Commissioners Court Meeting
Tuesday, APRIL 29, 2025 at 8:30 AM
| Tano E. Tijerina, | County Judge |
| Jesse Gonzalez, | Commissioner, Pct. 1 |
| Rosaura "Wawi" Tijerina, | Commissioner, Pct. 2 |
| John C. Galo, | Commissioner, Pct. 3 |
| Ricardo A. Jaime | Commissioner, Pct. 4 |
Thus constituting a quorum, the Commissioners Court proceeded to act upon the Agenda as posted in the meeting notice of the 25th day of April 2025. Present also were Ms. Carmen L. Saldana, Recording Secretary representing Mrs. Margie Ramirez Ibarra, Ex-officio Clerk of the Commissioners Court, various officers and others interested in the business of the Court.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to excuse Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez and Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve Payment Ratifications and payments released
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to approve side bills
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to ratify the amount difference between actual Casa Blanca Payroll and the previous estimated payroll, as well as not to exceed Casa Blanca estimated future payroll of $45,000.00
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to accept report
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to accept report
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve by order the Wage and Pay Scale Amendments
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
The consent agenda has been created in order to give constituents the opportunity to view any and all pertinent backup information with reference to any item in the agenda. The objective of the consent agenda is for all Webb County constituents to be familiar with everyday county business and to demonstrate the transparency and fairness of this Commissioners Court.
The following Agenda Items are of a routine nature, and the Commissioners Court has received supporting materials for consideration. All of these Agenda Items will be passed with one vote without being discussed separately, unless a member of the Commissioners Court or the public requests that a particular Agenda Item be discussed. If so, that Agenda Item will be pulled from the Consent Agenda and discussed as part of the regular Agenda at the appropriate time. One vote will approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.
| Slot # | Title | Hourly Rate |
| 4081 | Budget Analyst | $18.46 - $20.14 16/A-H |
Issue: Current employee gave two weeks notice and will be vacating position May 9, 2025.
Solution: Post the position to fill in timely manner.
Result: Office will be fully staffed.
| Slot # | Title | Hourly Rate |
| 0041 | Energy Management Technician | $17.57 - $18.47 15/A-E |
| 0622 | Groundskeeper | $14.42 - $15.16 11/A-E |
Issue: Slot #0041 became vacant February 28, 2025, and will be filled within. Slot 0622 became vacant April 1, 2025.
Solution: Approval to post and fill vacant slots.
Result: This action will allow the Building Maintenance Parks & Grounds Department to continue to function efficiently and effectively.
Issue: In the past decades, many crime victims, such as victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, were unaware if their respective crime perpetrators were able to post bail and be released from the correction's system. In late 1993, one particular victim who had been raped, assaulted, and stalked in Jefferson County was unaware that her former boyfriend had been released and was subsequently ambushed by him after she left work. She was shot seven (7) times at point-blank range and killed on that day, her 21st birthday.
Solution: As a result of community outrage, an automated telephone notification system for crime victims and other concerned citizens was instituted: Victim Information and Notification Every day (VINE) Service. This nationwide system is funded by Texas counties through the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and is currently utilized by Webb County.
Result: The crime victims of Laredo/Webb County can enroll in this program and will be provided with automated notification upon an offender’s custody status change, such as release, transfer, and/or relevant district court dates.
| Slot # | Title | Hourly Rate |
| 2159 | Administrative Technician | $14.60 - $15.00 |
Issue: Slot became vacant as of April 22, 2025.
Solution: Advertise and hire a replacement who possesses the specialized experience and the qualifications necessary for this position.
Result: Filling the position will allow the department to effectively continue the flow of work.
Issue: The Webb Zapata District Attorney desires to loan and transfer certain law enforcement equipment to the Zapata County Sheriff.
Solution: Enter into an Interlocal Agreement to effectuate the loan/ transfer of the equipment.
Result: Effective loan/transfer of equipment to the Zapata County Sheriff.
Issue: The existing Webb County Recreation Master Plan is from 2015-2025 and needs to be updated/replaced.
Solution: Appoint a Recreation Master Planning Committee of appropriate size to work in conjunction with the Economic Development staff, oversee progress and provide direction and input into the development process.
Result: To develop a plan to be adopted by the County and submitted to the State for their approval. A state-approved plan will give future project applications additional consideration.
Issue: The residents of colonias adjacent to US HWY 59 and Colonia La Presa lack access to a conventional water system for potable water.
Solution: To accept the donation to implement the Webb County Atmospheric Water Generator Pilot Program for the residents of colonias adjacent to US HWY 59 and La Presa.
Result: If the pilot program results successful, additional projects will be implemented to reach additional homes in colonias adjacent to HWY 59 and Colonia La Presa.
Issue: Our new voter Registration Database will require an up to date Server in order to keep voter registration database safe and secure. The Elections Office does not currently have a dedicated secure standalone server for Voter Registration.
Solution: Authorizing the purchase for this new Server and the Microsoft license will make voter Registration data securer while providing a faster and easier voter check-in process on when voting.
Result: Elections Office will have a new dedicated standalone Server and license making the office securer and more efficient with on voter registration, processing and database keeping.
Issue: Work that needs to be done is as follows:
| Item | Amount |
| AT &T pedestal relocation | $1,466.20 |
| Per ASI #4 Revisions: Carport concrete tie-down & flume | $19,859.68 |
| Per ASI #7 & #8: Fire Line Extension to Highway & tanker truck intake$34,484.40 | $34,484.40 |
| Per ASI #11: Chain link fence around septic area | $17,159.94 |
| Total | $72,970.30 |
Solution: Consideration to authorize the use of $72,970.30 from the Owner's Contingency allowance funds.
Result: If approved, the Contractor will be authorized to use the Owner's Contingency amount as approved by Commissioners Court. There will be no increase or decrease to the original contract sum.
Issue: The following items have impacted the progress of this project:
- Easement paperwork for AEP had to be revised, corrected and then approved by Commissioners Court (4/14/2025).
- Paperwork will be signed and delivered to AEP to schedule for Electrical transformer delivery: 45 calendar days-June 2, 2025.
- Transformer installation and primary line wiring and connection (by AEP).
Solution: Approval of days. The new contract time will be increased by thirty-five (35) days.
Result: Substantial completion date will be from May 5, 2025 to June 9, 2025.
Issue: The Webb County Fire Marshal’s Office requests court approval for the transfer of Unit 58-29 to the Fire Marshal’s Office for operational use by an Investigator.
Solution: Consideration to authorize the approval to transfer county leased unit no longer being used by the Webb County Fire Department to the Webb County Fire Marshal’s Office for official use.
Result: If approved, the vehicle lease records will be updated to reflect the new assignment of leased unit.
| Slot # | Title | Hourly Rate |
| 2928 | Planner | $19.40 - $21.16 17/A-H |
Issue: Slot became vacant April 25, 2025.
Solution: Filling the slot will allow the Planning Department to continue to serve the community efficiently.
Result: The Planning Department will have the staff necessary to fulfill its duties to the public.
Issue: Item is a regulatory compliance issue regarding real property development provisions of state law and local regulations with particular emphasis on the Model Subdivision Rules enacted for residential subdivisions. Commissioners Court must certify to certain property conditions before utility service connections may be authorized.
Solution: As reflected in agenda backup, staff has verified compliance matters and recommends the Court’s approval of this certificate.
Result: If approved, applicant may connect property to electrical utility services. If not approved, utility connection to property is prohibited.
Issue: Excess county property that is either by definition salvage or surplus property because of time, accident, or any other cause such as wear and deterioration, damage, or obsolete that has no value and/or usefulness for the intended purpose and is no longer needed by the department.
Solution: Authorize the Purchasing Agent to attempt to sell the County surplus or salvage property through public auction, dispose of or destroy property that cannot be sold through public auction because it has been deemed worthless or disposed of through a recycling program under which property is collected, separated, or processed and returned to use in the form of raw materials of new products and/or donate as permitted by state law.
Result: Generate auction revenue from sale of county property, reduce county expenditures by transferring surplus property to other departments.
Issue: We currently have 18 Cisco IP Phones with over 10 years of use, which are starting to die out. We plan to replace them strategically to avoid depleting the technology fund allowance. Secondly, we need to replace the courtroom multifunction black and white copier/printer, which is experiencing issues. Lastly, our black and white printer backup in the traffic department has stopped working. The last listed printer is used when the main copier is out of commission.
Solution: With the approval of the Commissioner’s Court, we would be able to proceed with these purchases.
Result: Our priority is to provide high-quality customer service, and these technological tools enable us to deliver excellent service.
| Acct. Number | Acct. Name | Adopted | Request | Current | End Bal. | |
| From: | 2031-1010-001-444500 | Equipment Rental | $8,900 | $7,500 | $8,900 | $1,400 |
| To: | 2031-1010-001-454000-030 | Advertising Awareness & Activities | $42,500 | $7,500 | $42,500 | $50,000 |
Issue: Line item transfer is needed to cover the cost of advertising for the 1848 event center.
Solution: Approve line item transfer to cover cost of advertising for reminder of fiscal year.
Result: Transfer of funds will cover expenditures and invoices.
| Acct. Number | Acct. Name | Adopted | Request | Current | End Bal. | |
| From: | 1001-3010-001-462605 | Fuel & Lubricants | $575,000 | $60,000 | $346,716.81 | $286,716.81 |
| 1001-3010-001-444400 | Rent Expense | $15,000 | $10,000 | $11,810 | $1,810 | |
| 1001-3010-001-444500 | Equipment Rental | $45,000 | $10,000 | $25,315.21 | $15,315.21 | |
| To: | 1001-3010-001-443000-410 | Repair Maint Vehicle | $250,000 | $80,000 | $9,515.22 | $89,515.22 |
Issue: Due to the terms and requirements of the Sheriff’s Office vehicle leasing agreement, the patrol units are exceeding the warranty conditions as a result of the type of usage, yearly mileage, and the maintenance required by patrol units. The agreement requires that the units be replaced every 2 ½ years or 70,000 miles. The Sheriff’s Office patrol unit’s median mileage is 80,000 miles. This mileage is over the warranty period and at a time when the units begin to experience major repair expenses, such as issues with the electronics, engine or transmission, and air conditioning, in addition to the routine fluids/oil changes, tire rotations, brake maintenance and other repairs, depleting the funds allocated to the Repairs/Maintenance-Vehicle account.
Solution: Transfer of funds to repair and maintain the units in the Sheriff’s Office fleet.
Result: Provide regular maintenance and preventive measures on the Sheriff’s Office units.
| Acct. Number | Acct. Name | Adopted | Request | Current | End Bal. | |
| From: | 2031-1010-001-470000 | Capital Outlay | $100,000.00 | $30,000.00 | $56,771.57 | $26,771.57 |
| To: | 2031-1010-001-443000-365 | Repairs & Maintenance Life Downs | $10,000.00 | $30,000.00 | $2,652.93 | $32,652.93 |
Issue: The 1848 Event Center hosts various events year-round that depend on Wi-Fi for things like ticketing, streaming, presentations, vendor booths, point-of-sale systems, etc.
Solution: Once the requested funds are transferred, we will proceed with approving the purchase order for the Wi-Fi services throughout the 1848 facility.
Result: The 1848 Event Center will be equipped to provide Wi-Fi for essential services such as ticketing, streaming, presentations, vendor booths, point-of-sale systems, and more.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve Consent Agenda
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to bring up Item #24
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
| Qty | Year | Make/Model | Lease Rate Mo. | PM Rate | EXT MO Lease Rate | Term of Lease | ETA on Delivery |
| 1 | 2025 | FORD/F150 XL 4x2 Crew Cab | 799.82 | 58.25 | 858.07 | 48 months | 22-24 Weeks |
Issue: The Webb County Fire Marshal’s Office seeks court authorization for the Purchasing Dept. to factory order one (1) new leased vehicle for operational use by Fire Inspectors.
Solution: If approved, the Webb County Purchasing Agent will secure a lease rate quote for a 48-month lease term. Ordering a lease vehicle is subject to the availability of open order banks for lease vehicles. Rates may vary depending on stock and/or factory order. Factory orders will typically take up to 4 – 6 months depending on the manufacturer’s production schedule and overall demand in the car industry.
Result: The Purchasing Agent will coordinate with Enterprise Fleet Management to order the lease unit(s) as per directive by the Webb County Commissioners Court.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to approve item, while needing the entity working with fleet management to acquire a suitable vehicle
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Issue: The Wage Review Committee reviewed these requests.
Solution: Approve the proposed changes agreed by the Wage Review Committee.
Result: Ability for corresponding departments to properly classify and staff their respective areas.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve item, excluding the statement "other attorney offices".
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Issue: There has been a reduction of all detention facilities that hold illegal aliens that are charged with criminal trespass and a possible reduction of charges of criminal trespass placed on these people. This is mainly due to the new Presidential administration policies.
Solution: The Regional Public Defender's office will continue representation of these offenses moving forward.
Result: Moving forward with the initiative will allow for a more effective and stream-line process for attorney representation.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to approve
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Issue: Fairgrounds pavilion is rented out to the public for private events. Webb County currently has to rent tables and chairs for these events.
Solution: Purchase 1,000 chairs to accompany the 100 tables already purchased so that we do not have to rent them anymore.
Result: The Webb County pavilion will be fully equipped to continue to lease the pavilion and provide tables and chairs for these private events.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
| Account Number | Account Description | Amount |
| 1001-1130-001-431007-010 | Operational Reserve | $1,279,868 |
| 1001-1130-001-432001 | Professional Services | $200,000 |
| 1001-2290-001-470000 | Capital Outlay | $200,000 |
Issue: Budget Officer has directed a quarterly payroll sweep.
Solution: Complete third quarterly payroll sweep.
Result: Savings for Operational Reserve and funds for various county projects.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to adjourn
Vote: 3 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez (ABSENT)
Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina (ABSENT)