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Bankruptcy Judge Approves City of Pharr’s Purchase of Former EMS Company’s Assets

Bankruptcy Judge Approves City of Pharr’s Purchase of Former EMS Company’s Assets

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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Bankruptcy Judge Approves City of Pharr’s Purchase of Former EMS Company’s Assets

City of Pharr and PSJA Southwest ECHS to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park TODAY, 4/7 @ 11:30 am

City of Pharr and PSJA Southwest ECHS to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park TODAY, 4/7 @ 11:30 am

Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, in collaboration with PSJA Southwest Early College High School, will host a celebratory Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park. The event will take place TODAY, April 7, 2021, at 11:30 am at 520 E. Saint Anne Drive (Intersection of Dicker Rd. and St. Anne) in Pharr. 

“We are proud to break ground on the city’s newest project in collaboration with our partners at PSJA Southwest ECHS,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This project will not only help improve our drainage infrastructure in the city but also serve as a recreational area and dog park for our citizens to enjoy,” he added.

The project is one of several identified in the City of Pharr’s Drainage Improvement Plan to enhance drainage infrastructure and help mitigate future flooding.

All media and the public are invited to attend. CDC guidelines will be enforced, please wear a mask.

DETAILS
WHAT:  City of Pharr Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park
WHEN:  Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11:30 am
WHERE: 520 E. Saint Anne Drive, Pharr, TX 78577 (Intersection of Dicker Rd. and St. Anne)

Pharr Officials Host Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Congressional Delegation at Pharr Bridge

Pharr Officials Host Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Congressional Delegation at Pharr Bridge

Pharr Officials Host Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Congressional Delegation at Pharr Bridge

Pharr, Texas – City officials here today welcomed U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with 19 key United States senators from across the country, to get a firsthand view of Pharr’s International Bridge, which recently received a Presidential Permit amendment approved by the White House for the second span expansion of the bridge. This visit marks the first time in Pharr’s history that so many federal legislators visited Pharr at once, indicating the interest and awareness that has been brought to our area with the city emerging as a distinct leader in international trade. The senators were in South Texas for a congressional delegation (CoDel) visit, touring cities along the border to discuss issues related to immigration and international trade. The delegation received briefings from local city Mayors, law enforcement officials, and local organizations. While much national attention has recently focused on issues related to immigration along the border, local leaders wanted to emphasize to the federal legislators in attendance that this remains an important aspect of border issues, international trade and commerce along the southern border continues to thrive and drive the local, state, and national economy. In Pharr, the senators were given an overview of the increase in international trade and commerce along the southern border, especially due to programs spearheaded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Pharr.

“As Mayor of Pharr, we are proud to have our nation’s leaders visit our community to get a first-hand look at how our area is directly impacted by policy decisions that are made in Washington, D.C. and understand the vital impact they have on the rest of the nation,” said Hernandez. “Pharr has been fortunate to reap the benefits of federal legislation and projects that have helped to improve infrastructure at our bridge,” he continued.

Members received an update on current bridge infrastructure projects in Pharr, including several projects under the Donations Acceptance Program, which was authorized by Section 559 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 and allows CBP in conjunction with the General Services Administration (GSA), to accept donations from private sector and government entities for port of entry construction, alterations, operations and maintenance activities. The projects are part of Pharr’s 5-Year Master Plan to increase capacity, reduce border wait times, and support local and regional trade industries.

“We are proud to say that these projects are in the construction phase in just 5 years which highlights the city’s effort to remain proactive in identifying funding mechanisms,” said Hernandez.

Through this program, the city is investing $40 million in port infrastructure projects – additional commercial entry and exit lanes including booths which will help alleviate traffic and expedite crossings. The city aggressively pursued and secured state funding in the amount of $20 million with a city match of another $20 million.

Mayor Hernandez thanked Senators Cornyn and Cruz for their support in assisting with the successful expansion and funding that the Pharr Bridge has received to enhance operations, expand international trade, and continue to plan for future growth.

“As always, we are pleased to have our Congressional leaders visit the Rio Grande Valley to see the amazing work being executed by each of our community partners and the expansions we are making on our ports of entry, we look forward to continue having have the ears and the attention of our federal representatives and their colleagues as they understand the increasing need for funding for trade, transportation, education, and other initiatives for our area,” Hernandez ended.

Senators visiting the area on the CoDel included:

Honorable John Barrasso, Wyoming
Honorable Mike Braun, Indiana
Honorable Susan Collins, Maine
Honorable John Cornyn, Texas
Honorable Tom Cotton, Arkansas
Honorable Ted Cruz, Texas
Honorable Steve Daines, Montana
Honorable Lindsey Graham, South Carolina
Honorable Chuck Grassley, Iowa
Honorable John Hoeven, North Dakota
Honorable Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi
Honorable Ron Johnson, Wisconsin
Honorable John Kennedy, Louisiana
Honorable James Lankford, Oklahoma
Honorable Mike Lee, Utah
Honorable Dan Sullivan, Alaska
Honorable John Thune, South Dakota
Honorable Thom Tillis, North Carolina
Honorable Tommy Tuberville, Alabama

Pharr EDC Foundation Launches, Founding Board Members Inaugurated

Pharr EDC Foundation Launches, Founding Board Members Inaugurated

Pharr EDC Foundation Launches, Founding Board Members Inaugurated

Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the City of Pharr, is proud to announce that they have launched the newly created Pharr EDC Foundation and recently held an induction ceremony welcoming the Founding Board of Directors.

As the City of Pharr’s economic development arm, the Pharr EDC has always focused its efforts on creating direct pipelines for students, post-secondary education workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business development. These efforts will further be expanded through the Pharr EDC Foundation, with a special focus on education.

“This is an exciting moment for the Pharr EDC and something we have been working towards,” said Victor Perez, Executive Director of the Pharr EDC during the ceremony. “The Pharr EDC Foundation, through the dedication and assistance of its board members, plans to focus its efforts on providing scholarships, internship opportunities, and financial literacy education to students within the City of Pharr,” added Perez.

The foundation advisory board includes President, Victor Perez who is the Executive Director of the Pharr EDC; Vice-President Reynaldo Perez who is an Adjunct Professor at Vanguard Academy and South Texas College; and Treasurer, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Mayor of Pharr.

During the ceremony, the Founding Board of Directors were administered the oath of office by Pharr City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero.

Founding Board Members of the Pharr EDC Foundation take the oath of office administered by City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero during the Inauguration Ceremony.

The Pharr EDC Foundation Founding Board of Directors are Felix Chavez, Jr., President/Owner of Junior’s Supermarket, Edna De Saro, Executive VP & Marketing Director of Lone Star National Bank, Veronica Gonzales, VP of Governmental & Community Relations for UTRGV, Hans Humphrey, New Projects Director for CIL, Sara Lozano, Dean of Business, Public Safety, and Technology for South Texas College, Jerry Maddox, Owner of Fazoli’s Pharr, Dorian Madrigal, General Sales Manager for CAPA, Tony Martinez, Managing Member of Primo Trading Services, Alex Meade, Vice President of Economic Development & Public Finance for Texas Regional Bank, Dr. Annabelle Palomo, CEO/School Director of RGV College, Johnny Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations for Bert Ogden Auto, and Robert Tudor, Owner of Rapid Transport, United Truck Parts, and Dura Trucks. Stuart I.R. Haniff, MHA who is the Chief Executive Officer for The Food Bank RGV will serve as an Advisor to the Board.

As distinguished business owners, entrepreneurs, and career professionals, the Pharr EDC Foundation Founding Board Director’s expertise and business acumen will play a critical role in shaping the educational and economic future of students in Pharr.

“Through the Pharr EDC Foundation, we hope to foster relationships within our community to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students and individuals within Pharr, while supporting our economic growth,” said Mayor and Pharr EDC Foundation Treasurer, Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Education is a critical key to workforce development and we are committed to advancing and supporting our future workforce by providing them with scholarships, internships, and resources, to set them on the path to success,” continued Hernandez.

The Pharr EDC Foundation is committed to supporting Pharr students’ achieve their educational and career dreams by helping them pay for college at all levels, whether it is for a trade or technical degree or a four-year university.

Pharr City Commissioners present the Pharr EDC Foundation with a $500,000 check for student scholarships (L to R): Commissioners Bobby Carrillo, Daniel Chavez, Ricardo Medina, Eleazar Guajardo, Itza Flores, Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and Victor Perez, Pharr EDC Executive Director.

As part of this commitment, the Pharr City Commission presented the Pharr EDC Foundation with a $500,000 check during the ceremony. Mayor Hernandez announced during his remarks that funding for the foundation will come from revenues generated by the Pharr International Bridge and through fundraising efforts by the board.

The Pharr EDC Foundation plans to launch its website in the coming months, and scholarship applications will be made available shortly thereafter.

Join us for Live Music by Group 2C41 at The HUB Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr TOMORROW, Dec. 19 from 8-10 PM

Join us for Live Music by Group 2C41 at The HUB Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr TOMORROW, Dec. 19 from 8-10 PM

Join us for Live Music by Group 2C41 at The HUB Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr TOMORROW, Dec. 19 from 8-10 PM

Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce that local performers 2C41 will be playing live music at The Hub Food Truck Park in downtown Pharr from 8-10 pm. Families are encouraged to visit The Hub to grab a bite to eat, enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and listen to this amazing group of local performers.

“The City of Pharr is proud to support music and we are especially thrilled to now offer our local musicians a platform in which they can showcase their talents,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This is an extremely talented group made up of four local family members, and  I know our community will enjoy listening to their music,” added Hernandez. “We encourage all families to enjoy our new downtown parks, food trucks and enjoy the show while safely social distancing and wearing masks,” he said. 

The new City of Pharr downtown parks are a great attraction for the community with many coming out to enjoy the Christmas decorations and grabbing a bite to eat at The Hub. The City of Pharr invites you to come watch the performance and enjoy our beautiful new parks.

All media and the public are invited to attend. 

DETAILS
WHAT:  Live Music by Group 2C41 at The HUB Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 2020, from 8-10 pm
WHERE: The Hub Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd)

Join us for Live Music by Group 2C41 at The HUB Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr TOMORROW, Dec. 19 from 8-10 PM

City of Pharr to Host Holiday Market to Boost Local Businesses, Vendor Registration Now Open

City of Pharr to Host Holiday Market to Boost Local Businesses, Vendor Registration Now Open

Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a “Holiday Market” to help boost local businesses and support the local creative community. Vendors interested in participating may register by calling (956) 402-4240. The “Holiday Market” will take place on Sunday, December 13, 2020, from 2-7 pm at The Hub Downtown Food Truck Park (118 S. Cage Blvd.) near Pharr City Hall. 

“The City of Pharr is excited to host our first “Holiday Market” as we aim to support our local business community this holiday season,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We have so many creative and talented individuals in our community that offer amazing quality products,” added Hernandez. “We invite local businesses to register to be a vendor at our “Holiday Market” and invite our community to join us and shop local this Christmas,” he added. 

Space is limited to the first 15 vendors who register. All vendors will be provided with a 6ft table to set up but must bring their own tablecloth. CDC guidelines will be implemented and everyone must wear a mask, and follow social distancing and health guidelines. 

All media and the public are invited to attend.

DETAILS
WHAT:  City of Pharr Holiday Market
WHEN:  Sunday, December 13, 2020, from 2-7 pm
WHERE: The Hub Downtown Food Truck Park
                118 S. Cage Blvd 
                 Pharr, TX 78552

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