[00:00:12]
I'M HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE RICHARD F CORTEZ, CHAIRMAN OF DRAINAGE
[Drainage District]
DISTRICT NUMBER 1. TODAY'S MEETING IS IN PARAMETER OF GOVERNOR ABBOTT'S SUSPENSION OF OPEN MEETING TO ALLOW FOR TELEPHONE MEETINGS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19.THE NOTICE OF THE MEETING HAS BEEN POSTED ONLINE FOR 72 HOURS.
THE BOARD IS MEETING BY THE USE OF ZOOM SOFTWARE AND TELEPHONE TRANSMISSION, WHICH ALLOWS FOR TWO-WAY TRANSMISSION DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION. THIS MEETING IS BROADCAST LIVE AND ONLINE. A CORDING OF THE MEETING IS BEING MADE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT A LATER DATE.
THE TIME IS NOW 9:45. AND I WILL CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER. AND START WITH A ROLL-CALL TO ESTABLISH QUORUM WITH PRECINCT 1.
>> GOOD MORNING, DAVID FUENTES, PRECINCT 1.
>> COMMISSIONER CANTU HASN'T SIGNED UP YET.
WE'LL GO TO OUR NEW COMMISSIONER.
>> GOOD MORNING, PRECINCT 3. >> GOOD MORNING, ELLIE TORRES,
PRECINCT 4. >> THAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM.
WILL YOU PLEASE LEAD US IN PRAYER.
LET US PRAY. FATHER, WE GIVE YOU THANKS THIS DAY YOU'VE GIVEN US. WE SEEK YOUR CLARITY AND PEACE FOR ALL THAT IS OCCURRING IN OUR COUNTRY, LORD.
WE KNOW YOU'RE WITH US AS WE CONTINUE TO SEEK YOUR COUNSEL.
WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE JUDGE FOR OUR GREAT COUNTY.
AND WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR MAYOR, OR CITY LEADERS, POLICE CHIEFS, JUDGES, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, SHERIFF AND ALL THOSE WHO SERVE THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, LORD.
STRENGTHEN WITH YOUR WISDOM AND GRACE FOR THE BURDENS THEY CARRY. MAY THEY HANDLE THEIR PROJECTS AND TEAMS WITH LOVE. WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, DOCTORS, NURSES, HOSPITAL STAFF, ALL THOSE AS THEY DEAL WITH THE PANDEMIC AND ILLNESSES.
NOT JUST THE PANDEMICS BUT ALL THE ILLNESSES.
GIVE THEM STRENGTH AND PEACE SO AS THEY CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH WHAT IS GOING ON. LAY YOUR HEALING HAND UPON THEM.
LAY YOUR HEALING HAND UPON THEM, LORD.
WE ASK FOR YOUR HAND OF PEACE OVER THEIR FAMILIES AS THEY CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH THESE ILLNESSES.
WE PRAY FOR YOUR COMFORT AND PEACE FOR THE FAMILIES WHO LOST LOVED ONES. MAY WE CONTINUE TO FIND WAYS THIS YEAR TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS, LORD.
THE MORE WE SEEK YOU, THE MORE WE WILL FIND YOU.
WE ASK THAT YOU LEAD OUR HEART TO THE PATH OF YOUR PEACE TODAY.
WE ASK THIS IN YOUR SON JESUS'S NAME, AMEN.
>> DO WE HAVE ANYBODY SIGN UP FOR OPEN FORUM?
>> NOT FOR DRAINAGE, JUDGE. >> OKAY.
THEN, WE'LL GO TO APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> YES, SIR, JUDGE. APPROVAL OF CHECK REGISTER AND ITEMS VETTED BY MY STAFF, PAYMENTS, EVERYTHING IS IN ORDER. WE RECOMMEND APPROVAL.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> A MOTION.
A SECOND TO APPROVE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> IF I MAY, JUDGE, ON 5-A, 180470925 THE ALAMO EXPRESSWAY
DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS. >> SO MOVED.
>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> ITEM TWO, ACCEPTANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANCIAL COMPLETION FOR CASTLE ENTERPRISES PERTAINING TO CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT NUMBER HCDD 1180470925 ALAMO EXPRESSWAY
>> SECOND. >> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
CASTLE ENTERPRISES PERTAINING TO CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT 180470925 DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS. PROJECT ENGINEER FROM MY OFFICE.
RECOMMEND TO APPROVE. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[00:05:01]
>> 6-A. DISCUSSION FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2020 BUDGET ADOPTION DATE FOR THE DISTRICT'S MAINTENANCE AND
OPERATION BUDGET 006. >> MOTION T APPROVE.
>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> 6-1-2. KAY APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE FRINGE BENEFIT.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.
>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 3, PROPERLY RECLASSIFY TRUCK DRIVERS INTO THE RIGHT JOB DESCRIPTION NO BUDGET IMPACT TITLE CHANGE ONLY SLOTS 109-120. SHOULD BE TRUCK DRIVER III AND SLOT 107 SHOULD BE TRUCK NUMBER 4.
APPROVAL OF THE REVISED SALARY SCHEDULE APPROVED.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE.
>> MOTION CARRIES. >> THANK YOU.
ITEM -- WE DO HAVE A COUPLE OF SMALL ITEMS IN EXECUTIVE
PURSUANT TO SECTION 551.072 AND 551.047 WE'LL BE RETIRING TO DISCUSS THE ITEMS. THE ITEMS TAKEN WILL BE TAKEN TO OPEN SESSION. DO I HAVE A MOTION TO RETIRE TO
M >> WE'RE BACK FROM CLOSED SESSION. WE'RE BACK FROM CLOSED SESSION.
WE HAVE ITEMS. >> YES, WE'RE RECOMMENDING THAT THE BOARD TAKE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE MR. SUCINE TO PROCEED AS DISCUSSED IN THE CLOSED SESSION WITH REGARD TO THE REAL
PROPERTY MATTERS. >> SO MOVED.
>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
DOES THAT CONCLUDE OUR AGENDA ITEMS?
MAY I HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. >> SO MOVED.
>> SECOND. >> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU JUDGE AND
COMMISSIONERS. >> HAVE A GOOD DAY.
>> HAVE A GOOD DAY, SIR. >> WE'LL SEE YOU.
[1. Roll Call]
GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. I'M HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE RICHARD F CORTEZ. TODAY'S MEETING IS IN PARAMETERS OF GOVERNOR ABBOTT EXTENSION OF THE OPEN MEETING LAW REQUIREMENTS TO EXTEND NECESSARY TO ALLOW FOR TELEPHONIC MEETINGS IN RESPONSE TO THIS COVID-19 MATTER.NOTICE OF THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTED ONLINE FOR AT LEAST 72 HOURS. THE RECORDING OF THIS MEETING IS BEING DONE BY SOFTWARE AND TELEPHONE TRANSMISSION, WHICH ALLOWS FOR TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC DURING THE PUBLIC FORUM SESSION. THE RECORDING OF THE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT A LATER DATE.
THE TIME IS NOW FIVE MINUTES AFTER 10:00.
I CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER. WE'LL START WITH ROLL-CALL TO ESTABLISH QUORUM WITH COMMISSIONER FOR PRECINCT 1.
>> GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
DAVID FUENTES, PRECINCT 1. >> GOOD MORNING, HAPPY NEW
YEAR, EDDIE CANTU, PRECINCT 2. >> GOOD MORNING, HAPPY NEW YEAR! EVERADO VILLARREAL, PRECINCT 3.
>> GOOD MORNING TO EVERYONE, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
ELLIE TORRES, PRECINCT 4. >> AND RICHARD CORTEZ, COUNTY JUDGE. THAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM.
TODAY, WE'RE HONORED TO HAVE APOLONIO UTES, JR. WHO SERVED IN THE U.S. ARMY. AND RECEIVED A RANK OF SPECIALIST NUMBER 4. HE WAS AWARDED THE NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL WITH THREE BRONZE SERVICE STARS. THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL.
RECIPIENT OF TWO PURPLE HEARTS. MEMBER OF AMERICAN LEGION IN DONNA, TEXAS AND WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE HIS SONS WHO SERVED IN OUR MILITARY. A U.S. ARMY VETERAN AND A U.S.
MARINE CORPS VETERAN. SPECIALISTS, PLEASE JOIN US IN
[00:10:01]
THE PLEDGE. >> ORDER ARMS. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE FOR LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. ORDER, ARMS.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
TODAY, WE'RE HONORED TO HAVE OUR HONORABLE DISTRICT JUDGE RAMIREZ FROM THE 332 DISTRICT COURT THAT WILL LEAD US IN PRAYER.
>> JUDGE, YOU MAY BE ON MUTE, JUDGE.
I DON'T SEE HIM ANYMORE. >> I THINK HE DISCONNECTED FROM THE MEETING, SIR. JUDGE, GIVE ME ONE SECOND.
HE'S JOINING. >> JUDGE, IF YOU'RE THERE, CAN
YOU LEAD US IN PRAYER. >> YES, SIR.
I GOT KICKED OUT HERE BY THE ZOOM.
CAN YOU ALL HEAR ME? >> YES, SIR.
>> I'M SORRY. I'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ZOOM
>> THANK YOU ALL FOR HAVING ME HERE.
I HOPE YOU ALL ARE SAFE AND WELL.
LET ME START WITH A PRAYER. DEAR LORD, PLEASE HEAR OUR PRAYERS. TODAY, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE CONTINUE BEING WITH THOSE WHO ASK FOR YOUR BLESSINGS AND PROTECT THOSE IN NEED. WE ASK THAT YOU HEAL THE SICK AND NURTURE THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES TO THIS DISEASE. LORD, DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE INSPIRE VIGILANCE AND PATIENCE IN OUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, OUR EDUCATORS, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND ASK THAT THEY REMAIN HEALTHY AND SAFE AS THEY CONTINUE UNDERTAKING DUTIES AND FURTHER CHALLENGES. WE HUMABLY ASK THAT YOU GUIDE US MAKING THE BEST DECISIONS FOR ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS.
WE ASK FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE AS OUR COMMUNITY STRIVES TO COME TOGETHER AND OVERCOME ALL O OBSTACLES BEFORE US.
IN YOUR NAME WE PRAY, AMEN. >> AMEN.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, JUDGE. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY.
[4. Approval of Consent Agenda]
>> YES, SIR, THANK YOU. NEXT ITEM IS APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. ARE THERE ITEMS TO BE PULLED?
>> YOU'RE ON MUTE. >> ALL ARE IN ORDER WITH THE CONSENT AGENDA JUDGE FOR APPROVAL.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, AYE.
[5. Open Forum]
WE HAVE PEOPLE SIGNED UP FOR OPEN FORUM.CAN WE PLEASE ALLOW THEM TO SPEAK.
>> YES, JUDGE. FIRST WE HAVE FERN MCCLARITY.
>> GOOD MORNING. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
THERE IS A THREE-MINUTE TIME LIMIT ON OPEN FORUM.
I WILL ADVISE WHEN THERE'S ONE MINUTE.
I WILL START WHEN YOU START. >> IN REVIEWING THIS WEEK'S AGENDA, I'M AMAZED TO SEE MORE SPENDING AND EMPLOYMENT OF INCREASING STAFF AND INCREASED SALARY.
THIS STAFF SPENDS THREE YEARS TO MAKE EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND SALARY EQUAL FOR COMPATIBLE JOBS.
A STATE OBJECTIVE WAS TO PREVENT THE CONSTANT REQUESTS FOR SALARY INCREASE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. IT WAS AGREED THAT INCREASE WOULD BE LIMITED TO A BRIEF PERIOD DURING THE BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS. NOW THAT WE HAVE APPROVED POLICY, A WAIVER IS REQUESTED AT EACH MEETING, AND STAFF MODIFICATION SALARY INCREASES ARE APPROVED ON A WEEKLY BASIS.
THAT MEANS THE EMPLOYMENT POLICY IS MODIFIED 52 TIMES A YEAR.
[00:15:01]
HOW DOES ONE PREPARE AN ANNUAL BUDGET WHEN CONDITIONS ARE CHANGED ON A WEEKLY BASIS? 85% OF THE BUDGET IS STAFF SALARY. THE ANSWER IS YOU CANNOT.HOW DOES ONE PREPARE FOR A BUDGET WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COURTHOUSE NOBODY WANTED IS GROWING TOWARD $450 MILLION.
DOES EVERYONE REMEMBER WHEN OUR LAST COUNTY JUDGE RAMON GARCIA PROMISED IT WOULD NOT COST MORE THAN $150 MILLION? THE PROBLEM WITH THE COURTHOUSE, NOBODY WANTED IT BEFORE IT WAS BUILT. NOW COMBINED WITH THE LOCKDOWN ORDERS WITH THIS COMMISSION, IT'S HATED.
JUDGE RAMON SPENT $1 MILLION ON A CONSULTANT TO SELL THIS TO THE PEOPLE. THE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN FAILED AND THE $150 MILLION IS MOVING TOWARD $450 MILLION WITHOUT PUBLIC SUPPORT. THE QUESTION HAS NOT BEEN ANSWERED: WHAT IS THE COURTHOUSE GOING TO DO FOR THE PEOPLE? HOW IS IT GOING TO HELP THE 40% THAT LIVE IN POVERTY? IT WILL NOT -- IT WILL MAKE THEIR LIVES MORE DIFFICULT. AND IT LOOKS LIKE THIS INDIVIDUALS ON THIS COMMISSION DOES NOT CARE.
THE PEOPLE BELIEVE YOU DO NOT CARE BECAUSE THIS COMMISSION HAS TAKEN TAX ABATEMENT IN VARIOUS FORMS TO THE RICH, WHILE INCREASING THE TAX BURDEN ON THE POOR.
>> ONE MINUTE. >> THE TEXAS ENTERPRISE ZONE, GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA IN HIDALGO COUNTY.
THE PROGRAM RETURNS 80% OF THEIR PROPERTY TAX.
SO IF YOU BELIEVE THIS IS CREATING JOBS, YOU NEED TO SHOW US WHERE IT'S AT. AND I SAW THIS ON FACEBOOK.
I AM CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS TO CUT YOUR SALARIES 35-40%. WE THE PEOPLE HAVE COMPLIED, CLOSED OUR BUSINESSES, AND SACRIFICED OUR LIVES.
A LOT OF THE BUSINESSES ARE NOT MAKING ANY INCOME.
BUT EACH OF YOU ARE GETTING FULL PAY.
WHY? THIS IS SO WRONG THAT YOU ALL SIT UP THERE LIKE FAT CATS AND THE PEOPLE OUT THERE ARE NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY THEIR BILLS. GUESS WHAT IS COMING UP AT THE END OF THIS MONTH? YOU HAVE TO PAY YOUR TAXES, PROPERTY TAXES, SO YOU WON'T BE PEENALIZED.
THANK YOU FOUR NOT DOING IT FOR THE PEOPLE THAT HIDALGO COUNTY. ONLY A SPECIAL GROUP.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.
>> NEXT WE HAVE GARY GROVES. >> GOOD MORNING.
THERE IS A THREE-MINUTE TIME LIMIT.
I WILL ADVISE WHEN THERE'S ONE MINUTE.
I'LL START WHEN YOU START, SIR. >> OKAY.
I'D LIKE TO WISH EVERYBODY A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
AND I'D LIKE TO THANK THE VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE.
I'M HONORED TO HEAR FROM SOMEBODY LIKE THAT.
I JUST COMING HERE, I'M LEARNING TOPICS.
I'M LEARNING HOW OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT WORKS.
ONE OF THE THINGS I LEARNED TODAY WAS WHY ARE WE NOT HAVING THESE MEETINGS AT A TIME WHEN MORE PEOPLE CAN ATTEND? YOU KNOW SO THAT YOU COULD HEAR FROM YOUR CONSTITUENTS.
THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT. I RESPECT WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING. LEADERSHIP IS NOT AN EASY THING.
BUT YOU'RE DOING THIS FOR US. AND SO IF YOU CAN'T HEAR FROM US, THEN, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO EFFECTIVELY LEAD US? SO WHAT I WOULD URGE YOU TO SCHEDULE THESE MEETINGS AT TIMES WHEN PEOPLE CAN COME, LIKE MAYBE 6:00 IN THE EVENING.
AND THEN, MORE PEOPLE CAN TALK TO YOU AND YOU COULD HEAR WHAT WE'RE THINKING. AND AGAIN, HAVE MORE EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP. THE OTHER THING I'D LIKE TO BRING UP, I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THIS 17 YEAR-OLD CURFEW THAT WAS PUT IN PLACE. I MEAN, TO ME THAT LACKS COMMON SENSE. AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE, YOU KNOW -- WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EMPLOYMENT HERE, BECAUSE OF COVID. AND IT'S BECAUSE YOU KNOW, PEOPLE ARE BEING SHUT DOWN TO HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE. I THINK THAT COMMON-SENSE THINGS LIKE WEARING MASKS IN STORES, THAT'S GOOD.
BUT WEARING THEM IN YOUR CAR WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING, THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. SO YOU KNOW, WHY ARE YOU TELLING 17 YEAR OLDS YOU CAN'T GO OUT? BUT THE OLDER PEOPLE THAT COULD BE EXPOSED, YOU'RE NOT TELLING THEM WEAR A MASK AND STAY AWAY FROM THOSE PEOPLE. THAT TO ME IS NOT COMMON SENSE.
SO WHY DON'T WE -- I WAS GOING TO SAY IN SOUTH DAKOTA, THEY DIDN'T LOCK DOWN A BUNCH OF THINGS.
THEY USED COMMON SENSE. AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE PROBLEMS THAT CALIFORNIA OR PLACES THAT LOCKED DOWN DO HAVE.
AND SO I WOULD SAY PLEASE, YOU KNOW, TRY AND EXERCISE COMMON SENSE. MAYBE THE SHUTDOWNS HAVEN'T SEEMED TO CHANGE ANYTHING WITH COVID.
SO INSTEAD OF SHUTTING DOWN BUSINESSES, LET'S USE COMMON SENSE LIKE GOING TO THE SUPERMARKET, AND PUTTING ON A MASK. BUT TAKING IT OFF WHEN YOU COME OUT. THAT'S WHAT I WOULD SAY, COMMON SENSE. STOP THE LOCKDOWNS.
THEY HAVEN'T WORKED ANYWHERE. WHEN YOU'RE SICK, STAY AT HOME.
[00:20:02]
THAT'S THE KIND OF THINGS, STAY AT HOME WHEN YOU'RE SICK.I URGE PEOPLE TO DO THAT. URGE PEOPLE WHO ARE VULNERABLE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES. THAT WOULD GO A LONG WAY, INSTEAD OF PENALIZING PEOPLE WHO ARE RUNNING BUSINESSES AND STAYING SAFE. THANK YOU.
>> THAT WAS IT, SIR. >> THANK YOU.
[6. Human Resources]
ITEM 6-A, HUMAN RESOURCES. >> HAPPY NEW YEAR, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. ITEM 6-A, I'M REQUESTING A WAIVER OF THE FOLLOWING FOR THE PERSONNEL ITEMS LISTED.
WE ONLY NEED ACTION ON NUMBER 3, THE BUDGET AMENDMENT POLICY,
PERSONAL RELATED AMENDMENTS. >> SO MOVED.
>> SECOND. >> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
ITEM 6-B FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT COVID GRANT, APPROVAL FOR THE PART-TIME TEMPORARY POSITIONS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2021 THROUGH MARCH 14TH 2021 THESE ARE FLEE COVID-19 CLERK 1S, GRADE 1. THE POSITIONS WERE APPROVED IN 2020 AND APPROVED THROUGH MARCH 14, THROUGH 2021.
THEY WILL BE ASSISTING THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT WITH THE CALL
>> SECOND. >> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> THANK YOU. ITEM 6-C FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY, APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL ACTIONS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021. DELETE SLOT 003 IN ACCOUNTANT IV AT $57,103. AND CREATE SLOT 0073, DIVISION MANAGER II FOR GRANTS ACCOUNTING AT $66,604.
THIS ITEM WAS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED NOVEMBER 10TH.
AND WE ARE NOW SEEKING AUTHORIZATION FOR FISCAL YEAR
>> SECOND. >> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> COMMISSIONERS, IF I MAY GO BACK TO ITEM 6-B.
IT WAS SECTION NUMBER 2. AND THIS IS APPROVAL TO CONTINUE THE EMPLOYEES LISTED FOR THE COVID-19 CLERK 1 SLOTS EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 1, 2021. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> SECOND. >> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> THANK YOU. ITEM 6-D FOR THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN. APPROVAL TO ADD THE FOLLOWING POSITION TITLES TO THE CLASSIFIED POSITIONS LIST EFFECTIVE UPON COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVAL.
THE TITLES ARE MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST III, GRADE 14.
THE DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL OPERATIONS I, GRADE 16.
AND DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL OPERATIONS II, GRADE 18.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.
OUR FINAL ITEM FOR PRECINCT 3, ROAD AND BRIDGE REQUESTING APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL ACTIONS EFFECTIVE UPON COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVAL. CREATE AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT I GRADE 11, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT II, GRADE 13, DIVISION MANAGER I, GRADE 14, AND DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL OPERATIONS II, GRADE 18. MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST III, GRADE
>> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND.
[7. Urban County]
>> URBAN COUNTY. GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER. FOR ITEM 7-1-1.
WE'RE ASKING EXEMPTION FORBIDDING REQUIREMENTS UNDER TEXAS CODE 262 -- BY THE CITY OF SAN JUAN.
THE URBAN COUNTY PROGRAM AND HIDALGO COUNTY PURCHASING DEPARTMENT IN CONNECTION AND FUNDED THROUGH THE HIDALGO COUNTY URBAN COUNTY PROGRAM YEAR 2019 SAN JUAN STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUNDS WITH THE RANKING OF SAMES ENGINEERING WITH 98.67%. GONZALEZ-DE LA GARZA ENGINEERING WITH 93.67%. AND R GUTIERREZ ENGINEERING
92.67%. >> MOTION TO APPROVAL 7-A, 1
>> ITEM 7-A-3, AUTHORIZE TO NEGOTIATE WITH A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICE CONTRACT WITH THE NUMBER 1 RANKED FIRM OF YEAR 2019 FOR CITY OF SAN JUAN STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
[00:25:02]
KINGS MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION CARRIES. >> FOR ITEM 7-B, THE AUTHORIZE TO NEGOTIATE A PROFESSIONAL NEARING SERVICE CONTRACT WITH THE SECOND HIGHEST RANKED FIRM OF S & B INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE PROVISION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR AN URBAN COUNTY PROGRAM YEAR 2020, THIS IS FOR A LA VILLA STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. WE TRIED TO NEGOTIATE WITH A NUMBER ONE RANKED FIRM. THEY REPLIED DUE TO THEIR SCHEDULE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE US WITH THE ENGINEERING
SERVICES. >> MOTION TO APPROVE S & B.
>> SECOND. >> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[8. Health & Human Services Department]
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, HAPPY NEW YEAR.>> YES, SIR. QUIZ HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I'LL PRESENT. ITEM 8-A, REQUESTING APPROVAL OF THE CERTIFICATION OF REVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF 437,000 AS APPROVED BY THE COUNTY AUDITOR FOR THE TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION FOR THE CONTROL OF FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR '21 GRANT PROGRAM.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[9. Budget & Management]
BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT. ITEM 9-AN.
DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO APPROVE THE RATIFICATION OF NECESSARY C.A.R.E.S. ACT RELIEF FUND EXPENDITURES AS LISTED ON EXHIBIT A TO COVER COSTS NOT ACCOUNTED FOR IF THE CURRENT BUDGET AND CANNOT BE LAWFULLY FUNDED BY THE LINE ITEM ALLOTMENT OR ALLOCATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE ONGOING COVID-19.
HEREIN FINDS THAT THE SUCH EXPENDITURE IS REASONABLE AND NECESSARY FOR INTENDED USE.
>> 9-B. APPROVAL OF THE SALARY SCHEDULE CHANGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HIDALGO COUNTY CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PAY PLAN EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2021.
>> MOTION CARRIES. 9-C, APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING FUNDING SOURCE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 4TH, 2021.
>> MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE.
>> MOTION CARRIES. >> 9-D, IS APPROVAL TO UNDESIGNATE FUNDS IN 2021 FOR EXPENDITURES RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS AND THE APPROPRIATION OF THE SAME.
>> IS THE 1115 WAIVER PROGRAM IS GOING TO CONTINUE FOR THIS COMING YEAR? DO YOU KNOW?
>> THIS, YES, IT WILL, JUDGE. THESE ARE ACTUALLY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. THESE ARE NOT FOR ACTUAL MEDICAL -- THIS WILL BE ADMINISTRATIVE PORTION.
>> I SEE. WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[10. Purchasing Department - Notes]
MISS SALAZAR. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. FOR THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT, ITEM 10-A FOR PRECINCT 1, REQUESTING AUTHORITY TO ADVERTISE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE PROJECT, INCLUDING
READVERTISEMENT, IF APPLICABLE. >> SO MOVED.
>> SECOND. >> I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
>> MOTION PASSES. I WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE OUR COMMISSIONER FUENTES WHOSE ALMA MATER IS
I FORGOT TO CONGRATULATE THE OTHER RASCAL THAT GRADUATED FROM ALABAMA. WE'LL LEAVE THAT FOR ANOTHER
TIME. >> IT WAS A TOUGH WEEKEND.
BUT IT WAS ALL RIGHT. CONGRATS TO THOSE GUYS.
10-B FOR PRECINCT 3, PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 1.4 OF THE CURRENT
[00:30:04]
CONTRACT REQUESTING AUTHORITY TO TERMINATE LEASE AGREEMENT OF LAND BETWEEN HIDALGO COUNTY PRECINCT 3 AND MR. ABEL RODRIGUEZ BY ISSUING 30 DAY TERMINATION NOTICE.>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.
>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> MOTION CARRIES. >> COMMISSIONERS WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I'D LIKE TO TAKE 10-C FOR PRECINCT 4 AND B FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TOGETHER.
SINCE IT'S THE SAME SUBJECT. >> SURE.
>> REQUESTING COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVAL PURSUANT TO ART 3, SECTION 52-A OF THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO PURCHASE PROMOTIONAL ITEMS AS LISTED IN THE AGENDA CAPTIONS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021. ON BOTH.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE WHOLE COURT!
HOW ABOUT THEM AGGIES! >> HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
>> YOU KNOW, WE CAN NEVER SAY ANYTHING ABOUT AGGIES.
WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL. >> HEY, YOU KNOW, WHAT CAN I SAY? AND I HAVE TO TAKE SOME OF THE PAIN WITH COMMISSIONER FUENTES, BECAUSE I HAVE A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW WHO IS A FIGHTING IRISH. SO HEY, I'VE GOT DUAL DUELS
PERIOD IN MY FAMILY. >> WELL, COMMISSIONER CANTU AND I DIDN'T WANT TO SHOW BIAS. CAN YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON TOP OF THE TABLE SO THEY CAN SEE THE REAL SCHOOL.
[11. Executive Office]
>> NEXT ITEM... >> JUST DOWN THE ROAD.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS.
THERE'S NO ACTION UNDER ITEM 11-A-1 AND 2.
THIS MORNING. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I'M SKIPPING TO 11-D.
WE HAVE -- APPROVAL OF 2021 MUSEUM FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN COUNTY OF HIDALGO AND TOAST TEXAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $460,000.
>> THANK YOU. WE JUST HIRED A NEW FOOTBALL COACH. SO HOPEFULLY, YOU KNOW WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO AGGIE NATION, WE'RE TRYING TO HANG IN THERE.
BUT THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I DON'T THINK I HAVE A WHOLE LOT TO SAY EXCEPT FOR, YOU KNOW, I'M HAPPY TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS.
BUT I JUST WANTED TO MEET EVERYBODY.
YOU KNOW, I'M A NEW FACE HERE IN THIS ENVIRONMENT.
I BECAME THE CEO OF THE MUSEUM AND HAVEN'T HAD THE GOOD PLEASURE AND FORTUNE TO MEET EVERYBODY FACE-TO-FACE, AT LEAST NOT IN THIS KIND OF DYNAMIC AS A CEO OF THE MUSEUM.
I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD ENERGY AT THE MUSEUM AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO BETTER DAYS AHEAD.
I THINK YOU'LL SEE IN THE REPORT THAT WE SUBMITTED TO YOU, WE TOOK A HIT DURING 2020, AS IT WAS A TOUGH TIME FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. WE'RE A RESILIENT GROUP.
WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO BOUNCE BACK. WE'VE BEEN AGGRESSIVE WITH FUND RAISING FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES. FROM A FINANCIAL STANDPOINT, WE'RE AT STATUS QUO. BUT I THINK I JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO TO YOU AND TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE WANT TO BE CONSEQUENTIAL AS A COMMUNITY-BASED HISTORICAL ORGANIZATION, AND WE WANT TO CELEBRATE BY ALL MEANS THE HISTORY, HERITAGE, CULTURE OF NOT ONLY HIDALGO COUNTY BUT THE ENTIRE REGION OF SOUTH TEXAS.
I WANTED TO SAY HELLO TO EVERYBODY.
>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO THERE AT THE MUSEUM. IT'S A SPECIAL PRIDE TO ALL OF
US IN SOUTH TEXAS. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, WITH THAT SAID, IS THERE A MOTION ON THE FLOOR FOR ACCEPTANCE?
SECOND. >> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> THANK YOU. I WILL JUMP BACK TO ITEM C I APPROVAL OF THE LIBRARY INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HIDALGO COUNTY AND THE FOLLOWING CITIES, ALAMO, DONNA, EDINBURG, ELSA, HIDALGO, LA JOY I CAN'T, MCALLEN, MERCEDES, MISSION,
[00:35:03]
PENITAS, SAN JUAN, AND WESLACO. I DON'T KNOW THAT WE HAVE A LIBRARY YIN IN CHARGE OF OUR PROGRAM.HEAD LIBRARIAN FOR CITY OF MCALLEN.
I DON'T BELIEVE I SEE ANYONE ON THERE.
MENT THIS IS THE ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HIDALGO COUNTY AND THE CITIES FOR THE LIBRARY PROGRAM.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE?
>> IS THERE A SECOND? >> OKAY.
GO AHEAD, BEFORE WE TAKE A VOTE. >> MISS KATE.
>> THERE WE GO. YES, GOOD MORNING.
I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU, THANK ALL THE COMMISSIONERS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF HIDALGO COUNTY AND THE LIBRARY SYSTEM. LIKE I'VE MENTIONED BEFORE AND AT OTHER TIMES, THE ABILITY TO OFFER EBOOKS DURING COVID HAS BEEN A GREAT BLESSING TO OUR PUBLIC AND OUR COMMUNITIES.
WE ARE MOVING TO A DIFFERENT VENDOR.
SO WE'RE ON A PAUSE AT THE MOMENT.
BUT WE SHOULD BE UP AND RUNNING IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
KATE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR WHAT YOU ALL DO FOR OUR PEOPLE AND THE CHILDREN OF HIDALGO COUNTY.
>> THANK YOU. >> ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, ITEMS E, F, G ARE RELATED TO A REQUEST OF ACTION. ITEM E, F, G, APPROVAL OF THE 2021 MUSEUM FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN COUNTY OF HIDALGO AND THE DONNA HOOKS HOOKS FLETCHER , AMOUNT OF $10,000, THE HIDALGO AND MISSION HISTORICAL MUSEUM IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000.
>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> MOTION CARRIES, >> BACK TO ITEM B, PRESENTATION BY BURTON, MCCUMBER AND LONGORIA.
>> GOOD MORNING. CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY?
>> YES, SIR. GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. JUDGE, GOOD TO SEE YOU TODAY.
GLAD TO SEE YOU. YOU'VE RECOVERED WELL.
AND YOU APPEAR TO BE VERY HEALTHY.
>> I WAS A LUCKY ONE. >> THERE YOU GO.
AGAIN, HERE TO PRESENT THE AUDIT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 31ST, 2019.
YOU KNOW, CERTAINLY, IN THE PAST WE'VE DELIVERED THE AUDIT REPORTS IN THE MONTH OF JULY, AUGUST SOMETIMES.
DUE TO COVID, TRYING TO COMPLETE AN AUDIT IN ONE OF THE LARGEST COUNTIES IN THE STATE IS A CHALLENGE FOR BOTH PARTIES.
FORTUNATELY, WE DID GET THROUGH IT.
WE FINISHED THE AUDIT IN LATE OCTOBER.
AND TODAY IS JUST, IF YOU WILL, THE FORMALITY AND DISCUSSION OF THE PRESENTATION ITSELF. A COUPLE OF THINGS, JUST FYI, EVERY AUDIT HAS DEAD LINES. SO WITH RESPECT TO THIS AUDIT AS IT RELATES TO REPORTING TO FEDERAL AGENCIES AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE, BECAUSE OF COVID, A LOT OF THOSE DEADLINES, NOT EVERY DEADLINE THAT PERTAINS TO THIS AUDIT WAS EXTENDED.
SO CERTAINLY, WITH DELIVERY TO THE REPORT OF AGENCIES, WE DID DID MEET COLLECTIVELY, THE COUNTY AND OURSELVES, DID MEET EVERY DEADLINE NECESSARY. I WANTED TO THROW THAT OUT THERE IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING. I WANTED TO START, THE BOUND DOCUMENT. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT 430 PAGES, DOUBLE-SIDED. AS I MENTIONED IN A PREVIOUS MEETING, IF YOU THOUGHT A PRESENTATION REPORT WAS BORING IN-PERSON, IT DOES NOT GET BETTER.
SO I'M APOLOGIZING FOR THAT IN ADVANCE.
ALSO, TOO, I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT WE'VE ALWAYS OFFERED TO MAKE OURSELVES AVAILABLE TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU ALL. JUST ACKNOWLEDGING IT'S A VETO REPORT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MEETING ON A ONE ON BASIS, ZOOM OR WHATEVER YOU'RE COMFORTABLE WITH, REACH OUT TO US. WITH THAT SAID, I'M GOING TO START HERE WITH THE REQUIRED COMMUNICATION.
IT'S A STAPLED LETTER. I'M NOT SURE WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING
[00:40:02]
AT ON YOUR END AND HOW IT'S ORGANIZED.THERE'S A COUPLE OF COMMENTS I NEED TO MAKE ON THIS LETTER ACKNOWLEDGING THAT WE AUDITED THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF DECEMBER 31ST, 2019. CERTAINLY, THAT THEN IMPLIES ALL THE C.A.R.E.S. ACT FUNDING AND THINGS THAT THE COUNTY 2020 IS NOT PART OF THIS REPORT. ALSO, ACKNOWLEDGING BECAUSE THE COUNTY RECEIVED OVER $100 MILLION WORTH OF FEDERAL FUNDING, IT DOES CONTAIN AN AMOUNT IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS. ALSO, I WANTED TO STATE THAT WITH ANY AUDIT REPORT AND THE AMOUNTS BEING PRESENTEDED THAT THERE ARE ESTIMATES INCLUDES THEREIN.
I KNOW PEOPLE THINK ACCOUNTING CAN BE A SCIENCE AND THINGS HAVE TO BALANCE. BUT CERTAINLY THE NUMBERS THAT COMPRISE THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THERE ARE A COUPLE OF ESTIMATES BY EXAMPLE WOULD BE ALLOWANCE OF UNCOLLECTED TAXES OR LIFE OF AN ASSET. IN TERMS OF DIFFICULTIES PERFORMED DURING THE AUDIT, AGAIN, JUST TALKED ABOUT THE PANDEMIC AND THE FACT THAT WE WERE -- THAT THAT ITSELF DELAYED THE ACTUAL DELIVERY OF THE AUDIT.
ACKNOWLEDGING THERE WERE NO DISAGREEMENTS WITH MANAGEMENT.
IN FACT, I THINK THIS YEAR LIKE I THINK THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE HAS, WE WORKED TOGETHER WELL AND TRIED TO DO THE BEST WE CAN TO GET THE AUDIT REPORT OUT. I WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND THEIR STAFF AS WE WORK THROUGH IT.
THAT'S BASICALLY IT. EVERYTHING ELSE IS INCLUDED IN THAT LETTER. THOSE ARE JUST A FEW ITEMS I
WANT TODAY BRING OUT. >> MOVING ONTO THE AUDIT REPORT ITSELF. THAT'S THE BOUND DOCUMENT.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S BOUND ON YOUR END OR SCANNED IN.
BUT I WANT TO FOCUS ON THREE OR FOUR PARTICULAR ITEMS. ONE OF THEM, OF COURSE, BEING, YOU KNOW, WHAT WE'RE HIRED TO DO. THE WHAT WE'RE HIRED TO DO IS PERFORM AN AUDIT AND FORM AN OPINION OF THE AUDIT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THEMSELVES. SO PAGE 15, YOU WOULD SEE A LETTER WITH OUR LETTERHEAD ON IT WHICH IS SIGNED.
AND THE ESSENCE OF THAT LETTER SAYS IN OUR OPINIONS, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WERE FAIRLY PRESENTED IN ALL RESPECTS.
FROM THE PUBLIC'S PERSPECTIVE, IT'S CONSIDERED A CLEAN OPINION.
THAT'S THE PUBLIC'S TERM. IT'S NOT A PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING TERM. BUT IT IS FROM A PROFESSIONAL STANDPOINT, IT'S CONSIDERED UNMODIFIED OPINION, AGAIN, INDICATING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE FAIRLY STATED IN ALL MATERIALS AND FACTS. ANY QUESTIONS SO FAR? IF NOT, I'M GOING TO FOCUS ON THE NUMBER THAT I THINK MOST PEOPLE WOULD FOCUS IN ON. CERTAINLY, THERE'S HUNDREDS OF NUMBERS, THOUSANDS OF NUMBERS WITHIN THIS REPORT.
BUT MOST COMMUNITY LEADERS, MOST BOARDS ARE NOT ACCOUNTANTS.
IN THIS CASE, WE HAVE TO TWO CPAS PART OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. BUT MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT ACCOUNTANTS. SO I ALWAYS TELL FOLKS IF YOU'RE GOING TO FOCUS ON ONE PARTICULAR NUMBER, IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ACCOUNTING AND WANTED TO FOCUS ON ONE NUMBER AND MANAGE YOUR PUBLIC INSTITUTION IN THE RESPONSIBLE MANNER, FOCUS ON THE GENERAL FUND.
FROM A FINANCIAL STATEMENT STANDPOINT.
THAT'S NOT TO SAY THE OTHER NUMBERS ARE NOT IMPORTANT, BUT I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT FROM A LAYMAN'S PERSPECTIVE IS THE GENERAL FUND. IF YOU TURN TO PAGE 34, IS A BALANCE SHEET OF ALL THE FUNDS SUMMARIZED.
BUT YOU WOULD SEE ONE PARTICULAR FUND, WHICH IS THE GENERAL FUND.
YOU'LL SEE THAT THE GENERAL FUND HAD TOTAL ASSETS OF $291 MILLION. CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS COMPRISING A LARGE MAJORITY OF THAT, WITH A TOTAL OF $162 MILLION. THE CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, AGAIN, IT'S CASH. BUT CASH EQUIVALENTS DEFINED AS INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT POOLS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
THAT'S PROBABLY ANOTHER $70 MILLION OF THAT, THOSE MONEYS INVESTED IN TEXAS CLASS POOLS AND TERMS POOLS.
IT'S NOT NECESSARILY SPENDING CASH.
BUT IT'S INVESTED IN HOPES OF A RETURN.
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE GENERAL FUND AND LOOK AT THE FUND BALANCE, IF YOU LOOK AT BOTH THE ASSIGNED AND UNASSIGNED BALANCE, YOU'LL SEE THE ASSIGNED BALANCE AND GENERAL FUND 16.9.
AND UNASSIGNED BALANCE OF 29.4. THE COUNTY INTERNALLY SET A GOAL FOR ITSELF AS IT PRUDENTLY SHOULD OF WHAT THEY SHOULD MAINTAIN AS FUND BALANCE IN CASE OF A RAINY DAY OR UNEXPECTED
[00:45:02]
OCCURRENCE, IE, WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF A PANDEMIC.THAT FALLS IN THE DESCRIPTION. THE COUNTY HAS DESIGNATED STILL THAT IT WOULD LIKE TO MAINTAIN A FUND BALANCE OF 10-15% OF EXPENDTURES OF THE GENERAL FUND OUT OF THE COUNTY.
DECEMBER 31ST, 2019, YOU ALL DID MEET YOUR INTERNAL GOAL.
AND SO I CERTAINLY THINK THAT'S A GOOD THING.
THE BALANCE SHEET ITSELF -- IF NOT, I'M MOVING TO PAGE 36.
AND PAGE 36, IS A STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDTURES AND CHANGES, FUND BALANCES, LAYMAN'S TERM, INCOME STATEMENT, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS. AND AGAIN, FOCUSING ON THE GENERAL FUND, THE GENERAL FUND BROUGHT IN $260 MILLION WORTH OF REVENUE DURING 2019. CERTAINLY, THE VAST MAJORITY, OVER 80% BEING TAXES. AND CERTAINLY, THOSE TAXES WERE GENERATED BASED UPON UNCHANGED TAX RATE.
MEANING THE RATE REMAINED THE SAME FOR THE PRIOR TWO YEARS.
IF YOU LOOK BACK HISTORICALLY, THE COUNTY ACTUALLY LOWERED ITS RATE I BELIEVE TWO YEARS AGO. AND SO THE COUNTY WAS STILL ABLE TO GENERATE TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $176 MILLION.
AND IF YOU'RE ONE OF THOSE FOLKS WHO SAYS LET'S GET TO THE BOTTOM LINE. HOW DID WE DO? IF YOU GO ALMOST ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF PAGE 36, YOU SEE LINE ITEM NET CHANGE AND FUND BALANCE.
AGAIN, FOCUSING ON THAT GENERAL FUND.
AND YOU'LL SEE THAT YOU SPENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAN WHAT CAME IN.
AND WHEN I SAY "SLIGHTLY" IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, IT COMES OUT TO .001. YOU ALMOST BROKE EVEN.
SO THE TOTALITY OF THE FUND BALANCE DID COME DOWN FOR THAT REASON. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, AGAIN, YOU CONTINUED TO MEET YOUR INTERNAL GOALS, WHICH IS EXPECTED FROM THE BALANCE. DURING THE YEAR, WE NOTICED THAT THE COUNTY CONTINUES TO PAY BILLS ON TIME.
IT PAID EMPLOYEES AND PROVIDED SERVICES.
AND IN 2019, IT WAS ABLE TO DO THAT ON NOT SPENDING MORE THAN WHAT NECESSARILY CAME IN FOR THAT YEAR.
ANY QUESTIONS ON THAT PARTICULAR STATEMENT? IF NOT, I'VE GOT A COUPLE OF MORE ITEMS TO GO.
IF NOT, I WANT TO JUST TURN TO PAGE TWO -- 271.
I BRING UP 271 FOR THE REASON THAT IT WAS BROUGHT UP LAST YEAR. AND TWO, I WANTED TO SEE THE PROGRESS YOU WERE MAKING IN THIS FUND.
LAST YEAR, YOU MAY OR MAY NOT REMEMBER I SPOKE TO THE FACT THAT -- AT LEAST ACKNOWLEDGING -- I KNOW YOU ALL KNOW THIS. THE BUT NONETHELESS, THAT THE SELF-FUNDED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTAINLY HAD A DEFICIT FUND BALANCE AND HAS FOR SOME YEARS. AND IN HAD 2019, I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO MAKE HEADWAY IN THAT FUND IT. MEANING THIS YEAR, YOU WERE ABLE TO REDUCE THE DEFICIT. THIS YEAR, MEANING 2019.
YOU WERE ABLE TO REDUCE THE SELF SIT FROM $3.9 MILLION TO $1.3 MILLION. IF IF YOU'RE LOOKING AT 271, YOUR SELF-FUNDED WORKER'S COMPENSATION FUND IS A LINE NEXT TO THE SELF-FUNDED PLAN. THE WORKER'S COMPENSATION PLAN CONTINUES TO GROW AND CONTINUES TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY FUND BALANCE. I DO THINK THERE'S SOME VALIDITY AND A DISCUSSION GOING FORWARD, IF NECESSARY, YOU COULD TRANSFER MONEYS FROM THE SELF-FUNDED WORKER'S COMPENSATION FUND TO A SELF-FUNDED HEALTH BENEFIT FUND IF NECESSARY, GIVEN THE FACT THAT ONE IS SUCH A HIGH LEVEL, AND ANOTHER ONE IS IN A DEFICIT POSITION. SO I JUST WANT TODAY BRING THAT UP AGAIN, BECAUSE IT WAS BROUGHT UP LAST YEAR.
OKAY. AND THOSE ARE THE REALLY THE FINANCIAL COMMENTS I WANTED TO MAKE BEFORE MAKING SOME OVERARCING COMMENTS WITH RESPECT TO OUR MANAGEMENT LETTER.
BEFORE I MOVE ON, I'LL ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
>> SINCE YOU BROUGHT IT UP, HISTORICALLY, ON THAT SELF-FUNDED WORKER'S COMPENSATION, IS THIS YEAR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PAST? DO YOU KNOW?
[00:50:01]
>> SO IT'S NOT IN THE SENSE THAT IT'S GONE DOWN, JUDGE.
IT'S REPRESENTATIVE THAT IT'S STILL IN THE NEGATIVE POSITION.
AND SO IF YOU LOOK AT THE PAST THREE YEARS AND NOT LONGER, YOU'LL SEE IT'S BEEN SLOWLY GROWING.
AND SO IN THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, IT ACTUALLY WENT DOWN.
STILL A DEFICIT. BUT IT WENT DOWN.
AND ALSO, TOO, MAYBE ANOTHER REASON WHY I BRING IT UP, IS THAT AGAIN, THIS IS HISTORICAL BASIS 2019.
AND OUR AUDITS OF OTHER PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, THEY'RE INCURRING MORE MEDICAL COSTS, NOT LESS COSTS.
AND SO THE CONTINUED FUNDING OF THAT PARTICULAR FUND, KEEPING YOUR EYE ON THE BALL, IF YOU DO NOTHING, THE EXPECTATION WOULD BE IT WOULD GET WORSE, NOT BETTER.
AND SO AGAIN, THAT'S ANOTHER REASON.
BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S BECOME AGO CHALLENGE.
AND CERTAINLY IN 2020, I CAN SEE IT GOING INTO 2021.
YOU KNOW, UNFORTUNATELY, AS MORE PEOPLE GET SICK, IT'S GOING
START HITTING THAT FUND. >> I THINK THE GOOD NEWS -- AND THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE, RICKY. IS SO FAR THE CONSULTANT HAS BEEN REPORTING TO US IS THAT WE'RE DOING BETTER THAN PRIOR
>> HOPEFULLY WITH THE 2020 RESULTS, WE'LL HOPEFULLY BE BACK TO SOMEWHAT OF A BREAK-EVEN. THAT'S GOOD NEWS TO NOT HAVE THAT DEFICIT LIKE WE DID A FEW YEARS AGO.
>> YEAH. AND WHERE I'VE SEEN THEM GET CAUGHT UP, IS THE INCURRED BUT NOT REPORTED AMOUNT.
YOU KNOW, THEN, YOU'RE 30 DAYS DOWN THE ROAD.
AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN, THIS BIG NUMBER BALLOONS.
AND SO IT'S GOOD TO HEAR THAT YOU ALL ARE DOING BETTER THAN ANTICIPATED. CERTAINLY SHARING WITH YOU THE EXPERIENCES OF OUR AUDITS OF OTHER PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.
YOU KNOW, IF YOU JUST CONTINUE --
>> I THINK THE WELLNESS PROGRAMS HAVE WORKED.
I THINK THE FACT THAT YOU KNOW, THE COUNTY HAS SOME FACILITIES TO HELP COUNTY EMPLOYEES STAY HEALTHY.
I THINK ALL OF THAT HAS BEEN A GOOD CONTRIBUTOR TO CHANGING THE CULTURE, TO HOPEFULLY MAKING IT BETTER.
>> OKAY. >> IF THERE'S NO OTHER QUESTIONS, I WANT TO MAKE SOME OVER ARCHING COMMENTS.
AS WE PERFORM OUR AUDIT, WE SEE AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS.
AND WE'LL IDENTIFY AREAS SOMETIMES WHEN YOU MAY HAVE A GRANT, FOR WHICH MAYBE YOU MISSED A COMPLIANCE STEP.
AND NOBODY IS PERFECT. AND WHEN YOU HAVE INSTITUTION THE SIZE OF ONE OF THE LARGEST COUNTIES IN THE ENTIRE STATE, CERTAINLY FINDING THINGS HERE OR THERE, YOU KNOW, SHOULD NOT BE A SURPRISE PER SE. ALTHOUGH, MAYBE A DISAPPOINT TO SOME. BUT NONETHELESS, WE DO HAVE A MANAGEMENT LETTER. AND WITHIN OUR SINGLE AUDIT REPORT, WHICH IS ISSUED SEPARATELY, WE DO HAVE SOME FINDINGS. SO WE TALKED ABOUT THIS, YOU KNOW, IN THE PAST. I WILL JUST ENCOURAGE THE COUNTY AGAIN TO LOOK AT THOSE FINDINGS. TO ADDRESS THOSE FINDINGS.
SO THEY'RE NOT CARRIED OVER FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
WE CONTINUE TO HAVE FINDINGS THAT ALTHOUGH MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSE IS THAT THEY'RE COMMITTED TO RESOLVING THE ISSUE, WILL COME BACK AND UNFORTUNATELY HEAD-WAY HAS STILL NOT BEEN MADE. THAT COULD BE FOR 100 DIFFERENT REASONS, TIME, PERSONNEL OR WHATEVER.
BUT NONETHELESS, WE'RE CARRYING COMMENTS THAT -- I FEEL LIKE WE'RE CARRYING THE PAST TO THE FUTURE AT TIMES.
I WOULD LIKE TO GET RID OF THE PAST, AND GET THOSE COMMENTS TAKEN CARE OF SO WE CAN MOVE FORWARD AND FOCUS ON OTHER THINGS. AND SO THAT WOULD BE MY OVER ARCHING COMMENT WITH RESPECT TO OUR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. OKAY.
JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, UNLESS YOU ALL HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, THAT'S REALLY THE ESSENCE OF WHAT I WANTED TO COMMUNICATE TO YOU ALL TODAY. AGAIN, OFFERING TO YOU ALL, IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A SPECIFICATION MEETING TO DIVE INTO THE DETAILS, WE WOULD CERTAINLY MAKE OURSELVES AVAILABLE TO DO THAT.
>> I DO WANT TO SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH MR. LONGORIA AND OUR AUDITORS TO GO OVER THE MANAGEMENT LETTER.
>> YES, SIR. I WILL SCHEDULE -- I WILL CONTACT MR. LONGORIA AND SCHEDULE A MEETING AND WITH OUR PERMISSION INCLUDE OUR FINANCIAL DIRECTOR.
>> OKAY. WE CAN ADD ONE COMMISSIONER.
WE CAN'T HAVE TWO. WE CAN HAVE ONE.
>> YES, SIR. I'LL REACH OUT TO ALL.
AND AT SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS AS NECESSARY.
[00:55:02]
>> OKAY. >> I AGREE WITH YOU, JUDGE.
ONE THING THAT WHEN YOU SEE THESE COMMENTS EVERY YEAR, WE'RE NOT REALLY MAKING HEAD-WAY ON THOSE ISSUES MR. LONGORIA IS BRINGING UP. I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THAT AS
THANK YOU, MR. LONGORIA. >> THANK YOU ALL.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. >> THANK YOU.
>> MAY I HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE AUDIT REPORT.
>> MOTION CARRIES. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE CLOSED SESSION. I'M GOING TO PASS OR SKIP FOR RIGHT NOW ITEM 12. MENT AND ASK THE COURT IF WE CAN
[13. Closed Session]
GO TO CLOSED SESSION. >> OKAY.
PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 551 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODES, SECTIONS 551.017, 551.072, 551.074 AND 87, WE'LL BE RETIRING TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE ITEMS. ANY ACTION TAKEN WILL BE TAKEN IN OPEN SESSION WHEN WE RETURN. MAY I HAVE A MOTION TO DO SO.
>> IT'S 11:44. WE'RE BACK FROM CLOSED SESSION.
[15. Open Session]
WE HAVE ACTION ITEMS. >> ITEM UNDER OPEN SESSION, 15-A, REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION AND APPROPRIATION FOR SAME, NO ACTION. 15-B, PENDING AND/OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, NO ACTION. 15-C, DISCUSSION CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESPONSE TO PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, I REFER TO ITEM 12 IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES. ITEM 15-D, CAUSE NUMBER CL-19-2490-A, GABRIELLE GARCIA ESPINOSA, WE'LL PROCEED AS DIRECTED. BACK TO 14-A AND B, THERE'S NO ACTION TAKEN UNDER ITEM 14-A AND B.
[12. Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding]
JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, I REFER TO ITEM 12, DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A, COUNTY RESPONSE TO DISASTER HEALTH EMERGENCY CAUTION ACT FUNDS, NO ACTION. 12-B, MEASURES NECESSARY TO PRESERVE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, THERE'S NO ACTION UNDER THAT ITEM. 12-C, DIRECTION REGARDING COUNTY GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, AS WE'VE BEEN DOING WEEK IN AND WEEK OUT, WE CONTINUE TO PRACTICE CDC-RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES, SOCIAL DISTANCING, FACIAL COVERINGS.WE TAKE THE RESIDENTS' CARE AND SAFETY.
THAT IS FIRST AND FOREMOST, AS WELL AS OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEES, THEIR CARE AND SAFETY AS WELL AS FIRST AND FOREMOST.
SO ITEM 16, THERE'S NO NEED TO GO BACK TO CLOSED SESSION.
17, OPEN SESSION, THERE'S NO ACTION ON THOSE TWO.
JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE ADJOURNMENT FOR THIS MORNING.
>> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, IF I MAY.
I DON'T MEAN TO INTERRUPT. WANDED ON BEHALF OF THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT TO WELCOME COMMISSIONER EVERADO VILLARREAL TO COMMISSIONERS COURT. HAPPY TO HAVE HIM ON BOARD.
>> THANK YOU. >> HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF
>> I WAS ABOUT TO ACKNOWLEDGE COMMISSIONER EVERADO VILLARREAL FOR HIS FIRST MEETING AND COMING IN AND WELCOMING HIM TO OUR GOVERNING BOARD. WE LOOK FOR GOOD THINGS FOR US TO DO TOGETHER. ANYONE ELSE HAS ANY
ANNOUNCEMENTS? >> I WOULD LIKE TO ECHO THAT, THOUGH. WELCOME COMMISSIONER EVERADO VILLARREAL. WHATEVER THE OFFICE COULD DO TO
HELP. >> WELCOME, EVERADO VILLARREAL.
AND DON'T GET USED TO THE MEETINGS FINISHING BEFORE 12:00.
[LAUGHTER] >> WELCOME, COMMISSIONER, LOOK
FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU. >> THANK YOU.
>> QUICKLY, I WANT TO TELL THE PUBLIC, WE'RE IN A PANDEMIC.
THE VACCINE WAS ANNOUNCED. IT'S BEING DISTRIBUTED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS. THROUGH VARIOUS PROVIDERS, HIDALGO COUNTY IS ONE OF THE PROVIDERS THAT RECEIVED THE VACCINE. UNFORTUNATELY, WE RECEIVED VERY SMALL DOSAGE OF THE VACCINE. WE'RE TRYING ADMINISTER IT AS EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY AS WE CAN.
BASE THE HOSPITALS ARE LOCATED PRETTY MUCH IN THE CENTER OF THE COUNTY, WE THOUGHT THAT MERCEDES WOULD BE -- OR THE EAST SIDE OF THE COUNTY WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE TO START.
LATER THIS WEEK, WE'RE GOING TO BE ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE
[01:00:03]
COUNTY. WE ASK FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS DIFFICULT TIMES WHEN YOU HAVE LIMITED AMOUNT OF SUPPLY. IT'S ALWAYS DIFFICULT TO ALLOCATE IT EFFECTIVELY AND APPROPRIATELY TO THE PEOPLE THAT NEED IT. BUT WE'RE TRYING TO LEARN TO DO THAT AS BEST AS WE CAN. AND WE ASK FOR YOUR PATIENCE.HOPEFULLY, WE'RE FINDING OUT THAT MANY PEOPLE IN HIDALGO COUNTY, DO WANT TO GET VACCINATED.
A NUMBER THAT I RECEIVED WAS 40% OF SOME OF THE PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES DID WANT TO BE VACCINATED.
SO IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE HIDALGO COUNTY FALLS WITHIN THAT PERCENTAGE. WE ARE GOING TO DO THE BEST WE CAN TO RECEIVE MORE VACCINES AND ADMINISTRATOR THEM AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE. WE ASK FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
WITH THAT, I'LL CONSIDER A MOTION ADJOURN.
>> BEFORE I DO, ARE THERE ANY COMMISSIONERS WHO WANT TO SAY ANYTHING REGARDING ANYTHING ELSE? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR FOR THE MOTION ADJOURN, SAY AYE.
>> MOTION CARRIES. WE ARE
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.