Frontier Health provided an overview of its organization and outlined strategies to deliver primary care to Hidalgo County employees while reducing the County’s overall health plan costs. The presentation covered the true cost of health care and the challenges County employees and residents face in accessing services. It was noted that Hidalgo County currently spends about $49 million annually on employee health care, with approximately 6,000 employees enrolled in its Aetna insurance plan. Frontier representatives stated that their health plan could generate cost savings for the County while maintaining quality care for patients, including 24/7 access to a dedicated primary care provider via call or text.
WORKSHOP - JULY 29, 2025
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 29th day of July A.D., 2025, there was begun and held a WORKSHOP of the Honorable Commissioners’ Court of Hidalgo County, Texas, wherein the following members thereof were present, to-wit:
| HONORABLE DAVID FUENTES HONORABLE EDUARDO "EDDIE" CANTU HONORABLE EVERARDO "EVER" VILLARREAL HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 1 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 2 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 3 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 4 |
and ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., COUNTY CLERK & EX-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT of Hidalgo County, Texas, wherein the following proceedings were had, to-wit:
 |
AGENDA WORKSHOP HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT JULY 29, 2025 9:30 A.M. |
|
NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a WORKSHOP of the Commissioners Court will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Administration 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 (Audio Reference 00m:08s)
Commissioner Cantu called the meeting to order at 9:43 A.M.
All members of the Court were present for roll call, except for Judge Cortez, who was absent for the meeting.
Commissioner Cantu called the meeting to order at 9:43 A.M.
All members of the Court were present for roll call, except for Judge Cortez, who was absent for the meeting.
2.
AI-100132
Presentation and information by the number one ranked vendor, Frontier Health, on the proposal submitted for the provision of services of “Direct Primary Care Services for All Hidalgo County Employees”. (Audio Reference 00m:17s)
Mr. Valde Guerra stated for the record that the following individuals were present: Bibb Beale, CEO of Frontier Health; Erika Reyna, HR Director; Ignacio Amezcua, Purchasing Director; Megan Neal, Attorney for Frontier Health; Victor Garza, Attorney for Hidalgo County; Randy Perez, from the Judge’s Office; Yvonne Ortegon, Consultant; Monica Salinas, Commissioners Court Administrator; and representatives from the Hidalgo County IT Department.
Joe Wilson, Executive Vice President of Growth & Government Affairs, noted that Dr. Maria Madrid; Andrew Buelow, Vice President of Facilities; and Dr. Pete Lazzopina, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder with Dr. Bibb Beale, were also present.
The presentation concluded at approximately 11:20 a.m.
No action was taken.
Mr. Valde Guerra stated for the record that the following individuals were present: Bibb Beale, CEO of Frontier Health; Erika Reyna, HR Director; Ignacio Amezcua, Purchasing Director; Megan Neal, Attorney for Frontier Health; Victor Garza, Attorney for Hidalgo County; Randy Perez, from the Judge’s Office; Yvonne Ortegon, Consultant; Monica Salinas, Commissioners Court Administrator; and representatives from the Hidalgo County IT Department.
Joe Wilson, Executive Vice President of Growth & Government Affairs, noted that Dr. Maria Madrid; Andrew Buelow, Vice President of Facilities; and Dr. Pete Lazzopina, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder with Dr. Bibb Beale, were also present.
No action was taken.
3.
AI-100133
Discussion on 2026 Budget Status Report (Audio Reference 1h:36m:14s)
Dagoberto Soto, Budget & Management Director, presented the 2026 budget status report. County expenditures stand at 45% at mid-year, with a projected beginning fund balance of no less than $37 million for FY2026. The 2026 appraised taxable values increased by 9.8% compared to last year, continuing a growth trend since 2020, totaling approximately $30 million. Mr. Soto reported salary requests for 112 new positions and 61 salary adjustments. Mr. Valde Guerra clarified that most new positions are related to law enforcement and court staff, and salary adjustments will be reviewed by Mr. Soto and HR for appropriate placement. Commissioner Cantu expressed concerns regarding jail expenses and the hiring of a consultant, stating this would affect his support for some proposals. Commissioner Villarreal indicated his intention to request funding for Precinct 3 to return money to taxpayers and improve unpaved roads.
No action was taken.
Dagoberto Soto, Budget & Management Director, presented the 2026 budget status report. County expenditures stand at 45% at mid-year, with a projected beginning fund balance of no less than $37 million for FY2026. The 2026 appraised taxable values increased by 9.8% compared to last year, continuing a growth trend since 2020, totaling approximately $30 million. Mr. Soto reported salary requests for 112 new positions and 61 salary adjustments. Mr. Valde Guerra clarified that most new positions are related to law enforcement and court staff, and salary adjustments will be reviewed by Mr. Soto and HR for appropriate placement. Commissioner Cantu expressed concerns regarding jail expenses and the hiring of a consultant, stating this would affect his support for some proposals. Commissioner Villarreal indicated his intention to request funding for Precinct 3 to return money to taxpayers and improve unpaved roads.
No action was taken.
4.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 2h:00m:44s)
Commissioner Cantu adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 11:44 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Cantu adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 11:44 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
There being no further business to come before said
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 29th day of July, 2025
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners Court held on July 29, 2025.
Signed this 12th day of August 2025
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 29th day of July, 2025
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners Court held on July 29, 2025.
Signed this 12th day of August 2025
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy