL BE SUBJECT TO COUNTY AUDITORS PROCESSING PROCEDURES INCLUDING AUTHORITY FOR COUNTY TREASURER TO ISSUE PAYMENT(S)/CHECK(S).
A.
Pct. 2
1.
AI-102191
A. Requesting approval of an exemption from competitive bidding requirements, under Texas Local Government Code 262.024 (a)(4) a personal or professional service;
B. Requesting approval of a consulting service agreement between Hidalgo County and Ashlee Rich Stephenson - AxAdvocacy, LLC., for consulting services related to County Transportation Infrastructure and Capital Projects.
B. Requesting approval of a consulting service agreement between Hidalgo County and Ashlee Rich Stephenson - AxAdvocacy, LLC., for consulting services related to County Transportation Infrastructure and Capital Projects.
2.
AI-102202
Requesting approval to purchase one (1) John Deere 6105E Mower Tractor and three (3) John Deere 5075E Mower Tractors through HC's membership with the Purchasing Cooperative of America (Contract NO. PCA OD-420-25), from Big D Tractor Co. LLC dba Blue Cat Rentals/Frontera Equipment in the total amount of $450,500.00
19.
Executive Office:
A.
Presentation for discussion and possible action of the following:
1) New Courthouse Project Updates
2) Update on ongoing county owned building construction, relocation and/or renovation repair projects
3) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting
4) Update on ongoing ARPA Projects
1) New Courthouse Project Updates
2) Update on ongoing county owned building construction, relocation and/or renovation repair projects
3) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting
4) Update on ongoing ARPA Projects
B.
AI-102169
Authorization for County Judge Richard F. Cortez to sign the 5-year PHA Plan (2026-2030) and the 2026 Annual PHA Plan Certification to be submitted by the Hidalgo County Housing Authority as required by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
C.
AI-102172
Approval to accept a settlement check from Farmers Insurance Company in the amount of $7,557.89 to settle an auto accident claim with a County vehicle. (Precinct #4)
20.
Closed Session:
Commissioners' Court may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development) to discuss the following:
Commissioners' Court may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development) to discuss the following:
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
B.
Private consultation and advice of counsel concerning pending, potential and/or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, and/or legal matters subject to the attorney-client privilege under the authority of the Open Meetings Act Section 551.071, Government Code.
C.
AI-102170
Claim of Gerardo Lopez
21.
A. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under the Texas Local Government Code, Section 262.024(A) (4) "a Professional Service" for the "provision of legal services/representation in connection with litigation."
B. Engagement with the firm of _________________________ for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295)
B. Engagement with the firm of _________________________ for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295)
22.
Open Session:
A.
Real Estate Acquisition and appropriation for same
B.
Pending and/or potential litigation
C.
AI-102171
Claim of Gerardo Lopez
23.
Closed Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
24.
Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
25.
Adjourn