by media | Sep 9, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for Port Infrastructure Projects on Thursday, 9/10 at 10 am
Pharr, Texas – Pharr city officials and the Pharr International Bridge will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony for new Port Infrastructure Projects under the federal government Customs & Border Protection’s (CBP’s) Donations Acceptance Program (DAP). City officials are also expected to announce exciting updates on special transportation projects funded through the RGVMPO. The event will take place at 10 am on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at the Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage Blvd).
“New changes and improvements are underway at the Pharr International Bridge and we are proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of these new projects,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. M.D. “We will also be sharing new details about upcoming transportation projects and their impact on the City of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley,” added Hernandez.
The port infrastructure projects will consist of additional Commercial Entry Lanes & Booths and two additional Commercial Exit Lanes & Booths which will help alleviate traffic and expedite crossings.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Port Infrastructure Projects
WHEN: Thursday, September 10th at 10:00 am
WHERE: Pharr International Bridge (9900 S. Cage Blvd. in Pharr)
by media | Sep 8, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Host Three Census 2020 PHARR-B-Q Round-Up Events
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr has worked diligently over the past few months towards increasing Census 2020 participation. As part of its continued efforts and outreach to encourage residents to fill out the census, the city will host a Census 2020 PHARR-B-Q Round-Up the next three Saturday’s in September.
PHARR-B-Q Round-Up Dates and Times
Saturday, September 12, 2020, from 9 am – 3 pm
9 am – 3 pm
Pharr Development and Research Center
850 W. Dicker Rd.
Pharr, TX 78577
Saturday, September 19, 2020, from 9 am – 3 pm
Pharr Events Center
3000 N. Cage Blvd
Pharr, TX 78577
Saturday, September 26, 2020, from 9 am – 3 pm
Pharr Development and Research Center
850 W. Dicker Rd.
Pharr, TX 78577
Pharr residents who attend one of the three events and fill our their 2020 Census will receive a free barbecue meal. The city has partnered with local barbecue restaurants to provide vouchers for the event. Event attendees will receive two free vouchers per household for a meal redeemable at either Bar-B-Cutie Smokehouse, Uncle Roy’s BBQ, or Rudy’s “Country Store and Bar-B-Q”. Proof of city residency is required, please bring an ID or utility bill.
With the Census 2020 deadline cut short to September 30, 2020, the City of Pharr is continuing its efforts to ensure that everyone in Pharr is counted.
“The 2020 Census is pivotal to the future of Pharr as we have seen tremendous growth over the last decade,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our census initiatives have really made a difference in our numbers and we are proud of our Census Field Operations teams who have continued to go door-to-door to ensure that everyone is counted,” he added. “The city has also held numerous outreach events, opened a census center, and partnered with our local school districts, parents, and businesses to get the word out to the community,” continued Hernandez.
The City of Pharr reached its census Self Response Rates (SSR) threshold on August 30, having completed 54.5% of questionnaires compared to 54.2% in 2010.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
For more information, visit or call our Census Headquarters at 114 W. Cherokee, 956-402-2020.
DETAILS
WHAT: Census 2020 PHARR-B-Q Round-Up
WHEN/WHERE:
Saturday, September 12, 2020, from 9 am – 3 pm
9 am – 3 pm
Pharr Development and Research Center
850 W. Dicker Rd.
Pharr, TX 78577
Saturday, September 19, 2020, from 9 am – 3 pm
Pharr Events Center
3000 N. Cage Blvd
Pharr, TX 78577
Saturday, September 26, 2020, from 9 am – 3 pm
Pharr Development and Research Center
850 W. Dicker Rd.
Pharr, TX 78577
by media | Sep 1, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
City of Pharr Awarded $24,772.73 Federal Assistance Grant for Firefighters
Pharr, Texas – Pharr city officials were informed late last week by U.S. Senator John Cornyn that Pharr has been awarded $24,772.73 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The funding was appropriated by the CARES Act in order to enhance operations and safety, recruitment, and retention for fire departments in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“This funding will help the City of Pharr ensure that our hardworking firefighters and fire department have the resources they need to continue to safely serve our residents throughout the pandemic,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We are thankful for the support from our federal legislators and Senator John Cornyn,” he added.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program aims to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Sen. Cornyn issued the following statement in his press release regarding the grant, “While our firefighters are doing everything they can to keep Texans safe during this outbreak, the federal government should make sure they have every resource they need,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I applaud area leaders for their work to obtain these grants, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to support firefighters in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Over $143,00 in grants were awarded to local entities in the Rio Grande Valley to support firefighters including, the Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department, City of McAllen, and the City of Peñitas.
by media | Aug 18, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr City Report for 8/17/2020
City Approves Ordinance Allowing Outdoor Dining
Pharr City Commissioners approved an ordinance on first reading which will allow restaurants to use up to 50% of their parking lot for outdoor dining. The ordinance is temporary and will continue to be adjusted as needed. Through this ordinance, the City of Pharr hopes to provide additional opportunities for Pharr restaurants with limited capacity to serve patrons in outdoor spaces in efforts to stimulate the recovery of the restaurant business in the City. “This will give them an additional income stream to keep them afloat, while still abiding by CDC and local guidelines,” said City Manager Ed Wylie.
Commission Approves Date for Public Hearing Regarding the City’s Tax Rate
Pharr City Commissioners voted to hold a public hearing on the city’s proposed tax rate, as required by law, on September 8, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. The city wants residents to know that they are NOT raising property taxes in the City of Pharr. The city is proposing to keep the tax rate the same at 0.7176 per $100 valuation. Since the values of the properties went up, the city is now generating more income than they did last year at the same rate and must now hold a public hearing. “We want to let residents know that this is NOT a tax increase and that our tax rate in the City of Pharr will stay the same,” said City Manager Ed Wylie. He continued, “if your taxes go up, it is because of the value of your house.”
Pharr Votes to Seek Reimbursement from Hidalgo County for CARES Act Supplemental Funding
Pharr City Commissioners voted in favor of seeking reimbursement from Hidalgo County for CARES Act Supplement/Emergency Funding. The City of Pharr has exhausted the original award as outlined in the Cares Act Interlocal Agreement and still has outstanding expenses. As outlined in the original agreement, the city is seeking access to the original full award of $134 per person. Hidalgo county kept approximately $5 million additional dollars (the difference between $114 and $132 per person) in an emergency fund.
Commission Approves Purchase of Kiosks, Making Payments More Accessible to Citizens
Commissioners approved the purchase of two payment kiosks for the Municipal Court and Utility Billing from AdComp Systems Inc. utilizing CARES Act funding. With the city continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, these kiosks will provide a safe and contactless exchange for citizens, while limiting traffic and exposure. The kiosks will be integrated with the municipal court and water utility payments for cash, check or credit card payments as well as provide change on cash payments. One in-wall unit would be installed in the Utility Billing drive-through at City Hall and the other indoor unit would be installed in the Police department lobby.
Pharr Approves Interlocal Cooperative Agreement for Emergency Debris Removal, Monitoring, and Planning Services
Commissioners approved an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between the Cities of Edinburg and Pharr to utilize Tetra Tech for Emergency Debris Removal Monitoring and Planning Services. “This company is already accepted by FEMA and will allow the City of Pharr to get reimbursed more timely,” said City Manager Ed Wylie.
by media | Aug 11, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
City of Pharr Hosts Successful Drive-Thru First Responders Festival
Pharr first responders hand out school supplies outside the Pharr Events Center.
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annually planned Pharr First Responders Festival this past weekend, making the switch from a traditional festival to a drive-thru event, given the COVID-19 pandemic. Although set up a little differently this year, the festival proved successful as the city joined its first responders in giving away 2,000 bags with school supplies to the community.
“It was wonderful to witness our city departments, first responders, and employees join together to help our community,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “These past few months have been tough for many and we continue to try and do all that we can to help ensure that our Pharr families remain supported, especially as the school year is about to begin ” he added.
The festival, which took place on Friday, August 7, 2020, was converted into two simultaneous drive-thru events (each giving away 1,000 school supply bags) with one held in North Pharr at the Pharr Events Center and the second in South Pharr at the Development and Research Center.
“We had a great turn out at both locations, and it was especially a highlight for me to see the smiles on the faces of the children and parents as they made their way through the festival,” said Pharr Chief of Police Andrew Harvey. “Our first responders and city employees did a fantastic job of working together to make this event a success and we are especially proud to be a part of this amazing community,” he continued.
Chief of Police Andrew Harvey assists in providing school supplies and information to Pharr families at the South Pharr location.
While children were not allowed to physically get a tour of first responder vehicles as in the past, vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances were parked at each location to allow children and families a closer look.
“This event is meant to showcase our first responders to the community, allowing us to highlight the services we provide,” said Danny, Ramirez, Communications Director for the City of Pharr. “Although a little different from last year, our festival this year allowed us to continue the tradition of informing Pharr families of our services while giving back at the same time,” added Ramirez.
Students who attended the festival also had the opportunity to be entered into a raffle for a laptop. The City of Pharr announced 20 lucky laptop winners via a live stream drawing on the city’s Facebook page on Monday, August 10, 2020.
The City of Pharr thanks the community for another successful event and wishes all students and families a safe and exciting new school year!
by media | Aug 4, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr City Report for August 3rd, 2020
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 2020, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Sees Increase in Property Tax Values
City Manager Ed Wylie announced that the City of Pharr Property Assessment Value for Tax Year 2020 saw an increase from $3.1 billion to $3.4 billion; an overall increase of 8.6% ($250 million dollars). Wylie mentioned that the city’s goal of increasing the value has been met as a result of giving incentives for building residential subdivisions. “Our strategy has been working and we are proud to continue to see our city grow,” he added.
City of Pharr Extends Declaration of Disaster After Hurricane Hanna
On July 25, 2020, the Mayor Issued a Declaration of Disaster due to the rains and flooding resulting from Hurricane Hanna. The Declaration is valid for only 7 days unless extended or renewed by the City Commission. Due to the extent of flooding and damage to property, the Mayor of Pharr has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety, and general well being of the Citizens of Pharr to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property. There are ongoing efforts to assess and remediate damage to areas within the City, and an extension of the Declaration of Disaster is necessary. The declaration will remain in effect until terminated by the mayor and city commissioners.
Commission Adopts Amended Ordinance Creating a $500 Fine for Driving Over Flooded Roads
Adopted on first reading, the Pharr City Commission, approved an Ordinance amending Chapter 126, Traffic and Vehicles, Article IV, Operation of Vehicles Generally, by adding a new Section 126-150, traversing flooded streets with a vehicle. Due to the recent rains and flooding the City has identified the need for an ordinance addressing vehicles traveling through flooded streets that have resulted in damage to surrounding properties as a result of the wake caused by the vehicles. The Commission understands that flooding is a significant concern for many Pharr residents, and despite the City’s continuous flood mitigation efforts over the past several years, heavy rainfall periodically results in flooded street conditions throughout the City. Prohibiting such activity helps with the City’s ongoing flood hazard mitigation efforts to reduce damage to homes and personal property from flooding, and will enhance the City’s continued participation in the Community Rating System and National Flood Insurance Program.
“People need to be mindful that when they are driving through flooded roadways, they exacerbate flooding in nearby homes by creating a wake, which pushes water further into homes and property,” said Commissioner Daniel Chavez. “Unfortunately, we have seen this happen too many times and we want to help protect our citizens and mitigate the damage to their homes,” he added.
Under the new amended Ordinance:
- It shall be unlawful for any person to traverse a flooded street in an automobile, truck, boat, or other vehicle or vessel at such speed as to create a wake therein that may or is likely to cause personal injury or damage or increased flooding to the property or premises adjoining such flooded street or streets.
- It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the person was performing a rescue operation or was protecting the public order and safety.
- Each violation of this ordinance shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Every violation of this Ordinance may occur, shall be considered a unique and separate criminal offense.
Permit Fees Waived Due to Hurricane Hanna
The Pharr City Commission adopted on first reading an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2008-36, creating a temporary sixty (60) day exemption from permit fees for repair and reconstruction of structures damaged due to Hurricane Hanna. This will allow residential and commercial owners the ability to remediate their property in a more efficient and effective manner. “We are sympathetic that our citizens are under extreme stress right now because of the damage caused by Hurricane Hanna and we want to make the process easier for everyone,” said Ed Wylie, City Manager. “We are waiving the fees for 60 days, but citizens still have to submit permits and the city will continue with inspections to ensure everything is done correctly,” added Wylie.
Commissioners approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of City of Pharr, Texas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A in the aggregate principal amount of $18,150,000. As approved by Texas Water Development Board; Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds Series 2020A will be issued to fund water infrastructure projects.
Commission Approves Revenue Bonds to Fund Water Infrastructure Projects
The Commission also approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of City of Pharr, Texas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2020B in the aggregate principal amount of $13,880,000. As approved by Texas Water Development Board; Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds Series 2020B will be issued to fund wastewater infrastructure projects.
Featured Event: Pharr First Responders Festival – Friday, August 7, 2020, from 7 pm to 8 pm
The City of Pharr will be hosting our annual Pharr First Responders event. This event will be transitioning from our typical festival into 2 simultaneous drive-thru events to be held on Friday, August 7th at 7 PM.
Students must be present for free school supplies and to get a ticket for a chance to win one of the 20 laptops to be raffled. The first 2,000 students will also receive a City of Pharr USB wristband.
The City of Pharr and our First Responders support all students and wish them a successful school year.
