Commissioners Proclaim February 2022 as Black History Month

by media | Mar 11, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, February 21, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:

Commissioners Proclaim February 2022 as Black History Month

Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring February 2022 as Black History Month. February is designated as Black History Month to remember and reflect on the tribulations faced by the Black community while learning from the vibrant culture and history and celebrating its many invaluable contributions. The 2022 Black History Month’s theme is Black Health and Wellness. This focus will celebrate the contributions and breakthroughs of Black professionals as well as speak to the cultural richness of those “non-traditional” health and wellness practitioners. Accepting the proclamation were Alfonso Gatling and Dr. Teresa Gatling from Village in the Valley, a local nonprofit whose mission is to elevate and unite the Black community while connecting cultures in the Rio Grande Valley. “We look forward to working with you and experiencing our values and our cultures together,” said the representative while accepting the proclamation.

City Announces February 2022 Sales Tax Report

City Manager Ed Wylie announced that the sales tax activity for the city of Pharr as of the month of February 2022 continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. The report showed an overall positive trend in the amount of 13.37% Month-to-Month compared to last year, 2021, and overall 17% true growth compared to last year’s collections.

City Announces Property Tax Collection Report for January 2022

City Manager Ed Wylie announced that the Delinquent Tax Collections as of January 2022 are $335,351, which is 12.50% collected out of the previous year’s tax rolls. This is an increase of 1.54% compared to last year.

Commission Approves Resolution Authorizing Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation for construction of the UTRGV Nursing School

The Pharr City Commission approved a Resolution authorizing the publication of Notice of Intention to issue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2022, for the design, acquisition, and construction of the UTRGV Nursing School. As approved by the City Commission during the Budget Process, the City is now ready to issue debt for an estimated amount of $8 million for the construction of the UTRGV Nursing School.

City Commission Approves Donation of Police Service K9 Gemma to Officer Daniel Calvillo

The Pharr City Commission approved the donation of Police Service K9 Gemma to Officer Daniel Calvillo. The City of Pharr Police Department has a K9 Program that assigns a Police Service Animal to a handler. Daniel Calvillo was assigned K9 Gemma as his service animal. K9 Gemma sustained an injury, which resulted in a medical retirement recommendation by the Veterinarian. Daniel Calvillo was Gemma’s handler and he agreed to care for Gemma after her retirement. Gemma is going to a loving home and will be cared for by her handler.

Commission Approves MOU with Department of Veterans Affairs

The Pharr City Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding between The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pharr Police Department for mutual assistance. The MOU will establish a working relationship between the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System (VATVCBHCS), Police Service, and Pharr Police Department as a means of reinforcing interagency coordination and responsibility concerning law enforcement, emergency response, requests for assistance, and physical security and access at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System in McAllen.

City Commission Approves Participation Agreement with the City of San Antonio and CPS Energy to Receive Training at their CyberSecurity Center

The Pharr City Commission approved a Participation Agreement with the Cityof San Antonio and CPS Energy to Receive Training at their CyberSecurity Center – Alamo Regional Security Operations Center (ARSOC). The new cyber operations center stands as an example for other communities as part of efforts to fight hackers who threaten utilities, municipalities, and other local governments. The ARSOC facility is set up for security monitoring and offers training to local entities who are interested to partner in the program. There is no cost to participate in the partnership. The City of Pharr IT Department reached out to the City of San Antonio to learn more about the center and looks forward to the partnership and joining other organizations for cross-training and information sharing.

Featured Event: 16th Annual St. Patricks Day 5k Run/Walk – Saturday, March 19, 2022

Get ready for the BIGGEST 5K in the RGV!
The 16th Annual St. Patricks Day 5k Run/Walk presented by the City of PharrParks and Recreation is happening on Saturday, March 19th! Participant packets include finisher medals, shirts, and cash prizes for winners. Sign up today at  https://tinyurl.com/[5y48cmjh].