Category: City Council

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.

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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.

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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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