By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Laguna Vista Town Council opened its Jan. 13 meeting with ceremonial recognitions, followed by public concerns regarding delayed grant funding and updates tied to emergency response improvements and long-term infrastructure planning.
The Council meeting began with a recognition of Elizabeth Baldwin, the retiring director of the Laguna Vista Public Library, for 20 years of service and her contributions to community learning.
The council went on to recognized Fire Department employee Damian Hairston for earning his paramedic certification through the town’s developing EMS program. Officials noted Hairston successfully completed the program and passed the National Registry exam on the first attempt, calling the achievement an important step in strengthening emergency response capacity.
Then the council received recognition from the Salvation Army, which presented an award and certificate of appreciation to the Town of Laguna Vista for its support of the annual fundraising campaign.
Then the most alarming moment of the meeting came during Open Forum when the president of the Liberty Side Fire and Rescue Corporation said grant funds intended for the nonprofit were deposited into the Town of Laguna Vista’s bank account rather than the corporation’s. The speaker emphasized the Fire and Rescue Corporation is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity and was listed as the recipient of a Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) grant, but banking information submitted with the application resulted in the funds being deposited into the town’s account.
The speaker stated the LCRA confirmed in writing that the funds must be provided to the nonprofit. The speaker added the city manager initially advised the money would be issued to the corporation by check after the town bookkeeper returned from the holidays, with a target date of Jan. 5, but the funds had still not been issued as of the council meeting. The speaker also said the corporation’s EIN was used for the grant, creating potential reporting and tax exposure for the nonprofit. Several attendees reacted during the comment period, asking to hear more as the issue was discussed but the three minutes allotted for Open Forum Speaker was up.
As the Open Forum proceeded, Commander Daniel Holland provided a police update, reporting the department received $22,000 in overtime funding through a grant and that the town’s new cameras had arrived and are pending installation.
After Open Forum concluded, the council moved to the next agenda item and reviewed the monthly financial report, noting the town remains in a strong fiscal position. Officials reported the general fund balance was approximately $3.27 million as of Dec. 31, supporting long-term capital planning and major infrastructure projects.
The next item on the agenda included a presentation on a federal grant application through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Consultant George Lazaro of Fulcrum Consulting Services presented plans for a proposed 14,000-square-foot emergency operations center that would house police and fire operations and serve as a regional coordination hub during disaster events. Lazaro reported the project budget is approximately $9.7 million, with an estimated 80% federal grant share.
Lazaro said the project is intended to benefit not only Laguna Vista, but also surrounding communities including Port Isabel, South Padre Island, Los Fresnos and Cameron County, as well as strengthen regional emergency readiness as growth continues in the area tied to Starbase.
Town officials said the broader vision includes EMS and fire department development on land adjacent to the South Texas Ecotourism Center (STEC), expanding response capacity for Laguna Vista and neighboring cities.
In another infrastructure-related action, the council considered an agreement to join the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDS) Stormwater Task Force Partnership, Inc., a regional effort focused on stormwater compliance and infrastructure coordination. Town officials said participation in the partnership is expected to strengthen interlocal support and provide assistance for future infrastructure grant opportunities and grant-writing resources and approved the membership.
Other agenda topics included the upcoming Town Council Elections in May, Christmas decoration replacement costs, and the possibity of scheduling of twice a month council meetings instead of just once a month. Councilwoman Howard and Councilman Cornelius objected to the city manager’s recommendation of meeting twice a month, so the item was tabled.
Then the council adjourned to executive session, after which upon returning, Mayor Michael Carter addressed the LCRA grant concerns, stating the situation stemmed from a misunderstanding and not out of malice. Carter praised the fire chief for securing grant funds and assured the nonprofit board the town would resolve the issue, stating, “You will get the money,” adding the council would prepare documentation confirming the corporation’s receipt of the funds.
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