Dilley City Council — October 14, 2025: Residents Demand Action on Crime

Residents used Monday night’s Dilley City Council meeting to call for action on theft and public safety.

1. Call meeting to order — 00:04:58
Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.

2. Roll Call — 00:05:05
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, City Attorney Mallorie Falcon, and City Administrator Henry Arredondo, were all confirmed present, with no absences recorded.

3. Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags — 00:05:53

4. Invocation — 00:06:25
City Administrator Henry Arredondo led the invocation.

📌5. Citizens to be heard — 00:07:17
Before the first speaker began, the meeting briefly detoured into a procedural question: could residents “yield” their three-minute speaking time to one another, as other government bodies routinely do. The idea was to let one person speak longer on behalf of the group, but council members decided against it. They noted that Dilley had never allowed time-sharing before and agreed to apply the three-minute limit uniformly to avoid setting a new precedent.

Blanca Hale addressed the council about a recent theft at her property, noting that while the suspect was arrested and some items recovered, many were vandalized. She emphasized that the arrested individual had four outstanding warrants, highlighting a pattern where criminals are not being properly convicted. Hale called for increased police presence and community collaboration with the council to secure necessary resources and grants. She also requested transparency regarding arrests in the city, similar to what the county provides on social media, and raised concerns about abandoned properties being used as stash houses and illegal casinos that “perpetuate a life of crime,” including a recent incident where someone was held at gunpoint.

Jeremiah Hale focused on funding solutions for the police department, arguing that the city is “sitting on a gold mine” with its location on the Interstate 35 corridor. He suggested hiring an officer dedicated to highway patrol to generate revenue through traffic enforcement, noting that when he was a DOT trooper, weight tickets could reach $20,000. Hale expressed concern about current staffing levels, describing a situation where Officer Aguilar was alone on patrol and unable to properly arrest violent felons due to lack of backup coverage. He also emphasized the need to shut down illegal gambling establishments in the city.

Iris Gonzalez acknowledged knowing many of the people committing thefts in town. She described how one individual on a bike scouts properties during the day and reports to a ring of thieves who strike at night. After her son’s bike was stolen, she retrieved it herself from the thief’s property because she knew police wouldn’t act. Gonzalez stressed that taxpayers shouldn’t have to take matters into their own hands and should be able to count on police officers for help.

Alvaro Tijerina echoed earlier speakers about generating revenue through highway enforcement rather than targeting local residents, noting that LaSalle County generates $250,000 every three months from impounded highway vehicles. He emphasized the lack of law enforcement presence from both county and city, stating that according to population standards, Dilley should have 12 officers. Tijerina believed that crime was lower at the beginning of the year when police were more active and visible, and urged the council to support the police chief with personnel and resources.

Erica Gonzalez shared multiple theft experiences, including a 20-foot trailer full of her nephew’s toys that was never recovered despite her extensive camera system. She expressed frustration that officers seemed to want victims to forget about unsolved thefts after time passes. Gonzalez also raised concerns about illegal gambling establishments bringing more crime, noting that one such facility operates in the building where she formerly ran a daycare center. She concluded by describing an incident where a city officer refused to issue a criminal trespassing warning to her neighbor, forcing her to call the county sheriff’s office to handle what should have been the city officer’s responsibility.

6. Consent agenda: Discuss/consider & act on the following item(s): — 00:24:55
A. Approve minutes of the September 16, 2025 – Special Meeting, September 23, 2025 – Special Meeting
B. Review of City Bills
C. Approve employee incentives for the month of October 2025

Motion: Approve the consent agenda with corrections to the September 16th minutes — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

7. Department Reports – (submitted for informational purposes only) — 00:35:37

7.A Library Report — 00:35:41
7.B Court Report — 00:38:13
7.C City Secretary Report — 00:38:15
7.D City Administrator Report (oral) — 00:39:11

7.E Police Department Report — 00:43:37
Police Chief Steven Hernandez directly addressed the citizen concerns from earlier in the meeting. He acknowledged residents’ frustration over burglaries and theft, promised increased visibility, and emphasized the department’s “see something, say something” message.

Councilman Rudy Alvarez praised the department’s work but warned against putting officers on I-35 for ticket enforcement, saying, “the state gets most of that money.” The mayor quickly cut that discussion off, taking the position that the council couldn’t respond to citizen comments during that portion of the meeting.

7.F Public Works Department Report — 00:46:26
7.G Fire Department Report — 00:51:23
7.H Engineering Report — 00:52:22

8. Presentation of the Officer of the 3rd Quarter — Officer Rene Romero 00:54:04
The council tabled the planned recognition of Officer Rene Romero as Officer of the 3rd Quarter because he was not present to receive it, voting unanimously to move the presentation to the next meeting.

Motion: Table item 8 to the next city council meeting — Councilman Alicia Machado
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

9. Discuss / Consider & Act on Bids Received for Walking Trail — Premier Engineering 00:54:43
Premier Engineering presented eight bids for Dilley’s walking trail project, recommending Slick City Contractors of San Antonio with a low bid of $195,296.74 for a concrete trail. An alternative crushed-stone option was slightly higher at $215,226.01 but raised concerns about maintenance. Council members debated comfort versus longevity, with some favoring the softer stone surface and others arguing the concrete would last longer and require less upkeep.

Motion: Accept bid from Slick City Contractors for the concrete base, including engineering costs — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 3–2 — Councilmen Eric Aranda, Everardo Castillo Jr., and Alicia Machado in favor; Councilmen Ray Aranda and Rudy Alvarez opposed — Motion passes

10. Discuss / Consider & Act on Request for a Sensory Impaired Child Sign for Colunga St. 01:17:11

The council unanimously approved installing two “Sensory Impaired Child” signs near 215 East Colunga Street after a resident requested them for safety. Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr. introduced the item, and members agreed the signs would alert drivers to be cautious in the area.

Motion: Approve the sensory impaired child sign for 215 East Colunga Street — Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Second: Councilman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

11. Executive Session — Called pursuant to the Texas Government Code Chapter 551, Subchapter D, Sections 551.071 Consultation with Attorney & 551.074 Personnel Matters to discuss and consider the following items: 01:19:38
11.A. The appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or retirement of public officer or employee — Library Director
11.B. The appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or retirement of public officer or employee — Animal Control Officer (ACO)
11.C. The appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or retirement of public officer or employee — Police Chief
11.D. The appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or retirement of public officer or employee — City Administrator

Executive session began at 7:47 p.m.

12. Open Session — Take Action on Items Discussed in Executive Session 03:49:11
The council reconvened at 10:15 p.m. to take action on items discussed during executive session.

12.A. Action on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or retirement of public officer or employee — Library Director 03:49:25
Motion: Take no action — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Ray Aranda
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

12.B. Action on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or retirement of public officer or employee — Animal Control Officer (ACO) 03:50:10
Motion: Take no action — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

12.C. Action on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or retirement of public officer or employee — Police Chief 03:50:53
Motion: Take no action — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Alicia Machado
Vote: 3–2 — Councilmen Eric Aranda and Everardo Castillo Jr. opposed — Motion passes

12.D. Action on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or retirement of public officer or employee — City Administrator 03:52:06
Motion: Direct the mayor to work with the city attorney to prepare and place the city administrator on a performance improvement plan — Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Second: Councilman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

13. Adjournment 03:52:35
Motion: Adjourn the meeting — Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Second: Councilman Ray Aranda
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

—written by Jose Asuncion, in collaboration with Claude and ChatGPT

Disclaimer: This post is a summary of what was said during the meeting. It has not been cross-referenced with any other records, so if something was misstated in the meeting, it may be misstated here as well. This is not intended to serve as, or replace, the official minutes of any meeting.


Frio County Commissioners Court — October 14, 2025: Fleet Upgrades, Justice Annex

Frio County Commissioners approved over $100,000 in Road and Bridge equipment purchases on October 14th, including a belly dump trailer, pickup truck, and tractor, with Commissioner Joe Vela casting the sole dissenting vote on each. The court also postponed approval of the $3 million Justice Annex construction contract to allow County Attorney Joseph Sindon to obtain a legal review from a construction law specialist.

Attendance:
Present: Joe Vela (Precinct 1), Mario Martinez (Precinct 2), Raul Carrizales (Precinct 3), Danny Cano (Precinct 4)

I. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance — 00:00:47

II. Adopt Agenda — 00:00:59
Motion: Adopt the agenda as is — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

III. Old Business — 00:01:17
None.

📌IV. General Discussion — 00:01:25
The exchange began with a correction and ended with a truce.

Commissioner Mario Martinez started by addressing what he called a “misleading article,” referring to a notice the Commissioner Joe Vela published in the Frio-Nueces Current, that suggested the county planned to move its Road and Bridge Department to Moore or Bigfoot. “That is a misleading statement posted in the newspaper,” he said. “We are not moving Frio County Road and Bridge anywhere.”

Commissioner Joe Vela pushed back, saying he hadn’t seen county crews working in his area. “I never saw anyone from the county working on my precinct,” he said. Martinez fired back that the work had been approved and funded in last year’s budget and that Vela hadn’t been present when those decisions were made. “You walked out when we were talking about our precinct,” Martinez said. “That was budgeted and it was designed to be completed last year.”

Vela insisted that all the commissioners had approved the budget together. Martinez agreed, but pressed the importance of attending meetings and speaking up during budget talks instead of revisiting decisions months later.

Road and Bridge Administrator Ancelmo Ornelas stepped in to clarify that the crews were finishing the previous year’s road projects and would move into Vela’s precinct next.

Commissioner Danny Cano said every precinct has roads that need work, but the county’s employees can only do so much. “At the end of the day, we can only do so much,” Cano said. He noted that the Derby area, part of Vela’s precinct, had seen visible progress and that the focus should be on helping each other when possible.

Martinez closed the discussion. “We take enough criticism from the public,” he said. “We should empower each other, encourage each other, and help each other as much as possible.” The argument that began over a claim in the paper ended with a reminder: that public disagreements are less productive than private collaboration, and that the county’s progress depends on the commissioners finding ways to work together

V. Citizens To Be Heard — 00:14:53
No citizens to be heard.

1. Consider/take action on approving the 2025-2026 Frio County Pay Scale. (requested by: Ramiro Trevino, Frio County Human Resources Director) — 00:15:04
The pay scale reflects the salary numbers already approved in the budget and should have been adopted when the budget passed but was inadvertently left off that agenda. The scale includes a 1.5% annual increase structure and a 6% bump after three years of service, with certification incentives available for law enforcement, detention officers, road and bridge employees, and dispatchers. Commissioners discussed expanding certification incentives to courthouse employees but concluded that most courthouse positions lack certification-based career structures.

2.1. Consider/take action on approving a permit to Select Water Solutions to lay, construct and maintain one (1) 4″ poly waterline on CR 3313 (Stacey Rd). Permit fee of $150.00.
2.2. If the permit is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:24:48
Motion: Approve item 2 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

3.1. Consider/take action on approving a permit to Select Water Solutions to lay, construct and maintain one (1) 4″ poly waterline on CR 3201 (McKinley Rd). Permit fee of $150.00.
3.2. If the permit is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:25:44
Motion: Approve item 3 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

4.1. Consider/take action on approving a permit to Formentera South Texas, LLC to lay, construct and maintain two (2) 4″ temporary waterlines on CR 3313 (Stacey Rd). Permit fee of $150.00.
4.2. If the permit is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:26:28
Motion: Approve item 4 — Commissioner Danny Cano Second: Commissioner Raul Carrizales Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

5.1. Consider/take action on approving a Right of Entry Agreement with VLJC Family Partnership to stockpile road material for county road construction on property located at 2435 FM 117.
5.2. If the agreement is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:27:37
Motion: Approve item 5 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

📌📝NOTE: I usually save this reminder for the end, but let’s pause here. These posts are a straight summary of what was said in the meeting, nothing added, nothing verified beyond the words spoken, unless noted otherwise….

🚜6. Consider/take action on the purchase of a 2026 Armor Lite 40′ Bottom Dump from Alamo City Trailer Sales, LLC for the amount $43,775.00. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:29:01
Road and Bridge Supervisor Anthony Gonzales presented the case for buying another belly dump trailer, priced at $43,775. He said the purchase would “update the fleet” and give the county “seven bellies running,” meaning seven 18-wheelers hauling material across the county instead of the older dump trucks.

Gonzales proposed the efficiency gains. With the new trailer, he said, production could jump “from 24 tons to 36 tons a day… to 66 to 105 tons a day,” depending on travel distance, all while saving fuel. He assured commissioners that the county already had enough licensed drivers, promising “all CDL drivers will be operating 18-wheelers” once the fleet was complete.

Commissioner Joe Vela wasn’t convinced, raising questions about staffing and whether the county was overcommitting resources.

Motion: Approve item 6 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 3–1 in favor, Commissioner Joe Vela opposed — Motion passes

🚜7. Consider/take action on the purchase of a 2017 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup truck from C.E. Littlefield Auto Sales for the amount of $14,995.00. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:31:44
The next item picked up right where the last one left off, with Road and Bridge Supervisor Anthony Gonzales pitching another upgrade. This time it was a 2017 Ford F-150 extended cab from C.E. Littlefield Auto Sales for $14,995, meant to replace a 2008 brush-cutter truck.

Gonzales said the newer model had “less miles on it” and would “give the mechanics a big relief.” The old trucks, he explained, were “constant headaches” with air conditioning problems that seemed to return every week. The goal, he said, was to modernize the fleet without overspending. “We can go out and purchase a 2025 for $55,000, or we can buy three of these for that amount and be good for eight years,” he told the court.

The used truck would serve the county’s brush-cutting crew and, in Gonzales’s words, keep the operation running “another eight, nine, ten years” before needing to replace it again. The 2008 model it replaces will be auctioned off, and the department plans to reuse an older Chevy for pulling a dump trailer around the courthouse.

Motion: Approve item 7 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 3–1 in favor, Commissioner Joe Vela opposed — Motion passes

🚜8. Consider/take action on the purchase of a 2020 International Tractor from Oliver Truck Center, LLC for the amount of $46,311.08. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:33:53
“This is the last tractor we should be purchasing,” Anthony Gonzales, Road and Bridge Supervisor said. “Everything should be utilized 100 percent.” He explained how it could pull either the belly dump or the water truck, how it would keep every CDL driver busy, how the department was finally hitting its stride.

“How much equipment did we buy for the county?” Vela asked. “They’re going to lose their money on your budget,” in almost a replay of the Road and Bridge purchases from the September 16 meeting.

Auditor Crystal Marquez confirmed that the department was using leftover budget funds before the fiscal year reset.

Vela pressed his point, frustrated. “You’re all working, all your crew is working just in precinct two. Maybe a couple of weeks, all your crew is going to be in precinct four. Okay, what about precinct two or three and one?” He suggested splitting the crew to work multiple roads at once instead of concentrating everyone in one spot. “Send a maintainer and a trailer. Let’s send another truck to pick up tires.”

Road and Bridge Administrator Ancelmo Ornelas responded, explaining that the approach Vela was suggesting was exactly how the department works. “When we were in Derby for a year…” Ornelas started. Vela interrupted “four years to do Derby.” Ornelas continued explaining that they had to clear brush, haul material, and wait for surveys.

Martinez ended the discussion. “We’ll address those issues and have those concerns, and we can definitely have a conversation about this at a later time.”

Motion: Approve item 8 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 3–1 in favor, Commissioner Joe Vela opposed — Motion passes

9. Discussion on installing 30 mph speed limit signs on CR 4675 (Good Rd). (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:45:06
Road and Bridge Supervisor Anthony Gonzales explained that residents on Good Road were complaining about 18-wheeler traffic, and temporary speed limit signs had already been installed. County Attorney Joseph Sindon informed commissioners that any speed limit different from the state’s presumed 60 mph on county roads requires a public hearing before it can be officially set, and he recommended removing the temporary signs until that process is complete.

10. Discussion on installing 30 mph speed limit signs and “No through Traffic” signs on CR 2863 (Cude Rd). (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:48:15
Cude Road faces the same situation as Good Road, with commissioners anticipating speeding problems once construction is complete, and County Attorney Joseph Sindon confirmed that both speed limit and “No through Traffic” signs would require public hearings. Road and Bridge Supervisor Anthony Gonzales also raised the possibility of weight limit signs to prevent 18-wheelers from tearing up newly repaired roads, and Sindon said he would research the legal requirements for setting weight restrictions.

11. Discussion on installing 30 mph speed limit signs on CR 2800 (Andy Sadler Rd). (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 00:50:06
Commissioner Martinez acknowledged that Andy Sadler Road would face the same speeding concerns once construction is complete, with drivers likely using the newly paved road “as a racing track.”

12.1. Consider/take action on approving change order from McKinstry for uncompleted scope of work for installation of security cameras for a credit of $10,650.90.
12.2. If the change order is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 00:50:35
County Auditor Crystal Marquez requested approval of a change order crediting the county $10,650.90 after McKinstry and the county could not agree on a camera system for the park pond project, with the cameras removed from the scope of work and the park otherwise complete.

Motion: Approve item 12 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

13.1. Consider/take action on approving change order number 2 from Gerloff Company Inc for additional work repairs to Dilley Annex for a total of $6,957.24. 13.2. If the change order is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 00:52:43
County Auditor Crystal Marquez requested approval of a $6,957.24 change order for punch-list items discovered during the final walkthrough of the Dilley Annex, including missing blinds, motion detectors, a defibrillator box, and repairs to holes left in the building’s exterior from temporary security boards. The repairs were completed by Gerloff Company, though Judge Proctor noted that some of the patched holes remain visible and might need decorative trim in the future. The change order covers work that needed correction before the project could be closed out.

Motion: Approve item 13 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

14. Consider/take action on approving resolution to authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez, the Frio County Commissioner to act as the designated agent to apply for the Texas Indigent Defense Formula Grant Program for the year 2026. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 00:55:22
County Auditor Crystal Marquez explained this is an annual grant application that reimburses the county for a portion of its court-appointed attorney costs after tallying expenses from juvenile, county, and district courts throughout the year.

Motion: Approve item 14 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

15. Consider/take action on running Request for Proposals ad (below) in the Frio Nueces Current once a week for two weeks pursuant to Local Government Code Sec. 262.023. The ad will run in the Frio-Nueces Current on October 16, 2025 and October 23, 2025. Sealed bids will be accepted in the Auditor’s office until 3:00 pm, October 31, 2025. RFPs will be opened and read aloud during commissioner’s court on November 12, 2025. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 00:56:53
County Auditor Crystal Marquez requested to postpone the item after missing the newspaper’s deadline due to the holiday.

16. Consider/take action on providing Republic Services with a 60-day termination notice, effective January 1, 2026, for account locations at CR 4201 at S 135, Pearsall, Texas and 200 CR 4415, Dilley, Texas. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 00:57:30
County Auditor Crystal Marquez requested approval to terminate the county’s Republic Services trash collection contracts effective January 1, 2026, after months of back-and-forth communication. County Attorney Joseph Sindon advised sending certified mail notification in addition to email, and Marquez confirmed there would be enough time to notify affected residents so they could arrange their own trash services. The county will draft public notices without needing to bring the matter back to court.

Motion: Approve item 16 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

📌17.1. Consider/take action to approve an Agreement between Frio County and Frontera Construction, LLC for the construction of the Frio County Justice Annex Building. 17.2. If the agreement is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Pedro Peter Salinas, Frio County Sheriff) — 01:01:07
Sheriff Peter Salinas brought the $3 million Justice Annex construction contract to commissioners, but County Attorney Joseph Sindon slowed things down. He’d reviewed the agreement with Frontera Construction but wasn’t ready to recommend approval just yet.

“My knowledge base is a mile wide, but an inch deep, because I have to have my brain in a lot of different places at once,” Sindon told the court. “I’m not by any means an expert in construction law.”

Given the county’s recent experience with contractor Sandoval on a similar project, Sindon said he wanted to bring in outside expertise before signing off on another major construction deal.

“Seeing as the past history we’ve had and the past experiences we’ve had, I feel that I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t suggest that is something we look into before we jump on a $3 million contract,” Sindon said.

One concern stood out: liquidated damages. Sindon noted that the Sandoval contract included penalties if the contractor exceeded their deadline, but he couldn’t find similar provisions in the Frontera agreement. He wanted to make sure the county wasn’t leaving protections on the table.

Gondek, appearing via Zoom, acknowledged Sindon’s concerns but offered context. He explained that his firm stopped including liquidated damages clauses years ago because they can backfire. Contractors competing on shorter timelines often raise their bids to compensate for the risk, and withholding payment when deadlines slip can cause subcontractors to abandon the project entirely.

“Unfortunately, that’s not a real good hammer because when you start withholding funds, subcontractors don’t get their money. So therefore, they don’t show back up on the project,” Gondek explained.

Instead, he said, the best approach is frequent communication and early problem-solving. “If we approach this in an adversarial role all the way through the project, it’s a losing battle in today’s construction market,” he said, adding that litigation takes enormous time and effort with gains “far outweighed by the losses.”

Gondek did raise one concern of his own: timing. Frontera’s bid was only guaranteed for 60 days, and the clock was ticking. If the county delayed too long, they might need to go back and ask the contractor to reaffirm their pricing, which could open the door to increased costs.

He reassured commissioners that he’d worked with attorney Chapman before on the Atascosa County Medical Examiner’s Project, and Chapman had caught mistakes and typos that improved the final contract. “So it never hurts to have another set of eyes. I’m just concerned about the timeframe,” Gondek said.

Commissioner Mario Martinez acknowledged the hesitation. “In our defense, we do have a bad taste in our mouth with the previous contractor,” he said. “And we do want to make sure that we are getting a second opinion on this.”

Sindon suggested scheduling a special meeting for Tuesday, October 21st at 10a.m. to vote on the contract once Chapman’s review was complete. That would keep the project moving without waiting for the regularly scheduled meeting on the 28th.

No action taken.

18.1. Consider/take action to allow Frio County Auditor to apply for the FY 2026 & 2027 Solid Waste Management Grant Program. 18.2. Consider/take action to approve resolution for the FY 2026 & 2027 Solid Waste Management Grant Program. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 01:14:03
County Auditor Crystal Marquez asked permission to apply for the Solid Waste Management Grant for 2026 and 2027, proposing to request $25,000 with a 10% county match to fund dumpster events in unincorporated areas like Derby, Dilley, Bigfoot, and Moore. Last year’s $20,200 grant funded two-bin events in most locations with enough leftover to add a Christmas tree disposal event, and commissioners agreed the higher amount would help accommodate Derby’s larger population while still maintaining coverage elsewhere. Marquez explained the grant comes from a regional pool shared among Alamo Area Council of Governments counties and cities, with Bexar County claiming about 30% of the $170,000 annual allocation, and commissioners opted for the higher request amount after confirming a county match would improve their chances of approval.

Motion: Approve a resolution allowing the Frio County Auditor to apply for the fiscal year 2026 and 2027 Solid Waste Management Grant Program in the amount of $25,000 with a 10% match — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

19.1. Presentation by Frio County Treasurer of detailed report as mandated by ‘Section 114.026, Local Government (“Code”) (this report is to be presented at each regular term of commissioners court).
19.2. Frio County Treasurer to exhibit the books and accounts of that office for the inspection of the commissioners court (to be done at each regular term of commissioners court).
19.3. Consider/take action on authorizing the execution by Frio County Commissioners Court (the Judge and each commissioner) of an affidavit stating the requirements of the treasurer’s report have been met as mandated by section 114.026 of the Code.
19.4. Consider/take action on execution of an order of the commissioners court approving the county treasurer’s report and order their publication in the Frio-Nueces Current as mandated by Section 114.026 of the Code or publication on the county’s website. (requested by: Frio County Commissioners Court) — 01:29:34

Motion: Approve items 19.3 and 19.4 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales Second: Commissioner Danny Cano Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

20. Presentation, pursuant to Section 114.044 of the Local Government Code, by Frio County District Clerk, Frio County Clerk, Frio County Treasurer, Frio County Attorney, Frio County Judge, Frio County Sheriff, Frio County Auditor, Frio County Justice of the Peace, and Frio County Constables. (requested by: Frio County Commissioners Court) — 01:30:10

Motion: Approve item 20 in its entirety — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

21. Documents (resolutions, orders, contracts, etc.) to be signed. — 01:31:23

22. Allow bills payable — 01:34:51

Motion: Allow bills payable to include the proposed utility accounts and at the request of Road and Bridge Department to walk through items 6, 7, and 8 (2026 Armor Lite 40-foot bottom dump from Alamo City Trailers for $43,775, invoice ORD49361; 2017 Ford F-150 from C.E. Littlefield for $14,995, invoice 91825; 2020 International Tractor from Oliver Truck Center for $46,311.08, invoice CSA3711) — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

23. Adjourn — 01:38:02

Motion: Adjourn — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

— written by Jose Asuncion, with an assist from Claude

Disclaimer: This post is a summary of what was said during the meeting. It has not been cross-referenced with any other records, so if something was misstated in the meeting, it may be misstated here as well. This is not intended to serve as, or replace, the official minutes of any meeting.


Dilley City Council — September 23, 2025: Budget Adoption, Solid Waste Rates, Prison Repairs

The Dilley City Council met on September 23, 2025, to approve next year’s budget and set utility rates for the city. Council members also discussed expensive emergency repairs at the prison facility, decided when to hold Halloween events around the big rivalry football game, and updated rules for how the city posts meeting agendas.

1. Call meeting to order — 00:06:40
Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

2. Roll call — 00:06:46
During the roll call, Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio, Councilmembers Everardo Castillo Jr., Eric Aranda, Alisa 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.

3. Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags — 00:07:28

4. Invocation — 00:08:01
City Administrator Henry Arredondo led the invocation.

5. Citizens to be heard — 00:08:44
No citizens to be heard.

6. Discuss/Consider presentation of solid waste rate study by Capex resources group — 00:09:22
Jeff Snowden with CapEx Resources Group presented a comprehensive solid waste rate study to address the city’s contract with Republic Industries for waste collection services. The city’s solid waste system has grown slightly, from 1,260 accounts in 2021 to 1,281 currently, with notable expansion in outside city limits customers (from 113 to 145 accounts) and commercial inside customers (from 86 to 91 accounts).

Commercial inside customers generate the largest revenue at $286,000, followed by residential inside at $214,000, while the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) represents 20% of total revenue at $175,000 through a wholesale agreement with Republic.

The central challenge: Republic Industries has escalated the city’s contract costs by approximately 7.26% since 2022, with annual increases tied to the consumer price index for urban communities. Without rate adjustments, the solid waste fund would reach deficits in 2030, with a negative balance of $43,030.

Snowden proposed a five-year rate plan with annual increases averaging about 4.8% to keep pace with Republic’s escalating charges. For residential once-a-week pickup, the monthly rate would increase from $22.72 to $23.93 on October 1, with similar increases each October 1 thereafter. Outside city limits customers pay a 1.5 times premium, and commercial rates would rise from $39.80 to $41.91.

A significant administrative recommendation involved TDCJ billing. Snowden proposed migrating TDCJ to the city’s ENCODE billing system for water, sewer, and solid waste, rather than continuing the separate calculation method used historically. The original facilities agreement that warranted separate treatment expired approximately 12 years ago, making standard billing practices now appropriate.

With the proposed rate increases, Snowden forecasted that the solid waste fund would generate surpluses over the next five years, which could help offset deficits in the natural gas fund discussed the previous week.

Councilman Rudy Alvarez asked whether council would approve the ordinance at the next meeting. Snowden clarified that a draft rate ordinance was available for consideration that evening, though it had just been finalized and was not included in the published agenda packet. The mayor acknowledged the presentation and moved to the next agenda item without taking action.
… continued after item 9

7. Discuss/Consider & act on Solid Waste Rate Ordinance — 00:20:32
Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio introduced the solid waste rate ordinance, noting that consultant Snowden had finalized it that day. Council requested to see the physical ordinance document before voting.

Councilman Rudy Alvarez emphasized the importance of having the ordinance before them during the vote, stating they needed to know what they were voting for to proceed properly. The mayor offered several options: reviewing a printed copy immediately, tabling the item until the next meeting, or proceeding with contingent legal review.

Councilman Ray Aranda noted that approval was needed that day for the rate changes to be effective October 1. After brief discussion, the mayor requested a motion to table the item until after agenda item eight to allow the meeting to continue while the ordinance was prepared for review.

Motion: Table the solid waste rate ordinance until after item eight — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

8. Discuss/Consider & act on Ordinance No. 25-23-09, an ordinance of the City of Dilley, Texas establishing procedures for placing items on the agenda; repealing any and all ordinances in conflict herewith; providing for a severability clause and setting an effective date — 00:23:56
Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio explained that the ordinance was brought back for review to comply with new state laws requiring 72 business hours notice for agenda posting. City Secretary Natasha Prado outlined the key procedural change: agenda items must now be submitted to her by Thursday the week before she posts the agenda (typically the first week of the month), rather than the Thursday immediately before the meeting. This extended timeline allows the city attorney and mayor adequate time to review items before the second Tuesday meeting date, while ensuring compliance with the 72-hour posting requirement.

Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 25-23-09, an ordinance of the City of Dilley, Texas, establishing procedures for placing items on the agenda, repealing any and all ordinances in conflict herewith, providing for a severability clause and setting an effective date — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

9. Discuss/Consider & act on Halloween day/Event and time for trick or treating — 00:26:49

Council discussed whether to change the city’s designated trick-or-treating day from Halloween’s actual date, October 31 (a Friday), due to conflicts with local school events, particularly the district rivalry football game at Cotulla.

Councilman Ray Aranda recalled that approximately 10 years ago, the city changed Halloween once, which created significant backlash. Residents celebrated on both the designated day and Halloween itself, and the city has not changed the date since. Councilman Rudy Alvarez confirmed the experience and noted that people prefer to stick to the traditional Halloween date.

The mayor acknowledged the concern but noted that the item was placed on the agenda to ensure all perspectives were heard. Discussion shifted to city-sponsored events like trunk-or-treat and how to accommodate families attending Thursday’s junior varsity game and Friday’s varsity game.

City Secretary Natasha Prado mentioned that local business owners have children playing in Thursday’s junior high and JV games and Friday’s varsity game. Councilman Ray Aranda pointed out scheduling challenges throughout the week, including Wednesday church services and Tuesday games.

The mayor confirmed that October 31 is a district-wide early release day for schools, allowing children to begin trick-or-treating by 4 p.m. Council agreed to keep Halloween trick-or-treating on Friday, October 31, but move the city’s trunk-or-treat event to Monday, October 27, to allow council members and city staff to participate without conflicting with the football game.

Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr. noted after the vote that the motion did not include a specific time for trunk-or-treat, though 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. had been discussed informally.

Motion: Hold the city’s trunk-or-treat event on Monday, October 27, and keep Halloween trick-or-treating on October 31 — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilman Ray Aranda
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

7…continued Discuss/Consider & act on Solid Waste Rate Ordinance — 00:33:24
(Item tabled earlier, now reconsidered)
Council reviewed the printed solid waste rate ordinance, City Secretary Natasha Prado designated the ordinance number as 25-23-09-D, continuing the city’s lettering system for related ordinances.

Extended discussion addressed the policies for two-yard containers versus roll-off dumpsters. The city secretary explained that two-yard containers require a three-month minimum commitment due to Republic Industries’ charges, while short-term needs (days or weeks) require roll-off dumpsters arranged directly through Republic. When a customer requests a two-yard container, the city typically picks up the standard residential cart unless the customer specifically requests to keep it.

Councilwoman Machado raised concerns about construction companies bringing their own roll-off dumpsters instead of using Republic Industries, as required by the city’s contract. Councilman Castillo noted the city lacks personnel to enforce the policy. The city secretary explained that when the city had a code enforcement officer, violations were addressed by sharing the Republic contract with violators. Councilman Eric Aranda suggested advising contractors of the requirement when they obtain building permits, and the mayor agreed this information could be included in permit packets.

City Administrator Henry Arredondo confirmed that CapEx would help implement the new rates in the billing software the following week.

Motion: Accept Ordinance 25-23-09-D with the new rates for solid waste — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

After the vote, Councilman Ray Aranda reminded the mayor to read the ordinance caption. The mayor read: Ordinance Number 25-23-09-D, an ordinance of the City of Dilley, Texas, amending the master ordinance, adopting new utility rates for solid waste, increasing collection charges each year from October 2025 through October 2029 at the levels indicated in the rate tables provided within this ordinance. The rate increases would automatically take effect on October 1, 2025, and each subsequent year through October 2029, unless City Council takes action to revise the ordinance. The mayor corrected the effective date from September 23, 2025, to October 1, 2025.

10. Discuss/Consider & act on Ordinance No. 25-23-09-A, an ordinance by the city of Dilley, Texas amending the adopted budget for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, and establishing an effective date — 00:45:43
City Administrator Henry Arredondo presented the amended budget. The proposed changes affected several funds: no changes to the general fund, an increase in the hotel tax fund for engineering work on the park trail if invoiced during the current fiscal year, and a balanced increase of $64,650 in both revenues and expenditures for the utility fund.

The most significant changes involved the prison fund, with a $267,000 increase in revenues and a $509,000 increase in expenditures. Arredondo explained that a major issue at the prison facility required removing and replacing all old well casings. The work necessitated purchasing a new, thinner pump to go deeper, as the existing pump type was incompatible.

An electrical complication arose when the city attempted to obtain an easement from the state agency that owns the land (not TDCJ itself, but a state department working through TDCJ). After three to four months of negotiations, the agency denied the new easement request, requiring the city to use an existing easement instead. This forced expensive changes including relocating power poles, upgrading to a larger transformer, and redoing all electrical work from the pump to the facility house. The original electrical estimate had been approximately $30,000, but the easement denial substantially increased costs.

During the months-long repair process, the facility had no power. The city attempted to obtain a generator through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) but ultimately rented one through a contractor. Daily diesel refills were required to maintain power for approximately four to five months until repairs were completed.

The mayor asked whether these expenses were the city’s responsibility. Arredondo explained that once all details were compiled, they would present the expenses to TDCJ for reimbursement. According to Arredondo, the city had successfully obtained payment from TDCJ in similar situations.

Councilman Rudy Alvarez asked whether TDCJ would be billed directly or if costs would be incorporated into next year’s rates. Arredondo confirmed the rate consultant indicated that recovery could occur either through a new rate structure over time or through another MOU. Alvarez suggested the rate approach might be easier and quicker for recovering the costs.

Brief discussion touched on an $85,000 item from the upcoming 2025-26 budget, which Arredondo explained included a $55,000 transfer to the general fund for Convention Center maintenance and an additional $30,000 for services: $10,000 for engineering services, $8,000 for contract services, and funds for the hotel-motel tax audit expense under the council-approved audit contract.

Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 25-23-09-A, an ordinance by the City of Dilley, Texas, amending the adopted budget for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, and establishing an effective date — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

11. Discuss/Consider & act on Ordinance No. 25-23-09-B, an ordinance adopting a budget for the ensuing fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026 appropriating the various amounts thereof, and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict therewith; and providing for an effective date — 00:56:21

Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 25-23-09-B, an ordinance adopting a budget for the ensuing fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026, appropriating the various amounts thereof, and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict therewith, and providing for an effective date of October 1, 2025 — Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Second: Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 (recorded roll call vote) — Motion passes

12. Discuss/Consider & act on Ordinance No. 25-23-09-C, an ordinance of the City of Dilley, Texas levying an ad valorem tax for the use and benefit of the City of Dilley for the Fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025 and terminating September 30, 2026 — 01:12:52
Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio read the full tax rate ordinance. The ordinance levies a tax rate of $0.827540 per $100 of assessed valuation on all taxable real, personal, and mixed property within the city limits for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026.

The tax rate is divided into two components: $0.394785 per $100 valuation for maintenance and operations of the general government general fund, and $0.432755 per $100 valuation for the interest and sinking fund to retire bonded indebtedness.

In accordance with Section 26.065 of the Texas Tax Code, the city stated that this tax rate will not increase more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate.

Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 25-23-09-C as stated — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Eric Aranda
Vote: 5–0 (recorded roll call vote) — Motion passes

The mayor announced the time as 7:46 p.m. following adoption of the ordinance, which became effective October 1, 2025.

13. Adjournment — 01:17:49

Motion: Adjourn the meeting — Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Second: Councilwoman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

– Written by Jose Asuncion with Claude involved.

Disclaimer: This post is a summary of what was said during the meeting. It has not been cross-referenced with any other records, so if something was misstated in the meeting, it may be misstated here as well. This is not intended to serve as, or replace, the official minutes of any meeting.

Frio County Commissioners Court — September 30, 2025: Budget Adoption

Budget day arrived for Frio County Commissioners, and with it came a marathon meeting tackling everything from multi-million dollar investments to wastewater treatment plans. The court adopted the new fiscal year budget, kept the tax rate steady at 62 cents, and put $9.3 million in county reserves to work earning interest.

Attendance:
Present: Joe Vela (Precinct 1), Mario Martinez (Precinct 2), Raul Carrizales (Precinct 3), Danny Cano (Precinct 4)

I. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance — 00:00:42

II. Adopt Agenda — 00:01:01
Commissioner Mario Martinez requested to move action agenda item number 14 to action agenda item number 2.

Motion: Adopt the agenda, moving action agenda item number 14 to action agenda item number 2 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

III. Old Business — 00:01:47
None.

📌IV. General Discussion — 00:01:52
Commissioner Mario Martinez informed the court and public that the City of Pearsall has fiber contractors installing fiber throughout the city. He warned that residents will be impacted as contractors have already hit a couple of water lines and gas lines. He suggested the Sheriff’s office develop a contingency plan in case water lines at the jail are affected.

Martinez also presented information about state funding available to landowners whose property is damaged when stolen vehicles crash on their land. The Attorney General’s office provides up to $75,000 coverage per incident through an application process. Sheriff Peter Salinas confirmed his office is aware of the program and is preparing to have applications on hand for deputies to distribute to qualifying landowners in the field. Commissioner Danny Cano asked whether this would affect the existing $1,000 supplement the county offers from vehicle auction proceeds. Sheriff Salinas indicated the state program would likely be a better option for landowners.

🗳️V. Citizens To Be Heard — 00:08:22

Deborah Hughes of Dilley addressed the court regarding voting and elections in Precinct 4. She expressed support for the proposed consolidation of voting boxes 9 and 10, noting that Ray Kallio and Judge Proctor had indicated the move would be beneficial. She stated the current location will not be available in November, making it an ideal time to transition at least Box 9, if not both boxes simultaneously to save costs.

Hughes requested that cost savings from consolidating voting locations be used to provide more early voting days in Dilley in the future. She emphasized that standardizing early voting schedules and locations would increase voter turnout, as residents would know in advance where and when they could vote, similar to how Pearsall’s consistent early voting location serves its residents.

Hughes noted that Dilley has over 2,000 registered voters out of the county’s more than 9,000 total, representing approximately 25% of the county’s registered voters. She argued that this percentage should be reflected in election budget allocations for Precinct 4. She also compared precinct tax revenues, questioning whether Precinct 4’s tax revenue is being returned proportionally to the precinct.

Hughes requested that the county add a precinct code to tax bills, similar to existing codes for water districts, hospital districts, and school districts, to track which precinct taxpayers are from and ensure tax revenue is distributed equitably across precincts.

VI.1. Update on the delinquent fines and collection services by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP. (requested by: Ronald Rocha, Attorney at Law, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP) — 00:13:35

VI.2. Presentation of monthly statistics reports compiled by Allegiance. (requested by: Frio County Commissioners Court) — 00:16:46
No representative from Allegiance was present for the presentation, marking the “second or third” consecutive month without attendance, and County Attorney Joseph Sindon noted the item is scheduled for the last meeting of every month.

VI.1. Consider/take action on approving a resolution proclaiming the week of October 5-11, 2025 as National 4-H Week in Frio County, Texas. (requested by: Cherie Allmand) — 00:17:30
Commissioner Mario Martinez read the proclamation recognizing National 4-H Week and the organization’s role in supporting 6 million youth across the country through experiential learning and leadership development.

Motion: Approve a resolution proclaiming the week of October 5-11, 2025 as National 4-H Week in Frio County, Texas — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.14. Consider/take action on approving the investment of Frio County funds with Security State Bank and Tex Pool. If approved, give Hon. Pete J. Martinez permission to complete these transactions on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Pete Jasso Martinez, Frio County Treasurer) — 00:22:06
County Treasurer Pete Jasso Martinez presented a proposal to invest $9 million in Frio County funds across two investment vehicles. The plan calls for opening three certificates of deposit (CDs) with Security State Bank totaling $4,650,000, divided as follows: $2,400,000 from General Fund; $1,250,000 from Road and Bridge funds, and $1,000,000 from Farm to Market Lateral funds. These CDs would earn 3.85% interest and be invested for one year.

An additional $4,650,000 would be invested in Tex Pool accounts using the same fund breakdown. Tex Pool accounts are flexible investment accounts that earn approximately 4.2% interest and allow withdrawals within three to four hours if funds are needed. Martinez noted the county already has one existing Tex Pool investment account, and this would establish a second one.

Commissioner Mario Martinez explained that previous commissioners had accumulated substantial reserves that have been sitting with minimal interest earnings. He noted that Frio County Judge Camacho initiated the investment program, which the current court has continued and is now expanding. The goal is to generate additional revenue for the county budget while maintaining sufficient funds for daily operations.

County Auditor Crystal Marquez confirmed that after investing $2.4 million twice (once in CDs and once in Tex Pool), the general fund would still maintain approximately $2 million in pooled cash for daily operations out of a current balance of $6.7 million. She noted the county has been investing smaller amounts (around $500,000) since 2009, but the investment committee, after attending training sessions, felt comfortable expanding the program. She emphasized that many counties invest all their funds, but Frio County is taking a more cautious approach while learning.

Marquez also mentioned that the county has been investing $15 million since October 31st of the previous year, which will begin reducing once the Justice Center project starts. She explained that the investment returns will provide “unexpected” revenue that can be applied to next year’s budget, which is currently being stretched to find additional revenue sources.

Motion: Approve item 14 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

💰VI.2.1. Present/ discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget.
VI.2.2. Open and hold public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. (Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 111.007a)
VI.2.3. Close public hearing. VI.2.4. Consider/take action on making any necessary changes to the budget: (Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 111.008b)
VI.2.5. Consider/take action on setting the salary, expenses and other allowances of elected county or precinct officers. (Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 152.013a)
VI.2.6. Consider/take action on adopting by record vote the Frio County Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. (Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 111.008a) (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 00:30:10
County Auditor Crystal Marquez presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. The budget will raise $494,224 more in property tax revenue than the previous year, representing a 0.04% increase. However, the county’s property tax rate is not increasing and will remain at 62 cents per $100 valuation. The county’s voter approval tax rate is 63 cents, keeping Frio County one cent below the threshold that would trigger an election under Senate Bill 2 if exceeded by 3.5%.

The no new revenue tax rate decreased to $0.5144, while the no new revenue maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate increased to $0.5419. The debt service rate increased from $0.0408 to $0.0438 due to an increased payment on the county’s certificate of obligation. The county’s total debt, including interest and principal on the certificate and Sheriff’s vehicles, exceeds $20 million.

Marquez noted that House Bill 1522, effective September 1, now requires three full days between posting the agenda and the meeting, and mandates a new taxpayer impact statement showing homestead property values, current fiscal year taxes, estimated taxes under the proposed budget, and the no new revenue tax rate.

Several changes were made to the budget since the September 19 budget workshops. Pearsall ISD approved a $25,000 contribution to EMS following Commissioner Martinez’s attendance at a school board meeting. Dilley ISD is expected to circle back in October to determine their contribution amount after reviewing what other entities committed.

The elections budget was adjusted following the retirement of the former elections administrator. Daniela Perez was appointed as the new elections administrator on September 22, 2025, and the salary line was modified to reflect this change.

Following a presentation by Judge Gates at the previous budget workshop, Commissioners Court agreed to include $10,000 for a puppy rescue nonprofit. This amount was funded by reducing one of the building maintenance unfunded projects.

A new grant fund was added for the CDBG Resilient Communities Program (RCP) Grant worth $220,000, which will cover planning and ordinance expenditures.

The ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding budget for public safety and mental health was reduced to $58,447 after an invoice from DRG (the firm designing the Justice Annex) was received the night before. DRG had been working since December without payment. The remaining ARPA funds will cover payments for the grant writer, Justice Annex completion, and nonprofits.

The Sheriff’s Office was awarded its first TxDOT grant in “a long time,” a $29,976 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant with a $5,995 match requirement. The overtime grant runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, with additional TxDOT grants for items like car seats becoming available in November and January.

Following a closeout meeting with McKinstry regarding the pond project, the county secured a $10,650 refund for camera systems that will instead be handled by contractor Tony Holguin. Additionally, $27,137 was saved from schematic design costs related to well permitting that was not pursued. The total of $37,787 in recovered funds will be transferred into the 2025-2026 budget to support water development planning discussed by Commissioner Joe Vela. McKinstry had added $22,000 in unapproved work (restroom painting and landscaping) that they agreed to absorb rather than billing the county.

The park maintenance budget increased from $25,000 to $62,000 to provide additional funding for parks and pond maintenance needs throughout the year. The pond renovations project for $37,787 was added to the Road and Bridge project list.

Sheriff’s Office was also approved for a $100,000 Lone Star Grant effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, which will require a future budget amendment once details are finalized.

Commissioner Martinez opened the public hearing at 3:54 p.m.

One citizen, Reynaldo Treviño provided public comment [00:53:38], questioning why the tax rate is not being reduced further (to 61, 60, or 59 cents) given that property values have doubled or tripled over 20 years, resulting in significantly higher tax payments even with the same rate. Treviño noted Pearsall has 30 to 50 vacant or abandoned homes and raised concerns about housing affordability and the ability of residents to maintain their homes. Treviño also questioned how tax revenue is distributed across precincts, and asked whether spending is allocated fairly based on population and revenue contribution from each precinct. The public hearing closed at 4:01 p.m.

No changes were made to the budget under item 2.4. Under item 2.5, elected official salary changes were approved as previously publicized on the Frio County website and posted at the courthouse, reflecting state supplement adjustments per Local Government Code requirements.

Motion to enter public hearing: Enter public hearing at 3:54 p.m. — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

Motion to close public hearing: Close public hearing at 4:01 p.m. — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

Motion (item 2.5): Approve item 2.5 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

Motion (item 2.6): Adopt the Frio County 2025-2026 budget as presented — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: Commissioner Joe Vela: Yes; Commissioner Mario Martinez: Yes; Commissioner Raul Carrizales: Yes; Commissioner Danny Cano: Yes — Motion passes

VI.3.1. Open and hold public hearing on the proposal of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Frio County tax rates. Pursuant to Tex. Tax Code, Section 26.06(a).
VI.3.2. Close public hearing.
VI.3.3. Consider/take action on setting the Frio County total tax rate for tax year 2025-2026 of .6200, of which is effectively a 20.52 percent increase in the tax rate.
VI.3.4. If tax rate is approved, consider/take action on approving an order to be signed by the Frio County Commissioners Court. (requested by: Hon. Anna L. Alaniz, Frio County Tax Assessor Collector) — 01:09:35
The court opened and closed a public hearing on the proposed tax rates with no public comment. County Auditor Crystal Marquez confirmed the tax rate figures were detailed on the third page of the budget document previously presented.

Motion to enter public hearing: Open public hearing at 4:11 p.m. — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

Motion to close public hearing: Close public hearing at 4:10 p.m. — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

Motion (item 3.3): Approve that the tax rate will effectively be raised by 20.52% and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $105.58 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

Motion (item 3.4): Approve an order to be signed by the Frio County Commissioners Court — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.4.1. Consider/take action to approve a Employer Memorandum of Understanding between Frio County and the Community Loan Center of RGV for Frio County to participate in the Community Loan Center Affordable Small Dollar Loans Program for Frio County Personnel.
VI.4.2. If the memorandum is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ramiro Trevino, Frio County Human Resources Director) — 01:14:48
Human Resources Director Ramiro Trevino presented a program offering employees affordable small dollar loans of $400 to $1,000 through payroll deduction as an alternative to predatory payday lenders. A representative from the Community Loan Center of RGV explained the program was created to combat predatory lending practices that trap borrowers in cycles of extending loans, and offers 12-month repayment terms with payments as low as $23 weekly, no credit checks, no collateral requirements, no prepayment penalties, and one-day fund access after employment verification.

VI.5. Consider/take action on providing 30-day termination notice to Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC regarding the agreement between Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC and Frio County for grant writing and economic development services. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 01:24:17
Frio County Commissioners Court voted to terminate the contract with Lone Star Strategy Group effective October 31, 2025, due to exhausted ARPA funding. While acknowledging the firm’s successful grant work and pending major projects, the county cited lack of funds to continue. Commissioners left open the possibility of future collaboration via administrative fee–funded grants.

Motion: Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.6.1. Discuss, consider, and possibly approve Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC to apply for the Texas House Bill 3000 created Rural Ambulance Service Grant Program.
VI.6.2. Discuss, consider, and possibly approve a resolution for the Texas House Bill 3000. (requested by: Samson Rodriguez, Grant Specialist, Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC) — 01:32:28
VI.7.1. Discuss, consider, and possibly approve Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC to apply for the Solid Waste Management Grant Program. VI.7.2. Discuss, consider, and possibly approve a resolution for the Solid Waste Management Grant Program. (requested by: Samson Rodriguez, Grant Specialist, Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC) — 01:35:04
VI.8. Discuss the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP). (requested by: Samson Rodriguez, Grant Specialist, Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC) — 01:36:03
VI.9.1. Discuss, consider, and possibly approve Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC to apply for the FY2025 State Homeland Security Program and Urban Area Security Initiative – Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement Projects (HSGP-BC). VI.9.2. Discuss, consider, and possibly approve a resolution for the FY2025 State Homeland Security Program and Urban Area Security Initiative – Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement Projects (HSGP-BC). (requested by: Samson Rodriguez, Grant Specialist, Lone Star Strategy Group, LLC) — 01:38:18
After terminating Lone Star’s overall contract effective Oct. 31, the Court did not take action on three upcoming grant items (ambulance service, solid waste, courthouse preservation), leaving them for future planning through other channels. However, they did approve Lone Star’s immediate assistance on the Homeland Security/Border Crisis grant, since the deadline fell before the contract’s termination date.

Motion: Approve item 9 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.10. Consider/take action on approving a permit to Formentera South Texas, LP to lay, construct and maintain an 8″ waterline by boring under CR 3201 (McKinley Rd). Total permit fee $150.00. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — 01:40:38
Road and Bridge Administrator Ancelmo Ornelas noted the area has significant oilfield traffic.

Motion: Approve item 10 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

🗳️VI.11. Consider/take action to appoint election judges. (requested by: Danielle Perez, Frio County Elections Administrator) — 01:41:45
Elections Administrator Danielle Perez reported difficulty recruiting election workers, noting she sent applications to over 100 names provided by Democrat Party Chair Mr. Trevino but received no responses, and that surrounding counties are experiencing similar recruitment challenges. She explained that updated election rules now allow election judges to recruit their own workers for their boxes, and that the upcoming election requires four Democrats and four Republicans (eight people total) per voting box.

Motion: Approve item 11 to appoint the election judges with the names presented — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

🗳️VI.12. Consider/take action to appoint members of the Early Ballot Board. (requested by: Danielle Perez, Frio County Elections Administrator) — 01:45:59
Elections Administrator Danielle Perez stated the item could be disregarded as she was notified the early voting clerk is authorized to select early ballot board members.

🗳️VI.13. Consider/take action to consolidate precinct boxes. (requested by: Danielle Perez, Frio County Elections Administrator) — 01:46:43
Elections Administrator Danielle Perez requested consolidation of three sets of voting boxes due to compliance issues. In Precinct 1, she proposed consolidating Box 1 and Box 2 at the conference room because Box 2’s current location at Pearsall Housing does not comply with distance requirements and would place voting inside someone’s house. In Precinct 3, she requested consolidating Box 3 and Box 8 at the public library because Box 8’s location at Ted Flores lacks restrooms and has safety concerns with wobbly stairs that are problematic for elderly voters and curbside voting. In Precinct 4, she proposed consolidating Box 9 and Box 10 at the newly purchased Frio County Annex building, which Commissioner Danny Cano confirmed has ample space, is ADA compliant, and would eliminate traffic conflicts at the current annex building. Perez noted the consolidations would also help address election worker shortages.

Motion: For the upcoming November 2025 election, consolidate boxes 1 and 2, consolidate boxes 3 and 8, and consolidate boxes 9 and 10 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.15. Consider/take action on selecting bids received on the specified deadline for Fuels. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 01:53:33
County Auditor Crystal Marquez explained the county received four fuel bids (Arnold Oil, Petroleum Traders, Seneca, and Grissom Petroleum) for diesel, unleaded, and low sulfur fuel, and recommended accepting all bidders to allow Road and Bridge to select the lowest daily price when ordering fuel.

Motion: Approve item 15 accepting all bids submitted — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.16. Consider/take action on selecting proposals received on the specified deadline for grant administration services for the Resilient Communities Program Grant. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 01:15:36
County Auditor Crystal Marquez recommended rejecting the sole proposal received from Carlos Colina Vargas and re-bidding the grant administration services because only two commissioners (Carrizales and Cano) submitted scoring sheets, and she wants all commissioners to participate for a fair evaluation.

VI.17. Consider / take action on running a sealed bids ad (below) in the Frio Nueces Current once a week for two weeks pursuant to Local Government Code Sec. 262.023. The ad will run in the Frio-Nueces Current on October 9, 2025, and October 16, 2025. Sealed bids will be accepted in the Auditor’s office until 3:00 pm, October 24, 2025. Bid will be opened during commissioner’s court on October 28, 2025. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 01:56:25
County Auditor Crystal Marquez explained that the road material bids needed to be re-issued because the county received only one bidder who bid on just two of the 15 items requested, and she advised Road and Bridge to order sufficient materials in September to cover projects through the October delay.

Motion: Approve item 17 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.18. Consider/ take action on approving the renewal of a 12-month (10/01/2024 09/30/2025) ArcGIS Desktop Basic Single Use Primary Maintenance with Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc (ESRI) for the total amount of $463.45. This software is utilized by the Emergency Management Coordinator, Ray Kallio. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 01:58:11

Motion: Approve item 18 with corrected dates of 10/01/2025 through 09/30/2026 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.19. Consider / take action on approving installation of one (1) LED streetlight with American Electric Power Texas (A.E.P.) on CR 2779 & CR 2015 Pearsall, Texas. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 02:00:08

Motion: Approve item 19 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.20. Consider/ take action on approving invoice 00003651 for Frio County Auto Liability ($31,191.00), Auto Physical Damage ($58,257.00), General Liability ($6,176.00), Public Officials Liability ($23,812.00), Law Enforcement Liability Insurance ($41,027.00), and Privacy or Security Event Liability coverage for the period of October 01, 2025 to October 1, 2026 for a total of $165,463.00, which is an increase of $20,002.00 from last year. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 02:01:39
County Auditor Crystal Marquez explained the county did not rebid insurance this year to avoid potential premium increases due to the ongoing Dilley fire situation, three cyber incidents within the year, pending law enforcement claims, and increased coverage needs from newly purchased buildings and fleet additions, but committed to rebidding all insurance categories next year.

Motion: Approve item 20 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.21. Consider/take action on approving agreement with TxDot Traffic Safety Grant. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 02:04:28

Motion: Approve item 21 with authorized signatories of Lieutenant Reyes Leal, Crystal Marquez, and Commissioner Mario Martinez — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.22.1. Consider / take action to approve the budget amendments to the FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Frio County Budget, list below: VI.22.2. If the amendment is approved, consider/take action on signing order stating same. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 02:07:32
County Auditor Crystal Marquez requested budget amendments to address overages in court-appointed attorney fees, election supplies, independent audit fees, appraisal district expenses, and courthouse security, primarily funded by transferring money from the contingencies line item and from the Sheriff’s legal and professional budget.

Motion: Approve item 22 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Joe Vela
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.23. Consider/ take action to approve invoice 5629 from Kinsman Farms for the purchase one Live Oak Tree, and three Natchez Crape Myrtle Trees, including delivery and installation. This purchase will be utilized by the WIC Office for a total cost of $5,000.00. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — 02:12:08
County Auditor Crystal Marquez explained the WIC office received additional state funding that had to be spent by the deadline, and the funds would go toward beautifying the WIC area.

Motion: Approve item 23 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Joe Vela
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

💧VI.24. Consider/take action to apply for form TCEQ-20425 application for a temporary water use permit for up to 10 acre-feet of water and up to one calendar year. (requested by: Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner, Precinct No. 2) — 02:14:00
Commissioner Mario Martinez requested a temporary water use permit to draw water from the creek where the City of Pearsall’s wastewater treatment plant releases water, which becomes state property once it enters the creek. Martinez explained he is working with the Texas AgriLife Extension Office to test water quality at both the pond and the wastewater discharge to determine if the treated water is suitable for filling the pond and potentially supplying water trucks. He noted the City of Pearsall is developing a master plan using TIRZ funds to engineer a system for storing and using wastewater for irrigation at the Treviño Sports Complex, and the county aims to be included in those engineering plans. Martinez emphasized this permit is the first step in exploring alternatives to drilling a well, which he noted would use high-quality groundwater for recreation that would quickly evaporate, especially during drought conditions.

Motion: Approve agenda item 24 — Commissioner Mario Martinez
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.25. Consider/take action to sign order for disposal of remains of a deceased pauper, James Pitts, by cremation. (requested by: Hon. Joseph A. Sindon, Frio County Attorney) — 02:20:10

Motion: Approve item 25 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.26.1. Consider/take action to approve an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding between Val Verde County and Frio County for the provision of Jail Services. VI.26.2. If the agreement is approved, consider/take action to approve resolution granting authority for Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner, Precinct No. 2 to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Pedro Peter Salinas, Frio County Sheriff) — 02:21:26
Sheriff Peter Salinas explained the agreement stems from Frio County’s participation in the Lone Star Program, a 14-county coalition addressing border security, and establishes Val Verde County as a hub for picking up and transporting individuals with outstanding warrants from Frio County who are arrested in other states. He noted that while Val Verde County could house inmates if Frio County lacks space, he does not anticipate needing their bed space since the county jail has 96 available beds and currently houses inmates in the 60s, and emphasized all costs for transportation and housing will be covered by Lone Star grant funding at no expense to Frio County taxpayers.

Motion: Approve item 26 — Commissioner Danny Cano
Second: Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.27. Documents (resolutions, orders, contracts, etc.) to be signed. — 02:25:23

VI.28. Allow bills payable. — 02:30:16

Motion: Allow bills payable — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Danny Cano
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

VI.29. Adjourn. — 02:31:10

Motion: Adjourn — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

— written by Jose Asuncion, with Claude lending a hand

Disclaimer: This post is a summary of what was said during the meeting. It has not been cross-referenced with any other records, so if something was misstated in the meeting, it may be misstated here as well. This is not intended to serve as, or replace, the official minutes of any meeting.

Dilley City Council — September 16, 2025: Gas Rate Hike, Legal Services Debate

The Dilley City Council met for a marathon session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with lengthy items in executive session, lasting nearly six hours and stretching past midnight before adjourning after 12:00 a.m. The meeting covered a wide range of issues, from updates on the Dilley Immigration Processing Center and challenges in the city’s natural gas system to a new fire protection agreement and a heated debate over legal services.

1. Call meeting to order — 00:00:36
Mayor Alexandria Martinez-Inocencio called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.

2. Roll Call — 00:01:03
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.

3. Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags — 00:01:53

4. Invocation — 00:02:30
City Administrator Henry Arredondo led the invocation.

5. Hold 2nd Public Hearing to discuss the Proposed Budget Fiscal Year 2025-2026 — 00:03:22
No members of the public or council spoke during the hearing.

6. Hold 2nd Public Hearing to discuss the Proposed Tax Rate for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 — 00:05:25
No members of the public or council spoke during the hearing.

7. Citizens to be heard — 00:06:38
No citizens to be heard.

8. Consent agenda: Discuss/consider & act on the following item(s): — 00:07:17
A. Approve minutes of the August 12, 2025 – Regular Meeting
B. Review of City Bills
C. Approve employee incentives for the month of September 2025

Councilman Ray Aranda questioned two items on the city bills: a $250 charge to the county, which City Administrator Henry Arredondo explained was for jail cell space, and a payment to an ex-police officer who had been sent to training but has since resigned. The mayor clarified this was a reimbursement for training that was requested for payment.

Motion: Approve the consent agenda — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

9. Department Reports – (submitted for informational purposes only) — 00:12:03
A. Library Report — 00:12:08
B. Court Report — 00:13:33
C. City Secretary Report — 00:14:53
D. City Administrator Report (oral) — 00:18:34
E. Police Department Report — 00:22:30
F. Public Works Department Report — 00:25:10
G. Fire Department Report — 00:28:14
H. Engineering Report — 00:28:21

10. Information Update on Dilley Immigration Center by Jose Rodriguez — 00:33:09
Jose Rodriguez provided an operational update on the Dilley Immigration Processing Center*, which currently houses 512 residents including 52 adult males, 178 adult females, and 282 children representing 192 family units. The facility is fully operational with all five housing units open as of September 1st, though population had been hovering around 300 before recently increasing.

The center employs 590 of its 640 authorized positions, with current vacancies including records clerk, resident supervisor, chaplain, mental health therapist, and several medical positions. Residents have access to recreation, religious services, library with internet cafe, commissary, barbershop, medical care, visitation, courts, asylum services, food service, laundry, and education for minors. New playscapes were recently installed.

The average length of stay is about 10 days, creating a revolving door effect. The facility undergoes monthly audits by River Tech and US Advisors, with only minor administrative deficiencies noted. A Government Accountability Office audit focused on medical care quality was scheduled for September 23-25.

Rodriguez concluded by presenting a donation to the police chief for the annual National Night Out event.

*The detention center, once referred to as the South Texas Family Residential Center, “was re-missioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to care for adults only,” according to the CoreCivic website.

11. Discuss/Consider & act on Delinquent Tax Collection report presented by Linebarger Attorneys at law — 00:39:30

📌12. Discuss/Consider & act on E3 Design/Build Contractors- Water Infrastructure Solutions — 00:49:54
Larry Jones, listed as “Business Development Expert” E3’s website , proposed solutions for Dilley’s water infrastructure challenges. Jones said his company partners with the “University of Houston College of Engineering’s Public Water Initiative.” *I’ve noted before that this blog is merely a recap of what was said in the meeting. A cursory google search yielded no results for a formal “Public Water Initiative” from the University of Houston. If you’re reading this and have information on the program, drop it in the comments…

Jones identified issues including high water loss, declining water and sewer revenue, and reduced well production due to scale buildup. The company offers “performance rebuilding” where projects are completed without upfront capital, paid through savings and increased revenue. Jones referenced other municipal projects.

Jones said the University of Houston would cover investigation costs, requiring only staff time from the city to gather information. The company would return with a menu of potential solutions and costs, with the city able to select options through the buy board process.

Motion: Allow E3 to explore and conduct investigation — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

📌13. Discuss/Consider & act on Gas Utility Ordinance by Jeff Snowden — 01:02:40
Jeff Snowden with CapEx Resources presented a natural gas rate study and ordinance for the city’s struggling gas system. The system faces significant challenges: operating revenues have grown less than 0.5% while personnel expenses increased 8% annually, creating a projected $57,000 deficit in 2025 that could grow to $173,000 by 2030 without rate increases.

Snowden identified major issues including severe unaccounted-for gas losses, with the city only selling 63% of purchased gas in 2024 compared to 85-89% in 2010-2011. He suggested the city has customers receiving free service, citing a similar case in Carrizo Springs where 58 customers were identified as getting minimal bills, including a McDonald’s that hadn’t received a gas bill in 20 years. Recovering this lost revenue could generate approximately $65,000 annually.

The city has lost 114 residential gas customers since 2010, dropping from 340 to 226 accounts. Average residential consumption appears unusually low at 1,110 cubic feet monthly compared to peer cities at 1,400-1,600, suggesting potential meter problems.

Snowden’s proposed rate increases are modest to avoid further customer departures: residential customers at 1,000 cubic feet would see increases from $23.12 to $25.33 in October 2025, with annual increases averaging $2.36 through 2029. Commercial rates at 20,000 cubic feet would increase by an average $18.45 annually.

Even with rate increases, the system would still face a $137,000 deficit by 2030, though reducing unaccounted-for gas and managing capital outlays could achieve self-sufficiency. The Railroad Commission requires costly pipeline replacements estimated at $21 million, creating what Snowden called an “unfunded mandate.”

Snowden recommended implementing late charges for gas service, connection fees, and conducting investigations to identify customers receiving unauthorized service, with potential to recover three years of back billings.

Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 25-16-09 implementing five-year natural gas rate increases effective October 1, 2025 — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Eric Aranda
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

14. Discuss/Consider & act on Service Provider agreement between the City of Dilley, Dilley VFD and the Frio County ESD No. 1 for fire protection — 01:25:30
City Administrator Henry Arredondo presented the annual service provider agreement with Frio County Emergency Services District No. 1 for fire protection services. The district will provide $155,000 in annual funding, an increase from last year’s $150,000, subject to itemized accounting and approval by the district board of commissioners.

Council discussed the ESD board composition, identifying President Chico Hines, Secretary Treasurer Roy Starnes, and Linda Parsons as board members. Councilman Rudy Alvarez suggested finding out who represents the city’s area on the board and potentially having someone attend ESD meetings. The council noted that ESD board members serve two-year terms and are appointed by county commissioners.

Motion: Approve the service provider agreement between the City of Dilley, Dilley VFD and Frio County Emergency Services District No. 1 for fire protection — Councilman Ray Aranda
Second: Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

15. Discuss/Consider & act on agreement between the City of Dilley and Holguin Technology — 01:29:13
Tony Holguin reduced his annual IT contract proposal from $32,000-$34,000 to $28,000, representing a 30% increase over the city’s current $20,000 average annual spending. The contract provides guaranteed availability and includes travel costs, whereas the current per-call arrangement offers no service guarantee and Holguin plans to stop providing services after December 31st without a contract. Council approved the contract despite the cost increase, acknowledging they have limited alternatives for IT services.

16. Discuss/Consider & act on notice of Dilley ISD for SRO termination with the City of Dilley — 01:34:57
City Administrator Henry Arredondo read a September 2nd letter, gracious in tone, from Dilley ISD Superintendent Kelli DuBose formally terminating the School Resource Officer agreement with the city, effective immediately.

Motion: Recognize the notice of termination on the agreement with Dilley ISD concerning the SRO — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Alicia Machado
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

📌17. Discuss/Consider & act on update Bids for Request for Qualification for legal services — 01:37:20
The city received only one response to its Request for Qualifications for legal services from Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, the city’s current law firm. Attorney Austin Beck explained that the former attorney had resigned after being elected county attorney, and he would now serve as the primary point of contact.

Councilman Rudy Alvarez expressed dissatisfaction with the firm, citing a lack of confidence in the previous attorney’s attention to city matters and taking offense at what he perceived as Beck telling him to “be silent” during a previous meeting. Beck apologized, saying the comment was misconstrued, and Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr. agreed.

Alvarez initially moved to take no action and issue a fresh RFP with more outreach efforts. Beck explained that the city could continue with the current firm until termination or selection of a new firm, and noted that professional services don’t require the RFP process. The city could directly engage any law firm.

The initial motion failed on a 2-2 tie vote, with Mayor Martinez-Inocencio casting the deciding vote against. Councilman Castillo then moved to accept the proposal from Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, which passed 3-2 with the mayor breaking the tie in favor.

Motion: Take no action and issue fresh RFP — Councilman Rudy Alvarez
Second: Councilman Ray Aranda
Vote: 2-3, Mayor Martinez-Inocencio breaking tie against — Motion fails

Motion: Accept the RFQ from Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza — Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Second: Councilman Eric Aranda
Vote: 3-2, Mayor Martinez-Inocencio breaking tie in favor — Motion passes

18. Discuss/Consider & act on update on bids for the commerce building — 01:46:27
After some confusion about whether any actual bids had been received, the council decided to reject all current submissions and restart the process with proper advertising in both the website and newspaper.

Motion: Reject all bids and extend the bidding process with advertising on the website and in the newspaper — Councilman Eric Aranda
Second: Councilman Everardo Castillo Jr.
Vote: 5–0 — Motion passes

19. Discuss/Consider & act on approval of 501 (c) (3) application for the City of Dilley — 01:52:30
Mayor Martinez-Inocencio requested guidance on creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help the Animal Control Officer department accept donations from organizations that only donate to nonprofits. The ACO has received significant donations including building renovations and has connections with animal rescue groups that require nonprofit status for contributions.

Attorney Austin Beck advised that cities typically don’t create their own 501(c)(3) organizations, as this would make council members the board of directors while still being government entities. He explained that nonprofits should be “arm’s length” from government and suggested community members could establish an independent foundation that could then work with the city.

Beck noted potential conflict of interest issues if council members served on a nonprofit board that does business with the city. He suggested exploring existing animal-related nonprofits that might serve as intermediaries or having community supporters establish a new foundation.

City Administrator Arredondo mentioned that grant writing workshops recommend foundations because some entities and grants are only available to nonprofits. The mayor clarified there was miscommunication about prior legal review of the proposal.

The item concluded with Beck agreeing to research options and provide guidance on establishing an independent foundation that could support the city’s animal control efforts while maintaining appropriate separation from city government.

20. Discuss/consider & act on having a Special Meeting on September 23, 2025 — 02:00:33

21. Workshop- FY 2025-2026 Budget – postponed to next day due to length of meeting.

22. A-F. The appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal or retirement of a public officer or employee City Administrator, City Secretary, Public Works Director, Library Director, Police Chief, Municipal Judge — 02:02:40
Closed open session at 8:33 pm.

23. A-F. The appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal or retirement of a public officer or employee City Administrator, City Secretary, Public Works Director, Library Director, Police Chief, Municipal Judge —
Resumed open session at 12:08 am.

24. Adjournment
Recess and item 21 continued on the next day, September 17.
*Since the item is a workshop, there will not be a recap post.

– written by Jose Asuncion with Claude riding shotgun and ChatGPT in the back

Frio County Commissioners Court— September 16, 2025: Fleet Upgrades and Political Tensions

Attendance:
Present: Joe Vela (Precinct 1), Mario Martinez (Precinct 2), Raul Carrizales (Precinct 3)
Absent: Danny Cano (Precinct 4)

I. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance — [00:00:41]

II. Adopt Agenda — [00:00:57]
Motion: Adopt the agenda as is — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

III. Old Business — [00:01:17]
None.

IV. General Discussion — [00:01:21]
None.

V. Citizen To Be Heard — [00:01:28]
No citizens to be heard.

VI. New Business

1. Consider/take action on approving the county to pay Primrose Funeral Services for the indigent cremation for James Pitts. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — [00:01:56]
Motion: Approve item 1 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

2. Consider/take action on approving the county to pay Trevino Royal Oaks Funeral Home for the indigent cremation for Candido Ramirez. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — [00:03:48]
Motion: Approve item 2 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

📌3. Consider / take action to designate day of each month on which the court shall convene in a regular term in each month during the next fiscal year. (Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 81.005(a). (requested by: Frio County Commissioners Court) — [00:05:18]
Commissioners voted to maintain their current meeting schedule of the second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. for the next fiscal year, with County Attorney Joseph Sindon noting that new state rules now require agenda posting three business days in advance, not including the day of posting, the meeting day, or holidays.

Motion: Keep the meetings as is, second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

4. Consider/take action to amend/approve the following employee handbook policies: 2A-10 Law Enforcement Pay and Overtime, 2A-11 Overtime Calculations and Rules, and 2B-6 Holiday. (requested by: Ramiro Trevino, Frio County Human Resources Director) — [00:07:23]
Commissioners approved removing overtime policies for law enforcement and 911 dispatchers from the employee handbook due to budget cuts. Sheriff Peter Salinas agreed to help balance the budget while hoping the policies return next year when finances improve.

The bigger fix involved correcting a calculation error that had been inflating comp time balances across departments. The county had been incorrectly counting holiday hours as work time when calculating overtime. So if someone worked a 12-hour shift on a holiday, the system credited them with 20 hours (12 actual work + 8 holiday) for overtime purposes.

According to the Texas Association of Counties (as presented in the meeting), holidays shouldn’t count as actual work time, which explains why some employees had accumulated unusually high comp time balances. The new policy ensures only hours physically worked generate overtime.

Motion: Approve item 4 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

5. Consider/take action on approving the Secondary Manufacturer’s Combined Subdivision Participation and Release Form to facilitate Frio County’s participation in the National Prescription Opiate Litigation. (requested by: Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner, Precinct No. 2) — [00:14:28]
Commissioners approved signing paperwork to join a national lawsuit settlement against opioid manufacturers, which will result in the county receiving a share of settlement money.

Motion: Approve item 5 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

6.1 Consider/take action to approve an Educational Alliance Participant Agreement between Frio County and Grand Canyon University for provision of educational opportunities to Frio County Personnel.
6.2 If the permit is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ramiro Trevino, Frio County Human Resources Director) — [00:16:14]

Commissioners approved a partnership with Grand Canyon University to provide online educational opportunities and professional development courses to county employees at no cost to the county. The university representative explained they can offer additional scholarships when they get cohorts of at least 10 students and will provide local support for applications and financial aid.

Motion: Approve item 6 in its entirety — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

🚜7. Consider/take action on approving the purchase of a 2026 16″ x 83″ PJ Gooseneck Trailer from Nationwide Trailers. Document #02-834702 for the amount of $16,816.00. This will come out of Capital Outlay/Heavy Road Equipment 200-50000- 5631. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [00:25:32]
Road and Bridge requested a heavy-duty dump trailer for hauling branches and materials, with their current trailer being transferred to the maintenance department along with a truck (complete with working AC, hopefully). Commissioner Vela objected, saying “They don’t need a trailer. They have plenty of equipment there” and suggested hiring a mechanic to fix existing equipment instead. Martinez explained the purchase was necessary because maintenance’s budget had been cut and this was the only way to help them get needed equipment through a departmental transfer. The disagreement marked the beginning of what would become a contentious evening over Road and Bridge equipment purchases.

Motion: Approve item 7 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 2–1 in favor, Commissioner Joe Vela opposed — Motion passes

8.1 Consider/take action on approving a waterline permit for DOS Oilfield Services. The facility will consist of a 12″ temporary layflat waterline on CR 3313 (Stacey Rd). Total permit is $150.00.
8.2 If the permit is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [00:28:35]
Motion: Approve item 8 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

9.1 Consider/take action on approving a waterline permit for DOS Oilfield Services. The facility will consist of a 12″ temporary layflat waterline on CR 3201 (McKinley Rd). Total permit fee is $150.00.
9.2 If the permit is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [00:30:56]
Motion: — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

10.1 Consider/take action on approving a permit to Formentera South Texas, LP to lay, construct and maintain an above 4″ temporary waterline on CR 3000 (Keystone Rd). Total permit fee $150.00. 10.2 If the permit is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [00:31:56]
Motion: — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

11.1 Consider/take action on approving a permit to Yancey Water Supply Corporation to lay, construct and maintain a 3/4″ waterline on 258 CR 1647 in Moore, TX. Total permit fee is $150.00.
11.2 If the permit is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [00:32:43]
Motion: Approve item 11 — Commissioner Mario Martinez 
Second: Commissioner Raul Carrizales 
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

12. Consider/take action for estimate from TWP Hill Country Construction for $24,600.00 for demolition and construction for jail control room. (requested by: Hon. Pedro “Peter” Salinas, Frio County Sheriff) — [00:34:44]

Sheriff Salinas requested approval for minor jail renovations including new commercial-grade flooring, workspace improvements, and wire management in the main control room. “The brain of the whole operation.” With no new jail on the horizon, the renovations are necessary to maintain the aging facility’s operations for as long as possible.

Motion: Approve item 12 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

13.1 Consider/take action from Kologik Software Software as a Service Agreement Number 2 for $1,000.00 initial setup and $500.00 yearly recurring subscription cost for commissary services integration with Commissary Express for the jail.
13.2 If the agreement is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Pedro “Peter” Salinas, Frio County Sheriff) — [00:37:48]
Motion: Approve item 13 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

14.1 Consider/take action to approve a Master Sales Agreement between Frio County and TimeKeeping Systems Inc. for Guard1 Real Time software integration in the jail.
14.2 If the agreement is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Pedro “Peter” Salinas, Frio County Sheriff) — [00:39:46]
Commissioners approved the service agreement for upgraded software that guards use to electronically track inmate safety checks, with data automatically transferred to the state to ensure compliance with jail commission standards.

Motion: Approve item 14 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

15. Consider/take action for the use of Frio County land on Radio Lane for disposition and sale of impounded estrays for the Sheriff’s Office (requested by: Hon. Pedro “Peter” Salinas, Frio County Sheriff) — [00:40:57]
Sheriff Salinas requested permission to use a piece of county land at Radio Lane for temporarily holding stray livestock. The plan involves portable panels that can be quickly set up when needed, which happens about five or six times a year. Commissioners approved it but noted they’ll need to check city regulations since the land is within city limits.

Motion: Approve item 15 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

16. Consider/take action for estimate from DPS Plumbing for $9,289.00 for replacing (2) 4-inch iron gate valves on existing water lines in the jail. (requested by: Hon. Pedro “Peter” Salinas, Frio County Sheriff) — [00:48:10]

Sheriff Salinas requested approval for plumbing repairs to the jail’s main water line valves, but the item hit a procedural snag when Commissioner Vela asked for a second quote as required by county policy for purchases over $5,000. The problem? According to County Auditor Crystal Marquez, there’s only one “master plumber” in town, and the Lunas won’t bid against each other. Marquez explained they’d tried this before with other projects. The family of plumbers would rather pass than undercut each other. The Sheriff has three days to hunt down another quote from San Antonio or the item would be postponed to the next meeting.

No action taken.

17. Consider/take action on opening bids received by the specified deadline for Fuel & Road Materials. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — [00:53:55]

Commissioners opened fuel bids from four vendors with prices ranging from $2.53 to $3.43 per gallon for gas and $2.43 to $2.73 for diesel, but only received one bid for road materials, requiring them to postpone acceptance until the next meeting and rebid the materials portion.

No action taken.

18. Consider/take action on opening RFP’s received by the specified deadline for Administration Services of the Resilient Communities Program Grant. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — [01:06:03]
Commissioners received only one bid from Carlos Colina Vargas and Associates to administer a $200,000 flood resilience grant and will score the proposal before making a decision at the next meeting.

No action taken.

19.1 Consider/ take action to approve the budget amendments to the FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Frio County Budget, list below:
19.2 If the amendment is approved, consider/take action on signing order stating same. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — [01:09:35]

Commissioners approved moving $4,500 within the WIC budget to building improvements that must be spent by September 30th.

Motion: Approve item 19 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

20. Consider/take action to certify the revenue received, $8,416.92 under the General Fund (fund 100) and add the following line items to the 2024-2025 Budget to receipt the funds and allow expenses: Account #: 100 – 40000.4866 Proceeds Insurance Claims Account Name: Revenues Account #: 100 – 56006.5362 Building & Structures Account Name: Special Projects (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — [01:12:34]
This item was re-added from the previous meeting to formally certify $8,416.92 in insurance proceeds from the Dilley Annex fire reconstruction, which had been missing the required certification language.

Motion: — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

21.1 Consider/take action on approving Customer Application with Texas AirSystems, Terms and Conditions Waiver Agreement and Terms and Conditions of Sale.
21.2 If the application is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) — [01:14:24]

Motion: Approve item 21 with the removal of the provision that requires Frio County to indemnify Texas Air Systems — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

🚜 22. Consider/take action to approve the purchase of a 2020 International Tractor from Oliver Truck Center, LLC for the amount of $47,312.88. This will be out of Capital Outlay/Heavy Road Equipment 200-50000-5631. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [01:21:07]
Road and Bridge supervisor Anthony Gonzales requested a 2020 International tractor with 195,000 miles for $47,312, arguing they need to haul bigger loads more efficiently, 22 tons instead of 12 tons per trip.

Commissioner Vela opposed again… And Anthony perhaps made a nod to what the Commissioners knew but the meeting viewers didn’t: Vela’s frustration was about the equipment purchases and Cano’s absence.

“Other note, commissioner, precinct four was also in agreement with it also. But he’s not here, but we had talked about it and he was an agreement that, at the end we’ll benefit by having the bellies and the tractors with it,” Anthony said. Vela’s frustration was building toward something bigger.

🚜 23. Consider/take action to approve the purchase of a 2015 Ford F-150 pickup truck from C.E. Littlefield Auto Sales for the amount of $14,495.00. This will be taken out of Capital Outlay/Vehicles 200-50000-5625. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [01:24:23]

Another $14,495 pickup truck, another “opposed” from Commissioner Vela, his third straight no vote on Road and Bridge equipment with two more related items still on the agenda.

Motion: Approve item 23 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 2–1 in favor, Commissioner Joe Vela opposed — Motion passes

🚜 24. Consider/take action to approve the purchase of a 2021 Ford F-150 pickup truck from C.E. Littlefield Auto Sales for the amount of $21,495. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [01:26:15]
Vela’s fourth “opposed” vote on equipment purchases. The pattern was now unmistakable and the meeting wasn’t over yet.

Motion: Approve item 24 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez Vote: 2–1 in favor, Commissioner Joe Vela opposed — Motion passes

🚜 25. Consider/take action to approve the purchase of a 2016 Chevrolet pickup truck from C.E. Littlefield Auto Sales for the amount of $14,495.00. This will be taken out of Capital Outlay/Vehicles 200-50000-5625. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) — [01:27:40]
Five straight “opposed” votes from Vela, but Anthony’s explanation about replacing broken-down 13-year-old trucks seemed an attempt to settle the room. It worked. For now, at least.

Motion: Approve item 25 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 2–1 in favor, Commissioner Joe Vela opposed — Motion passes

26.1 Presentation by Frio County Treasurer of detailed report as mandated by Section 114.026, Local Government (“Code”) (this report is to be presented at each regular term of commissioners court)
26.2 Frio County Treasurer to exhibit the books and accounts of that office for the inspection of the commissioners court (to be done at each regular term of commissioners court).
26.3 Consider/take action on authorizing the execution by Frio County Commissioners Court (the Judge and each commissioner) of an affidavit stating the requirements of the treasurer’s report have been met as mandated by section 114.026 of the Code.
26.4 Consider/take action on execution of an order of the commissioners court approving the county treasurer’s report and order their publication in the Frio-Nueces Current as mandated by Section 114.026 of the Code or publication on the county’s website. — [01:30:00]
Motion: Approve items 26.3 and 26.4 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

27. Presentation, pursuant to Section 114.044 of the Local Government Code, by: Frio County District Clerk; Frio County Clerk; Frio County Treasurer; Frio County Attorney; Frio County Judge; Frio County Sheriff; Frio County Auditor; Frio County Justice of the Peace; Frio County Constables (requested by: Frio County Commissioners Court) — [01:30:12]
Motion: Approve item 27 in its entirety — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

28. Documents (resolutions, orders, contracts, etc.) to be signed. — [01:30:59]

No action taken.

🚜 29. Allow bills payable — [01:38:40]

What started as routine bill approval turned into the meeting’s explosive finale. Road and Bridge requested a “walkthrough” of all the equipment purchases Vela had opposed. He had moved on from his defeats, but here was a reminder of each of them. He still took it well. When it came time to vote, Vela opposed paying for the equipment purchases but not the regular bills. But when he was asked for clarification, something snapped.

“I need Cano here,” Vela said, referring to absent Commissioner Danny Cano. “If he don’t show up, I don’t show up.”

“Well, I think everyone should show up at every commissioner,” Martinez fired back. “There’s been some where you missed as well. So I think everybody should make it.”

“I’m telling you, if he don’t show up, I don’t show up,” Vela repeated, standing up.

“Well, I think everybody should be present,” Martinez continued as Vela headed for the door. “The only time when you walk out, you don’t represent your precinct, so I’m just letting you know that. When you walk out, you don’t represent your precinct.”

Vela’s parting shot: “It takes four to make a decision, not three.”

With that threat, he stood up and walked out, leaving Martinez and Carrizales to finish the meeting alone.

I have no idea what triggered the walkout. Was it frustration over the equipment decisions, anger that Cano gave a blessing to the purchases behind his back, or a feeling that he was carrying another commissioner? But he directed his animus toward the commissioners who were there.

Vela’s threat to boycott future meetings unless all commissioners attend could paralyze county business. Without him and Cano, there’s no quorum to conduct any official business at all.

Motion: Allow bills payable and add walkthroughs for items 7, 22, 23, 24, and 25 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 2–1 in favor (Vela opposed walkthroughs only) — Motion passes

30. Adjourn — [01:37:20]
Motion: Adjourn — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 2–0 — Motion passes

-written by Jose Asuncion with Claude flying solo as co-conspirator

Frio County Commissioners Court— August 26, 2025: Pond Park Water Loss, School Resource Officers Expansion

Note to readers: Neither the City of Dilley nor the Frio County Commissioners Court is required to post meeting videos online, but both do it consistently, making this kind of coverage possible. I’m not saying you should cut anyone any slack, but we should acknowledge both Dilley City Council and Frio County Commissioners Court for their commitment to transparency. (That includes the County Clerk and his office, who handle the recording and publishing of these meetings- something you should consider in the next election.)

These posts are meant to be a tool: recaps of what was discussed in meetings to help you stay informed. However, I cover what is said, not what isn’t said…
and if someone misstated something during the meeting, it might get repeated here. Timecodes for the video are provided, if you want more context, you can watch for yourself. This isn’t investigative journalism. It’s a way to make local government more accessible. You can use this as a starting point to dig deeper, attend meetings yourself, or reach out to your elected officials.

Now, let’s get into what happened at the August 26th meeting…

Video Link: https://tinyurl.com/yp4cxhpp

Attendance:
Present: Joe Vela (Precinct 1), Mario Martinez (Precinct 2), Raul Carrizales (Precinct 3)
Absent: Danny Cano (Precinct 4)

I. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance – [00:00:37]

II. Adopt Agenda – [00:00:41]
Commissioner Martinez requested to adopt the agenda with the removal of Action Item 1- “Consider/take action on the Appointment of Stephen Williams to our Frio County Historical Commission Committee to be effective today through December, 2027.”

Motion: Adopt agenda with removal of Action Item 1 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 4–0 — Motion passes

III. Old Business – [00:01:34]
None.

IV. General Discussion – [00:01:37]
None.

V. Citizens To Be Heard – [00:01:48]

VI. New Business

PRESENTATION

1. Update on the delinquent fines and collection services by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP. (requested by: Ronald Rocha, Attorney atLaw, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP) – [00:02:20]

2. Presentation of monthly statistics reports compiled by Allegiance. (requested by: Frio County Commissioners Court) – [00:05:52]

📌 3. Presentation regarding the ribbon cutting event for the reopening of the Frio County Pond Park. (requested by: Gabriela Fierro, Senior Account Executive, McKinstry) – [00:06:28]
Frio County has been renovating Pond Park, adding LED lighting, upgraded electrical systems, trail work, and a new aerator, but a stubborn problem looms: the pond is losing roughly 31,000 gallons every 24 hours to evaporation during ongoing drought.

Gabriela Fierro told commissioners the pond itself isn’t leaking, the clay bottom is holding, and fish health looks stable in a basin that’s about 15 feet deep, but low rainfall plus high evaporation is driving the visible drop in water level. For now, the county relies on city water for Road & Bridge truck fills (estimated $42,000/year), while last year’s plan to add a new well was cut from scope to control costs.

Her proposed path emphasizes long-term, multi-source solutions: keep city water for essentials in the near term; study a future well cautiously given aquifer drawdown; and explore treated wastewater effluent routed through natural vegetation (“polishing”) under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) oversight, in coordination with the Evergreen Water Conservation District and the Nueces River Authority. Commissioners signaled openness, with Mario Martinez urging against pumping scarce drinking water into a pond only to watch it evaporate.

Everything else: the ribbon-cutting is set for September 2 at 7:30 with sunset lighting, a DJ, games, snow cones, two food vendors, and capacity planned for up to 200 people; hydro-seeding around the pavilion may still be sprouting; wayfinding/parking signs and a large poster will list completed upgrades and note that water-supply options are still under evaluation.

4. Presentation regarding the investment report of the Frio County Investment Committee. (requested by: Hon. Pete Jasso Martinez, Frio County Treasurer) [00:02:20]
Frio County’s treasurer delivered an investment report noting that certificates of deposit (CDs) have been renewed and are earning interest, the Investment Committee will reconvene to consider consolidating and optimizing positions, and the auditor clarified that interest income is being directed to reserves that support the current budget. [00:38:01]

ACTION ITEMS

1. Consider/take action on the Appointment of Stephen Williams to our Frio County Historical Commission Committee to be effective today through December, 2027. (requested by: Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner, Precinct Number 2)
Removed from agenda.

2.1 Consider/take action to enter into an Interlocal Agreement between Frio County and the Alamo Area Council of Governments for the provision of grant writing and administration for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Housing Preservation Grant.
2.2 If the Interlocal Agreement is approved, consider/take action to approve a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner, to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner, Precinct Number 2) [00:43:55]
Commissioners approved entering an interlocal agreement with the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) to assist with grant writing and administration for the USDA Housing Preservation Grant.

Motion: Approve item 2 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

3. Consider/take action to send notice of termination of the Agreement between Frio County and Vista Solutions Group, LP effective October 31, 2025 and authorize legal counsel to send notice on Frio County’s behalf. (requested by: Sylvia Santos, Frio County Elections Administrator) [00:46:35]
Commissioners voted to terminate the agreement with Vista Solutions Group, LP to save money amid budget cuts and because the Secretary of State’s upgraded system now provides the same service at no cost, avoiding duplication.

Motion: Approve item 3 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Joe Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

4. Discuss/take action on waiving park fee for a BBQ plate sale fundraiser for the Bigfoot Volunteer Fire Department scheduled for September 20, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) [00:48:47]

Motion: Approve item 4 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Joe Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

5. Discuss/take action on waiving park fee for the National Night Out event scheduled for October 7, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Fireman’s Park for the Pearsall Volunteer Fire Department. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator) [00:50:01]

Motion: Approve item 5 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

6. Consider/take action on pursuing two (2) different options to repair or replace the bridge on CR 4757 (Leona River Rd) with Aguirre & Fields. Total cost of drawings will be $2,500.00. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator)
Commissioners approved funding $2,500.00 in preliminary drawings to evaluate two safety fixes for the narrow culvert crossing on CR 4757 (Leona River Rd): (1) add headwalls to widen the roadbed and install barriers, or (2) build a low-profile single-span bridge. The Aguirre & Fields representative explained 18-wheelers are crowding the edge drop-off on the current ~24 feet wide approach, that culverts appear sound, and that the location is too short to qualify for the Texas Department of Transportation off-system bridge program; conceptual cost ranges will come back with the drawings.

Motion: Approve item 6 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

7.1 Consider/take action on approving a Right of Entry Agreement between Frio County and Morgan Brundrett for stockpile of road materials on his property.
7.2 If the agreement is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner Precinct No. 2 to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Ancelmo Ornelas, Frio County Road and Bridge Administrator)

No action taken on the proposed Right of Entry Agreement to stockpile road material on Morgan Brundrett’s property.

Road & Bridge Administrator Ancelmo Ornelas explained that upcoming seal-coat work will remove sand from a county road; Brundrett had agreed to let the county dump the material on his property, which would save time and fuel compared to hauling it back to Pearsall. When it became clear the intent was to donate the sand (not just store it), County Attorney Joseph Sindon advised the court that material taken from county road projects is county personal property and must be disposed of under the salvage property statute (typically via auction), not given to a private landowner. He later noted he found an Attorney General opinion “right on point” confirming that guidance.

With auction logistics uncertain and time short, commissioners discussed alternatives; Ornelas said the crew would instead stockpile the sand in a county right-of-way triangle to get it out of the work zone and revisit disposal later. Because disposal by donation was not permissible, the court took no action.

📌 8. Discuss mowing operations in Frio County. (requested by: Anthony Gonzales, Frio County Road and Bridge Supervisor) [01:00:57]
Commissioners discussed (and informally agreed to) a shift in mowing strategy to focus on two narrow passes along county road edges to boost productivity and reduce fuel use.

Road & Bridge Supervisor Anthony Gonzales proposed mowing about seven to eight feet on each side of the roadway (two passes instead of four), reporting a test day where crews covered 18 miles and still maintained sightlines at the pavement edge; they’d return to fuller, fence-to-fence cuts later as time allows. Staff noted they couldn’t keep up after heavy rains, some weeds reached eight feet on curvy roads, and one shredder recently sparked a fire in the now-dry conditions. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) may mow only twice a year, but the county says its safety needs are different on certain roads.

Commissioners signaled support to try the approach and monitor complaints, handling hotspots by precinct. Gonzales added that lighter edge cuts also reduce accidental damage to fences—an issue highlighted by a recent incident on County Road 1520 that required hand clean-up. The chair closed by framing it as an operational trial: keep the court informed, adjust based on public feedback, and bring it back if a formal decision is needed.

9. Consider/take action on opening and selecting bids received on the specified deadline for a 2025 Intramet 1300BBL [sic] Vacuum Trailer for the Road & Bridge Department. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:07:41]
Frio County opened rebids for a 130-barrel vacuum trailer for Road & Bridge and received one offer—from Alamo City Trailer Sales—which the auditor said could be accepted on this second round; Road & Bridge Administrator Ancelmo Ornelas urged approval, noting crews are short on water capacity for projects in Bigfoot and Dilley and plan to reassign a belly-dump tractor to pull the trailer if needed.

Motion: Accept the bid for the vacuum trailer from Alamo City Trailer Sale LLC in the amount of $53,135 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Joe Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

10. Consider/take action on approving and signing a resolution authorizing a grant of $6,000.00 for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Home Delivered Meal Grant Program run by the Texas Department of Agriculture. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:12:17]
The commissioners approved a $6,000 grant for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the Home Delivered Meal Grant Program (Meals on Wheels) run by the Texas Department of Agriculture, using the final available ARPA funds.

Motion: Approve item 10 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

11.Discuss/take action on Default Order issued on August 12, 2021 by the Department of Agriculture to Frio County for Notice of Violation and issuing penalty payment amount of $1,000.00. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:13:43]
The commissioners approved paying a $1,000 penalty to the Texas Department of Agriculture for a 2021 violation by a past county employee, after discovering that the original notice was never properly handled when the responsible employee left the county, and the unpaid penalty had caused the state comptroller to freeze various county funding including WIC reimbursements.
County Attorney Joseph Sindon added that the underlying issue has since been corrected to prevent recurrences.

Motion: Approve item 11 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

12. Present Frio County Jail Commissary Fund Audit for fiscal year 2024-2025. A copy of the Commissary Audit will be provided to Texas Commission on Jail Standards. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:18:09]
The county auditor presented the annual Frio County Jail Commissary Fund Audit for fiscal year 2024-2025, which found all commissary operations in compliance with Texas Commission on Jail Standards requirements, with funds properly used for inmate-only expenses like toilet paper, attire, and hygiene items, helping reduce general fund costs to the county.
Presentation item only – no motion or vote was taken on this agenda item.

13.1. Consider / take action to approve the budget amendments to the FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Frio County Budget, list below:
13.2. If the amendment is approved, consider/take action on signing order stating same. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:20:46]
The commissioners approved a budget amendment to accept $8,416.92 in insurance proceeds from a change order for the Dilley Annex project, increasing the insurance claims budget line and building structures expenditure budget accordingly, with the auditor reporting that all offices have moved back into the newly repaired annex building which will reopen.

Motion: Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

14.1. Consider / take action to approve the budget amendments to the FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Frio County Budget, list below:
14.2. If the amendment is approved, consider/take action on signing order stating same. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:23:56]
The commissioners approved budget amendments for fiscal year 2024-2025, transferring funds within the district clerk’s budget to cover conference attendance and office supply overages, and within the constable precinct 4 budget to purchase a new printer system for citations after the old equipment became outdated and non-serviceable.
Motion: Approve item 14 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

15. Account#: 100 – 40000.4866 Proceeds Insurance Claims Account Name: Revenues
Account#: 100 – 56006.5362 Building & Structures Account Name: Special Projects (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:27:37]
Item 15 was tabled due to incomplete agenda language regarding certifying revenue of $8,416.92 in insurance claim proceeds, with the auditor noting that the proper verbiage was missing from the agenda item and agreeing to bring it back at a future meeting.
No action.

16.1. Consider/take action to approve Change Order No. 1 between Frio County and the Gerloff Company, Inc. for additional construction and additional working days for the repair of the Frio County Dilley Annex.
16.2. If the change order is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner Precinct No. 2 to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:29:09]
The commissioners approved Change Order No. 1 with Gerloff Company for $9,142.39 in additional construction work on the Dilley Annex repair project, including electrical work, door strikes, flooring removal, and exhaust fans, with minor corrections still being addressed by the contractor.

Motion: — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

17.1. Consider / take action to approve the budget amendments to the FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Frio County Budget, list below:
17.2. 17.2 If the amendment is approved, consider/take action on signing order stating same. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:31:59]
The commissioners approved a budget amendment for fiscal year 2024-2025 to cover salaries and benefits for two full-time deputies under the Dilley ISD interlocal agreement, increasing deputy salaries by $11,176.56 and reducing contingency funds by $13,288 to cover the final three pay periods of the budget year.

Motion: Approve item 17 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

18.1. Consider/ take action to approve the budget amendments to the FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Frio County Budget, list below:
18.2. If the amendment is approved, consider/take action on signing order stating same. (requested by: Hon. Crystal Marquez, Frio County Auditor) [01:33:50]
The commissioners approved a budget amendment to transfer $8,785 in proceeds from a Sheriff’s department online auction of fixed assets back to the Sheriff’s budget for non-capitalized purchases, after washers and dryers from the Williams unit couldn’t fit through the door when the buyer came to pick them up, requiring the county to refund that portion of the sale.

Motion: Approve budget amendment — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Vela
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

19. Consider / take action to certify the revenue received, $8,785.00 under the General Fund (fund 100) and add the following line items to the 2024-2025 Budget to receipt the funds and allow expenses:

Account #: 100-40000.4902 SALES OF FIXED ASSETS
Account Name: REVENUES

Account#: 100-57207.5220 PURCHASES-NON CAPTALIZED
Account Name: SHERIFF [01:35:49]
Item 19 was the formal certification of that same Item 18 $8,785 revenue, which is a separate legal requirement when the county receives unexpected/additional funds mid-year. The certification officially recognizes the revenue in the county’s books and authorizes the expenditure.

Think of it as: Item 18 adjusted the budget to accommodate the money, and Item 19 officially certified that the county actually received that money and can spend it. Both steps are required for proper accounting and legal compliance when receiving unbudgeted revenue.

Motion: Approve item 19 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

📌 20.1. Consider/take action on approving an interlocal agreement with Dilley Independent School District for the provision of three (3) School Resource Officers to be placed at the Dilley Independent School District by the Frio County Sheriffs Office.
20.2. If the agreement is approved, consider/take action on approving a resolution authorizing Hon. Mario Martinez, Frio County Commissioner Precinct No. 2 to sign same on behalf of Frio County. (requested by: Hon. Pedro “Peter” Salinas, Frio County Sheriff) [01:37:24]
We saw this item discussed in a recent Dilley meeting and it finally came before Commissioners Court. The Commissioners approved an expanded interlocal agreement with Dilley Independent School District to provide three school resource officers for campus security, significantly increasing from their previous arrangement where the county and district split the cost of one officer. Under the new agreement, Dilley ISD will pay the full cost for the two highest-paid officers while continuing to split the cost of the lowest-paid officer with Frio County, with Sheriff Salinas supporting the arrangement and the school district having already signed the agreement to enhance student safety.

Motion: Approve item 20 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

21. Documents (resolutions, orders, contracts, etc.) to be signed. [01:39:14]

22. Allow bills payable [01:42:48]

Motion: Allow bills payable including proposed utility accounts and approve purchase of vacuum truck through Alamo City Trailers for $53,135 — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Joe Vela
Vote: 2–0 with 1 abstention (Commissioner Martinez) — Motion passes

23. Adjourn [01:47:17]

Motion: Adjourn — Commissioner Raul Carrizales
Second: Commissioner Mario Martinez
Vote: 3–0 — Motion passes

—written by Jose Asuncion, with ChatGPT and Claude as the tireless assistants

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags — 00:01:28

  4. Invocation — 00:02:17
    City Administrator Henry Arredondo led the invocation.

  5. Citizens to be heard — 00:02:59
    No citizens to be heard.

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.
  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags — 00:01:55

  4. Invocation — 00:02:32
    City Administrator Henry Arredondo led the Invocation.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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.

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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.

  24. 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, 2022Last Day to Register to Vote
Monday, October 24, 2022First 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, 2022Last 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