County Commissioners deal with routine issues at Monday meeting

At Monday's county meeting commissioners dealt with long list of items -- mostly routine, some involving personnel.

Mary Caballero has resigned from her job as a librarian at Reber Memorial Libray to return to West Texas. She will be replaced by someone from the library's pool of previous applicants.

Patricia Acevedo, a deputy clerk in the County Clerk's office, is moving over to the District Attorney's staff for more money. County Clerk Teresa "Terry" Flores will promote Maricela Constante to fill Acevedo"s job. And part timer Elizabeth Rios will move to full time to replace Constante.

The county is seeking matching funds for a new brush truck for the City of Raymondville. The volunteers are now using a big truck to fight brush fires and a smaller truck is needed.

Fire Chief Frank Torres said a new brush truck will cost $80,000 and a ladder truck with pumping capabilty costs $100,000.

"Our current brush truck is not reliable. We have a grant pending with Texas Forrest Service," said Torres.

The brush truck now in use recently had a new motor installed, but it is well over 20 years old and the motor is leaking badly, Torres said. "We need a better truck -- and upgrade," he said.

Commissioners approved a resolution supporting a $40,000 grant application with the governor's office for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention.

The annual courthouse lawn "Candlelight vigil" for child abuse victims will be held on April 8.

Mr. Briones a grantsman with General Management Services reported on three projects he is working on. The first, to provide $480,000 to build six homes at $80,000 each for Colonia or migrant residents.

The second to provide rehabilitation of homes for the handicapped in the amount of $200,000.

The third calling for a grant from One Star Foundation for 2010 Americorps Planning Grant.

Commissioners agreed to apply for grants on all three of Mr. Briones' projects.

The Americorps grant, if awarded, will be used to hire high school honor students to tutor students who are likely to drop out, by preparing them to pass the TAKS tests so that they will stay in school. Only four of these projects will be approved state wide, Briones said. The grants are for a maximum of $50,000 and require a $4,400 local match from the county.

"We can attack dysfunctional families and juvenile delinquents," said one of the commissioners.

The county elections officer, Jaime Serna, reported on plans to help Lasara ISD with their bond election on May 8. The county will train election employees and couny the votes on county equipment, Serna said.

The county tax collector reported that she has terminated an employee, Dominga Ledesma. She will advertise and hire a replacement.

Finally, Commissioner Eliberto "Beto" Guerra in Pct. 1, got the apprval to buy a vehicle for the new Constable in Pct. 5. He will locate a suitable vehicle and get final approval from other commissioners.

A special county meeting will be held on Thursday afternoon to certify the vote count in the May 2 election, although the meeting will probably be postponed if third place finisher Annette Hinojosa asks for a recount as she has stated she will do. Hinojosa finished just 5 votes behind John Gonzales.