Three-time Lyford mayor Rodolfo "Rudy" Saldana took a city resident to task over his allegedly raising his voice at a city employee in a utility payment dispute at city hall. A resident, who only identified himself as Mr. De La Paz, was at Monday night's commissioners meeting when the mayor publicly admonished him.

De La Paz was appearing at the meeting on behalf of his cousin, Ines Rodriguez, who asked him to help her by getting commissioners to approve a payment plan for a reported $463 utility bill.

Mayor Saldana said, "I heard that you raised your voice at ... I don't ever want this to happen again."

De la Paz said, "Mayor - I was just talking like I'm talking now." Saldana retorted, "If anyone does this I will call the sheriff's department."

Commissioners later approved De La Paz's request on behalf of his cousin for her to pay over a 3-month period.

Resident Jose Adan Garcia was given an 18-month grace period to remove hog cages from a city right of way, so his daughter could finish her school project.

Commissioner Fred Serrato, who will assume a county commissioner seat in January, said he visited the site, and Garcia was only 12 feet on the right of way, but that emergency vehicles could pass.

Commissioner Wally Solis expressed a fairness concern over residents who have already had to move out from city right of ways. Solis and the other commissioners voted unanimously to grant Garcia's request.

One lucky Lyford property owner will be the recipient of a property lien lawsuit, after commissioners instructed the city's attorney to file for unpaid lawn mowing fees.

Several property owners have bills outstanding in the $6-8 thousand range. The lien, when filed, would allow the city to collect all or part of the mowing fees when/if the property is sold in the future.

In final business, commissioners instructed the city's attorney to draft a contract with the sheriff's department for the dedicated service of two deputies to patrol Lyford. The interlocal agreement would need to be adopted by Willacy County commissioners.

The city would pay the salaries and benefits of the two deputies, and the county would provide vehicles and equipment. E-mail comments on this story to; robert@raymondvillechroniclenews.com