Maverick County Commissioners Court approve Bond up to $8.5 Million to fund County Projects & Services
By: Miguel Munoz, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2016
Maverick County Commissioners Court approved to seek up to $8.5 Million in Bonds at their regular meeting held on Monday, December 12, 2016 in order to fund much needed County projects and services.
County Judge David R. Saucedo noted that Maverick County has to keep up with repairs of its streets, roads, and bridges as well as replace automobiles and equipment in several departments in order to provide taxpayers with the necessary services within the over 60,000 County residents.
Judge Saucedo stated that Commissioners Court approved to seek a Bond of up to $8.5 Million, if necessary. The amount borrowed may be less than $8.5 Million, but may not exceed $8.5 Million.
Among the necessary automobiles and equipment targeted for replacement and purchase of new ones include six Sheriff Department vehicles at an estimated cost of $240,000, two vans for the Nutrition Program at an estimated cost of $60,000, eight pick-up trucks at an estimated cost of $264,000, two forklifts at an estimated cost of $84,000, one skid steer at an estimated cost of $3,000, one backhoe tractor at an estimated cost of $67,000, one motor grader at an estimated cost of $143,000-$215,000, one dump truck at an estimated cost of $115,000, one grapple truck at an estimated cost of $176,000, on drop deck trailer at an estimated cost of $40,000, two pavilions at an estimated cost of $250,000, street repair and paving at an estimated cost of $4,800,000, computer software at an estimated cost of $800,000, an automobile for Precinct 4 Constable at an estimated cost of $40,000, and rail bridges at an estimated cost of $75,000.
As a result of heavy rainfall during 2016, many County streets, roads, and bridges were damaged and require repairs. An extensive County street, road, and bridge repair project is planned with an estimated cost of $4,800,000. In Precinct 1, a total of 23 streets and roads are targeted to be repaired; in Precinct 2, a total of 29 streets and roads are expected to be repaired; in Precinct 3, a total of 15 streets and roads need repairs; and, in Precinct 4, only one street is scheduled to be repaired. The $4,800,000 County Road and Bridge Department will be responsible for repairing these streets, roads, and bridges, including all labor costs, materials, and equipment necessary to fulfill the ambitious project.
The Maverick County Sheriff’s Department has a great need to replace many of its patrol vehicles to fulfill its public security obligations and responsibilities within the County. The Nutrition Program needs to replace two of its vans while the Road and Bridge Department needs to replace certain trucks and equipment. Precinct 4 Constable’s Office needs to replace one of its patrol vehicle.
Judge Saucedo stated that every item to be funded by the $8.5 Million Bonds are necessary and required in order for the County to provide the necessary services and programs to its citizens.
Maverick County taxpayer Ethelvina I. Felan objects to County Commissioners Court approval of the $8.5 Million Bond and vows to start a new taxpayer petition to recall the $8.5 Million Bond in the near future. Felan noted that it should not be too difficult to raise the necessary signatures to recall the $8.5 Million Bond. Felan stated that “the $8.5 Million Bonds are another attempt by the County to increase taxes now that it appears that taxpayers may soon be receiving a refund of County property taxes in the future.”
Judge Saucedo acknowledged that County taxpayers have a right to petition its government, but noted for taxpayers to think clearly on the consequences of a tax rollback, which will require the County to decrease its programs and services that are much needed in the community.
