by media | Aug 13, 2019 | Media Releases
Pharr Mayor Hernandez Participates in West Texas Legislative Summit
Pharr, Texas – Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and representatives from the City of Pharr, Texas, were invited to attend and participate in the 16th Annual West Texas Legislative Summit at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas on August 7-8, 2019. Hernandez was a panelist on a session entitled “Borders, Ports, & the Power of the Economy: Unleashing the Trade Potential of the United States,” and shared his insights and experience regarding the impact of the Pharr International Bridge on the local and regional economy.
The summit was hosted by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, with honorary co-hosts U. S. Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11), State Senator Charles Perry (District 28), and State Representative Drew Darby (District 72). This year, the focus of the summit was on international trade and featured keynote speaker was Ambassador Gregg Doud, Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
“I was honored to be invited to attend this summit and share the story of our international port of entry,” said Hernandez. “We had a fruitful discussion regarding the growing impact of international trade and commerce, the need for additional infrastructure and inspection personnel, and how the entire state is impacted by border trade issues,” Hernandez continued.
“On behalf of the City of Pharr, we would like to extend our appreciation to Congressman Conaway, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, and all other individuals and organizations who contributed to the success of this summit,” Hernandez ended.
by media | Aug 6, 2019 | Media Releases
Sales tax activity for the City of Pharr as of the month of July 2019 continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. This report is the tenth month of the City’s fiscal year and represents sales activity for the month of May 2019. The report showed an overall positive trend in sales tax growth in the amount of $2,195,293, an increase of 15.06% for this time period. City sales tax collections also saw an increase of 5.33% ($1,760,677) compared to last July 2018 ($1,671,537). Pharr continues to rank first in collections year-to-date.
by media | Jul 17, 2019 | Media Releases
Pharr and Workforce Solutions to Host 5th Annual RGV Job Fair on Thursday, 7/18 @ 9 am
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Workforce Solutions, is excited to host the 5th annual RGV Job Fair, among the largest in the region. Over 65 employers from various industries will be on-site seeking qualified individuals looking to advance their professional careers. The job fair will take place from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
“Our job fair has been very successful over the years, and it has grown into one of the largest in the RGV,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This year we have added more employers from all different professional fields and industries,” he continued. “Job seekers will have the opportunity to apply to almost any occupation they are interested in,” he added. “We invite anyone looking for a job to attend and bring their resumes!”
Employers in the areas of healthcare, government, education, agriculture, construction, oil field, banking, transportation, retail, customer service, restaurant chains, and more will be available to answer any questions, accept job applications, and conduct on-site interviews. Complimentary access to computers and copiers for online applications will be available on-site. Job seekers can pre-register for this FREE event at https://wfsolutions.org/rgvjobfair.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr and Workforce Solutions 5th Annual RGV Job Fair
WHEN: Thursday, July 18, 2019, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
WHERE: Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Jul 17, 2019 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, July 1, 2019, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Receives Update on Hidalgo County Drainage Improvements
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission received an update from City Engineer & Director Omar Anzaldua regarding the city’s drainage infrastructure improvements that are being conducted by the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 as part of the 2018 Drainage Improvement Bond Program.
Mr. Anzaldua advised the commission that he has met with Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to finalize the engineering part of the projects and was notified that the district will be releasing a timeline and schedule for the projects within the City of Pharr including status on design or construction and the timeline for completion. Mayor Hernandez reminded the commission and public that this is not a city project but a county project being handled entirely by the county and that a majority of the projects were designated to South Pharr, the area most impacted by flooding.
“The county has been working very hard on this project and is giving us updates as they progress,” stated Hernandez. “The county is responsible for these projects and we are working with them to ensure that they remain on schedule and on time,” he added. Mayor Hernandez further stated that the City of Pharr is committed to making additional improvements to the drainage system on top of what the county is doing to ensure that flooding is mitigated throughout the city, however, the final decision will be left up to the citizens of Pharr. “Pharr will not mandate a tax on our citizens, instead our plan is to put it up to a vote to our citizens,” Hernandez stated. “The county will only be able to complete certain projects as they do not have enough funding to fix our entire system, that is where we, as the citizens of Pharr, must step in and vote to invest and make the needed improvements that the county cannot make,” he continued.
The county is expected to begin the projects within the next few months and Mayor Hernandez noted that the City of Pharr would not be able to make any drainage improvements until the county has completed all their projects. Once the projects are complete, the city plans to ask voters to approve a tax increase for city-wide drainage improvements. Additionally, Mayor Hernandez announced that the city has been working with students from the Dual Language Architectural Design course at PSJA Southwest Early College High School to develop drainage solutions.
“These students have done a remarkable job in helping the city to develop drainage solutions,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We are thrilled about their proposals and will continue working with these outstanding visionaries to ensure that our community is able to implement their ideas when the time comes for the city to make our own drainage improvements,” he added.
Featured Event: Operation Clean Sweep – Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 8 am to 12 pm
Join us Saturday, July 27th at the Jones Box Park for Operation Clean Sweep. Let’s keep Pharr beautiful!
by media | Jun 18, 2019 | Media Releases
Pharr Welcomes RGV’s First CarMax to the Region
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr officials and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for CarMax, the nation’s largest retailer of used cars on Thursday, June 13, 2019. This is the first CarMax to open in the Rio Grande Valley and the 22nd location the company has opened in Texas. CarMax Pharr is located at 1300 East I-2, Pharr, TX 78552.
“The City of Pharr is proud to welcome CarMax to our growing community of Pharr,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “CarMax will add to the diverse and vibrant retail economy of our city,” he added.
With over 300 used vehicles of almost every make and model, CarMax also offers customers the unique ability to choose vehicle transfers from any other CarMax location in the country. The new facility in Pharr is estimated to create over 100 jobs.
“Pharr has been incredibly welcoming, and we are thrilled to be a community partner,” said Dave Marrero, location general manager of the Pharr CarMax. “Our team is excited to be opening our first CarMax store in the Rio Grande Valley and introduce customers to an exceptional used car buying experience.”
Members from throughout the community and region attended the event, welcoming CarMax to Pharr. Making it a point to give back to the local community and in celebration of its new home, CarMax surprised the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, which is located in Pharr, with a $10,000 grant.
“This was a great celebration and we are especially happy to have CarMax be part of our community, as an outstanding business and employer,” stated Mayor Hernandez. “We look forward to a strong partnership and great success for CarMax,” he added.
by media | Jun 18, 2019 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, June 17, 2019, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims June 29th as “Driscoll Children’s Summer Day Event”
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City Commissioner approved a proclamation designating June 29, 2019, as “Driscoll Children’s Summer Day Event” in Pharr. Representatives from Driscoll Health Plan and Driscoll Children’s Quick Care – McAllen accepted the proclamation and announced that they will be offering two funfilled summer events for the City of Pharr in which the community will have the opportunity to enjoy fun activities along with Driscoll staff and get to receive more information about the Health Plan and the services that are offered to the community of the Rio Grande Valley at Driscoll Children’s Quick Care – McAllen.
Commission Recognized by Radio Manantial
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, City Manager Alex Meade, Chief of Police Jose Luengo, Pharr Community Liason Frank Nuñez, and Francisco Arroyo with the Parks & Recreation Department were recognized by members of Radio Manantial and presented with a plaque for their assistance in helping coordinate a Mother’s Day event for the community.
City Approves Permit for Destiny Through Christ Church, Inc.
The Pharr City Commission approved a Life of the Use Conditional Use Permit for Church filed by Destiny Through Christ Church, Inc. Pastor Rudy Beltran thanked the City for its support and showed a rendering of the future building and site development which will be located at 1302 West Nolana Loop. “We are getting ready to move on the next phase of our project and are excited to be able to build our roots here in Pharr,” said Pastor Beltran.
Commission Approves Ordinance Amending Article IX Firefighters and Police Officers Civil Service Ordinance
The Pharr City Commission Approved amendments to Article IX, Firefighters and Police Officers Civil Service Ordinance relating to the number of authorized civil service positions in certain specified ranks to be in compliance with Fire CBA and better serve the needs of the citizens of Pharr. Under the new ordinance, the Pharr Fire Department will be adding one new Engineer Position, bringing the total number of Engineers in the department to 18.
Commission Approves Ordinance amending Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance
The Pharr City Commission Approved amendments to oversized storage units under applicable residential zoning districts. Under the new amendments, the City deems that oversized storage units under applicable residential zoning districts should be listed as a permitted use, so long as the design requirements comply with city guidelines and requirements and are used only as an accessory to the residential use and not for living quarters.
Featured Event: City of Pharr Independence Day Festival – Saturday, June 29, 2019, from 6 pm to 10 pm
Join us as we celebrate our nation’s freedom at the City of Pharr’s Independence Day Festival on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Dr. William Long Elementary City/School Park in Pharr. This is a FREE EVENT and will feature a variety of entertainment and family activities including musical performances, live entertainment, food booths, and kiddie rides. The line up for this free event includes live musical performances by Lauren Corzine, Serjio & Ropin’ The Wind, Drew & The Dancehall Dreamers, and Ten Ton Hammer. Live fireworks will begin promptly at 10:15 pm.
