When the Willacy County Commissioners’ Court donated $100,000 to four non- profit organizations, none of the commissioners objected to the action even though they voted earlier to build a sport complex that could cost several million dollars.

County Judge John F. Gonzales said the Willacy County Local Government Corp. has a little more than $3 million in an account and taking one hundred grand isn’t going to put a dent in the LGC account.

“I have got an idea,” he said, “we can donate LGC money for the benefit of our youth.”

The issue was brought up during a joint meeting of the LGC and the Willacy County Jail Facility Corp. held Jan. 12.

The two entities are made up of the judge and the commissioners’ court.

Although an item on that day’s agenda clearly states “discussion and action on donating monies to Willacy County livestock show for fencing,” Gonzales chose during the meeting to add to that line item

Allison Busse- Savage, the livestock show president, made a pitch about getting a new fence around the facility.

She said the old dilapidated fence needs to be replaced for the benefit of all those who use the grounds as well as for safety.

She said the livestock building is also used by numerous organizations throughout the year.

Leonel Tamez, president of the Willacy County Little League, said they need money to improve the park where close to 500 kids play baseball at Smiley Park.

Eddie Gonzalez, president of the Sebastian Little League, said they could use up to $85,000 to improve the parks there.

The county judge then moved to divide $100,000 evenly among the four organizations. The motion was carried by a 4-to-0 vote.

During the meeting, nobody mentioned the proposed sports complex Gonzales and three other commissioners are pushing to build off Texas Highway 186 just to the east of Raymondville.

The county paid $738,000 for 96.8 acres that borders the county jail to the south and a Wetegrove property to the east.

Asked if it was necessary to give $100,00 now that the country bought the land to build a sports complex, Gonzales said, “that is for five years from now.”