The Cameron County Commissioner’s Court convened on July 1, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including financial approvals and a significant update to the county's asset management policy.
The meeting began with the approval of the District Attorney's office salary schedules and the forfeiture fund, which passed without questions. Following this, the court approved general claims totaling over $11.6 million and medical claims amounting to approximately $716,235. The payroll for the upcoming week was also approved, estimated at over $5.2 million in gross pay.
A notable discussion centered on the proposed retirement of the existing fixed asset policy, which has been in place for over 20 years. The court reviewed a new "Assets Policy and Procedures Manual" aimed at improving asset tracking and management. The committee responsible for this overhaul highlighted issues with asset location, tagging, and disposal processes. The new policy introduces a category for high-risk inventory, which includes items that are valuable and prone to theft.
The committee emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that the new policy includes provisions for disciplinary actions against employees who fail to comply with asset management protocols. The court discussed the need for a system that would prevent departments from acquiring new assets if they had not properly managed existing ones. This includes a 30-day waiting period before replacing lost items, allowing for better oversight.
The court unanimously approved the new asset policy, with members expressing gratitude for the collaborative effort that went into its development. The discussion also touched on the management of leased equipment, with plans to ensure proper tracking and disposal of such assets.
In addition to the asset policy, the court discussed a resolution for tax abatements related to historical preservation, which will be further detailed in a subsequent presentation.
Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving financial oversight and asset management, ensuring that public resources are effectively tracked and utilized.