The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, August 20, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims September 27th as Pan American Round Table of Alamo-San Juan-Pharr Day
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring September 27, 2024, as Pan American Round Table of Alamo-San Juan-Pharr Day. This special day commemorates the first organized meeting of the Pan American Round Table of Alamo-San Juan-Pharr, which took place on September 27, 1949, at the San Juan Methodist Church, with Mrs. J. S. Row of Alamo serving as the Director. During this inaugural meeting, the new Table received its first set of flags representing the Pan American countries as a gift from the McAllen Table, along with a gavel from the Reynosa Table. The Pan American Round Table has since become a beacon of friendship and understanding among the peoples of the Americas, promoting knowledge and providing scholarships to graduating seniors from the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. With a steadfast commitment to their motto, “One for All – All for One,” the organization has fostered unity and cooperation, hosting state conventions and annual Pan American Observance Day luncheons with members from across Texas and the Western Hemisphere. Maria de Los Angeles Garcia, Table Director, and Gloria Cantu, Associate Director, accepted the proclamation. “We are celebrating our 75th anniversary, and are proud to be a part of this vibrant community, focusing our efforts on helping others and making a difference,” said Garcia. “Our organization is focused on providing scholarships to students at all PSJA High Schools and completing annual projects focused on helping others,” she added. This proclamation honors the enduring legacy and significant contributions of the Pan American Round Table to the community.
Pharr Public Utilities Recognized for Earning Prestigious “Water Systems Helping Water Systems” Award
The City of Pharr proudly recognized Pharr Public Utilities for earning the prestigious “Water Systems Helping Water Systems” Award by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for the second year. This distinguished award honors public water systems that go above and beyond in assisting other water systems, ensuring compliance, and maintaining high environmental quality standards. Pharr Public Utilities was one of only two organizations to receive this recognition this year, a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and community support. Special acknowledgment was given to Ruben Rosales, Public Utilities Director; Jesse Trejo, Superintendent of Operations; and Manuel Ponce, Supervisor for the Water Plant, for their outstanding leadership and dedication. “It is truly gratifying to see our departments making a significant impact by assisting other systems in our region,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Together, we are enhancing the quality of services provided to the communities we serve. Congratulations to the entire team on this well-deserved award!”
Pharr Sales Tax Continues Positive Growth
Pharr City Manager, Dr. Jonathan Flores, announced a notable increase in Pharr’s sales tax revenue, with a 2.96% Year-To-Date (YTD) true growth compared to last YTD July 2024, and a remarkable 7.94% increase compared to July 2023 payments. This growth underscores Pharr’s robust economic development.
Mario Lizcano Reappointed to the Civil Service Commission
The Pharr City Commission reappointed Mario Lizcano to serve another 3-year term on the Civil Service Commission.
Pharr Proposes 2024 Tax Rate with Public Hearing Scheduled
The City of Pharr has proposed a tax rate of $0.7676 per $100 valuation for the 2024 tax year, which is the same as last year’s rate (no new rate increase). A public hearing, as required per law, will be held on September 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Pharr City Hall.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, August 5, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Recognizes Pharr PD Officers for Earning Competition Awards
The City of Pharr and Police Chief Juan Gonzalez recognized officers of the Pharr Police Department who recently won awards at professional competitions. First to be recognized was Sergeant Guerra, supervisor for the Tactical Response (SWAT) Team, who earned the overall Top Swat Operator Award from all participants, which included local and federal personnel. This is his third year in a row earning the award. Sergeant Guerra and his team of five officers from the Tactical Team participated in the training skills competition which took place in the City of Brownsville. The competition is geared to challenge team skills, strength and endurance, weapons proficiency, decision-making, and teamwork. “I would like to congratulate our Tactical Team and Sergeant Guerra for doing an outstanding job and highlighting the proficiency of our Pharr PD personnel,” said Chief Gonzalez. Next, Chief Gonzalez recognized K-9 Handler Emilio Gonzalez and his K-9, Storm, for their participation in a K-9 competition where K-9 officers from all over the State of Texas, including some from Mexico, showcased their skills. They won the overall 1st Place as the Top Explosive K-9 at this year’s competition. Storm and Officer Gonzalez are always behind the scenes before large gatherings and special events, working to detect a variety of explosive materials. “Storm and Officer Gonzalez play an important role in our comprehensive preventative security measures,” said Chief Gonzalez. “We congratulate them on this outstanding award and all our officers for continuing to represent our Pharr PD team,” he added.
Featured Events:
Press Conference for Avocado Festival – Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 2 PM
Avocado Festival – Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 2 PM to 11 PM
Get ready for the most epic event of the year in the RGV! The City of Pharr’s Avocado Festival 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s going to be unforgettable. Stay tuned as we unveil thrilling surprises, an incredible artist lineup, exciting event announcements, and so much more. Don’t miss out—join us and our amazing partners, the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and Pharr Economic Development Corporation, for a festival like no other!
Badge the Youth Academy – 10 Week Program – Starts on September 4th
