BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 27th day of Januray A.D., 2026, there was begun and held a REGULAR MEETING of the Honorable Commissioners Court of Hidalgo County, Texas, wherein the following members thereof were present, to-wit:
| HONORABLE RICHARD F. CORTEZ HONORABLE EDUARDO "EDDIE" CANTU HONORABLE EVERARDO "EVER" VILLARREAL HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE 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 CC CONSENT REGULAR COMMISSIONERS COURT JANUARY 27, 2026 2:00 P.M. |
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 Administration Building, 100 E. Cano, 1st floor, Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. Discussion and possible action relating to the following business will be transacted:
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items are of a routine or administrative nature. The Commissioners Court has been furnished with background and support on each item, and/or it has been discussed at a previous meeting. All items will be acted upon by one vote without being discussed separately unless requested by a Court Commissioner, in which event the item or items will immediately be withdrawn for individual consideration in its normal sequence after the items not requiring separate discussion have been acted upon. The remaining items will be adopted by one vote. (Audio Reference 08m:56s)
A Public Participation Form was submitted by Fern McClaugherty regarding Agenda Item 11.E.1. See Agenda Item 11.E.1 for additional details.
(Audio Reference 15m:56s)
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, requested to pull Consent Agenda Items 9.A; 10.A; 11.A.1; 11.A.2; and 11.D.2, for further discussion.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to the Commissioner's Court - Consent Agenda, with the exception of items pulled for discussion.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Reference Agenda Items 9.A; 10.A; 11.A.1; 11.A.2; and 11.D.2, for action taken.
Requesting approval to pay the 2026 (URA) Urban Recorders Alliance membership fees in the amount of $150.00 for Arturo Guajardo, Jr, Hidalgo County Clerk, and $50.00 each for Associate memberships for Annette Muñiz, and Jason Rohr for a combined amount of $250.00 with authority for the County Treasurer to issue check after review, audit, and processing procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
Requesting approval to pay membership dues to the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association in the total amount of $945.00 (Requisition# 26001398) with the authority for the County Treasurer to issue a check after review, audit and processing procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
Requesting approval to pay the 2026 Annual Membership dues to the Texas Association of Local WIC Directors (TALWD) for Clarissa Ramirez, WIC Director, in the amount of $200.00 with authority for the County Treasurer to issue check after review, audit, and procedures are completed by County Auditor.
Approval to pay 2026 membership dues with authority for County Treasurer to issue checks once auditing procedures are completed by County Auditor for the following:
| Vendor | Amount | Req# |
| NACO | $13,780.00 | 26001366 |
| Texas Conference of Urban Counties | $32,905.00 | 26001710 |
| Amigos Del Valle | $5,000.00 | 26001712 |
Requesting approval to pay Membership Dues to Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) for Ida Trejo, Executive Director; Rebecca Gomez, Executive Assistant and Daniela Salinas, Case Manager, in the amount of $440.00 (Requisition # 26000934); with Authority for the County Treasurer to issue a check after review, audit and procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
Requesting approval to pay 2026 membership dues for Texas School Assessors Association (TSAA) in the amount of $65.00 for Pablo (Paul) Villarreal, Jr. with authority for the County Treasurer to issue a check after review, audit and procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
Requesting approval to pay membership dues for the Texas District & County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) for several District Attorney's Office employees, in the amount of $655.00 (Requisition #25000006), with authority for the County Treasurer to issue check after review, audit and procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
| Department: | Qty: | Description: |
| Information Technology | 1 | Change Service Plan |
| Information Technology | 7 | Cont. Cell Service |
| Information Technology | 91 | Cont. Data Service |
| Emergency Management | 4 | Change Service Plan |
| Urban County | 1 | New Data Service |
Approval to transfer funds to Community Service Agency (CSA) to fund a 5% cost of living adjustment for employees. (Audio Reference 16m:16s)
Mr. Valde Guerra clarified that the payroll date associated with this item is February 6, 2026, with respect to the CSA cost-of-living adjustment.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 9.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of the following salary schedule changes in accordance with Hidalgo County Law Enforcement Pay Plan effective as indicated:
| FROM | TO | |||||||
| Action | Dept/Prg. | Slot | Position Title | R/S | Budgeted Salary | R/S | Proposed Salary | Effective Date |
| Budget Adjustment (Lateral) | 280-015 | 0019 | Senior Detention Officer | 03/02 | $46,602.00 | 03/03 | $48,233.00 | 01/12/2026 |
Approval of interfund transfer in the amount of $1,000,000.00 to provide funding for the purchase of machinery and equipment.
Mr. Valde Guerra stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 10.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 10.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
A. FOR ANY CONTRACTS(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).
County Executive Officer Mr. Valde Guerra noted a one-cent correction to the amount listed for Consent Agenda Item 11.A.1., which should read $80,558.97.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Court proceeded to the regular Commissioner’s Court Agenda – Item 5.
| Project Name | Invoice Date |
Invoice No. |
Total Amount | PO No. |
| Recreational Trails Connectivity Project - Mission Segment 1 (WA#7) ARPA-21-122-040 | 01/19/26 | 20607 | $10,861.74 | 902721 |
| Recreational Trails Connectivity Project - McAllen Segment 1 (WA#8) ARPA-21-122-040 | 01/19/26 | 20608 | $19,564.71 | 902722 |
(Audio Reference 16m:42s)
Mr. Valde Guerra stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 11.A.2.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.A.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
| Invoice Date | Project Name | Vendor Name | P.O. Number | Invoice Number | Invoice Amount |
| 01/14/2026 | CRC Project Geotech | B2Z Engineering | 901147 | 40249 | $16,574.78 |
(Audio Reference 16m:42s)
Mr. Valde Guerra stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 11.C.1.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.C.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
| PO # | Application # | Date | Amount |
| 888513 | 13 | 12/05/2025 | $172,395.68 |
| PO # | Application # | Date | Amount |
| 895624 | 7 | 11/30/2025 | $227,799.33 |
(Audio Reference 16m:42s)
Mr. Valde Guerra stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 11.D.2.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.D.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
| PO # | Application # | Date | Amount |
| 888513 | 12 | 11/11/2025 | $350,135.82 |
Requesting a declaration of "Public Purpose Fiscal Year 2026" [pursuant to Texas Constitution, Art 3, Section 52] served for the request to purchase promotional items. Items needed to be purchased through the current term are such as, but not limited to, tarp, pens, pencils, keychains, table cloths/ throws, table runners, retractable banner display, mugs, cups, post-its etc. as these items will be useful to inform, relate progress, educate and report important information to our constituents on aspects of numerous projects, programs, and events. (Audio Reference 09m:10s)
Mrs. Fern McClaugherty addressed the Court regarding this item, stating that when names appear on such materials, the costs should be reported through campaign finance disclosures. Mr. Valde Guerra clarified that County funds are not being used to enrich any individual and that the expenditures comply with statute by informing the public of County services through marketing. Legal Counsel Victor Garza further clarified that exceptions exist regarding the use of public funds when expenditures serve a public purpose, and that the materials in question meet that standard. He also noted that issues would arise only if legally required election information were omitted, which the County of Hidalgo does not do. Commissioner Villarreal added that his mission is to educate the residents of Hidalgo County and ensure that tax dollars are used to better serve the public.
Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting at this time.
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 27th day of January, 2026
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 January 27, 2026.
Signed this 28th day of January 2026
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy