BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 17th day of March A.D., 2026, there was begun and held a SPECIAL MEETING of the Honorable Commissioners Court 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 ELLIE TORRES |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 1 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 2 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 REGULAR CONSENT COMMISSIONERS COURT MARCH 17, 2026 10:00 A.M. |
NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a SPECIAL 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discussed separately unless requested by a Court Commissioner, in which event the item or items will immediately be withdrawn for individual consideration in its normal sequence after the items not requiring separate discussion have been acted upon.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 18m:43s)
Mr. Valde Guerra stated that a Public Participation Form was submitted by Fern McClaugherty for agenda items 2.A; 13.A.2; and 13.K.2.
Reference Agenda Items 2.A; 13.A.2; and 13.K.2 for public comments.
(Audio Reference 21m:50s)
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, requested to pull Consent Agenda Items 6.A.1&2; 13.E.3; 13.J1&2; 13.D.3; and 13.F.4 for further discussion.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, 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 6.A.1&2; 13.E.3; 13.J1&2; 13.D.3; and 13.F.4 for action taken.
A Public Participation Form was submitted by Fern McClaugherty regarding Consent Agenda Item 2.A. and the associated report. An inquiry was made as to when the item would be placed on the County agenda. Mr. Guerra stated that he would coordinate with the County Auditor’s Office to ensure the item and its supporting documentation are appropriately included.
a. Greener Pastures Mobile Home Ph. II Subdivision- Pct. 1 (Melden & Hunt, Inc.) (Main Gate Drive & Mile 5 North Road)
Reimbursement Request:$22,675.00 for (Drainage Imps.)
| 02/19/2026 - 02/25/2026 | $1,248,595.09 |
| 02/26/2026 - 02/28/2026 | $137,984.75 |
| 03/01/2026 - 03/04/2026 | $788,364.59 |
| Total | $2,174,944.43 |
2. Approval of wire transfer to cover claims paid. (Audio Reference 22m:13s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding consent agenda items 6.A.1&2.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 6.A.1&2.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Requesting approval of reimbursement of the Hidalgo County Workers' Comp. Claims paying account for claims paid by Tristar Risk Management for the period of 02/16/2026 - 02/28/2026 in the amount of $59,574.79 and requesting approval of wire transfer.
Approval of the following actions, effective upon Commissioners Court approval:
| Action | Dept./Prg. | Slot# | Position Title | Current Allowance | Proposed Allowance |
| Remove Clothing Allowance | 280-001 | 0013 | Lieutenant | $500.00 | $0.00 |
| Remove Clothing Allowance | 280-001 | 0154, 0118, 0122 | Senior Deputy Sheriff | $500.00 | $0.00 |
| Add Clothing Allowance | 280-001 | 0339, 0063, 0082 | Senior Deputy Sheriff | $0.00 | $500.00 |
| Add Clothing Allowance | 280-001 | 0396 | Sergeant | $0.00 | $500.00 |
Requesting approval to pay the 2026 membership dues for the County Treasurers' Association of Texas for Lita Leo, County Treasurer and Audrey Ochoa, Chief Deputy with authority for a check to be issued after review, audit and processing procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
1. 2026 County Treasurers' Association of Texas - $175.00 - Lita Leo - Req no 26102919
2. 2026 County Treasurers' Association of Texas - $40.00 - Audrey Ochoa - Req no 26102926
Requesting approval of requisition #26103217 for 2026 team membership dues to the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association for Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office (Team Leader, Captain Norberto Leal) in the amount of $200.00 with authority for County Treasurer to issue check once auditing procedures are completed by County Auditor.
Requesting approval of (req. # 26102735) for 2026 membership dues to the FBI LEEDA for Sheriff J.E. "Eddie" Guerra in the amount of $50.00 with authority for the County Treasurer to issue check after auditing procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
Requesting approval of (req. # 26102737) for 2026 membership dues to the Texas Police Chiefs Association for Chief Rocky Serna in the amount of $100.00 with authority for the County Treasurer to issue check after auditing procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
Requesting approval of requisition # 26102956 for 2026 membership dues to Southwestern Border Sheriff's Coalition for Sheriff J.E. "Eddie" Guerra in the amount of $200.00 with authority for the County Treasurer to issue check after auditing procedures are completed by the County Auditor
Approval to pay 2026 membership dues with authority for County Treasurer to issue check once auditing procedures are completed by County Auditor for the following:
| Vendor | Amount | Req# |
| Border Trade Alliance (BTA) | $10,000.00 | 26001612 |
| Texas Border Coalition (TBC) | $10,000.00 | 26001951 |
| Department: | Qty: | Description: |
| WIC | 2 | New Cell Service |
| WIC | 10 | New Data Service |
1. Requesting to ratify the submission of Grant # 5355301 Acquisition and Replacement Firewalls FY23 budget adjustment to the Office of the Governor.
1. Requesting to ratify the submission of Grant # 5462001 Network Detection Implementation FY23 budget adjustment to the Office of the Governor.
Approval of deobligation of funds in the amount of $3,408.34 for FY25 grant that has ended on September 30, 2025.
Approval of the following change in funding source/distribution as listed below, effective upon Commissioner's Court Approval:
| FROM | TO | ||||||||||
| Dept/Prg. | Obj. | Slot | Position Title | G/S | % Dist. | Dept/Prg. | Obj. | Slot | Position Title | G/S | % Dist. |
| 340-001 | 113 | 0094 | Clerk II | 03/04 | 100% | 340-002 | 113 | 0027 | Clerk II | 03/04 | 100% |
Health Clinics (1100) / H.D. ADM (1293):
Approval of the following change in funding source/distribution as listed below, effective upon Commissioner's Court Approval:
| FROM | TO | ||||||||||
| Dept/Prg. | Obj. | Slot | Position Title | G/S | % Dist. | Dept/Prg. | Obj. | Slot | Position Title | G/S | % Dist. |
| 340-003 | 113 | 0197 | Clinic Program Manager | 18/03 | 83.16% | 340-003 | 113 | 0197 | Clinic Program Manager | 18/03 | 96.70% |
| 340-005 | 0001 | 16.84% | 340-005 | 0001 | 3.30% | ||||||
| 340-003 | 113 | 0198 | Clinic Program Manager | 18/01 | 83.16% | 340-003 | 113 | 0198 | Clinic Program Manager | 18/01 | 97.67% |
| 340-005 | 0002 | 16.84% | 340-005 | 0002 | 2.33% | ||||||
ARPA - CSLFRF-PUB HLTH - EL PARAISO (1290):
Approval of the following salary schedule changes in accordance with Hidalgo County Classification and Compensation Pay Plan effective as indicated:
| FROM | TO | |||||||
| Action | Dept/Prg. | Slot | Position Title | G/S | Budgeted Salary | G/S | Proposed Salary | Effective Date |
| Budget Adjustment (Promotion) | 115-215 | 0010 | Community Service Aide | 06/01 | $34,861.00 | 06/02 | $36,081.00 | 03/02/2026 |
1. Requesting approval to rescind action taken by Commissioners Court on February 17, 2026, Agenda Item #102459 for the de-obligation of funds in relation to the LBSP FY5 Program.
2. Approval of the corrected de-obligation in the amount of $6.06 to reflect the amount in overtime funds in relation to the LBSP FY5 Program.
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).
| Description | Increase in Days | Total Amount (Not to Exceed) |
| CO No.1 - [GMP No.1] Credit/Reallocation of Funds |
0 | No Fiscal Impact |
| CO No.1 - [GMP No.2] GMP Time Correction |
100 | No Fiscal Impact |
| Description | Total Amount (Not to Exceed) |
| [MTI-CO-124] - PCO 318 Control Device Replacement for 7 Wall Stations |
$10,699.00 |
(Audio Reference 20m:03s)
Fern McClaugherty submitted a Public Participation Form regarding Agenda Item 13.A.2 and asked for clarification on the “7 wall stations” and their locations. Mr. Guerra explained that these are control light switches in the new courthouse that need to be replaced due to issues. He added that this work is included on the list of items that will be addressed under the warranty.
| No. | Project Name | Invoice No. | Invoice Date | Amount | PO No. |
| 1 | Mile 6 WA#5 (M11-M14½) | 11330358 | 02/28/2026 | $600.00 | 26201960 |
| 2 | Mile 6 WA# (M11-M14½) | 11330359 | 02/28/2026 | $8,000.00 | 26201851 |
| 3 | Mile 6 WA#7 (M11-M14½) | 11330360 | 02/28/2026 | $75,849.16 | 26201931 |
| 5 | Mile 6 WA#2 (M14½-SH107) | 11330357 | 02/28/2026 | $101,650.00 | 26201834 |
| 5 | Mile 10 WA#2 (Mile 6 to FM 1015) | 11330369 | 02/28/2026 | $6,697.40 | 26201958 |
| 6 | Mile 10 WA#3 (Mile 6 to FM 1015) | 11330361 | 02/28/2026 | $128,169.50 | 26201939 |
| 7 | Mile 1 E WA#3 (Bus83N to Mile 8N) | 11330349 | 02/25/2026 | $34,528.21 | 899120 |
| 8 | Nolana Loop WA#1 (FM 493 to FM 88) | 11330365 | 02/28026 | $901.50 | 26201980 |
| 9 | Mile 2 W WA#1 (SH107-IH-2) | 11330366 | 02/28/2026 | $237,167.45 | 26202003 |
| 10 | Mile 2 W WA#2 (SH107-IH-2) | 11330368 | 03/12/2026 | $180,600.00 | 26203190 |
A. Acceptance of the Certificate of Substantial Completion, reflecting the date of September 2,2025.
B. Acceptance of the Certificate of Construction Completion, reflecting the date of October 3, 2025.
C. Requesting approval of Application for Payment No. 30 (Retainage Release) in the amount of $208,321.22 for the Pct. 2 Las Milpas Road Project (ARPA-22-122-109) submitted by the contractor, George Olivares, dba Go Underground, LLC (Contract C-22-0094-09-06) and reviewed by the project engineer, Saul R. Munoz, P.E.
| Project Name | Invoice Date | Invoice # | Amount | PO# |
| Nolana Loop Project (WA#4) | 02/28/26 | 11330343 | $1,858.52 | 26000570 |
| Cesar Chavez Rd. Project (WA#3) | 02/28/26 | 11330352 | $1,376.02 | 26000552 |
| SH107/Bus281 Rd. & Drain Improv. Prj. (WA#4) | 02/28/26 | 11330353 | $223.00 | 26200369 |
| Cesar Chavez Rd. Project (WA#6) | 02/28/26 | 11330356 | $5,423.92 | 26000418 |
| Cesar Chavez Rd. Project (WA#4) | 02/28/26 | 11330362 | $3,252.33 | 26000566 |
| Cesar Chavez Rd. Project (WA#5) | 02/28/26 | 11330363 | $1,662.80 | 26000553 |
| Project Name | Invoice Date | Invoice # | Amount | PO# |
| Lopezville Park Improvement Project | 02/02/26 | 2026-001 | $21,973.98 | 823168 |
| Lopezville Park Improvement Project | 03/02/26 | 2026-029 | $13,386.98 | 823168 |
(Audio Reference 22m:44s)
Commissioner Ever Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding consent agenda item 13.D.3.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 13.D.3.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
| Invoice No. | PO No. | Project Name | Amount |
| 11330347 | 26201930 | Liberty Rd WA#3 | $1,200.00 |
| 11330348 | 26202100/26202067 | Liberty Rd WA#5 | $1,350.00 |
| 11330354 | 873046/26202818 | Los Ebanos Rd | $13,969.16 |
| 11330355 | 26202261/26202081 | Mile 3 Phase II | $28,726.89 |
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding consent agenda item 13.E.3.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 13.E.3.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
| Invoice Date | Invoice Number | P.O. Number | Project | Vendor | Invoice Amount |
| 03/10/2026 | 203339 | 26200899 | Trenton Roadway Improvements WA#2 | Tedsi | $110,731.14 |
| Invoice Date | Project Name | Vendor Name | Invoice Number | P.O. Number | Invoice Amount |
| 02/25/2026 | Betts/Esparza Park Project | Celso Gonzalez Construction Inc | 1 | 26200884 | $170,062.05 |
| 02/02/2026 | Trenton Roadway Improvements | Tedsi | 203321 | 859188 | $13,681.00 |
| 02/16/2026 | Pct.4 HSIP | CobbFendley | 359026 | 880981 | $293.25 |
| Invoice Date | Project | Vendor | P.O. Number | Invoice Number | Invoice Amount |
| 03/02/2026 | BETTS ESPARZA PARK | BROWNSTONE | 26200896 | 1184 | $8,863.64 |
| 03/02/2026 | HIDALGO COUNTY PCT.4 CRC | BROWNSTONE | 26200903 | 1183 | 9,084.45 |
| 03/02/2026 | TXDOT HSIP 2023 | GDJ ENGINEERING | 26101388 | 2026-032 | $4,644.20 |
| 03/02/2026 | RUSSELL RD PROJECT WA#3 | GDJ ENGINEERING | 26201238 | 2026-039 | $34,136.10 |
| 03/02/2026 | RUSSELL RD REALIGN WA#2 | GDJ ENGINEERING | 26201236 | 2026-033 | $9,524.00 |
| 02/28/2026 | FM1925 PROJECT WA#3 | L&G ENGINEERING | 26201262 | 11330350 | $4,862.03 |
| 02/28/2026 | FM1925 WA#4 | L&G ENGINEERING | 26201257 | 11330345 | $2,352.00 |
| 02/28/2026 | MILE 5 PROJECT WA#2 | L&G ENGINEERING | 26201256 | 11330344 | $411.81 |
| 03/05/2026 | TRENTON ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS | TEDSI | 26202649 | 203338 | $70,507.94 |
(Audio Reference 22m:44s)
Commissioner Ever Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding consent agenda item 13.F.4.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 13.F.4.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Court proceeded to the the regular Commissioner’s Court Agenda – Item 5.
| Vendor Name | Tasks Description | Invoice Date | Invoice # | Amount | PO# |
| L&G Consulting Engineers, Inc. | RGV-MPO Policy & TAC Committee Meetings | 2/28/2026 | 11330340 | $12,599.76 | 26200625 |
B. Requesting approval of Payment Application No. 4 in the amount of $ 510,064.95 through PO# 26200165 (2.3) for Noble Texas Builders, LLC, regarding the County Courthouse Phase II Project, with authority for the County Judge or Facilities Management Director to sign all required documentation.
| PO # | Invoice # | Invoice Date | Amount |
| 26200744 | 20536 | 09/05/2025 | $8,892.36 |
| 26200744 | 20555 | 10/06/2025 | $9,633.39 |
| 26200744 | 20571 | 11/04/2025 | $6,175.25 |
| 26200744 | 20587 | 12/09/2025 | $7,410.30 |
| 26200744 | 20599 | 01/08/2026 | $4,940.20 |
(Audio Reference 22m:13s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding consent agenda item 13.J.1.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 13.J.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
| PO # | Invoice # | Invoice Date | Amount |
| 26200754 | 20538 | 09/08/2025 | $5,888.59 |
| 26200754 | 20557 | 10/06/2025 | $5,888.60 |
| 26200754 | 20573 | 11/04/2025 | $1,962.86 |
| 26200754 | 20589 | 12/09/2025 | $1,962.87 |
| 26200754 | 20601 | 01/08/2026 | $1,962.86 |
(Audio Reference 22m:13s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding consent agenda item 13.J.2.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 13.J.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Requesting authorization and approval to purchase promotional items under "Declaration of Public Purpose" pursuant to the Texas Constitution Art. 3 Sec. 52 to include but not limited to: table cloths, brochures/pamphlets, pens, pencils, and all other items deemed necessary as part of public purpose effort for the period of FY 2026, as these items will be useful to inform, educate, and report important information to constituents.
(Audio Reference 20m:45s)
Fern McClaugherty submitted a Public Participation Form regarding Agenda Item 13.K.2. She noted that she had submitted an open records request to determine how much taxpayers spend on these promotional items. She added that Hidalgo County Clerk Arturo Guajardo, Jr. covers the cost himself, likely from his campaign funds, and she commended him for this.
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 17th day of March, 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 March 17, 2026.
Signed this 30th day of March 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