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