by media | Oct 16, 2018 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, October 15, 2018 and considered agendas that included the following highlights:
Edward Wylie Appointed as Interim City Manager
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and City Commissioners appointed current Deputy City Manager, Edward M. Wylie as Interim City Manager. Mr. Wylie has formerly served as the Development Services Director for Pharr.
Pharr Designates October as Disability Employment Awareness Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and City Commissioners approved a proclamation designating October as “Disability Employment Awareness Month,” a month focused on increasing the public’s awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Veronica Quintana, Pathways Toward Independent Program Director at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD accepted the proclamation, along with several students from the program. “It is important that we work to connect our student with disabilities with jobs to help them continue to learn independence and employability skills,” she said while thanking city leaders for their support. “We are grateful for the support of the Texas Workforce Solutions, Pharr EDC and the city for their work in helping our students connect with businesses and employers,” she continued.
October Proclaimed as Manufacturing Month in Pharr
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation designating October 2018 as “Manufacturing Month” and October 3, 2018, as “Manufacturing Day” in Pharr. Manufacturers in Texas employ 6.9% of the workforce, an estimated 875,000 manufacturing employees, including 7,200 in Hidalgo County, 427 in Pharr, augmented by 52,800 in Hidalgo County and 1,800 in Pharr working in Transportation & Warehousing. Mike Willis, Executive Director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association announced during the acceptance of the proclamation that the South Texas Manufacturers Association and Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in coordination with the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, and South Texas College, held a Manufacturing Day Celebration on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at the Pharr Development and Research Center. “We are working with our communities, partners, and businesses to educate our students about the importance of manufacturing jobs, skills, and there economic impact in our cities and region,” he said. “During the event, students had the opportunity to tour manufacturing plants, learn about careers in the manufacturing industry, and even visited the UTRGV Engineering Department,” he added.
Pharr Earns Texas Municipal League Award for Scenic City Designation
City of Pharr Director of Development Services Melanie Cano announced that the City of Pharr received a plaque at the Texas Municipal League (TML) Conference for earning a Silver ranking as part of the Scenic City Certification. Thirteen Texas cities were recognized as 2018 Certified Scenic City award recipients through the Scenic City Certification Program, a project of Scenic Texas and its 15 Program Partner organizations. The Scenic City Certification Program recognizes cities for their demonstrated commitment to high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces. Four cities have earned certification for the first time and nine are re-certifying or upgrading existing certification status, bringing the total number of certified cities across Texas to 75. Official certification is earned by cities that score points in the upper range and meet threshold standards for landscaping, tree planting, and sign regulation.
by media | Oct 12, 2018 | Media Releases
Pharr, Texas – Amid a backdrop of vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables, the Pharr International Bridge held a special event to commemorate the start of the 2018-2019 produce season, celebrating the occasion alongside produce growers, importers, distributors, consumers, dignitaries from Mexico and the United States, and special guest Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.
“Pharr is proud to be the largest land port of entry for fruits and vegetables,” remarked Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. at the start of the event. “We have invested in our bridge infrastructure, technology, and have worked closely with our partners at the state and federal level to ensure that our port of entry continues to expand capacity and meet the demands of our economy,” he continued. “Produce plays an integral role in our regional and international economy, and here in Pharr we take great pride in being the gateway for these products to enter into the United States and beyond,” he added.
The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge has evolved into the largest land port for fruits and vegetables in the nation, surpassing Nogales, Arizona as the leading port of entry for Mexican produce and goods. Currently, the Pharr International Bridge crosses more than 60% of all the fresh produce coming from Mexico through Texas land ports of entry.
“The Pharr International Bridge has forged strong partnerships on both sides of the border with distributors, growers, and importers, to ensure that we are meeting the demands of the industry,” said Pharr Bridge Director Luiz Bazan. “There is no slowing down for us, in the next 3-4 years we are expecting to grow significantly.” he continued. “That is why it is important that we keep investing, planning, and working with all our partners as we continue to expand our opportunities.”
Local produce distributor Aquiles Jaime Garza, president of Bebo Distributing, was in attendance at the event and attributed the growth that his company and the local produce industry have experienced to the Pharr International Bridge. “The City of Pharr is doing great things for the city itself and for the bridge,” Garza commented. “It’s really helping our industry,” he added.
The U.S. has consistently remained Mexico’s No. 1 trading partner for produce and goods and Pharr’s ideal geographical location has resulted in not only a great partnership between the two countries, but also in the growth of their produce trading capacity.
“The City of Pharr has done a remarkable job working with the produce industry in Texas and in Mexico as they continue to lead the way as the number one port of entry in Texas,” remarked Commissioner Sid Miller. “The economic impact of the food and fiber sector totals more than $100 billion annually,” he said. “Working together, we have accomplished many great things for the bridge and I look forward to our continued partnership as we plan for future growth and expansion here in Pharr,” he continued.
With Pharr’s produce park nearly filled with cold storage, ripening facilities and more, growth in the produce industry in Pharr is expected to continue at a steady pace.
by media | Oct 10, 2018 | Media Releases
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr presents another family-friendly event for you, the Pharr Fire Fest 2018! Join us Saturday, October 13th, beginning at 6 PM at Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX).
This is a free event. There will be live music, raffle prizes, carnival rides, fire prevention tips, a hot wing eating contest and more fun for the entire family.
For more information call 956-402-4400.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Fire Fest
WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 6 PM to 11 PM
WHERE: 3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX
by media | Oct 10, 2018 | Media Releases
City of Pharr Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Mural and Time Capsule Dedication
Pharr, Texas – In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Pharr held a dedication ceremony to honor and celebrate Pharr’s history, present, and future at the South Pharr Development & Research Center (DRC). At the event, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and Pharr city officials dedicated a commissioned mural depicting Pharr’s rich Mexican-American history and unveiled the rendering of a memorial monument that will house a time capsule to be opened in 50 years.
“Today, we join the nation in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanics who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society,” said Mayor Hernandez. “The Rio Grande Valley’s history is founded on rich traditions, culture, and influences of our international neighbor, Mexico. Everywhere you look in our region—from our food to our language, to our music and our dancing—we share a unique connection and bond,” he said before unveiling the city’s newest mural.
The mural was painted by artists and brothers José Arturo and Imuris Aram Ramos Pinedo from Zacatecas, Mexico and depicts people, places, and events of historical significance in Pharr’s history. The mural also celebrates the Mexican and American culture and heritage that is present in border communities such as Pharr. The artists have painted a mural at the Pharr Memorial Library, and have plans for a future mural at the Pharr International Bridge.
“The City of Pharr is especially proud to celebrate the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month with the dedication of this stunning mural – a beautiful depiction of the City of Pharr’s community and our deep connection to the Mexican Culture,” remarked Mayor Hernandez during the ceremony. “José and Imuris have done a wonderful job capturing our history and the roots of our community.”
Pharr officials ended the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration by commemorating the future site of a memorial monument at the DRC, that will house a time capsule which will be opened in 50 years. The time capsule was presented at this year’s State of the City address and contains notes to future Pharr citizens, City of Pharr relics and memorabilia, and photos and newspaper articles highlighting the 2018 State of the City as well as other newsworthy events from 2018.
“The time capsule, which will be opened in 50 years from now, in 2068, was created to remember Pharr’s past, preserve the present, and to remind future citizens of the city’s rich history,” stated Mayor Hernandez. “In 50 years, Pharr will look very different, and I look forward to our future leaders uncovering this treasure we will have left them,” he added.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Pharr continues to preserve our rich cultural history while paying tribute to our past and the community that has sustained, grown, and developed alongside us. We are excited to see what our future holds!
by media | Oct 10, 2018 | Media Releases
Pharr Narrows Down Top Four Candidates for Police Chief
Pharr, Texas – After a nearly year-long, comprehensive, nationwide search to find the most highly-qualified candidate to lead Pharr’s police department, City of Pharr officials announce that it has narrowed down its selection to the top four candidates among more than 30 applicants. The top four applicants (in alphabetical order) include Julian Cavazos from the City of Kingsville, Andy Harvey from the City of Palestine, Michael Holguin from the City of Kennedale, and interim Chief Jose Luengo from the City of Pharr. The City of Pharr expects the selection pool to be narrowed down to the top two contenders by the end of the month.
Last year, national recruiting firm Springsted Waters was hired to manage the executive recruitment services. The firm advertised the Police Chief job position in a variety of reputable, professional law enforcement and government associations and organizations across the country. In July, the firm was tasked by the City to re-advertise for additional 30 days on municipal websites Texas Municipal League (TML) and National League of Cities.
“We understand public safety is a top priority for our community, and we wanted do our due diligence to ensure that the person that is selected to lead our dedicated team of law enforcement officers stood out among the brightest and the best for their vision, leadership, and management experience,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
“We look forward to continuing the next phase of the police chief selection process, learning more about the top candidates, and determining which one will ultimately be the best fit for Pharr,” he continued.
Upon selection of the final candidate, the city anticipates making a job offer before the end of this year with a starting date of January 1, 2019.
by media | Oct 9, 2018 | Media Releases
City of Pharr’s Credit Rating Upgraded from “A+” to “AA-”
Pharr, Texas – S&P Global Ratings, the world’s leading provider of credit ratings, announced this week that it has raised the City of Pharr’s credit from “A+” to “AA-“. The “AA-” rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on Pharr’s general obligation (GO) debt, as well as its long-term rating to the city’s series 2018 combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation. According to a news release released by S&P Global Ratings on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, Pharr’s outlook is stable.
“This upgraded credit rating is demonstrative of Pharr’s commitment to maintaining effective fiscal accountability and efficient management of taxpayer funds,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We applaud our city administration’s strong management, superb budgetary performance and exceptional budgetary flexibility, which has led to a positive, stable outlook for our community,” Hernandez continued.
In its RatingsDirect summary for Pharr, Texas; General Obligation, S&P Global Ratings stated the following rationale for the upgraded rating:
The city’s total direct debt of $122.5 million consists of $80.4 million GO debt, $17.6 million governmental funds notes and leases, and $24.5 million enterprise revenue debt. The rating action reflects our view of the city’s conservative budgeting practices, reflected in a trend of favorable budget-to-actual results and the growth of available general fund balance to well above 30% of expenditures. While the general fund relies on revenue from the Pharr International Bridge, the bridge has historically maintained a strong operating performance and has been a source of consistent support, accounting for approximately 14% of total general fund revenue. We believe Pharr’s role as one of the largest commercial land crossings between the U.S. and Mexico and the city’s strong management further support the higher rating. We anticipate that, given these strengths, the city will be able to maintain its strong financial profile, despite uncertainty regarding potential changes in international trade.
“The rating action reflects our view of the city’s conservative budgeting practices, reflected in a trend of favorable budget-to-actual results and the growth of available general fund balance to well above 30% of expenditures,” said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Karolina Norris in the release. The release further stated that the stable outlook reflects the rating agency’s view that Pharr will maintain its very strong budgetary flexibility and liquidity as well as strong performance, supported by strong management practices. The release added that the rating agency does not expect to change the rating within the two-year outlook horizon.
All ratings affected by this rating action can be found on S&P Global Ratings’ public website at www.standardandpoors.com.
About S&P Global Ratings
S&P Global Ratings and its predecessor organizations have been in business for more than 150 years and is the world’s leading provider of credit ratings. S&P Global Ratings has more than 1 million credit ratings outstanding on government, corporate, financial sector and structured finance entities and securities. Ratings are essential to driving growth, providing transparency and helping educate market participants so they can make decisions with confidence.
