Official Minutes for Webb County
Commissioners Court Meeting

Monday, September 20, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Let it be remembered that a regular meeting of the Webb County Commissioners Court was held at 9:00 a.m. at the regular meeting place with the following members present to wit:
 
Tano E. Tijerina, County Judge
Jesse Gonzalez,     Commissioner, Pct. 1
Rosaura "Wawi" Tijerina,   Commissioner, Pct. 2
John C. Galo, Commissioner, Pct. 3
Cindy Liendo, Commissioner, Pct. 4

Thus constituting a quorum, the Commissioners Court proceeded to act upon the Agenda as posted in the meeting notice of the 17th day of September 2021. Present also were Mrs. Rosa E. Herrera, Recording Secretary representing Mrs. Margie Ramirez Ibarra, Ex-officio Clerk of the Commissioners Court, various officers and others interested in the business of the Court.
 
               
CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE TANO E. TIJERINA, WEBB COUNTY JUDGE
 
1.   Roll Call by Honorable Margie Ramirez-Ibarra, Webb County Clerk
 
2.   Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation
 
  Led by Judge Tano E. Tijerina
 
 
3.   Discussion and possible action for Approval of Bills, Payroll, and Monthly Reports (Auditor, Treasurer, Business Office, Emergency Management, Human Resources, Risk Management, Tax Assessor-Collector; and any other Department reports); and any other matters incident thereto.
 
  Mr. Rafael Perez, Auditor presented the Monthly Report for August 2021.
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to accept
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Mr. Steve Landin, Emergency Management reported on the on-going Covid 19. He also reported that he wanted to make sure that the public know that the tents being build in South Laredo are being put up by the Federal Government and the private land owner and that Webb County had nothing to do with that. 
 
  Dr. Pedro Alfaro, Risk Management Director reported on the progress of the Wellness Center.
 
  Jennifer Garza, Judicial Collections reported on the Monthly Report for August and the need for the Judicial Collections Office. 
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to accept report
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
4.   Public Comment - This section provides the public the opportunity to address the Commissioners Court on any items on the Agenda. Members of the public wishing to participate must complete a Witness Card specifying which agenda item they wish to comment on. Each public member, individually or in a group, will be allowed a total of Three (3) minutes within which to make any/all public comments.
 
  Mr. Rafael Perez made comments for Item #6
 
COURT TO DISCUSS AND ACT ON THE FOLLOWING:
 
Commissioners Court Administrator
 
5.      Discussion and possible action to consider the recommendation of the Webb County Salary Grievance Committee in accordance to the TX Local Gvt. Code Sec. 152.016 regarding the salary grievance filed by the Honorable Patricia Barrera, Webb County Tax assessor Collector requesting her proposed salary be increased from $98,303.63 to $116,027. Said hearing was held on September 15th 2021; and any other matters incident thereto.   
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina continue to follow County Policy and not make the adjustment
  Vote: 4 - 1 Motion Carried
 
NAY: Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo
 
6.      Discussion and possible action to approve County Voluntary Separation Program contracts signed by county employees, including pending contracts, with an effective date of separation on or before September 30, 2021 for a total payout amount up to Two Hundred Eighty Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-Seven Dollars and Eighty-Five Cents ($280,587.85), with additional action to authorize a budget amendment; and authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-1130-001-431007-015 (Wage & Classification Study)   
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to bring up item #5
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
Commissioners Court Administrator
 
5.   Discussion and possible action to consider the recommendation of the Webb County Salary Grievance Committee in accordance to the TX Local Gvt. Code Sec. 152.016 regarding the salary grievance filed by the Honorable Patricia Barrera, Webb County Tax Assessor Collector requesting her proposed salary be increased from $98,303.63 to $116,027. Said hearing was held on September 15th 2021; and any other matters incident thereto.
 
  Commissioner Pct. 4 Cindy Liendo asked for some clarification about the next process of this decision
 
 
(Recess 10:00 - 10:11 a.m.)
 
Budget Officer
 
PUBLIC HEARING
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to open Public Hearing
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
7.      Public Hearing to consider the proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 111.067. At the Conclusion of the Public Hearing, the Commissioners Court shall take action on the proposed budget pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 111.068.

This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year's budget by $5,623,778.00, which is a 6.84%  and of that amount, $1,300,368.09 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.		   
 
  The following individuals were present and spoke on item #7:
  1. Budget Officer, Mr. Lalo Uribe
  2. Judge Victor Villarreal, County Court at Law #2
  3. Dr. Pedro Alfaro, Risk Management Director
  4. Ms. Nancy Cadena, Indigent Health Care Director 
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to change the name from Indigent Health to Webb County Public Health Services Department
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  4. Ms. Nancy Cadena, Indigent Health Care Director
5. Mr. Ernesto Guajardo, Human Resources Director
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina send the job descriptions to Seagull Waters and Policy Committee
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  6. Judge Juan Paz, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Pl. 1
7. Mr. Jorge Santana, Webb County Historical Commission
8. Chief Deputy Luis Tinajero, Constable Pct. 3
9. Ms. Ana Quesada, Finance Director, Sheriff's Department
 
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to authorize the Auditor to add the two line items ($180,000.00 Operational Reserve roll over and $32,970.00 for the 2 Slots working out of Classification) and funded from the Forfeiture Fund
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Ms. Adriana Martinez, Operations Administrator, Tax Assessor Collector's
Mr. Larry Sanchez, Public Information Officer
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to send the grade upgrade request to Seagull Water
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  12. Mr. Isidro Alaniz, District Attorney
13. Mr. David Sanchez, Financial Officer for the District Attorney's Office
14. Judge Hugo D. Martinez, County Court at Law #1
15. Mr. Rafael Perez, Auditor
16. Ms. Joanna Puentes, Medical Examiner's Office,
 
 
(RECESS 12:24 - 1:15 p.m.)
 
 
(RECONVENE AT 1:27 PM)
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to bring up item #16
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
16.   Discussion and possible action to award renewal contract to USI Southwest, Inc., for Property/Casualty, Liability Insurance, Excess Workers Compendation, Aviation Liability, Boiler & Machinery, and Terrorism and Sabotage Property Damage Insurance, Cyber Liability and Commercial Automobile. Premium amount of $1,100,000.00 through the following insurance carriers listed below, and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents. [Account #1001-1180-001-452012 (Property & Casualty Premium) and #6200-1090-001-452013 (Property & Casualty Premium)]

* Zurich America
*Chubb-Wester Fire
*Travelers Casualty
*Lloyds of London
*Safety National
 
  Risk Management, Dr. Pedro Alfaro commented on Item #16
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to close Public Hearing
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
8.      Discussion and possible action to adopt Commissioners Court Order setting the salaries and allowances of elected county officers in compliance with Texas Local Government Code Section 152.013 as follows:
 
Title  Base Pay Longevity Current Salary Proposed
Increase		 New Salary for
FY 2021-2022		 Foot Note Total
               
County Judge** $96,909.00 $1,211.36 $98,120.36 $1,226.50 $99,346.86 $4,800 $104,146.86
Commissioner Pct. 1 $78,126.00 $976.58 $79,102.58 $16,628.42 $95,731.00    
Commissioner Pct. 2 $78,126.00 $976.58 $79,102.58 $16,628.42 $95,731.00    
Commissioner Pct. 3 $78,126.00 $976.58 $79,102.58 $16,628.42 $95,731.00    
Commissioner Pct. 4 $78,126.00 $976.58 $79,102.58 $16,628.42 $95,731.00    
49th District Court ** $10,800.00 $          - $10,800.00 $           - $10,800.00 $4,800 $15,600.00
111th District Court ** $13,200.00 $          - $13,200.00 $           - $13,200.00 $4,800 $18,000.00
341st District Court ** $13,200.00 $          - $13,200.00 $           - $13,200.00 $4,800 $18,000.00
406th District Court ** $13,200.00 $          - $13,200.00 $           - $13,200.00 $4,800 $18,000.00
CCL#1 ** $171,000.00 $2,139.20 $173,139.20 $2,164.24 $175,303.44 $4,800 $180,103.44
CCL#2 ** $171,000.00 $2,139.20 $173,139.20 $2,164.24 $175,303.44 $4,800 $180,103.44
JP Pct 1, Pl 1 $80,363.00 $          - $80,363.00 $1,004.54 $81,367.54    
JP Pct 1, Pl 2 $80,363.00 $5,775.44 $86,138.44 $1,076.73 $87,215.17    
JP Pct 2, Pl 1 $80,363.00 $5,775.44 $86,138.44 $1,076.73 $87,215.17    
JP Pct 2, Pl 2 $80,363.00 $5,775.44 $86,138.44 $1,076.73 $87,215.17    
JP Pct 3 $80,363.00 $5,775.44 $86,138.44 $1,076.73 $87,215.17    
JP Pct 4 $80,363.00 $5,775.44 $86,138.44 $1,076.73 $87,215.17    
Constable Pct 1 * $77,983.00 $2,400.39 $80,383.39 $1,004.79 $81,388.18 $12,350 $93,738.18
Constable Pct 2 * $77,983.00 $2,400.39 $80,383.39 $1,004.79 $81,388.18 $12,350 $93,738.18
Constable Pct 3 * $77,983.00 $2,400.39 $80,383.39 $1,004.79 $81,388.18 $12,350 $93,738.18
Constable Pct 4 * $77,983.00 $2,400.39 $80,383.39 $1,004.79 $81,388.18 $12,350 $93,738.18
County Attorney $144,684.00 $1,808.55 $146,492.55 $1,831.16 $148,323.71    
County Clerk $94,406.00 $15,793.49 $110,199.49 $1,377.49 $111,576.98    
County Sheriff * $121,963.00 $1,532.64 $123,495.64 $1,543.70 $125,039.34 $12,350 $137,389.34
County Treasurer $92,931.00 $17,268.49 $110,199.49 $1,377.49 $111,576.98    
District Attorney ***&**** $47,604.00 $4,235.05 $51,839.05 $647.99 $52,487.04 $38,640 $91,127.04
District Clerk $94,406.00 $15,793.49 $110,199.49 $1,377.49 $111,576.98    
Tax Assessor-Collector $97,090.00 $          - $97,090.00 $1,213.63 $98,303.63    

 
 
 
Footnote      
*Operational Allowance $12,350.00 Increase $176,244.97
**Juvenile Board Supplement $4,800.00 Fringe $38,773.89
***State Supplement $3,640.00 Total $215,018.86
****Jail Intake Stipend $35,000.00    
  
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to approve with amended change. which is to correct any typos
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
9.      Discussion and possible action to adopt the county budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 pursuant to Chapter 111 of the Texas Local Government Code. The Court may make any modifications to the proposed budget that it considers warranted by law and required by the interest of the taxpayers by majority vote.

9. (A) Discussion and possible action to itemize and set fees, by Order, as part of the FY 21-22 budget preparation process for the county’s floodplain management program including but not limited to determinations, development permits, certifications and inspections as prescribed by the provisions of Section 16.324, Texas Water Code. Staff recommends keeping the same fee schedule approved with the FY 21-22 budget.		   
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to keep the same fee scheduled for item 9A
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to adopt the salary scheduled they provided on year 1 for the Sheriff's Department
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motioned by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, to approve the amended budget as is without the two Deputy Constable. Motion failed for lack of second.
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez amended to approve complete amendments including the two positions for Constable to include the transfer of $7,000 from Account #412-000 to Account #410-010 for Commissioner Pct. 1 Office.
  Vote: 4 - 1 Motion Carried
 
NAY: Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez propose to increase the Risk Management by $213,000.00 to cover the Insurance Premium (refer to Item #16) and to allocate $180,000.00 roll over in the Operational Reserve for the carry over for the Sheriff's Department
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to create a line item for the $5,000 reimbursable overtime for Hospital Duties
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to go with the 3rd option which is $250,000.00 for Operational and 4 Positions. 
  Vote: 4 - 1 Motion Carried
 
NAY: Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve the Court Reporter requested by Judge Victor Villarreal, County Court at Law #2
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to approve $5,000 for the Webb County Historical Commission from the Hotel-Motel fund
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina fill the two demotions and wait 14 days after doing demotion and if no grievances are filed they can do the re-classification and fill in the other slots for the Tax Assessors Office
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to give Mr. Isidro Alaniz, District Attorney one year for the Jail Intake Program
  Vote: 4 - 1 Motion Carried
 
NAY: Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to add $20,000.00 to Professional Service for Judge Hugo D. Martinez, County Court at Law #1
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to add a $100.00 unfunded position and bring the 4th position back in April for the Public Information Department
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to give Vehicle Allowance Compensation of $100.00 monthly for Mr. Larry Sanchez, Public Information Officer
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
10.      Discussion and possible action, by Order, to amend the Webb County Budget & Fiscal Policies for fiscal year 2021-2022; and any other matters incident thereto.

Issue: Update policy to reflect ratification procedure and non-transferable accounts.

Solution: Amending the current budget and fiscal policy will cover ratifications.

Result: Policy will no longer require ratification items under $10,000 to be presented to Commissioners Court. Goods for Public Events will be listed as restricted.		   
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
11.      Discussion and possible action to authorize a one-time payout of Annual Leave overage time for county employees; specifically and only for county employees that will surpass the current annual leave cap of that in excess of 176 annual leave hours from the current fiscal year (Fiscal Year 2020-2021) to the subsequent fiscal year (Fiscal Year 2021-2022) as per as per Personnel Policy 9.03(b); and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-1130-001-431007-010 (Operational Reserve and Payroll/Fringe Savings)]   
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to pay at 60% excluding to CBA, Department Heads and Directors or anyone that is excluded by contract
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to open up item #11
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
11.   Discussion and possible action to authorize a one-time payout of Annual Leave overage time for county employees; specifically and only for county employees that will surpass the current annual leave cap of that in excess of 176 annual leave hours from the current fiscal year (Fiscal Year 2020-2021) to the subsequent fiscal year (Fiscal Year 2021-2022) as per as per Personnel Policy 9.03(b); and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-1130-001-431007-010 (Operational Reserve and Payroll/Fringe Savings)]
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to make selection no later than October 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. for hours up to September 30, 2021
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to open Public Hearing
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
Honorable Margie Ibarra, County Clerk
 
OPEN PUBLIC HEARING
 
12.      Public hearing to consider and discuss the Archival Plan for Fiscal Year 2021 – 2022 for funding of the automation project and records management and preservation services performed by the Webb County Clerk. This plan includes a Records Archive Fee of $10.00 pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 118.025, effective September 1, 2019. [Account #2003-2310]   
 
  Ms. Margie Ramirez Ibarra, County Clerk reported on the Archival Plan for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
 
 
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to close Public Hearing
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
13.      Discussion and possible action to approve the Archival Plan for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for funding of the automation project and records management and preservation services performed by the Webb County Clerk. This plan includes a Records Archive Fee of $10.00 pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 118.025, effective September 1, 2019.   
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4 Cindy Liendo to approve
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
Honorable Esther Degollado, District Clerk
 
OPEN PUBLIC HEARING
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to open Item #14
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
14.      Public hearing pursuant to Texas Government Code 51.305 to consider and discuss a plan for the preservation and restoration of the District Court records archive pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 51, Subchapter D. The plan includes a provision to impose a Records Archive Fee of $10.00 to preserve and restore district court records, effective October 1, 2021.   
 
  Ms. Maribel Vela, District Clerks Office reported on the preservation and restoration of the District Court.
 
 
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to close Public Hearing
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
15.      Discussion and possible action to approve the Preservation and Restoration Records Archive Plan for the District Clerk of Webb County, including the imposition of a $10.00 fee for documents filed with the District Clerk, effective October 1, 2021, and any other matters incident hereto.   
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to approve the Preservation and Restoration Records Archive Plan 
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to  open up item #9
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
9.   Discussion and possible action to adopt the county budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 pursuant to Chapter 111 of the Texas Local Government Code. The Court may make any modifications to the proposed budget that it considers warranted by law and require by the interest of the taxpayers by majority vote.
 
  Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez adopt the 2021-2022 budget and incorporate all changes made and to authorize the Budget Office and/or the Auditor's Office working together to make sure that we correct anything that may need adjustments, any errors, ommissions etc. and any other matters incident thereto
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo to bring item #16
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried
 
Risk Management
 
16.      Discussion and possible action to award renewal contract to USI Southwest, Inc., for Property/Casualty, Liability Insurance, Excess Workers Compensation, Aviation Liability, Boiler & Machinery, and Terrorism and Sabotage Property Damage Insurance, Cyber Liability and Commercial Automobile. Premium amount of $1,100,000.00 through the following insurance carriers listed below, and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents. [Account #1001-1180-001-452012 (Property & Casualty Premium) and #6200-1090-001-452013 (Property & Casualty Premium)]

* Zurich America 
*Chubb -Wester Fire
*Travelers Casualty
*Lloyds of London
*Safety National		   
 
  Dr. Pedro Alfaro, Risk Management reported on the amount of the Insurance Premium (approval done at the budget hearing (#9).
 
17.   Communications
 
  Communications were made by all members of the Court
 
18.   Adjourn
 
  Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to adjourn
  Vote: 5 - 0 Motion Carried