[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6512147,"mediaKeyId","5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a","parentId",5118000,"title","Cameron County awarded $300,000 from Texas Veterans Commission for Operation Lighthouse; county plans rent, utilities, dental and funeral assistance","audioSeconds",503,"startMs",6239000,"endMs",6742000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a&start=6239&end=6742","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a/thumbnail_6239000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6512147/Cameron-County/Texas/Cameron-County-awarded-300000-from-Texas-Veterans-Commission-for-Operation-Lighthouse-county-plans-rent-utilities-dental-and-funeral-assistance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512147-1dc203c1baad976261a58117dcd05647/orig.mp4?Expires=1770783928&Signature=bsYm0ViMJVNPVrnIsAok1WptzjTBV0zhMHAnDsLcqZ9YR-hgxX0JKzEjLFlXzv9P~MyMRlyQcs7bucGQ79wyHSPlzRBS5u889EUS3y5HSB0Uu-HI0l4ZKT08-On1Xz9lhb3BoOASelB9~xG56ZWO1-uaWyZvHqkt1CLBd~FRVOUzfMOlRW7ozx90~brDOSvMjGr0sryrySKySG~zwFDuC0fTaoHIp5VgJKjmlJR~zLhD-DhM5lNRPRDZm0~VUNR8ZLA0TJuoeeytC54VqU8QLg9BnuN5HmGY~buxvH35vX5YemzbfXkkeD3JFKVWm-q5d4MNCfGWFEGkf-uZR-CB8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cameron","date","2025-07-01T00:00:00Z","article","Cameron County’s veteran service office announced that the county will receive $300,000 from the Texas Veterans Commission’s Operation Lighthouse veterans financial assistance program for the 2025–26 cycle, a substantial increase from prior award amounts.

Dr. Martin Rodriguez, Cameron County Veteran Service Officer, told the court the county previously spent nearly all of its awarded funds in recent cycles and that the new award reflects demonstrated need and successful prior administration of the grant. The $300,000 award is $180,000 more than the county received last year.

The county plans to allocate the funds across categories the grant allows. Staff presented a proposed breakdown: $110,000 for utilities (utility assistance has been the most used category historically), $40,000 for funeral assistance, $10,000 for dental services, and a new rent category intended to allow limited rent payments for eligible veterans. Under the program rules described, assistance for each category is generally limited to a one‑time payment per grant cycle for each veteran, though a veteran may use more than one category during the cycle (for example, utilities and later funeral assistance in the event of a death).

Dr. Rodriguez said the county already has a network of utility companies, funeral homes and dental providers that will accept grant payments and that outreach will be conducted through the veteran service office webpage, social media and local veteran groups. The grant becomes effective immediately for the 2025–26 cycle; staff will provide flyers and coordinate outreach with the commissioners.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cameron - Commissioner’s Court - Jul 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The county's veteran service office will receive $300,000 for FY2025–26 under the Texas Veterans Commission's Operation Lighthouse program, an increase of $180,000 over the prior award; funds will be used for utilities, funeral assistance, dental and a new rent category.","taxTitle","Cameron County, Texas","taxId",2694,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512152,"Commissioners approve renaming La Gaviota Road to Duran Road after brief public hearing",562,4856000,5418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a&start=4856&end=5418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a/thumbnail_4856000.jpg","/articles/6512152/Cameron-County/Texas/Commissioners-approve-renaming-La-Gaviota-Road-to-Duran-Road-after-brief-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512152-9adff58b7318e6ea554ccc22a290843c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770783928&Signature=Z3xdLba0KmOXldsyOMl3vWV0T4fK-QzEE9UfTOiDmanuKfIEokZxNd4C8g~vO2ylZFWyGnSlXBn9B6ZrkvZFgXnpe1Y8EvycS51IJd~uzFbfqNwziLEEEjlCqfUQanyhfipLt0fc9uTXEoNTfxF3Uq7kW-eMpeTkgplcIAzKyj5lfvuQpX3N1bxXs5E4x7ITBaDYGnYcbctrCEWVI1A3wgtq6XU1DbyShgT4NDhMkMytS3SQBWZzE6M~H2xDIpYW1TSAhebiLI5pYowyvmrJHPZiSK9Sq~pgjg~AypKR~KG~U45tm7587z8im~eqBNE-FtSS0quJTlRLrTz~in9CCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cameron County Commissioners Court adopted an order renaming La Gaviota Road to Duran Road in Precinct 4 following a short public hearing featuring testimony from the applicant and a written objection from a nearby property owner.

Oscar Duran, the applicant, told the court he had signed a prior petition years earlier under the belief the change applied only to a donated dead‑end portion of roadway; he said he would collect additional signatures if required. County staff confirmed the applicant had posted required signage and that the petition met statutory posting requirements. Planning staff noted there are no residential addresses currently fronting the short stretch reported as La Gaviota Road and that county GIS still showed the Duran Road name in online mapping.

One written objection — from Adam Gonzalez, who said he resides at the corner of South Kansas City Road and La Gaviota — asked that property owners be better notified; staff explained typical notice procedures include posting signage at both road ends and filing the petition at the courthouse. The applicant and a supporter said signs were posted so nearby property owners would see them.

After closing the public hearing, the court voted by voice to approve the name change. Staff was directed to record the order and update county GIS, E‑911, USPS and other agencies that use official road names.","After a public hearing that included one written objection and testimony from the applicant, the court adopted an order to change the official name of La Gaviota Road to Duran Road in Precinct 4 and directed county GIS and relevant agencies to update records.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512157,"Court tables county action on Brownsville historic‑preservation abatements, asks staff for legal options",1333,3451000,4784000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a&start=3451&end=4784","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a/thumbnail_3451000.jpg","/articles/6512157/Cameron-County/Texas/Court-tables-county-action-on-Brownsville-historicpreservation-abatements-asks-staff-for-legal-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512157-69d3ff2307398e598939eff560fbd8b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770783928&Signature=Gk0RzBWf1StVram6bUwNHtHYXkjlU0RTiiSs3f3pIdJtoImt3f4Ayn4ESFE9UM18gLXq16q5mblavccU80VVTOX3UYm5XRGI12mfdwo4k3N9Jh~AgQIcjhPzgWtXaJ-sYc2HBJE7uLrKRtivTXnFwbzkCS2jbBBQmPdbmO5icpNDdBlbT4LZBOLXCTv235Av4nFNrB6pk--3PXSmpawzzlpWJqvishd-7is6Hqpr4zSSxPgQl4JcQ4qNo4sWugrHGPY0HDbTrl1WJJMELvaV2dhflWQbX2qeDYZlbPxIwhV91MIWvMWtYKXllrg~QbScvQftPhi7kNpT9Jfa~6MXIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cameron County Commissioners Court voted to table a resolution concerning tax abatement for properties listed in the City of Brownsville’s 2025 Historic Preservation schedules after a presentation by county planning staff and a lengthy discussion about statutory limits and local discretion.

Daniel Tijerina, Planning and Development Director, and Juan Velez from the City of Brownsville summarized the county impact of the city's 2025 preservation schedule. They reported 98 participating properties across categories that include National Register listings, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks and properties undergoing substantial rehabilitation; the county impact was estimated at about $88,352 in foregone tax revenue after removing six properties that reached the five‑year deadline.

Commissioners questioned the duration of abatements and the public benefit when privately owned properties continue to receive exemptions for many years. Court members asked staff to coordinate with legal counsel to determine how much discretion the county has to limit the number of years a property remains abated, whether the county may decline participation in perpetuity, and how appraisal‑district exemptions intersect with the county’s process. Staff explained state law protects certain exemptions for five years and that property owners must reapply annually with the appraisal district to remain eligible. The planning director said the timing of Brownsville's submittal delayed county consideration and the appraisal district’s billing schedule could create timing risk if the county does not act in time.

After discussion, Commissioner Garza moved to table the item and asked staff to return with a more detailed legal analysis of options consistent with state law. The motion passed on a voice vote.","A presentation on the City of Brownsville's 2025 historic‑preservation schedule prompted questions about program length and county discretion; Commissioners voted to table the resolution and asked staff and legal to return with options consistent with state law.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512161,"Cameron County adopts new fixed‑asset policy after months of committee work; court directs training and disciplinary integration",1027,2373000,3400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a&start=2373&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a/thumbnail_2373000.jpg","/articles/6512161/Cameron-County/Texas/Cameron-County-adopts-new-fixedasset-policy-after-months-of-committee-work-court-directs-training-and-disciplinary-integration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512161-5bde029e30460cc04dfbd6328b21950a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770783928&Signature=opBo90YpeFn~8SgleVC4WkXrVNnxhlAVxoLaYj1oRRd3LxgixazN~efgchDLCk~tq1Cp~AsCl5ydZ6HEactrccm68RsO0bdpZoyBdpvoYFTWlSGykHH3XYmQiVjaoga~KaFIy0Kc--hyO2xFpM40VhH69z7rwuNFtKIoy6--eUjtmBHEVoe-rRvTtCSkLQfHOAr38WTPXFZJlxq0UA0GO7-6fi584lJbTsGQZvzvhxXXaettl2vDG9gebJhdJfqxV9t36BTxzV5KoexZdM8t-FlZEvDlhrz23lJxIkoXmm7mfCu6k6cozZ-GH-kht5uSl3eTHYgEm6fm~HF~Dvl2ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cameron County Commissioners Court voted to retire the county’s decades‑old fixed‑asset policy and adopt a new Assets Policy and Procedures Manual intended to tighten inventory control and reduce loss of county property.

County administration told the court the new manual was developed by a committee that included the auditor's office, purchasing, county legal, IT and maintenance and operations. Committee meetings averaged 10–14 participants and the policy overhaul has been in development since February. Key changes include a new “high‑risk inventory” category for valuable items that are easily moved, more detailed receipt, tagging and disposition procedures, and a training chapter for purchasing and department staff.

Commissioners pressed staff over enforcement. Commissioner Garza asked for a stronger “stick” if departments fail to update inventory or submit required paperwork. County counsel and auditors responded that the policy incorporates references to criminal liability under the Texas Local Government Code and that the personnel policy will be amended so failure to comply can be a disciplinary matter under civil‑service and personnel rules. Staff also said the policy gives the court budgetary authority to withhold equipment allocations in future budgets when departments have missing items and to present missing‑asset findings to the court annually.

The manual also addresses leased equipment, noting that leases are handled case by case but that leased items should be tracked and, when vendors fail to remove equipment at lease end, the county may transfer items to surplus after notice.

The court approved the policy by voice vote; staff was directed to begin the training rollout, to amend personnel rules to add compliance‑related discipline, and to return with updates during implementation. The auditors’ office will present annual inventory results to the court as the policy is carried out.","The Commissioners Court adopted a new Assets Policy and Procedures Manual intended to strengthen tracking, tagging and disposition of county property, add a ‘high‑risk inventory’ category and integrate disciplinary measures for noncompliance into personnel rules.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":104,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512165,"Cameron County commissioners approve property transactions, administrative rules and budget calendar; multiple items tabled or postponed",1007,2393000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a&start=2393&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118000-2bc04c5af5a30f3f5aa456f5bf9a942a/thumbnail_2393000.jpg","/articles/6512165/Cameron-County/Texas/Cameron-County-commissioners-approve-property-transactions-administrative-rules-and-budget-calendar-multiple-items-tabled-or-postponed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512165-7003af5892fc7bc18d68e925ec81c00c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770783928&Signature=gTT3unuTsOQ-frX9MlBWB4Uuh28s3SM9bqm0Hkccw~RwKzesJQPApE8lytEcsbpQJzl9Wp-HfLumBPkJ9QiwVCQB143NWcVoxQu2-Cpao1-82wQJ8PSeGM-~jhWXxlT4WpcA9rUtIBj9FYcFBOAhVRLCnUeMIe9GiTgbSbPGbTztHWz46mgQK4m~SKyZLP1hwRGNH3ZIQKlzvHhaRTRJSYJBGqAFE37Ya0BLgOtwvA4bv2cJc59Wz7XcnLH2gSzqeRDK11QdHzJLo~p3kYnlT2QnUaJEMYY7~zj1FNalcZyWWLBak0A3aAmJjOZ-FguwvhQ0RT5ubhsJFDwFg2Emrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cameron County Commissioners Court approved a series of property transactions, administrative changes and budget deadlines during its regular meeting in July 2025, while tabling a package of historic‑preservation tax abatements pending further review.

Among the motions the court approved were the sale and purchase of several parcels in Brownsville and authorization for the county judge to sign closing documents, all actions marked \"subject to final legal review.\" The court also approved reclassifying a deputy position to a lieutenant (PCN corrected during discussion), approved a reclassification and updated job description and pay grade for the construction management director position, and authorized the county to recategorize assets that could not be located as \"disposed\" in the financial system while granting the sheriff an additional 90 days to locate remaining items.

The court adopted a replacement Assets Policy and Procedures Manual and authorized that the old fixed‑asset policy be retired. It also established an August 15 purchase‑order cutoff for the fiscal year (exceptions for emergencies, repairs, grants and elections), acknowledged an evaluation tabulation for RFP 1870 (training services), and authorized award negotiations with Leadership Empowerment Group LLC for that RFP, subject to contract approval. The court approved routine budget amendments, claims and minutes for prior meetings and set the FY2025–26 budget calendar that will drive hearings and deadlines through adoption in September 2025. The court canceled RFP 1760 for inmate communications and confirmed appointments to the Cameron County Dune Protection Committee.

Several items were tabled: the court voted to table the county resolution related to the City of Brownsville’s 2025 historic‑preservation schedule (item 4e) to allow staff and legal to prepare a more detailed report. The court also tabled a request to authorize Tropical Texas Behavioral Health to provide mental health services to the Mental Health Diversion Court pending additional details.

Votes on many routine items were recorded by voice as \"all in favor\" with motions carrying; roll‑call tallies were not read into the record for each vote. The court handled other departmental presentations and acknowledgments, including a report from the county’s veteran service officer and a second‑quarter revenue report from Parks and Recreation.

The court convened into and returned from executive session; subsequent public action was recorded as \"action relative to executive sessions\" without additional detail in the public minutes.

The meeting included routine proclamations and recognitions for long‑time county employees and local organizations; those ceremonial items did not require formal policy action.","At its July 2025 regular meeting the Cameron County Commissioners Court approved several real‑estate purchases and sales, adopted a new assets policy, set budget and purchasing deadlines and handled multiple administrative actions; the court also tabled a historic‑preservation tax abatement package for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cameron County awarded $300,000 from Texas Veterans Commission for Operation Lighthouse; county plans rent, utilities, dental and funeral assistance

Commissioners approve renaming La Gaviota Road to Duran Road after brief public hearing

Court tables county action on Brownsville historic‑preservation abatements, asks staff for legal options

Cameron County adopts new fixed‑asset policy after months of committee work; court directs training and disciplinary integration

Cameron County commissioners approve property transactions, administrative rules and budget calendar; multiple items tabled or postponed