Presentation and Discussion on the 2017 Budget.

Mr. Cruz informed that regarding the McAllen substantiation, they'll be needing one supervisor and six deputy clerks. These positions demand about $300,000. Mr. Cruz petitioned consensus for the approval of the item. Informing the judge that it has been reviewed by Mr. Valde Guerra as well as by the budget office. According to Mr. Cruz, the tax assessor requested a few more staff however they were able to work with him to reduce the request and feels that six clerks are sufficient. 

Commissioner Cantu commented that they previously considered the old McAllen Police Department but was not going to work appropriately and was going to cost a lot more money to renovate. Now, with the help of Buildings and Grounds they can restore the old McAllen Tax Office for less cost. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Representative, Tita Iruegas responded the judge's concern over the double cost it take the county to pay for its employees in comparison to McAllen ISD. The representative stated that one of the main factors is that the county is one of the few employers that still pays full coverage for the basic plan. Also, taking into consideration the age, history, benefits and funding provided. 

Mrs. Iruegas presented a chart with groups. The chart is divided by age, number of claimants and total paid. The time period running from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 for a total paid claims of $22,737,074 for Hidalgo County. She indicated that the other groups being compared are all within the same district and all self funded as well. 

Mrs. Flora Vasquez explained that the county pays the total funding under plan one. Under this plan, $65 is charge to the employee and $52.00 for group two and no cost to those under the third plan. For employee and children the contribution is of $106 under plan one, plan two and three $216. 

Commissioner Palacios questioned if the rates are solely based on claims or also the amount they're contributing. Mrs. Iruegas stated that this is only based on claims. Assuring she'll work with Mr. Looney to come up with different solutions. 

Mrs. Flora reminded they're still considering the possibility of a wellness program for next year. 

Regarding the personnel request, Mr. Cruz informed that there's a total estimate cost of $2,547,717 from various departments. Mr. Silguero pointed out that most of the requests are due to an increase for new positions and their recommendations are determine by the availability of funds. Disclosing that they're leaning towards Options A and B due to cost factors. Mr. Silguero noted that he made the departments aware of his recommendations.

Commissioner Flores stepped away from the meeting.

Under the personnel requests by departments, Mr. Silguero informed that he met with various department heads regarding their requests. Disclosing that he hopes to bring information regarding the step and grade by the end of this month. All positions will be classified and the cost it will take to implement by January. 

Hidalgo County Clerk's Office, Chief Deputy Annette Muñiz voiced concerns regarding the recommendations stated by HR. The chief deputy emphasized that the request made by the office is at no impact to the budget and are not asking for any additional funds. Additionally, informing the court that HR and Budget did not meet with her to discuss any concerns. The request was properly submitted two months ago, and was not notified of the recommendations by HR. Once more emphasizing that these recommendations were never discussed with the department. Furthermore, reminding the court that the county clerk's office has been under the Step and Grade a few times and do not have a problem with the plan as long as it is fair across the board. Notwithstanding, the office has maintain some sort of step and grade level, as none of the new employees ever start at the allotted amount. Benefiting the budget department by sweeping some of the money of up to $80,000.

In reviewing this request, Deputy III employees are senior clerks that take the main role within their departments. Again, restating that they're working within their budget and have made adjustments by deleting other positions. In reference to the request for a Chief of Operations, she emphasized that the current Office Manger has taken a lot of IT work responsibilities as the office requires crucial IT demands. Mrs. Muñiz restated discontent with the suggestion by HR to instead label this position as Assistant Chief Deputy. The chief deputy informed that if in the event a decision is made today without considering the facts, they'll withdraw the request. She informed the court that these requests were analyzed in detail by Mr. Guajardo, the office manager and herself and are not in agreement with the suggestions by HR. 

Mr. Silguero explained that the suggested title of Chief of Operations, is not in the inventory. With regards, Commissioner Palacios acknowledged that the county clerk's office is an elected office and knows better about their operations. In reference to the $7,000 that Mr. Silguero claimed was an impact to the budget, Mrs. Muñiz clarified that the difference is coming out of special accounts and not general fund. 

Commissioner Palacios suggested Mr. Silguero meeting with the department to discuss the concerns presented.

Hidalgo County Health and Human Services, Chief Administrative Officer Eddie Olivarez notified that there was a decrease in the operations fund budget of $339,000 over the last two years. He explained that their department is only funded 60% of the general fund, the rest of the money is raised. Emphasizing that they have produced about $700,000 back into the general fund. This year they are requesting a few positions outside the general fund equivalent to about $80,000. Despite seeing HR suggestion only this morning, the chief assured willingness to work with Mr. Silguero and Sergio Cruz to discuss any matters concerning Step and Grade. Mr. Olivarez noted that he was not brief on the A, B and C options given by HR and do no know where they stand. 

Commissioner Flores joined the meeting.

Judge Fidencio Guerra, Jr. Chairman of The Law Library Committee of Hidalgo County, requested the rest of the increase petitioned since last year for the law librarian. Assuring that this increase has no budget restrain at all. The law library is self-funded and as of July 31 it has a fund balance of over a million dollars. He too notified that was not able to meet with HR or the budget department, and first received notice of their recommendation as of yesterday afternoon.  

Commissioner Palacios confirmed with Judge Guerra that their petition will be funded from the surplus fund. 

Commissioner Palacios and Commissioner Flores proposed approval of the salary increase.

Judge Guerra reassured Commissioner Cantu that if this is done now, it will be taken care of and not come back for when the step and grade comes in.

Mr. Juan Villescas on behalf of District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez acknowledged all the assistance provided by Mr. Sergio Cruz and the staff. Reminding the court that Mr. Rodriguez created the special crime unit and the initial request was for six positions. However, is willing to work with the four positions recommended by HR. MR. Villescas emphasized that they did not formally asked for additional attorney positions however, the civil division has five attorneys and might request additional positions later as the duties are expanding. 

Regarding the step and grade plan, the attorney informed that it was implemented years back and does not believe it works for attorneys but is open to discussing the matter. 

Rosie Martinez petitioned the court to notify them when discussion regarding the step and grade plan occur. 

Emilio De Los Santos, Director of Vetaran Service, informed of his request for salary increase. Reminding the court of his 14 years of service, also recalling that the actual amount of compensation and pension for Hidalgo County was $27 million and now is about $134 million. The director disclosed that he does not receive an auto allowance despite home visits and other driving. 

Mr. Silguero explained to the court that Mr. De Los Santos did not have an opportunity to submit a request during the process but he did sent out a letter for consideration. 

Yvonne Ramon Hidalgo County Elections Administrator, informed of the approval and acceptance of the suggestions presented by HR. The administrator emphasized on the staff reduction the department has made and the savings it has allowed for. Despite the fact of her acceptance, she disclosed that this is not what was originally petitioned. Responding to Mr. Silguero that she considered the responsibility of the each job and the years of each employee.

Commissioner Cuellar stepped away from the meeting.

Mr. Silguero informed that the sheriff requested six deputies however, he thought it would be best to leave the decision to the court. Reminding the court that these positions were not approved last year.

Commissioner Cuellar joined the meeting. 

Regarding the six positions, Chief Castañeda stated that as result of the end of the Universal Cop Hiring Program, they lost thirteen sheriffs. He indicated that these positions represent about 10% of the patrolling and therefore, are asking for at lease six positions to keep the law enforcement services. Again, Mr. Silguero stated that he had no special recommendation and it was up to the court to make the decision.

Commissioner Palacios recognized the necessity for the growing areas. 

Mr. Cruz disclosed to the court that even tough, the sheriff's office does go through forfeiture funds, they do not recommend to approve because these fluctuate from year to year. On the other hand, he suggested that perhaps they could share the cost. 

Chief Castañeda affirmed that they have done other projects by using the forfeiture funds and without having to request additional money from court.

Judge Garcia agreed with the other court members and acknowledged the needs.

275th District Court Judge Juan Partida, presented to the court the three salary adjustments that are all within the court's budget. 

Mr. Silguero reaffirmed that last year he and Mr. Cruz met with judges to realigned the budget, putting each court at the same level. Additionally, some bailiff's are certified Peace Officers and are looking to compensate those certified under the law enforcement pay plan.

Mr. Cruz confirmed that they met with the courts last year to keep at the same level. For the courts that have submitted personnel requests, those are being recommended at a lower level. Mr. Cruz questioned if to keep them at the same level as the 275th District Court; as he recommended. 

Commissioner Palacios stepped away from the meeting.

Commissioner Flores commented that bailiffs who are not certified peace officers, should be given enough time to get certified. The commissioner questioned if they could afford the certifications, as they did for safety. With regards, Mr. Guerra stated that they'll use the Sheriff's Academy for training.

Commissioner Palacios joined the meeting.

Mr. Silguero explained that he did not made recommendations regarding the Constable Pct.4 requests, since he felt that it should be all equal.

Precinct 4, Constable Gaitan notified that the administrative position has been receiving the same salary as when the employee was hired five years ago. The constable recognized the additional work the administrative has taken over, even obtaining a certification to do dispatching when necessary. He argued that it will be cheaper for the county to increase her salary, than hire someone new. 

Constable Gaitan disclosed that there's an increase of illegal dumping and does not count with an environmental compliance officer. Due to the high calls he has placed an officer to tackled the illegal dumpers. 

Commissioner Palacios informed that they have the funds to purchase the cameras but would need an environmental officer to start the program. 

As a result of the constant illegal dumping in other precincts, Commissioner Flores suggested providing an environmental officer for each precinct. 

Mr. Silguero commented that regarding the administrative request, they could consider a position three and not a four. He confirmed with the court that each precinct will obtain a Sheriff Deputy Environmental Compliance Officer. With regards, Commissioner Cantu suggested talking with the precincts first before making any decisions across the board. 

District Clerk Laura Hinojosa informed that two out of the three positions in the packet were not considered during the step and grade. Disclosing that the District Clerk Office was one of the departments that was part of the step and grade plan, when it was implemented 3 years ago. The disclosed amount in the packet was incorrect to the petitioned submitted by Mrs. Hinojosa. The difference should be of $5,000 and the packet displayed a difference of $2,198. The correct increase should be going from $48,083 to $55,000 which will come out of the general fund. 

Regarding the request for Accounting Clerk I, Pct. 1, Mr. Silguero explained that they did not recommend the position because there's no accounting clerk in any of the other precincts. 

Director of Planning, Mr. T. J. Arredondo informed the court that these positions are all involved in county projects under the guidance of Mr. Raul Sesin. These positions are also involved with the flooding program, and are doing above and beyond work other than the planning department. 

Mr. Silguero explained the reason for his denial was because some technicians are making more than that, due to the step they are in. 

Commissioner Cantu justified the engineering technician position, explaining that there's been projects that have been done in-house due to having the technicians aboard. 

Commissioner Flores recommended to Mr. Silguero working with Mr. Arredondo regarding the engineering technician position. 

Commissioner Palacios disclosed the proposals for precinct 4, two reclassifications under road and bridge,which does not affect the general fund. Two more on the CRC and one more position under sanitation. Informing that the reclassification is no more than $4,000.