Commissioner’s Court will be holding a meeting this Friday to further discuss the certificates of obligation.
The Certificates Of Obligation (COB)Series 2017 are being sought to fund certain infrastructure projects and other county expenditures and purchases.
During the course of the meeting agenda item No. 39 regarding the County proposed (COB’s) was taken into Executive Session.
Once back in open session Maverick County Judge David R. Saucedo opened up the agenda item for discussion and or action.
“We are now going to hear from Maverick County Elections Administrator T. Roy Schmerber who is going to report on information in reference to this issue,” said Saucedo.
Maverick County Legal Counsel Robert Wilson then stated that the information being provided was only for informational purposes.
Judge Saucedo agreed but stated that it was important to give some kind of outcome in regards to the signature petition submitted to the county on February 9, 2017 by a group of Maverick County taxpayers.
Schmerber stated that the petition had contained 2,040 signatures and that the amount needed was 1,411, or 5 percent of the total number of registered voters, to be validated.
“I am recommending that it be accepted as the valid signatures were 1,488,” said Schmerber
Wilson then advised the court that they did not have to accept the count, but would have to hold a meeting on the issue to address it properly by law.
“Duly noted, but I also do want the public to know that we do respect the request of petitioners when something like this comes as long as it’s valid. We as a court take action according to what is valid. This is a valid petition as reviewed so I would like to ask for some kind of motion,” said Saucedo
Commissioner Pct. 1 Jerry Morales then motioned.
“My motion will be that we call a meeting for this Friday for the possibility of calling an election. I think it’s in the best interest for all of Maverick County to see what the Certificates of Obligation Series 2017 consists of,” said Morales.
It was seconded by Commissioner Pct.3 Pete Venegas.
Commissioner of Pct.4 Roberto Ruiz stated that he wanted to laud the fact that the county and residents were interlocked in a true democratic checks and balances. Ruiz further stated that he would hope that the residents looking for accountability in the county would also turn their attention to other governing bodies and seek accountability as well.
Commissioner of Pct .2 Rosy Cantu stated that she looked forward to seeing democracy in play through the electoral process.
Commissioners Court will be holding a meeting on Friday , February 17, 2017 at the Maverick County Courthouse where a final determination on the issue will be disclosed,
The county can call an election based on the petition request or they can pull out of issuing Certificates of Obligation all together.