After debate, commissioners pledge $5,000 to Jardine Chamber’s July 3 celebration, direct budget follow‑up

The Atascosa County Commissioners Court debated and narrowly approved a $5,000 county commitment to support a Jardine Chamber of Commerce July 3 community celebration.

Jeff Shaquoyne, identified in the record as Jardine Chamber of Commerce president, outlined a larger July 3 event that would include carnival rides, food vendors and a fireworks display and asked the county to contribute toward event costs. Commissioners raised procedural and budgetary concerns: one commissioner pressed for clarity about where the money would come from and cautioned against taking funds from other departments without a plan.

One commissioner moved to commit $5,000 now and to have two commissioners sit down with the county auditor to identify a funding line; the motion was seconded and passed with three votes in favor and one opposed. The court directed the named commissioners and the auditor to return with a plan and to place a formal agenda item next week to obligate the funds so payment can be issued.

The discussion included questions about whether an existing county “hot fund” could be used; the auditor explained that the hot fund is currently restricted to arena use and would require a formal process to broaden its permitted uses. Commissioners emphasized the need to identify a specific budget line before cash is disbursed.

The chamber representative asked the court to confirm timing so vendors and pyrotechnics providers could be secured at lower cost; the chamber emphasized the event was scheduled for July 3 because July 4 was fully booked and more expensive.

What happens next: two commissioners will meet with the county auditor to determine an available funding source, and the item will return to the court agenda for formal obligation and payment approval. The transcript records the 3–1 result but does not read a roll-call of individual yes/no votes.