DILLEY AGUAS

Dilley City Council— August 12, 2025: SRO Agreement Uncertainty, Gas Line Proposal, and Tax Rate Proposal

Call meeting to order — 00:00:29
Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio officially called the City of Dilley City Council regular meeting of August 12, 2025, to order at 6:35 p.m.
Roll Call — 00:01:04
During the roll call, Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio, Councilmen Everardo Castillo Jr., Eric Aranda, Alicia Machado, Ray Aranda, and Rudy Alvarez, along with City Secretary Natasha Prado and City Administrator Henry Arredondo, were all confirmed present, with no absences recorded.
Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags — 00:01:28
Invocation — 00:02:17
City Administrator Henry Arredondo led the invocation.
Citizens to be heard — 00:02:59
No citizens to be heard.
Consent agenda: Discuss/consider & act on the following item(s): — 00:03:37
Council approved the consent agenda, which included:
A. Approve minutes of the July 8, 2025 – Regular Meeting
B. Review of City Bills
C. Approve employee incentives for the month of August 2025

City Administrator Henry Arredondo noted that the Hauser Ranch Group donated approximately $12,000 to rehabilitate a donated trailer for Animal Control use; construction is complete, and electrical installation by AEP is pending.

Motion: Approve the consent agenda — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes
Department Reports – (submitted for informational purposes only) — 00:11:32
A‎. Library Report
B‎. Court Report
C‎. City Secretary Report
D‎. City Administrator Report (oral)
E‎. Police Department Report
F‎. Public Works Department Report
G‎. Fire Department Report
H‎. Engineering Report
Discuss/Consider & act on natural gas presentation given by American Cable Services, Inc. — 00:21:50
Last month, utility consultant Jeff Snowden told the City Council that Dilley’s gas system was in trouble. Residential gas customers have dropped from 340 in 2010 to 226 today, yet the city is still buying about the same amount of gas meaning a significant amount is being lost or going unbilled. Even if the city could find and bill those missing customers, bringing in an estimated $62,000 more per year, the system would still operate at a loss. On top of that, the city’s 27 miles of steel gas lines, many installed in the 1950s, will need replacing under state orders. Previous estimates put the cost at about $1 million per mile, a price Councilman Rudy Alvarez called “a very impossible situation” for the budget. In May, voters rejected a proposal to sell the gas system, leaving the city to decide whether to repair, sell, or shut it down.

This month, the council heard from J Prajedes Martinez, better known as “Prajie” in Dilley, who works as Director of Operations for American Cable Services, Inc. (ACS), and ACS representative Larry Castellow. They proposed replacing the entire gas network at once with modern polyethylene pipe, which they said can “last forever,” building in redundancy so gas can be rerouted during outages, and GPS-mapping every line for easier maintenance. Their estimated cost: $250,000, $265,000 per mile, bringing the total to about $6.5 million, less than a quarter of the city’s previous $1 million-per-mile quote.

ACS said they could front the construction costs if Dilley applied for and received a federal PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) grant. The grant, worth over $200 million per year and available through the end of 2026 was designed to help small towns replace aging steel gas lines but is currently underused. If awarded, the grant would reimburse ACS directly, meaning the city wouldn’t pay upfront.

As an added incentive, ACS offered to install a fiber-optic network at the same time, using the same trenches, at no cost to the city. The fiber would connect all city buildings and schools within city limits, enable smart gas and water meters, and be maintained by ACS. The company also committed to hiring and training a local resident to manage both systems, ensuring quick response times and keeping the job in the community.

Council members asked about the grant criteria, funding timelines, and what would happen if the city didn’t get the grant. The mayor reiterated that the presentation was for information only, not a formal decision.
Discuss/consider & act on agreement between the City of Dilley and Holguin Technology — 00:49:41
The council discussed a proposed annual $38,000 contract with Tony Holguin, the city’s longtime IT contractor from Pearsall, who currently charges about $20,000 a year on an as-needed basis but plans to end service in December unless under contract. While some members suggested looking for other providers or part-time help, others noted Holguin’s responsiveness and familiarity with city systems, and fill-in City Attorney Mallorie Falcon said the contract’s termination clause favored the city. Council voted to table the decision until the next meeting to allow time for more information and possible rate negotiations.

Motion: Table the item until the next council meeting — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Ray Aranda
Vote: Not stated
Discuss/Consider & act on amended City of Dilley Interlocal agreement with Frio County for Animal Control Services — 00:58:45
Council approved updates to the city’s animal control agreement with Frio County, including an annual $5,000 payment, a $50 impoundment fee, and a $20 fee for each additional day. The revised agreement will now go to the Frio County Commissioners Court for approval.

Motion: Approve the amended City of Dilley Interlocal agreement with Frio County for Animal Control Services — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on updating rental agreement for City of Dilley Lions Club — 01:00:25
Council approved changes to the Lions Club rental agreement to align it with the city’s convention center policies. The update adds separate pricing for “large” and “small” events, defines large events as those with 50 or more guests or features such as DJs, live music, alcohol, or rentals past 9 p.m., and requires all fees to be paid 15 days in advance. Discussions also covered enforcing damage deposits, inspection responsibilities, and decorating access.

Motion: Approve the updated rental agreement for the City of Dilley Lions Club as presented — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Eric Aranda
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on RESOLUTION NO. 25-12-08; A resolution of the City of Dilley adopting the Frio County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Action Plan — 01:05:59
Council unanimously approved adopting the Frio County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, ensuring the city remains eligible for FEMA mitigation funding.

Motion: Approve Resolution No. 25-12-08 — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on the approval of the 2025 Certified Appraisal Roll — 01:11:50
Council approved the 2025 Certified Appraisal Roll, which lists all taxable properties in the city along with their assessed values and exemptions, and serves as the official record used to calculate property tax revenue. For 2025, the total taxable value is $175,966,220, down from last year largely due to an increase in exempt property values from $41 million to $48 million, following changes in state law that expanded exemptions.
Discuss/Consider & act regarding the 2025 Tax Rates No-New Revenue and Voter-Approval tax rates — 01:14:10
Council chose to move forward with the no-new-revenue rate of $0.827540 per $100 valuation—the rate that brings in roughly the same total property tax dollars as last year, despite changes in property values. The other option, the voter-approval rate, was lower at $0.807745 and would have generated less revenue. The vote doesn’t formally set the tax rate; it simply tells staff which figure to use in the proposed budget before the September public hearings.

Having once sat on the other side of the table as a county commissioner, I’ve seen this tax rate conversation come up every year. The numbers say one thing, and how you explain them is an art form. Is the new rate a tax increase, a tax cut, or no change at all, and every elected official struggles to make that make sense to the public.
Discuss/Consider & act on notice from Dilley ISD regarding the current interlocal agreement between the City of Dilley and Dilley ISD for School Resource Officer services from Dilley PD — 01:19:45
Speaking of art forms… trying to navigate a multi-jurisdiction agreement is… difficult, to say the least. Each jurisdiction has its own leadership, each leader has influence, and in a small town, once you share information with one person, you can assume the news (and a likely distorted version of it) spreads to everyone else. The who-do-you-tell-first problem is real.

The agenda listed this as a notice from Dilley ISD that it intended to withdraw from the city’s month-to-month agreement to provide School Resource Officer (SRO) services. But no formal notice had actually been given. Dilley ISD Superintendent Kelli DuBose burst into the council chambers mid-discussion after first watching online. She explained she was still waiting on Frio County Commissioners Court to decide whether the Sheriff’s Office would take over all three SROs at 100% county cost. In the meantime, Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr. voiced concern about how it might look to the public if the city wasn’t in the agreement: “It’s best for it to be known out there to the public… that it’s not us that we’re trying to not be with the school district anymore. It’s coming from their part.”

Adding to the tension, several on the council expressed concern about the county’s financial ability to follow through. And with all three entities (the city, the school district, and the county) hurtling to the end of budget seasons, each is locked in negotiations and making promises they hope they can keep. Until those budgets are finalized, no one can be sure which commitments will hold.

Discuss/Consider & act on Gas Utility Ordinance by Jeff Snowden — 01:35:26
The council was set to act on a new gas utility ordinance from consultant Jeff Snowden but the printed ordinance wasn’t on hand. City Manager Henry Arredondo said it was the same as Snowden’s presentation at the previous meeting, but Councilwoman Alicia Machado moved to table the item until Snowden could attend and explain it in person.

Motion: Table the item until the next council meeting — Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes
Discuss, Consider, and Act on City of Dilley Park Improvements —
A. Resurfacing Walking Trail Quotes
B. Solar Light Installation — 01:37:43
Engineers presented a revised park walking trail design, now just over a mile long, ADA-compliant, and connected to existing sidewalks. While concrete was previously approved, Councilman Ray Aranda questioned its impact on runners’ knees and suggested crushed granite as an alternative. Council agreed to bid both materials to compare prices before deciding. For the solar lights, discussion centered on whether to hire a contractor or have city employees install them on weekends using rented equipment; staff will prepare cost comparisons for both options and report back next month. Motions passed unanimously for both the trail bidding and the solar light cost study.

Motion A: Authorize engineers to bid the trail resurfacing with both concrete and crushed granite — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

Motion B: Authorize the city administrator to find the better option for solar light installation (contractor vs. city staff overtime) and present findings at the next meeting — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes
Discuss, Consider, and Act on Council Member Questions About Current Legal Services and/or Directing the City Staff to Advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Legal Services — 01:51:42
The council voted unanimously to advertise a new RFQ for legal services.

Motion: Direct city staff to advertise a request for qualifications (RFQ) for legal services — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Ray Aranda
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes
Item 19 — Adjournment — 01:54:14
Motion: Adjourn the meeting — Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

—written by Jose Asuncion, aided and abetted by ChatGPT

Dilley City Council — July 8, 2025: Gas Utility Rate Hike, Park Grant Vote Fails, Animal Control Proposal

Call meeting to order — 00:01:09
The Mayor officially called the Dilley City Council regular meeting on July 8, 2025, to order at 6:34 p.m.
Roll Call — 00:01:13
During the roll call, Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio, Councilmen Everardo Castillo, Jr., Eric Aranda, Alicia Machado, Ray Aranda, and Rudy Alvarez, along with City Secretary Natasha Prado and City Administrator Henry Arredondo, were all confirmed present, with no absences recorded.
Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags — 00:01:55
Invocation — 00:02:32
City Administrator Henry Arredondo led the Invocation.
Citizens to be heard — 00:03:22
County Road 3808 resident Griselda Saucedo spoke about unresolved water leaks in her area and urged the council, ahead of discussion on Item 16, to consider the danger of aggressive dogs—especially to children, elderly people, and those with special needs—when determining what qualifies as an emergency. “How would you feel if an aggressive dog was chasing your special needs child, your elder parent?” she asked.
Consent agenda: Discuss/consider & act on the following item(s) —
A. Approve minutes of the July 8, 2025- Regular Meeting — 00:05:32
B. Review of City Bills — 00:07:30
C. Approve employee incentives for the month of June 2025 — 00:06:05
The council approved the June 10, 2025 meeting minutes and city bills after discussion focused largely on specific expenses. Councilwoman Alicia Machado questioned charges for portable toilets at graduation, repairs to the police department’s front door, multiple Xerox leases, and differences between postage meter and post office payments. City staff explained each expense, noting the porta-potties served as backups when restrooms failed, the Xerox leases cover different machines, and certain mailings require special rates. After clarification, the bills were approved unanimously. No employee incentives were issued for June.
Department Reports — (submitted for informational purposes only) — 00:14:43
7.A. Library Report — 00:14:53
7.B. Court Report — 00:16:42
7.C. City Secretary Report — 00:18:22
7.D. City Administrator Report (oral) — 00:19:35
7.E. Police Department Report — 00:24:26
7.F. Public Works Department Report — 00:26:53
7.G. Fire Department Report — 00:28:45
7.H. Engineering Report — 00:29:42
Special Announcement — 003:1:31
The city swore in four new police officers and honored six first responders with Life Saving Awards for their swift actions on June 24, 2025, which saved the life of a man in critical condition after a suicide attempt.
Discuss/consider & act on Gas Utility rates presentation by Jeff Snowden — 01:38:48
The Dilley City Council spent a long time talking about the future of the city’s natural gas system after hearing a presentation from utility consultant Jeff Snowden. His report showed that while commercial gas accounts have stayed about the same, the number of residential customers inside city limits has dropped from 340 in 2010 to 226 this year. Even so, the city is still buying about the same amount of gas. That means a lot of gas is going somewhere without being billed, which could be from faulty meters or people getting gas without paying. Snowden said that if the city could identify those customers who are receiving gas service but not being billed for it—and then start billing them properly—it could bring in about $62,000 more a year.

Even with that extra $62,000 a year, the gas system would still be running at a loss. The additional revenue would help reduce the shortfall but would not be enough to make the system self-sustaining without other changes.

Councilman Rudy Alvarez pointed out another major problem: the city’s 27 miles of gas lines are around 70 years old (according to him), and the state is pressuring the city to replace them. He estimated it could cost around $1 million per mile. Alvarez said that even if the city followed Snowden’s plan to raise rates by about 50% over the next four or five years, they would still be losing money every year. “I would call this a very impossible situation,” he said.

The council also talked about the failed public vote to sell the gas system and whether to try again. They discussed how much the city could legally do to explain the situation to voters and what information should be shared. Some talked about telling residents that if the city couldn’t sell the system, it might have to shut it down.

No decision was made about holding another election, but the council did vote to move forward with Snowden’s plan to raise rates. Several members said this would not fix the problem but could give the city more time to decide whether to repair, sell, or close the gas system.

Motion: Approve the utility rate presentation as presented by Jeff Snowden — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: All in favor, none opposed — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act Employee Health Insurance Coverage for the upcoming year presented by Hector Villareal — 00:39:35
Council approved renewing the city’s employee health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield’s platinum plan at a roughly 10% rate increase, with no changes to dental, vision, life, or disability coverage.
Discuss/Consider & act on a Resolution authorizing the resubmission of an application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for a grant for park improvements — 1:09:17
The July council meeting took a tense turn when the discussion shifted to Item 11: whether to resubmit an application to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for a $750,000 grant to improve Dilley’s “back park.”

City Administrator Henry Arredondo said the city had until August 1 to reapply using a five-year-old park master plan set to expire in October. Earlier this summer, he met with Parks & Wildlife officials in New Braunfels, who encouraged Dilley to try again. The proposal would use the same plan recently submitted to the Office of the Congressman, giving the city a second shot at funding. The grantwriter from the last application already had the materials ready to meet the deadline.

Some council members pushed back. Councilman Rudy Alvarez argued they had previously agreed to select a grant writer or consultant before pursuing applications, and questioned whether it was fair to have the grantwriter prepare the bid without a commitment to keep him if the grant was awarded. Councilman Ray Aranda added that the city applies for grants too late, leaving “no cushion” for proper planning.

The grantwriter told council that “Texas Parks and Wildlife is perhaps the only agency that doesn’t require a prior selection of the grant writer to prepare and submit the application” and called their recent meeting with the agency “very, very fruitful.”

Councilman Eric Aranda moved to approve resubmitting the application, but the motion never got a second. Without that, the proposal died. Alvarez then tried to make a formal motion to “take no action,” sparking a brief procedural debate with fill-in City Attorney Austin Beck before the mayor closed the discussion.

The decision means the current master plan will expire unused, and any future attempt will require an updated — and potentially costly — plan. As Arredondo put it, “I was just trying to be efficient and get something in quick.”

Motion: Resubmit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department grant application for $750,000 in park improvements — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: None
Vote: No second — Motion dies
Discuss/Consider & act on the City of Dilley’s opportunity to participate in the resilient Communities Program (RCP) of the Texas General Land Office, and to apply for a 100% RCP grant for planning services — 01:32:58
Immediately after the failed park grant vote, council moved to Item 12 — the city’s opportunity to apply for a $300,000 Resilient Communities Program grant from the Texas General Land Office. City Administrator Henry Arredondo explained the planning-focused grant was first-come, first-served and could fund projects like updating decades-old zoning ordinances, mapping utility systems, and preparing capital improvement plans.

Councilman Rudy Alvarez, echoing earlier concerns, dismissed planning grants as “useless.” But Arredondo argued the funding could strengthen the city’s water and sewer systems and help Dilley prepare for future infrastructure needs without locking into a specific contractor.

Motion: Apply for the Texas General Land Office Resilient Communities Program $300,000 planning grant — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Vote: 4-1 in favor, Councilman Rudy Alvarez opposed — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on authorizing the solicitation of planning services for participating in the Resilient Communities Program of the Texas General Land Office — 02:21:40
Councilman Rudy Alvarez again voiced skepticism toward planning efforts and denied support to the third grant item of the night, saying he had “lived through at least three comprehensive plans” and doubted their usefulness without guaranteed capital funding. Still, the council moved forward.

Motion: Authorize solicitation of planning services for the Texas General Land Office Resilient Communities Program — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Eric Aranda
Vote: 4–1 in favor, Councilman Rudy Alvarez opposed — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on nomination for Regional Seats on TML Board of Directors — 02:23:59
Council heard details on upcoming Texas Municipal League Board of Directors regional seat openings, but with no council members expressing interest in serving, no action was taken.
Discuss/Consider & act on City of Dilley Park Improvements — 02:27:29
Council voted unanimously to authorize seeking formal bids for a concrete walking trail at Pavilion Park, following a consultant’s recommendation that it was the most durable and cost-effective option.

Motion: Authorize consultants to seek formal bids for a concrete walking trail at Pavilion Park — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5-0 — Motion passes
Discuss/consider & act on City of Dilley Interlocal agreement with Frio County for Animal Control — 02:44:12
The council took up Item 16 — an interlocal agreement with Frio County for animal control services — with Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio noting prior discussions with Commissioner Danny Cano and introducing Animal Control Officer Omar Hernandez to provide details.

City Administrator Henry Arredondo explained that the county has no animal control officer and past agreements were never honored — the last contract set fees at just $1 per year, which the county never paid. Hernandez described capacity limits at the city’s kennels, saying the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) area is nearly twice the size of Dilley and that handling calls there would require more staff, equipment, and space. He and Police Chief Steven Hernandez proposed a new fee structure: a $5,000 annual charge to the county for ETJ services, plus $50 per impound, $20 per day for housing, $40 disposal fees per animal, and additional charges for vet costs.

Council members debated whether those amounts were sufficient, suggesting higher base fees, on-call service charges, and strict limits to dogs and cats. They also discussed ensuring the county helps fund facility expansion and covers added staffing. Hernandez recounted that the city had occasionally responded to urgent incidents in the county — such as severe dog attacks — with prior approval and was reimbursed for those cases.

Motion: Direct the city administrator, working with Animal Control Officer Omar Hernandez, to prepare a complete proposal for the interlocal agreement with Frio County for animal control services and present it to council for approval — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5-0 — Motion passes
Discuss/consider & act on 3rd Quarter ending June 30, 2025 Financial Statements — 03:07:12

Motion: Approve the financial statement for the quarter ending June 30, 2025 — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5-0 — Motion passes
Discuss/consider & act on 3rd Quarter ending June 30, 2025 Investment Report — 03:10:16

Motion: Accept the quarterly report ending June 30, 2025 — Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Second: Councilman Eric Aranda
Vote: 5-0 — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on Ordinance No. 25-08-07, an ordinance by the City of Dilley, Texas amending the adopted budget for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 & establishing an effective date — 03:11:36

Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 25-8-7 amending the adopted budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, and establishing an effective date — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 4–1 in favor, Councilman Rudy Alvarez opposed — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on Xerox pricing proposal for City Hall — 00:54:41
The City Council discussed a Xerox proposal to lease a new printer for City Hall’s back office, citing ongoing problems with the current machine; although some members questioned the timing in light of a recent contract renewal and suggested seeking future competitive bids, the council ultimately approved the lease, which includes maintenance and supplies.

Motion: Accept the Xerox pricing proposal for City Hall’s back office — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 4 in favor; Councilman Rudy Alvarez absent for vote — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act the New TMRS Contribution Rate 2026 — 03:15:53
The council unanimously approved the 2026 TMRS city contribution rate of 8.39%, a slight change from last year’s rate.

Motion: Approve the 2026 TMRS city contribution rate of 8.39% — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Ray Aranda
Vote: 5-0 — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on Planning Calendar for FY 2025-2026 Budget and Tax Rate — 03:16:50
The council approved the planning calendar for the 2025–2026 budget and tax rate process, aligning with required public hearing and notice deadlines.

Motion: Approve the planning calendar for the 2025–2026 budget and tax rate process — Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5-0 — Motion passes
Discuss/Consider & act on Capital Improvement Plan FY 2025-2026 — 03:19:39
The council reviewed the proposed 2025–2026 Capital Improvement Plan, which City Administrator Henry Arredondo described as a working document for members to take home, review, and suggest changes. Arredondo noted the five-year plan’s total has decreased from $18 million last year to $10 million, reflecting completed funding approvals for major projects such as the sewer treatment plant at the prison, a $2.1 million grant, and $500,000 in water treatment plant improvements. He emphasized that remaining items, like potential police vehicle purchases, would rely on securing grants or other funding sources to avoid new debt. No action was taken.
Adjournment — 03:21:56
Motion: Adjourn the meeting — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: [Speaker not identified]
Vote: 5-0 — Motion passes

–written by Jose Asuncion, with a suspicious amount of help from ChatGPT

Frio County Precinct 4 & Dilley ISD Voting Locations & Calendar

Dilley and Precinct 4 will vote in the upcoming Frio County Election for Frio County Judge, Frio County Commissioner Pct. 4, and Dilley ISD Trustee Places 1, 3, and 4…

When & Where do I Vote?

Frio County Precinct 4 & Dilley ISD Voting Calendar:

Frio County Precinct 4 (Dilley) Sample Ballot:

This website was created by Jose Asuncion, so yes, this sample ballot is posted to assist Jose Asuncion for Frio County Judge voters. Precinct 4 voters will also choose a Commissioner on the same ballot.

Dilley ISD Sample Ballot:

Election Dates:

Tuesday, October 11, 2022	Last Day to Register to Vote
Monday, October 24, 2022	First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance
Friday, October 28, 2022	Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked)
Friday, November 4, 2022	Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 (Election Day) at 7:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is not postmarked, OR Wednesday, November 9, 2022 (next business day after Election Day) at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply)	Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail

Mortgage, Rent, & Utility Assistance in Frio County

The information in this post is current as of March 22, 2022

When eligibility refers to Area Median Income (AMI) or median income for the United States, the best available research shows:
Frio County Area Median Income: $51,100
United States Median Income: $79,900

Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund Program | Mortgage, Property Taxes, Insurance

The primary goal of this fund is to aid homeowners in avoiding foreclosure. Some of the necessary qualifications are:
・There must be a delinquent eligible expense
・There must be a Covid-19 related eligible financial hardship (loss of income or increase in expenses).
・Have a household income at or below 100% Area Median Income (AMI) or 100% of the median income for the United States, whichever is greater

Full details, requirements, and application are available at:
https://www.texashomeownerassistance.com/ or
1-833-651-3874

Texas Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program | Mortgage

Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) is offering assistance through the Texas Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (TEMAP) for those having difficulty paying their mortgage payments.

They may pay up to 11 months of mortgage payments—six months in arrears and five future months.
You may qualify for mortgage assistance if:
• You live in one of the 12 Alamo Area rural counties.
• You have been impacted by COVID-19.
• You are at or below 80% Average Median Income (AMI).
• Your mortgage is in the first or second lien position.
• Where you reside is your primary residence.

Call them today at 866-231-4922 or email TEMAP@aacog.com to begin the intake process.

Tenant Based Rental Assistance | Rent

The Tenant Based Rental Assistance is not an emergency rent fund. Applications take six to eight months to process and require enrollment in Community Council of South Central Texas’ (CCSCT) self-sufficiency program.

To be eligible for TRBA, applicants are required to have an income less than or equal to 80% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI), as defined by HUD. The AMFI document is a bit tougher to decipher.

Application
Community Council of South Central Texas
Pearsall Office: 830-334-4800

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program | Utility

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) from Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT) combines education and financial assistance to help low-income consumers reduce their utility bills. Services include utility payment assistance for electric, natural gas and propane.

CCSCT assigns priority to households with the least amount of income and the greatest energy costs. Priority is also given to vulnerable individuals 60 years and over, persons with disabilities and families with children five years of age or under.

For more information and application:
http://www.ccsct.org/program/utility-assistance/
Community Council of South Central Texas
Pearsall Office: 830-334-4800

September 11 – 17 | Frio County Covid-19 Numbers

In light of recent declines in Region P Covid inpatient and ICU hospitalizations, this will be the last weekly Frio Covid update for the time being, barring a significant reversal of these numbers. We will continue to update the Frio Covid dashboard on a regular basis, without the writeup.

THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 11-17

Texas Department of State Health Services reported:

67 New Covid Cases in Frio County
(83 New Covid Cases were reported the week prior)

Active cases increased by: 15
Recovered cases increased by: 49
Fatalities increased by: 3

Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported:

15 New GEO Pearsall Detainee Covid Cases
21 New CoreCivic Dilley Detainee Covid Cases
15 New La Quinta Pearsall Detainee Covid Cases

Frio County Vaccination Rate:

Frio County’s Fully Vaccinated Rate (age 12+) increased 1.85% for the week. The prior week’s increase was 1.52%. Vaccinated with at least one dose (12+), a better indicator of recent vaccine activity, increased 1.58%. The prior week’s increase was 1.34%.

The Early Success of the Frio County $100 Vaccine Incentive Program:

The details of Frio County’s $100 Vaccine Incentive Program were first publicly posted on the evening of September 14th, which means we wouldn’t start seeing the effects until September 15th.

From 9/9-9/15, only 59 Frio residents were reported to the State as receiving their first dose, an average of 8 residents per day.

From 9/16-9/17, however, 245 residents were reported to the State as receiving their first dose, an average of 122 residents per day.

Frio County would have seen a steep decline in vaccination rate without the $100 incentive. Though the rollout of the program was bumpy, these numbers should be seen as evidence that the incentive does have a significant effect on the vaccination rate. If it is the desire of the County Judge to continue to see more Frio residents vaccinated, the Judge’s Office should do more to simplify the incentive registration process, extend the deadline, as well as create partnerships for vaccine drives.

COVID Hospitalizations out of Total Region P Hospital Capacity:

Frio is one of 22 counties in Trauma Service Area Region P, which serves a population of 2.9 million people.

“COVID Hospitalizations out of Total Region P Hospital Capacity” decreased by 1.43%. On September 17, Region P dipped below 15% threshold for the first time in 45 days. The 15% threshold line shows the point that formerly triggered the limiting the capacity of certain businesses and bars after seven days.

ICU Bed Usage in Region P vs Entire State of Texas:

For full responsive graphs detailing Texas hospital resource data, visit: https://covid-texas.csullender.com/?tsa=P

–written by Jose Asuncion, Frio County Commissioner, Pct. 4

Upcoming Vaccine Drives:

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Frio County $100 Vaccine Incentive Program Launches

Beginning September 14 thru October 30, Frio County Residents not vaccinated for COVID-19 will be eligible for up to a one-time $100 incentive for getting a required dose of COVID-19 Vaccine.

To be eligible:
・Participants must be at least 12 years of age
・Participants under the age of 18 will require written permission from a parent and/or guardian before incentive will be disbursed
・Must be a Frio County resident
・~~Must become “fully vaccinated” by a provider of your choice between September 14 and October 30~~ Clarification from the County Judge sent 9/15/21 3:44pm. The County Judge’s Office has interpreted the Official Guidelines as “only if vaccine series is started and completed during the applicable timeline.” County Judge Press Release and Official Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get paid?

・Before your final vaccine appointment (September 14-October 30), pick up a registration form from the County Judge’s Office. (A download will be linked here as soon as the PDF becomes available). The registration form requires a signature from the provider.
・Before November 12 30th and after you are fully vaccinated, return with (1) the registration form, (2) proof of vaccination, and (3) photo ID or proof of Frio residency.
・The County Judge’s office will then schedule your payment.

I am a Frio County resident who will receive my first dose of Moderna or Pfizer on September 25. When can I get paid?

Based on your first dose appointment, you will receive your second dose on or around October 25. After your second dose, bring the registration form signed by the provider, proof of full vaccination, and a Picture ID (or proof of Frio residency) to the Frio County Judge’s Office.
The Judge’s Office will walk you through the rest of the process.

I am a Frio County resident who will receive a Johnson & Johnson vaccine on September 25. How do I get paid?

Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients will not have a second dose appointment. However, we ask any Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients to wait until October 1^st to apply for the incentive at the Judge’s Office. October 1^st is when the incentive funds become available in the county budget.

Please consult with your provider or medical professional about which vaccine is best for you.

I am a Frio County resident who will receive my first dose of Moderna or Pfizer on October 2. How do I get paid?

Based on your first dose date, you will receive your second dose on or around November 2. Currently, that is outside the timeframe in the approved incentive guidelines.

It is possible that the approved window of time for full vaccination will be extended, but in the meantime, schedule those Moderna and Pfizer appointments for the last two weeks of September.

I am not a Frio County resident. Can I get the incentive if I receive the vaccine in Frio County?

The guidelines state that the incentive is for Frio County residents and require proof of residency.

Who is paying for all of this?

The funds for the incentive program are coming from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds of the American Rescue Plan Act via the US Department of Treasury. They are federal dollars designated for coronavirus response. The funds are not coming from local property or sales taxpayer dollars.

I live in Dilley. Do I really have to drive to Pearsall to pick up a registration form for the provider’s signature when I’m getting vaccinated in Dilley?

Currently, that is the only option listed in the guidelines, but the Frio County Judge’s Office might be able to make arrangements for you. Hopefully, the Judge’s Office makes the registration form available for download.

I have a question that wasn’t listed here. Who can I talk to?

Direct questions to the Frio County Judge’s Office:
(830) 334-2154
http://www.co.frio.tx.us/page/frio.County.Judge

Upcoming Vaccine Drives

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September 4 – 10 | Frio County Covid-19 Numbers

THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 4-10

Texas Department of State Health Services reported:

83 New Covid Cases in Frio County
(72 New Covid Cases were reported the week prior)

Active cases increased by: 5
Recovered cases increased by: 75
Fatalities increased by: 3

Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported:

16 New GEO Pearsall Detainee Covid Cases
34 New CoreCivic Dilley Detainee Covid Cases
17 New La Quinta Pearsall Detainee Covid Cases

Frio County Vaccination Rate:

Frio County’s Fully Vaccinated Rate (age 12+) increased 1.52% for the week. The prior week’s increase was 1.6%. Vaccinated with at least one dose (12+), a better indicator of recent vaccine activity, increased 1.34%. The prior week’s increase was 1.55%.

COVID Hospitalizations out of Total Region P Hospital Capacity:

Frio is one of 22 counties in Trauma Service Area Region P, which serves a population of 2.9 million people.

“COVID Hospitalizations out of Total Region P Hospital Capacity” decreased by 1.43%. Region P has spent thirty-six days over the 15% threshold. The 15% threshold line shows the point that formerly triggered the limiting the capacity of certain businesses and bars after seven days. During this wave of the pandemic, however, that order has been rescinded.

ICU Bed Usage in Region P vs Entire State of Texas:

–written by Jose Asuncion, Frio County Commissioner, Pct. 4

Frio County | Service Industry Recovery Child Care Now Available | Workforce Solutions Alamo

Workforce Solutions Alamo has received $43,797,123 from the Texas Workforce Commission to support child care for the service industry.

Interested parents/caregivers may apply here. Workforce Solutions Alamo is encouraging all businesses whose employees may be eligible to share this information with their employees.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/WSAChildCare/sirchildcare

Program Highlights:
12 months of eligibility, and the parent share of cost is $0.

Eligibility:
At least one parent must be currently employed or entering employment in one of the following TWC-specified service industries:
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation: NAICS 71
Accommodation and Food Services: NAICS 72
Retail Trade: NAICS 44-45

The parent must require child care services in order to work. One-parent households must be working a minimum of 25 hours per week and a two-parent household must be working a total of 50 hours per week to qualify. The family income must be below 75% of the State Median Income (SMI,) and the child must: be under age 13 (or under age 19 if disabled); have legal citizenship or immigration status; and reside with a family (including with an individual standing in loco parentis) within the Alamo local workforce development area.

August 28 – September 3 | Frio County Covid-19 Numbers

THE WEEK OF AUGUST 28 – SEPTEMBER 3

Texas Department of State Health Services reported:

72 New Covid Cases in Frio County
(35 New Covid Cases were reported the week prior)

Active cases increased by: 37
Recovered cases increased by: 34
Fatalities increased by: 1

Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported:

19 New GEO Pearsall Detainee Covid Cases
23 New CoreCivic Dilley Detainee Covid Cases
11 New La Quinta Pearsall Detainee Covid Cases

The Trickiness of Department of State Health Services Covid Case Counts

This week showed a 100% jump in new cases over the prior week, but as we’ve said many times before, the case count numbers are unreliable on their own for several reasons.

-DSHS is often backlogged in their reporting. The numbers sometimes represent a daily or weekly undercount as new cases go unreported, but they may also represent an overcount when those new cases are finally filed all at once.

-ISD Covid protocols have introduced an increased rigor in recent tracking and reporting- an indication of a better count, not necessarily increased spread.

-Many of the popular home Covid tests do not require reporting to DSHS and therefore will not be reflected in the State case counts.

Case counts are best looked at for trends rather than accurate snapshots and in tandem with the other numbers we receive.

Frio County Vaccination Rate:

Frio County’s Fully Vaccinated Rate (age 12+) increased 1.6% for the week. The prior week’s increase was 3.1%. Vaccinated with at least one dose (12+), a better indicator of recent vaccine activity, increased 1.55%. The prior week’s increase was 3.37%. In both cases, the number of people vaccinated slowed to about half of the previous week.

COVID Hospitalizations out of Total Region P Hospital Capacity:

Frio is one of 22 counties in Trauma Service Area Region P, which serves a population of 2.9 million people.

“COVID Hospitalizations out of Total Region P Hospital Capacity” decreased by 1.42%. Region P has spent twenty-nine days over the 15% threshold. The 15% threshold line shows the point that formerly triggered the limiting the capacity of certain businesses and bars after seven days. During this wave of the pandemic, however, that order has been rescinded.

ICU Bed Usage in Region P:

The Positive Take

The ICU Bed Usage in Region P has been bending down for the past few weeks, a positive development if it continues.

Not only has Region P added ICU beds during that time, but the number of Covid ICU patients has fallen to 374 on September 3rd from the current wave’s high of 426 on August 24th.

Pearsall ISD and Dilley ISD have both issued mask mandates that will help Frio County stay the course.

IndoorMaskMandate-AUG30th

The Cautious Take

Though the Region P Covid ICU and hospitalization numbers have begun to bend down, the same can’t be said for the State of Texas, which is holding steady at a higher rates. It is unclear if Region P is setting a trend or if we will eventually correct to follow the state.

On September 3rd, the state of Texas had 3837 Covid ICU patient’s, only 2 lower than this current wave’s high on August 30th.

The Covid-19 pandemic has proven to be unpredictable. The UK, where the Delta Variant took hold before the US, appeared to reach a peak in case counts in July, only to see the numbers spike again.

San Francisco Chronicle, August 27, 2021

–written by Jose Asuncion, Frio County Commissioner, Pct. 4

August 21-27 | Frio County Covid-19 Numbers

**Regarding the above case count numbers, it should be noted that many home COVID tests, especially the brand available in our area, do not require reporting to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Last year at this time, home COVID tests were not available. Furthermore, rapid COVID tests have also become more available but according to the Houston Chronicle, “Texas, unlike 27 other states, excludes the results of increasingly popular, rapid COVID-19 tests from the numbers it reports publicly — obscuring the scope of the pandemic, records and interviews show. The antigen tests are used in doctor’s offices, hospitals and stand-alone clinics and deliver results in less than 30 minutes.”

THE WEEK OF AUGUST 21-27

Texas Department of State Health Services reported:

35 New Covid Cases in Frio County
(91 New Covid Cases were reported the week prior)

Active cases decreased by: 93
Recovered cases increased by: 128
Fatalities increased by: 0

Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported:

12 New GEO Pearsall Detainee Covid Cases
17 New CoreCivic Dilley Detainee Covid Cases
5 New La Quinta Pearsall Detainee Covid Cases

Frio County Vaccination Rate:

Frio County’s Fully Vaccinated Rate (age 12+) increased 3.1% for the week.
The prior week’s increase was 2.26%.
Vaccinated with at least one dose (12+), a better indicator of recent vaccine activity, increased 3.37%.
The prior week’s increase was 2.44%.
These two numbers graphed together show a recent acceleration of vaccination rates.

COVID Hospitalizations out of Total Region P Hospital Capacity:

Frio is one of 22 counties in Trauma Service Area Region P, which serves a population of 2.9 million people.

“COVID Hospitalizations out of Total Region P Hospital Capacity” decreased by 1.34%. Region P has spent twenty-two days over the 15% threshold. The 15% threshold line shows the point that formerly triggered the limiting the capacity of certain businesses and bars after seven days. During this wave of the pandemic, however, that order has been rescinded.

ICU Bed Usage in Region P:

–written by Jose Asuncion, Frio County Commissioner, Pct. 4