by media | Apr 27, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr Officials React to Release of 2020 Census Figures
City of Pharr officials were pleased to learn that the State of Texas grew by 4 million people, according to the 2020 Census figures released yesterday by the U. S. Department of Commerce. The state gained the most in population and was one of only a handful of states across the country to gain additional congressional seats; Texas gained two additional congressional representatives and will now have 38 members in the U. S. House of Representatives.
Many factors attribute to the population growth, including the increasing number of opportunities available in Texas, such as economic, educational, housing, career, as well as rapidly burgeoning industries that are attracting people from out of the state to Texas. Additionally, the population is fairly young, indicating that much of the increase in newcomers can also be attributable to new births. All these factors contributed to the state’s population boom, positioning Texas as an even more influential state in the national arena. Additional congressional representation means more federal attention, resources, and funding for the state, and ultimately, for our region.
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and members of Pharr’s Complete Count Committee are confident that their myriad efforts over the past two years had a positive effect on the census results in our area. In late 2019, and in partnership with our local school districts, Pharr recruited, trained, and deputized Parent Ambassadors who would be active in sharing the importance of responding to the census with their neighbors, families, and community members.
In early 2020, the city recruited and trained members that would comprise the city’s outreach team, with plans in place to canvass neighborhoods throughout the community of Pharr to ensure an accurate census response and count. Then, the pandemic hit. After months of relying on self-reporting and phone-banking to constituents sheltered-at-home, the Census outreach team was eventually able to ramp up the city’s efforts to ensure an accurate count, armed with personal protective equipment and having been trained on appropriate health and safety measures to resume door-to-door canvassing and outreach. In an effort to promote and increase citizen participation, the city was creative, rewarding those who completed their census form with incentives, including free food, a chance to win gifts, and a raffle for credit towards utility payments.
Pharr’s census response ultimately demonstrated a considerable increase in participation as compared to the 2010 Census. City leaders anticipate that Pharr’s census numbers will help South Texas ensure our fair share of federal allocation of funding and resources for our priorities, our projects, and our community.
“Overall, we are confident that our Census efforts paid off,” said Hernandez. “We look forward to the release of population figures at the local level and will work with our state leaders to ensure that the reallocation of congressional representation is fair to our area,” he continued.’
“We want to thank our Parent Ambassadors, our Census outreach team, and all citizens who participated in this very important Census,” Hernandez added.
by media | Apr 27, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 26, 2021, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Declares April 27 as Lady Raiders Softball Team Day
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 27, 2021, as Lady Raiders Softball Team Day. The City of Pharr proudly congratulated and recognized the PSJA North Lady Raider Softball Team for placing 1st in the State of Texas UIL 31-6A District. This year, the Lady Raiders had a very fruitful season winning 15 games and currently rank 6th in the state. This marks the 6th outright District Championship for The Lady Raiders. Head Coach Stephanie Lugo Peralta, her coaching staff, and the Lady Raiders Softball Team all accepted the proclamation during the city meeting. The team is moving on to the state competition and we wish them the best of luck. Congratulations Lady Raiders, the City of Pharr is proud of your accomplishments!
City Announces April Sales Tax Report
City Manager Ed Wylie announced that the sales tax activity for the City of Pharr as of the month of April 2021 continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. The report shows an increase of 13.34% year-to-date growth in sales tax compared to last year (April 2020) and an increase of 11.79% in sales collections compared to last April.
Pharr Property Tax Collection Report
City Manager Ed Wylie announced that Property Tax Collections as of March 31, 2021, are $22,185,965 which is a 91.94% collection rate, an increase of 1.73% compared to last year. He also announced that Delinquent Tax Collections as of March 31, 2021, are $481,973 which is an increase of 3.57% compared to last year.
Featured Event: Special Community Announcement – Friday, April 30, 2021, at 11 am
The City of Pharr would like to invite the community for a special announcement on the 1st floor of City Hall this Friday, April 30th at 11 am. Watch the announcement live online at www.facebook.com/cityofpharr/.
by media | Apr 22, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr Awarded Progress Level Recognition for Performance Excellence
The City of Pharr is proud to announce that it has been awarded “Progress Level Recognition” by the Quality Texas Foundation, furthering the city’s pursuit of organizational and managerial excellence and moving the city one step closer toward its quest to achieve the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The Quality Texas Foundation recognizes the best organizations regarding best business practices following the National Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, and the City of Pharr was recognized for demonstrating a strong dedication to quality and high performance. Pharr was one of two cities from five states to be recognized by the Foundation for its commitment to performance excellence. The City will be recognized and awarded for its excellence at the Texas Quality Foundation Annual Quest For Excellence Conference (Read the Quality Texas Foundation’s press release announcing the recognition below).
“Our city leaders, administration, and employees operate at the highest standard, and we are constantly striving toward excellence, and this recognition by Quality Texas Foundation demonstrates that the City of Pharr is well on its way toward achieving the highest level of performance as an organization,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
In 2019, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. announced that the City of Pharr would be taking steps toward becoming a “smart” city – defined as a city that uses information and communication technologies to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare. The City would also be trimming excess, streamlining operations, and working toward optimal performance at minimal cost. Pharr began taking the steps necessary to aspire to achieve the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award – an award established by the U.S. Congress in 1987 to raise awareness of quality management and recognize U.S. companies and organizations, including governmental entities such as cities, that have implemented successful quality management systems. The award is the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence.
ln 2019, the City of Pharr was recognized at the “Commitment Level” at the 26th Annual Texas Quest for Excellence Conference. That year, key staff members attended Pre-Examiner and Internal Coach/Examiner training provided by Texas Quality Foundation, to empower staff to become better at their job and allow them to provide valuable input to leadership as to the world-class Baldrige Criteria framework. This year, Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Quality Texas Foundation.
Upon announcing the recognition, Dr. Mac McGuire, CEO of the Quality Texas Foundation stated, “Congratulations to the City of Pharr for being recognized as a Progress Level Recipient of the Governor of Texas’ Quality Award and Recognitions. The City has distinguished itself by following the very best business practices and is a bright light in the valley and throughout Texas. Only one other city government was recognized this year in the program which spans Texas, Puerto Rico, Missouri, Kansas, and Louisiana. The City of Pharr continues to be the gold standard for government efficiency and effectiveness.”
Pharr Mayor Pro-Tem Roberto “Bobby” Carrillo stated, “Pharr has been striving toward excellence and this is another indicator that we are moving in the right direction.” Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero concurred, noting, “It’s challenging to meet all the criteria set forth by the Foundation to determine that the City is indeed hitting all the marks, and our talented and dedicated team that is leading this project has been doing a tremendous job, as demonstrated by this award.” Commissioner Daniel Chavez stated, “We are proud of this recognition and will continue following the Foundation’s recommendations and working toward the goal of achieving the highly-coveted Malcolm Baldrige Award.”
Pharr City Manager Ed Wylie stated, “The citizens of Pharr should be proud of their city and the men and women that represent them. The quest to strategically improve the city’s effectiveness and efficiency is an ongoing and ever-changing process. Creating a culture of high productivity and performance, quality systematic management and leadership, and an employee mindset that revolves around the quality of work and building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships with its citizens is the ultimate goal. Together we will build the Pharr of tomorrow. We Are Team Pharr!”
According to the Quality Texas Foundation’s website:
The Quality Texas Foundation helps businesses, hospitals, schools, government agencies, and non-profits improve performance. We educate, train, assess, provide feedback and recognize organizations committed to a journey of excellence. Quality Texas encourages the use of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and other methods that drive efficiency and effectiveness. Our work saves jobs, improves communities, and creates a stronger state and nation, and ultimately a better world for mankind.
Read the Quality Texas Foundation’s press release below:
by media | Apr 20, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr Hosts Unveiling Celebration for Time Capsule
The City of Pharr recently held a Time Capsule Unveiling Ceremony to honor the city’s past, preserve the present, and remind the future citizens of the city’s rich history. Officials from throughout Hidalgo County attended the historic event, helping to fill the capsule with relics that will one day be opened by future Pharr leaders and residents.
“This is a historic day for the City of Pharr,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. during the ceremony. “The time capsule was created to remember Pharr’s past, its present, and the future – allowing us to honor the city’s rich history while paying homage to our future,” continued Hernandez. “This event was supposed to take place one year ago, but then the pandemic hit,” he added. “However, this gave us more time to collect relics and even gave us the opportunity to collect documents and preserve mementos from the COVID-19 pandemic; a part of our history that will forever be remembered,” said Hernandez.
The Time Capsule Monument, located at the Development and Research Center in South Pharr, was unveiled by city leaders amidst a crowd of elected officials, community representatives, city employees, students from nearby Carmen Anaya Elementary, and City of Pharr residents.
During his remarks, Mayor Hernandez noted that each of the dials on the monument’s bronze sundial surface represents Pharr community leaders at this moment in time. A plaque placed on each dial is dedicated to current leaders including Mayor Hernandez and each current City Commissioner, Texas State Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio Jr., Texas State Representative Sergio Munoz Jr., Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu.
Remarks about the city’s past, present, and future were also shared by City Commissioners Bobby Carrillo, Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Daniel Chavez, Attorney and advocate Eddie Anaya, Nathaniel Perez from the Warren Group Architects, Inc., Principal Berta Cantu of Carmen Anaya Elementary, and Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez.
The City Commissioners shared a collective message of progress, unity, and dedication to public service and working for the betterment of the City of Pharr and all its residents with the hope for a better and brighter future. “It’s amazing to see how far we have moved the city forward in the 13 years since I have been on the commission,” said Commissioner Carrillo. “I’m sure when this capsule gets opened up and they see what the city looked like before, it will certainly look very different to them, but nonetheless, they will recognize that we laid a strong foundation for our future and our residents,” he added.
“The City of Pharr has grown tremendously,” said Judge Cortez during his speech. “Having heard everyone speak here today, you can see and feel the pride, dedication to service, passion, and vision for the future that these city leaders have for their community,” he added. “Their work in the community is not only seen now but is helping to create a better future for Pharr,” added Cortez. “It truly is something to witness this dedication and how it is shaping Pharr into a leader among our communities.”
“This monument signifies our history, our prosperity, and what is yet to come in our future,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We cannot imagine what Pharr’s future will hold, but we know that this time capsule will be a monument of tremendous significance that our residents and families can appreciate and enjoy for years to come,” he added. “Everyone that visits this place will know that one day, years down the line, it will be opened by a new generation of leaders, residents, and families!”
The time capsule which is set to be opened in the year 2070, was filled with City of Pharr relics, memorabilia, photos, and notes to future Pharr residents. By the time the capsule is opened, the city will be celebrating its 161 year anniversary.
by media | Apr 20, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases, News
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| City Scheduled to Host Emergency Medical Services Job Fair on Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Pharr Events Center
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr leaders can finally announce and comment on the city’s acquisition of a former Emergency Medical Services (EMS) company, after weeks of negotiations and hearings before a U. S. Bankruptcy Court.
At a hearing held today, Monday, April 19, 2021, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge David R. Jones issued a verbal ruling approving the purchase of all assets of the company formerly known as Hidalgo County Emergency Services Foundation, also known as Hidalgo County EMS, by the City Pharr. The City was the sole bidder to purchase the assets, and no liabilities transferred over with the agreement. Assets include 98 ambulances, air ambulance services, existing contracts, all EMS equipment, monitors, phones, radios, and more, at the price of $1 million. Funds for the purchase are appropriated by COVID-19 funding that was allocated to the city to support public health services due to the pandemic. The order is currently undergoing final review for signature by Judge Jones upon which all transferred assets, including assigned contracts, will be transferred to the City of Pharr. All details regarding the purchase will be made available upon approval.
Earlier this month, the City approved an ordinance creating the Pharr Emergency Medical Services Department (Pharr EMS), which will provide the highest-quality ambulance and emergency medical services to our region. The department will provide emergency medical services response within the City; emergency medical services and/or non-emergency transport services with other governmental entities via an interlocal agreement; and non-emergency transport services. At the same meeting, the Pharr City Commission adopted an amendment to the City Code of Ordinances Regulating Ambulance Service in the City of Pharr, declaring that the City of Pharr will be the sole primary provider of emergency ambulance service within the City.
Pharr EMS is currently in transition mode, identifying and conducting an inventory of all available assets and in the process of hiring employees to staff the department. Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Danny Ramirez has been named EMS Chief. Pharr EMS will function as a full-fledged EMS department and acquired the existing 9-1-1 contracts for 9-1-1 calls, ambulance services, and other emergency medical service needs within the geographical boundaries of the City of Pharr, the City of Penitas, the City of Sullivan City, Hidalgo County Precinct 3, Hidalgo County Emergency Services District #2, and will serve as backup to the City of Mission. The City of Edinburg and Hidalgo County Emergency Services #3, had existing contracts with the former EMS company but decided to contract EMS services with an alternate EMS company and will not be serviced by Pharr EMS.
According to the City, all projections made by reviewing financial records of the former company indicate that implementing this new service and operations will be a self-sustaining model that will benefit the citizens of Pharr and the region. With two medical professionals serving on the Pharr City Commission, Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, and Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero, and with the support of the entire City Commission, Pharr was already working toward establishing its own EMS department, researching similar models across the country with the goal of functioning as a well-trained, highly-effective, public health service to the community. This opportunity to acquire the former company was timely and appropriate. Moreover, with its geographical positioning as the “hub” of Hidalgo County, Pharr is uniquely positioned, well equipped, and ready to serve the emergency medical needs of the region.
“Pharr continues to find innovative ways to be in a position to help our broader community as a regional leader while at the same time improving the services we provide to our own Pharr families,” said Mayor Hernandez. “As medical professionals, we understand the need for safe, prompt, and reliable EMS services because time is of the essence when transporting individuals that need immediate medical attention,” said Mayor Hernandez.
Commissioner Caballero concurred. “We are here to serve our community, and we will always be at the forefront of the latest research and programs to ensure our EMS Department employees are highly skilled, trained, qualified, and capable to provide these emergency medical services at the highest standard, which is what our community deserves,” he stated.
Pharr City Manager Ed Wylie stated, “The City of Pharr was aware of the large service area that Hidalgo County EMS serviced, and Pharr was in a favorable position to be able to step in and avoid the disruption of critical emergency medical services to these communities.”
The City plans to hold an upcoming press conference announcing the new Pharr EMS Department and will have more details regarding the purchase once Judge Jones approves the final order. Details will be forthcoming.
In order to staff the new department with highly qualified EMS employees in an expeditious manner, the City of Pharr will be holding a job fair for the new EMS department. The job fair will be held from 9 am to 4 pm this Friday, April 23, 2021, at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr. |
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