The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 17, 2023, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims the week of April 23-29, 2023 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring the week of April 23-29, 2023 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The theme for this year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” The theme calls upon communities to amplify the voices of survivors and commit to creating an environment where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported. Pharr Chief of Police Juan Gonzalez, and members of the Pharr PD and its Crime Victims Liason staff accepted the proclamation. Chief Gonzalez announced that in support of victims of crime, the Pharr Police Department is raising awareness and providing multiple resources to the public throughout the week. The Pharr Police Department would like the community to know resources are available at any time. Anyone needing assistance for themselves or someone they know is encouraged to call (956) 402-4831.
City Proclaims the week of April 23-29 as National Library Week
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring the week of April 23-29, 2023 as National Library Week. Throughout this week, we celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions, and promote library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is “There’s More to the Story,” illustrating the fact that in addition to the books in library collections, available in a variety of formats, libraries offer so much more. Adolfo Garcia, Pharr Library Director, and members of his staff accepted the proclamation. They announced that in celebration of National Library Week, the Pharr Memorial Library will be having special events and programs starting next week April 23-29, 2023 and everyone is invited to participate. “We will have activities every day of the week throughout the day,” said Garcia.
City Recognizes Pharr EMS Employees
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., the Pharr City Commission, and the Pharr EMS Department recognized Pharr EMS employees for their work in saving a life. Danny Ramirez, City of Pharr EMS Chief, and Ray Segal, EMS Liason for South Texas Health Systems (STHS), both introduced their staff and acknowledged the partnership and work between their two agencies. Aaron Sierra, EMT- Advanced, and Jesus Balders, EMT-Advanced, were recognized by both entities for their quick recognition of a heart attack and their work in reviving and saving the patient’s life. They both were awarded a plaque, pins, the Home Town Heroes award from South Texas Health Systems, and words of recognition for their life-saving efforts by both Pharr EMS and South Texas Health Systems. “This is proof of the excellence of what is happening with this EMS agency and your citizens,” said Dr. Barrera of South Texas Health Systems. “The quality of care that Pharr EMS is bringing to the hospital is incredible and we are able to save many lives because of their great work and we are proud to join you in recognizing these rockstars,” he added.
City Recognizes Pharr Public Safety Employees for Earning Awards at the Texas Public Safety Conference
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., the Pharr City Commission, and Kenneth Ennis, Pharr Public Safety Director recognized Melanie Gutierrez, Pharr Public Safety Training Coordinator, and Leslie Zuniga, Pharr Public Safety Telecommunications Officer. Both individuals were recognized at the Texas Public Safety Conference – Texas NENA on April 25th. Melanie Gutierrez was awarded the Training Professional of the Year (out of thousands of trainers in the State of Texas), which recognizes a professional who has demonstrated exceptional contributions toward the advancement of training in the public safety community. Leslie Zuniga was recognized with the Silent Hero Award, this award is presented to an individual telecommunicator in recognition of his/her exceptional professionalism in the field of public safety. “We recognize the hard work of Melanie and Leslie and congratulate them on earning these distinctive awards,” said Ennis. “Our department is proud to continue earning these awards and I am proud to say that we now officially have earned the most awards out of all the communication centers in the Rio Grande Valley,” he added.
City Sales Tax Shows Continued Positive Growth
Interim City Manager Anali Alanis announced that the City of Pharr Sales Tax Report for the month of April shows an increase of 3.40% year-to-date true growth compared to last Year 2022 and 1.63% compared to last April 2022 payments.
Featured Event: PHARR HUB PHEST 2023 – Saturday, May 20, 2023, starting at 5 PM
Get ready for the music event of the year with performances by La Leyenda, Costumbre, Michael Salgado, and much more!
Join us for carnival rides, food vendors, and live music!
Save the date — It all happens Saturday, May 20th in Downtown Pharr starting at 5 PM!
