Maverick County Risks Losing Millions in State Grants for Failing to Advance Grant Funding, Warns District Attorney Roberto Serna
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
Maverick County could lose between $800,000 and $1 million in available state grant funding because of its inability to advance operating expenses, District Attorney Roberto Serna warned members of the Maverick County Commissioners Court during their Wednesday, October 28, 2026 meeting.
Serna informed commissioners that approximately $2,003,629.91 remains available through the Border Prosecution Unit Grant Program, but the county’s financial difficulties could prevent his office from utilizing a substantial portion of those funds before the August 31, 2027 deadline.
Although the state reimburses eligible grant expenditures, Maverick County must first provide the money to cover those expenses. The county’s current financial limitations are making that increasingly difficult.
The Border Prosecution Unit Grant Program provides funding for prosecutors, investigators, specialized equipment and other expenses associated with prosecuting border-related criminal activity, including human smuggling, drug trafficking and organized crime.
Serna explained that reimbursements generally take approximately six to eight weeks. However, county financial officials indicated that reimbursed funds remain committed to the grant account until its obligations are fulfilled, creating additional cash-flow challenges.
The district attorney warned that the consequences could extend beyond the current funding cycle.
According to Serna, his office is preparing for a future two-year grant allocation exceeding $4 million, with an additional proposal involving an oil theft prosecution division potentially increasing the requested amount to approximately $4.9 million.
However, he cautioned that Maverick County’s inability to financially support the existing program could result in a future allocation of only $2 million to $2.5 million.
Such a reduction could mean losing another $2 million or more in potential state resources.
Serna also informed commissioners that other participating jurisdictions could seek redistribution of unused Maverick County grant funding as early as December, placing additional pressure on county officials to resolve the situation.
The district attorney indicated that his office has participated in the Border Prosecution Unit program since approximately 2007 and that this is the first time the county’s financial difficulties have interfered with its ability to advance the necessary expenditures.
The financial problems are also affecting personnel compensation.
Serna requested approximately $53,000 to cover five pay periods of previously approved salary adjustments and associated benefits for an assistant district attorney and two criminal investigators.
Although the salary adjustments had received approval, their implementation has been delayed because the county lacks sufficient funds to advance the expenditures.
Serna warned that continued delays could affect the retention of experienced prosecutors and investigators, particularly when competing agencies offer better compensation.
Beyond the grant program, Serna reported that his office needs approximately $225,118 for additional personnel and anticipates a budget shortfall of approximately $33,167 during the current fiscal year.
He also cautioned that the scheduled restructuring of the judicial district in January 2029 could substantially increase Maverick County’s financial obligations for district attorney operations.
Commissioners acknowledged the seriousness of the situation while emphasizing that other county departments are experiencing similar financial difficulties.
Following the discussion, Commissioners Court postponed action on the grant funding matters while officials examine possible sources of money to advance the necessary expenditures.
The county’s inability to advance the required funds could leave a substantial portion of its existing grant allocation unused, despite the money being available through the state.
Unless a financial solution is identified, Maverick County could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars during the current grant cycle while jeopardizing millions more in potential future funding for criminal prosecution and public safety operations.
