Myra Alaniz urges Nueces County to oppose Avina's tax abatements

The Nueces County Commissioner’s Court meeting on April 24, 2025, focused on significant community concerns regarding environmental issues and potential corporate tax abatements. The meeting featured public comments that highlighted the impact of local industry on air quality and community health.

Myra Alaniz, representing concerned citizens from Robstown and Calallen, presented a report from an air permit consultant. The report criticized the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for its handling of air quality monitoring related to the Avena company. Alaniz pointed out numerous deficiencies in the data used for modeling air quality, including vague information and a lack of ammonia monitoring capabilities. She urged the commissioners to consider these issues seriously when Avena seeks tax abatements in the future.

Alaniz emphasized that while the county may not control the permitting process, it does have authority over tax incentives. She warned against rewarding Avena with tax abatements, arguing that the company has already received significant advantages, including federal tax incentives and favorable water contracts. She called for accountability, urging the commissioners to ensure that Avena pays for any environmental impact it causes, rather than benefiting financially at the community's expense.

The meeting also included a brief discussion on board appointments, specifically for the Nueces County Library Advisory Board, indicating ongoing efforts to engage community members in local governance.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's concerns about environmental health and the potential implications of corporate practices on local quality of life. The commissioners are expected to consider these public comments as they make decisions regarding future tax incentives and corporate accountability.