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
