SPECIAL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 23rd day of September A.D., 2025, there was begun and held a SPECIAL MEETING of the Honorable Board of Directors of Hidalgo County, Texas, wherein the following members thereof were present, to-wit:
| HONORABLE RICHARD F. CORTEZ HONORABLE DAVID FUENTES HONORABLE EDUARDO "EDDIE" CANTU HONORABLE EVERARDO "EVER" VILLARREAL HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE 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 DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 9:30 A.M. |
NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a SPECIAL MEETING of the Board of Directors 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:05s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:33 A.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:33 A.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:25s)
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, offered the prayer.
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, offered the prayer.
3.
Open Forum (Audio Reference 04m:02s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda
The Board proceeded to the Drainage District - Consent Agenda.
See Drainage District - Consent Agenda for the action taken.
The Board proceeded to the Drainage District - Consent Agenda.
See Drainage District - Consent Agenda for the action taken.
5.
Discussion and update by HCDD1 General Manager as it relates to pending construction and HCDD1 projects. (Audio Reference 04m:22s)
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin reported no new updates.
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin reported no new updates.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -100846
A. Public Hearing on the proposed tax rate for 2025 of .1123 for Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 (Audio Reference 04m:30s)
Judge Richard Cortez opened a public hearing at 9:37 A.M., however, there were no participants for the public hearing. Mr. Sesin stated for the record that the proposed tax rate remains the same as the current year, at .1123. Judge Cortez closed the public hearing at 9:38 P.M.
B. Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 2026 Budget.
1. Discussion, Consideration, and Action on changes to the 2026 budget, if any. (Audio Reference 05m:26s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.B.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Adoption of the 2026 Annual Budget. (Audio Reference 06m:00s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.B.2.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
3. Approval of the Compensation Plan Classified Position List, Compensation Plan and the Grade and Step Salary Schedule effective January 1, 2026 (Audio Reference 06m:10s)
Commissioner Torres stepped away from the meeting at this time.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.B.3.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
4. Approval of Stormwater Management Specialist Job Description (Audio Reference 06m:30s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.B.4.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
C. Adoption of Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 2025 Tax Rate.
Approval of an Order setting the 2025 Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 Tax Rate at $0.1123 per $100 property tax valuation. Maintenance and Operation (M&O) Rate of $0.0495 and a Debt Service Rate of $0.0628 per $100 property tax valuation.
(Audio Reference 06m:37s)
Comissioner Torres rejoined the meeting at this time.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Richard Cortez opened a public hearing at 9:37 A.M., however, there were no participants for the public hearing. Mr. Sesin stated for the record that the proposed tax rate remains the same as the current year, at .1123. Judge Cortez closed the public hearing at 9:38 P.M.
B. Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 2026 Budget.
1. Discussion, Consideration, and Action on changes to the 2026 budget, if any. (Audio Reference 05m:26s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.B.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Adoption of the 2026 Annual Budget. (Audio Reference 06m:00s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.B.2.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
3. Approval of the Compensation Plan Classified Position List, Compensation Plan and the Grade and Step Salary Schedule effective January 1, 2026 (Audio Reference 06m:10s)
Commissioner Torres stepped away from the meeting at this time.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.B.3.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
4. Approval of Stormwater Management Specialist Job Description (Audio Reference 06m:30s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.B.4.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
C. Adoption of Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 2025 Tax Rate.
Approval of an Order setting the 2025 Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 Tax Rate at $0.1123 per $100 property tax valuation. Maintenance and Operation (M&O) Rate of $0.0495 and a Debt Service Rate of $0.0628 per $100 property tax valuation.
(Audio Reference 06m:37s)
Comissioner Torres rejoined the meeting at this time.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
· County Judge, Richard F. Cortez – Aye
· Commissioner Pct. 1, David Fuentes – Aye
· Commissioner Pct. 2, Eduardo “Eddie” Cantu – Aye
· Commissioner Pct. 3, Everardo “Ever” Villarreal – Aye
· Commissioner Pct. 4, Ellie Torres – Aye
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -100827
Requesting approval of Change Order No.2, reflecting an increase in the amount of $122,850.00 and 60 additional calendar days for the project ''Anaquitas Drainage Improvements Project Phase 2 -2018 Bond Referendum Project No. 8'', Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-006-02-18, with Gonzalez Engineering & Management, LLC, as recommended by Project Engineer, B2Z Engineering LLC. (Audio Reference 07m:47s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -100867
South Main Drain Phase 1 - Budget 703
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 15 in the amount of $253,182.85 from RG Enterprises dba G&G Contractors pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-053-10-31 South Main Drain Phase 1. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM PO#648721
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.2.
Pharr McAllen West - Budget 709
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $111,921.85 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-013-04-15 Pharr McAllen West. Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering Group PO#650877 (Audio Reference 08m:23s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 8.A.1&2.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 15 in the amount of $253,182.85 from RG Enterprises dba G&G Contractors pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-053-10-31 South Main Drain Phase 1. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM PO#648721
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.2.
Pharr McAllen West - Budget 709
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $111,921.85 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-013-04-15 Pharr McAllen West. Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering Group PO#650877 (Audio Reference 08m:23s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 8.A.1&2.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 09m:03s)
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Subchapter D of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to discuss the following:
The Board proceeded into Closed Session with a vote of approval at 9:42 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Subchapter D of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to discuss the following:
The Board proceeded into Closed Session with a vote of approval at 9:42 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
A.
Real Property (Tex. Gov't Code 551.072)
No action was taken on this item.
No action was taken on this item.
B.
Personnel Matters (Tex. Gov't. Code 551.074)
1.
AI -100885
Deliberation regarding possible extenuating-circumstance exemption for employee to qualify for longevity pay under HCDD1 Longevity Pay Policy. Tex. Local Gov’t Code §551.074
Reference Agenda Item 10.C, for action taken.
Reference Agenda Item 10.C, for action taken.
C.
Consultation with Attorney Regarding:
a) Pending or Contemplated Litigation: b) a Settlement Offer: or c) a Matter in Which the Duty of the Attorney to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas Clearly Conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code (Tex. Gov't. Code 551.071)
No action was taken on this item.
a) Pending or Contemplated Litigation: b) a Settlement Offer: or c) a Matter in Which the Duty of the Attorney to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas Clearly Conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code (Tex. Gov't. Code 551.071)
No action was taken on this item.
10.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 09m:41s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 9:59 A.M.
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 9:59 A.M.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition
No action was taken on this item.
No action was taken on this item.
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation
No action was taken on this item.
No action was taken on this item.
C.
Possible Action on items discussed during Closed Session (Audio Reference 09m:48s)
Legal Counsel Ivan Perez stated that action would be required if the Board desired to approve the extenuating circumstance exemption for the employee discussed in Closed Session in order to qualify for longevity pay.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 10.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Legal Counsel Ivan Perez stated that action would be required if the Board desired to approve the extenuating circumstance exemption for the employee discussed in Closed Session in order to qualify for longevity pay.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 10.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 10m:15s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 9:59 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 9:59 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 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 23rd day of September, 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 September 23, 2025.
Signed this 26th day of September 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 23rd day of September, 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 September 23, 2025.
Signed this 26th day of September 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