June 2013 Volume 1 Issue 1 May 2013 Issue
On behalf of the Commissioners' Court and myself, I would like to thank all Starr County Residents for giving us the opportunity to work for you. This newsletter will provide you with insights on some accomplishments and projects that we have been working on. The Starr County Commissioners' Court and I are working diligently to ensure that Starr County continues to prosper and that your tax dollars are well spent. We are pleased to announce that in spite of enduring many challenges, Starr County is strong and our future continues to be bright.
Departe de la corte de Comisarios y su servidor, quiero dar las gracias a todos los residentes del Condado Starr por brindarnos la oportunidad de trabajar para ustedes. Este boletín le proporcionará informacion sobre algunos proyectos que se estan implementando y logros que se han llevado acabo en la comunidad. Sus Comisarios del Condado Starr y yo estamos trabajando diligentemente para asegurar que el Condado de Starr continue prosperando y que sus dólares de impuestos esten bien invertidos. Nos complace anunciar que el Condado de Starr esta fiscalmente fuerte y nuestro futuro sigue siendo brillante.
We have continued to thrive as a county by creating opportunities that have provided options for our citizens. We have attracted new businesses and created jobs, Nuestros esfuersoz nos han constructed new roads and public permitido prosperar durante facilities. Starr County has also tiempos dificiles mediante la seen an increase in upper level creación de oportunidade education and housing opportunities. que ofrecen opciones para Eloy Vera The county has been able to maintain nuestros ciudadanos. Hemos County Judge a healthy fund balance amidst severe atraído nuevos negocios y loss of revenues due in part to puestos de trabajo, nuevas carreteras y servicios declining natural gas prices. We are committed to públicos. El Condado de Starr también ha running our government with a stern fist, experimentado un incremento en la educación y understanding that these are the taxpayers’ dollars en oportunidades de vivienda. we are safeguarding. El Condado ha sido capaz de mantener un The ongoing construction of commercial and retail equilibrio saludable de fondos en medio de la developments throughout our county continues to severa pérdida de ingresos debido en parte a la transform our landscape and more importantly it has disminución de los precios del gas natural. generated millions more in investments and Estamos comprometidos a seguir nuestras continues to create job opportunities for our metas para el progreso y bienestar de todos los residents. residentes de Starr County. Again, thank you for your confidence and for the opportunity to serve you. Your Judge,
Eloy Vera
Otra vez, gracias por la confianza y opurtunidad que nos han otorgado para seguir sirviendo esta gran comunidad. Su Juez,
Eloy Vera
Infrastructure Arroyo Los Morenos Drainage Channel and Reservoir Paving of El Chaparral Subdivision Suntex Road Sewage Lines Hernandez Road Paving and Water Lines Replacing Corroded Gas Lines Las Lomas Street Paving Projects
Revitilazation and Renovations Garceno Park Salineno Park San Isidro Park La Casita Park Starr County Fort Ringgold Park San Antonio Street Park
Veterans Affairs Korean War Memorial Starr County Veterans Cemetery
Community Service Starr County Community Cemetery (Fronton) Working with Legislators to secure state and federal funding Placing computers in rural area libraries
Plans underway for the revitalization of the Clemente Alaniz Memorial Park.
Computers available for employment search, school work, or research
Commissioner Abel Cantu Precinct 1 4192 W. Hwy 83 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Tel 956.847.1339
Starr County Commissioner Pct. 2 Roy Pena and his staff have been working diligently on a drainage channel on Mi Ranchito Street (Behind Star Moulding) to divert flooding during heavy rains.
Future site of Starr County Cemetery and Veteran’s Cemetery.
Home assistance program.
Fleet of equipment ready for your service.
Commissioner Roy Pena Precinct 2 500 E. Hwy 83 Roma, Texas 78584 Tel 956– 849-7371
Activities for senior citizens
Salineno Park Newly completed softball field is perfect for summer family entertainment.
The Self Help Center was created to strengthen and enhance the quality of life in smaller and rural communities in Starr County. It is the goal of Commissioner Garza to not only build a precinct filled with better roads and parks, but also to promote self sufficiency to his constituents through training and education.
Starr County Community Closet school uniform distribution.
Proper equipment allows prompt and accurate service.
Commissioner Eloy Garza Precinct 3 6163 FM 1430 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Tel 956-487-2120
The Abel N. Gonzalez, Jr. Community Center is a multifunction center which serves San Isidro area residents.
Community Garden is a space for the San Isidro community to plant fruits and vegetables in an effort to promote healthy eating habits
Computer room and library area made available for residents.
Commissioner Ruben D. Saenz Precinct 4 500 N. Britton Ave. Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Tel 956-487-2922
The Starr County Sheriff’s department, under the leadership of Sheriff Rene Fuentes, has worked hard to secure funds and state of the art equipment to protect our community. Acquisitions include:
Mobile Security Unit Sky Watch - Is a retractable watchtower for mobile surveillance.
Tactical Command Unit – Suburban utilized as a mobile command vehicle with satellite technology.
Interdiction Unit (6 Man Unit) – This Unit will assist and support Federal, State and Local Agencies in the fight against trafficking of Human Beings and contraband.
Automated License Plate Readers - Reduces the time it typically takes to run a license plate through the Texas Department of Public Safety Vehicle Registration.
Thermal Imaging Equipment – Night vision equipment
Density Buster / Fiber Optic Scopes and Blue Servo – used to quickly scan vehicles or residences for hidden contraband.
County Wide Communication Upgrades - Develop/enhance interoperable communications systems.
COPSync - Nationwide information on license plates, criminal records, warrants and as a tool in locating missing persons.
Community Service
Rene Fuentes Starr County Sheriff
The first 60 days
The combined total of newly Indicted cases for the 229 th and 381st district courts was 140.
152 Cases plead out alleviating jail overcrowding and local taxpayer costs. with 21 individuals sentenced to Texas Department of Corrections to serve prison terms.
Over 30,000 pounds of marijuana seized by the Starr County HIDTA Task Force. 10 kilos of cocaine with individuals arrested in almost all cases resulting in federal and state filed prosecutions.
The District Attorney’s Office also converted other forfeited property into a secure impound lot for seized vehicles and assets to decrease expenditures on private storage facilities.
Forfeited asset monies to date: Over $640,903.84.
Remodeled forfeited property to create a secure location for local and Federal authorities and is estimated to save taxpayer’s approximately $35,000 in lease/ rental and associated costs. The location is equipped to handle up to twenty five investigative personnel, suspects and has ample storage capacity for contraband and assets.
Hired two new Assistant District Attorney’s, 4 new investigators, 3 part time legal assistants and 6 full time legal assistants.
Remodeled District Attorney’s Office to provide secure access entrance as well as accommodate increase in personnel.
Contracted independent CPA to audit District Attorney office operations.
Domestic Violence Assistance Programs Addresses community awareness of domestic violence through information/referral, counseling, legal assistance, victim advocacy and court accompaniment. Starr County Victims of Domestic Violence Assistance 956-487-8629.
Child Abuse Prevention Programs
Federal Programs
Starr County Compliance and Collections Department
Economic Development Starr County Industrial Foundation The Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF) is committed to providing proficient industry data and available financial resources to large corporations and growing companies interested in locating or expanding their businesses in Starr County.
Energizing Business
Strengthening Infrastructure
Enriching Neighborhoods
Developing Skilled Talent
Promoting Advocacy
Promoting Entrepreneurship
Fostering Training and Education
Driving Innovation
Starr County Texas Cynthia Garcia Fuentes Public Relations/Marketing Director
Starr County Courthouse Annex 100 N. FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Tel: 956.716.4800 E-mail: cfuentesrgc@yahoo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starr.countytexas
Design and Layout by Starr County Industrial Foundation Nilda R. Elizondo Vice President of Marketing
601 E. Main St. Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Tel 956.487.2709 www.starrcounty.org Twitter: @starrind Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starrcounty.industrial
This is an official publication of the County of Starr Public Relations Office. The content and images on these pages may not be used without the permission of the County of Starr Officials. We strive to keep the information timely and as accurate as possible. The contents of the publication are in no way endorsed by any other individual or group, but are being provided to inform you of existing activities in the County. The seal and logo are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express permission of Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. For additional information you may contact the County of Starr Public Relations Office at (956) 716-4800. or cfuentesrgc@yahoo.com.