Willacy County commissioners approve routine motions including equipment purchases, reimbursements and grant resolution

Willacy County Commissioners Court voted on several routine items at its Feb. 26 meeting, approving purchases, reimbursements and a grant resolution that officials said are needed to maintain public safety and county operations.

The court approved county assistance for the purchase of two 9mm duty handguns for the Constable's Office, Precinct 4, including lights, optics and holsters and trading in older duty weapons. The constable said the sheriff's office has converted to 9mm so deputies and constables can share ammunition and magazines in an active‑shooter response; the court approved the purchase to be paid from Capital Fund 2.

The commissioners addressed a long‑standing request from the volunteer fire department (referred to in the agenda and discussion as Railroad/Rainbow Volunteer Fire Department). Chief Gutierrez told the court the department has incurred costs for repairs, fuel, training and other operational expenses and that invoices have historically been submitted and paid. The court moved to pay outstanding reimbursements for fire calls, fuel, repairs and maintenance, and travel and training from the general fund; the motion carried.

The court also approved a resolution required for an Operation Stone Garden grant application (grant number 3193511). County staff member Mr. Rodas explained the signed resolution was needed to upload the application and proceed with program implementation.

On an information‑technology item, the sheriff's office requested a one‑time vendor fee to oversee migration of records-management services (eForce) from physical to virtual. The agenda listed the amount as $2,500, and officials discussed possible funding sources (general fund, capital fund or incoming revenue). The motion recorded at the meeting approved payment from the capital fund; the transcript contains inconsistent figures (the requested amount appears as $2,500 in the agenda description while the motion as announced refers to $2,000). The county judge and commissioners voted to carry the motion; the court will apply the funding from the capital fund as recorded.

Other routine approvals included renewal of a noncommercial pesticide applicator license for a precinct commissioner (to be paid from the listed account), authorization of unforeseen meals‑only inmate‑transport travel to Huntsville and to Harris County (paid from the jail administration inmate‑transport account), and approval of an annual subscription for a reporting and tracking service. The court also approved a standing MOU with the Health and Human Services Commission and Reverb Memorial Library and an MOU with Johnson Community Advancing Support and Awareness Coalition, all by voice vote.

The court reviewed an executive‑session agenda concerning litigation and real‑estate matters but determined no executive session was necessary and took no action. The meeting adjourned after the final votes.

Quotes from the meeting included the constable explaining interoperability with sheriff's office weapons: “The sheriff's office has converted to 9 millimeter... we can use the same type of weapon” (speaker identified in the transcript as the Constable). Chief Gutierrez, representing the volunteer fire department, urged prompt reimbursement while the MOU is finalized: “It has all been paid... you just need to give it back or reimburse.”

The court recorded motions and carried votes on each item as announced by the county judge; recorded mover names included Commissioner Garcia and, in several items, other commissioners were listed as moving or seconding motions as recorded in the minutes.