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Citizens Raise Concerns to City Council Regarding Public Funds & Economic Development Incentive
Concerned citizens and former elected officials took to the podium during the citizen’s comments portion of the City Council Meeting held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 to discuss a proposed agenda item regarding city funds possibly being used to provide an economic incentive to a local business.
The council was expected to meet in Executive Session to discuss several agenda items including the proposed Economic Development incentive to be provided to Molcajetes Restaurant. Before the council convened to discuss the items in session, members of the public took the opportunity to address the council and mayor directly.
George Solis, a retired Border Patrol agent who also served in the U.S. Air Force for 32 years, voiced his concerns over the economic impact of providing this financial incentive to a private business. “I want you all to know that I’m not against the decisions you make as a city council, the optics of it are just not good,” Solis began. “Why are we as a city, as taxpayers, giving tax money to a business that took their own risk, and their own loan?” Solis went on to share his suggestions for where those funds could better serve the community. “I used to walk on the creek everyday, but it’s gotten too dangerous," he went on to cite the need for more patrols and law enforcement presence at the creek. “Now I can understand why you want to reward them for opening a business, but I also think fixing the creek with that $80,000 would serve the whole community rather than one business," he continued. “Please take into careful consideration where that money is going and where it needs to be spent.”
Former District 3 Councilperson, Alexandra Falcon Calderon took to the podium to remind the council of EDC (Economic Development Corporation) bylaws regarding the agenda items to be discussed in Executive Session and asked for transparency from the council. “A reminder for those that do know and those that don’t, please look at what Type B in the EDC is all about because in the May 2022 Election it was voted that for any Type B Project, there always needs to be a public hearing,” Falcon Calderon began. “Was it done for the Texas Roadhouse?” Was it done for Molcajetes?” “That’s to think about as you go into Executive Session.”
Former Mayor Bruno Lozano followed Mrs. Falcon Calderon, first thanking the City of Del Rio for their collaboration and presence at the recent 5k and stating that he looked forward to future collaborations at next year’s 5k for PTSD Awareness, before addressing the council with his concerns regarding the distribution of $80,000 to a private entity. “As stewards of public funds, having served, it is imperative that we vet the distribution of public funds,” Lozano stated. “If we do not properly vet these funding sources and end up distributing funds, there are severe consequences at hand,” he continued. “I ask you council and mayor, what is the vision that you carry forth for the community?”
Following citizen’s comments, Mayor Al Arreola took a much needed moment to address the community and remind the City of Del Rio that he and the council are listening to their concerns and doing their best to meet the city’s needs. “What I want to say to this council and to this administration, if we’re gonna go on par with 9.75 million dollars for a new city hall, let’s put it back to the streets, let’s put it back into parks, let’s put it where the citizens can see progress in our community,” Mayor Arreola affirmed. “I really wanted to let the community know that this council is really concentrating on the needs of the citizens and we are listening,” he concluded.
Upon reconvening from Executive Session, no action was taken and the meeting was adjourned.
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