As City Eyes Further Job Cuts, the County Embarks on Frivolous Purchases and Added Debt

Tuesday’s City Council special meeting witnessed further discussion regarding possible job cuts, higher taxes and increased toll rates. The City Council, which has made no qualms in hiding the fact that they are operating in the red, will be “trimming the fat” in many of its departments and letting go of long time employees. The difficult decision comes at a time when fiscal responsibility takes on a new meaning. Decreasing bridge revenue, H1N1 scares, and border violence have adversely affected the way the City of Eagle Pass does business and in many cases has affected the financial outlook for the city. Under the helm of City Manager, Daniel Valenzuela, the city will have to make forcible job cuts and reduce expenditures to offset the over $700,000 deficit it has seen within the last fiscal year.

The sobering facts, figures and numbers of a national recession however, seem to have impacted the Maverick County Commissioners Court very little. At Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting, the county leaders met to discuss the possible purchase of the “Caballo Dorado” arena property on Old Pioneer Road. The land, which is listed in the Foster real estate website, is owned by a local political stalwart, and supporter of many key political figures. According to County Judge Aranda the item was placed on the agenda by Commissioner Saucedo of Precinct #3. It should be noted that although Commissioner Saucedo placed the item on the agenda, the property is located in Commissioner Heredia’s precinct. Commissioner Heredia is listed as a real estate agent for Foster real estate and his recommendation may be seen as a possible conflict of interest, hence Saucedo’s involvement. Although no actual usage of the land was specified, the County could hypothetically use the real estate for future fair grounds according to Judge Aranda. The Judge, along with Saucedo, will now sit down with Foster Real Estate to discuss the possible land sale.

Yet another disturbing fact that surfaced at the Commissioners Court meeting is an agenda item that read “possible approval to advertise Elected Officials salary rate and or increase.” Unlike the City of Eagle Pass, Maverick County is contemplating a salary increase for elected officials. Although several of these employees are asking for a moderate $3,000 to $5,000 pay increase, one salary stands out. County Sheriff Tomas Herrera is ...