[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6515463,"mediaKeyId","3869007-fa850ea032d983cc9012dbef2b346de6","parentId",3869007,"title","San Benito manager announces online billing, flood planning cooperation and summer events; regional recovery conference promoted","audioSeconds",29,"startMs",862000,"endMs",833000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3869007-fa850ea032d983cc9012dbef2b346de6&start=862&end=833","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3869007-fa850ea032d983cc9012dbef2b346de6/thumbnail_862000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6515463/San-Benito/Cameron-County/Texas/San-Benito-manager-announces-online-billing-flood-planning-cooperation-and-summer-events-regional-recovery-conference-promoted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515463-cc2d7262709a1b6b3b39aebbfaff95aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770882210&Signature=Dmaulce4dT-AJ9aBC7o0R~cLDWqCe4ggczw4jUUFbQ-7J5h0JHc~hEKPj98rygRrpQmcV-WAzQ1sYijbCin7lZYEs2I0E0IsEpfpWV5L-WP9nQID3xNagXQoAIcMV9chGMlGf21kvdjHEEOeLs2z7Myzv0uNmflhWSDSNTXR8f4Uz4s5t7WUZ1gKqAVbS8I81Zew3WpCULM7st38n1h-9zR9SP9DcT9WjJDRahl8sipUHcpGKI4QdyH7s7us4PLFvSoHUAOB7ckNDi-cWJZHgSasiQW3Qx91yPKKrzTn2YnumlTSah6Hlre-PGm1Jd4Uxjox0KvVeo-EqUHcgJX6iQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Benito","date","2025-06-17T00:00:00Z","article","City Manager Fred updated the commission June 17 on several administrative and community programs, including a new online utilities-billing system, discussions with the county drainage district about regional flood detention, FEMA outreach hours, a pilot utility-relief plan for seniors, and an expanded events calendar for the summer.

Fred told the commission the city's online utility-billing system is up and running. The system will allow customers to review transaction history, manage accounts, set up scheduled payments and request service; staff emphasized that data are encrypted and secure. Fred thanked staff members (Diana, Stephanie's representative, Yolanda) for implementing the system.

Fred and other staff said they met with leadership of Cameron County Drainage District No. 3 (general manager Carla Marin Torres and assistant general manager Ben Escobar) to discuss cooperative efforts including equipment sharing, possible dredging and a regional detention facility (RDF). The city manager described the RDF concept as a potential 130-plus-acre site that could be part of a joint effort to reduce local flooding, though he said details and interlocal agreements are still under development.

FEMA regional outreach continues in the area, Fred said; FEMA is operating Monday'Friday 8 a.m.'7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.'5 p.m., with Sunday closures, to assist flood victims.

Fred also described a CDBG-CV utility assistance plan the city is developing to help qualifying residents age 62 or older. He said staff hopes to provide a six-month billing relief for water service to qualifying seniors, starting with those delinquent on bills; additional eligibility criteria and application steps will be required.

Parks and cultural staff outlined community events for the summer. Eloy Avila, parks director, said \"Movies in the Park\" will recur weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., rotating among venues including the Cultural Arts Center. The city also unveiled a summer concert series; Roy Garcia of Carpionocks Entertainment confirmed 10 confirmed shows so far at the fairgrounds, nightly fireworks, vendor opportunities and that kids 12 and under will be admitted free. Ticket prices were described as ranging from $25 (general admission) to $125 for premium shows; some local-act slots will be filled by community performers.

In a regional presentation, Cesar Madler, assistant director of public safety for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, invited local officials to the second annual \"Listo RGV\" regional preparedness and recovery conference scheduled for Sept. 24'26 at Margaritaville Hotel & Resort on South Padre Island. Madler said the conference focuses on regional recovery following incidents such as the March floods and will offer continuing-education credits. Registration is $100 for individuals, free for nonprofits and government tables, and $200 for for-profit institutions; staff asked the commission to help spread the word.

Commissioners asked logistical questions about the events, restaurant coordination and vendor outreach; staff said they would follow up with marketing and vendor recruitment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Benito - Commission Meetings - Jun 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Fred told the San Benito City Commission on June 17 that the city's online utility-billing system is now active and outlined cooperative flood-management talks with Cameron County Drainage District No. 3, expanded FEMA outreach hours, a proposed six-month water-bill relief for qualified seniors, and a schedule of summer events including movies and a concert series.","taxTitle","San Benito, Cameron County, Texas","taxId",69426,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515468,"San Benito approves police laptops, sewer-truck repairs and vendor payments; engineers roster pre-approved",420,1898000,2318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3869007-fa850ea032d983cc9012dbef2b346de6&start=1898&end=2318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3869007-fa850ea032d983cc9012dbef2b346de6/thumbnail_1898000.jpg","/articles/6515468/San-Benito/Cameron-County/Texas/San-Benito-approves-police-laptops-sewer-truck-repairs-and-vendor-payments-engineers-roster-pre-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515468-cb3807110c63534d743630103803368c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770882210&Signature=XKBE0F1s2vJpG6dS9Y7NTT8D~71x0r3ALfKS~5ED7WPca1is2DDgSoWurBQgwEuES02S1pCZXy3dSTe4SxtSQANuT-4AIF8fJ7M1Bw0GpGvRTKezC762cT5manE9kFC0g1ni5SZmlmeFsAA6naP7bjiqQFaFb5dznIp4LwzFAmRued6LiY8gM~JWPqktMg9CSMWBHQSx8k6KL6FlB7MlQ8mrc2qROkrJYM8oKec1LWtTTxxSsTOYhjUMZrOyPopYLGQB6-9Oi~AoGnGq26wMxIGosftV31Qfs8ltPXeCt9~9epAnNGm2idI-v1~h1vY5wY0MMZLEPeAPL-yGyJe1Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Benito City Commission on June 17 approved several procurement and payment items that city staff said address equipment needs and accelerate planned projects.

The commission approved the purchase of 10 Panasonic'brand rugged mobile computers (Toughbooks) to serve as mobile data terminals for patrol units. Police Chief Monteverria told commissioners the department has used iPads since 2016 but is switching to larger, dockable computers to improve report-writing and to better view body-camera and license-plate-reader video in the field. Chief Monteverria said the new units will dock in patrol cars but can be removed for use in the field.

Commission discussion included questions about budget impact and why the department is moving away from iPads; the chief said funds were moved within the department's budget line to complete the purchase. Commissioner Morales moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner Goodman seconded and the motion passed.

The commission also approved payment of $48,300 to Jay Services (LLJ) for repairs to a sewer-jetter combo truck that staff said had been idle for several years. Public works staff explained the repair is cost-effective compared with buying a new unit, and the vehicle will be used for stormwater system maintenance.

A partial payment of $12,425 to Digital Print and Advertising was approved for printing and promotional items produced for the Hogwaddle 2025 event. Staff said most printed items are reusable and stored for future events; commissioners discussed design choices (for example, omitting dates on shirts to allow reuse).

Commissioners authorized a non-exclusive list of seven professional engineering consultants for on-call engineering services. Staff indicated the roster will let the city begin design and grant-related work quickly (staff mentioned a pressing North American Development Bank grant and a planned water/wastewater master plan) and that specific contracts would return to the commission for approval when scope and budget are known.

Where motions and seconders were recorded in the transcript, the approvals passed by voice vote. City staff will proceed with invoicing and contract follow-up as appropriate.","The City Commission approved purchases and payments including 10 Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers for patrol vehicles, $48,300 to repair a sewer-jetter combo truck, and $12,425 for event printing; commissioners also approved a non-exclusive roster of seven engineering firms for on-call services.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515472,"San Benito approves FY2025–26 CDBG allocations; CASA and Sunshine Haven receive awards",2723,447000,3170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3869007-fa850ea032d983cc9012dbef2b346de6&start=447&end=3170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3869007-fa850ea032d983cc9012dbef2b346de6/thumbnail_447000.jpg","/articles/6515472/San-Benito/Cameron-County/Texas/San-Benito-approves-FY202526-CDBG-allocations-CASA-and-Sunshine-Haven-receive-awards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515472-c05e280486fd09fcdfb5ec558a681e04/orig.mp4?Expires=1770882210&Signature=P8sl7ihoFs0KmeYiRxXH51hl1cM-gDYKawSN~FUY21q5cshbwMk6a1q2U0ZcLa6OFvZckkEZ~9sgPt7jN7Sctw33p0Tfmg900kp8vO2DreuntTSqA4NO4~t8IuES8C1iclU22m4CebqcWUi-4lZzv8gmjuRbHvYYR6xBam1h6td2RAZFDaUsr7mNNHu9dWeQA117ktk763pZ9p-dGsJfs49RswyZ9F6oSFzzInRYurTHHBInI7rZDe5i~litVSdNOuVDL8q0bPl6VSMPZL7tYFvCjz4lEGpQxkIu8FIJK2x7wH3uPAI7kmZ6339AHTX3gVsIPtqsiy9sYhRfZ94rNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Benito City Commission on June 17 approved the city's Fiscal Year 2025'26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations, endorsing recommendations from the CDBG Citizen Advisory Committee to fund CASA and Sunshine Haven while withholding funding from another recurring subrecipient that did not meet CDBG program requirements.

The commission voted to award $29,442 to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and $20,000 to Sunshine Haven, a nonprofit special care facility. The committee recommended directing the remainder of CDBG funds, historically used for park and street projects, strictly toward street improvements for the coming program year.

The grants were based on the committee's review of three applications. Diana (city staff) told the commission the committee met June 4 and ranked the applicants, noting that several prospective subrecipients who had attended a workshop later determined CDBG was not an appropriate funding source for them. The staff report said one recurring subrecipient did not meet CDBG's requirement to increase the number of individuals served and therefore was not eligible for award this cycle.

Edward Camarillo, executive director of Sunshine Haven, urged the commission to support the recommendation and described his organization's local role. \"Sunshine Haven is a nonprofit special care facility that provides compassionate end of life care at no cost to patients or their families,\" Camarillo said. He noted the organization has served more than 1,800 patients and provided care last program year to seven San Benito residents for a total of 21 nights of care, which Camarillo said had a notional value of $11,151.

Dora Martinez, executive director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Cameron and Willacy Counties, outlined CASA's recent activity and caseload. Martinez said that as of May 2025 CASA had served 25 children in the current fiscal year, completed 82 home visits, seen one adoption and two reunifications, and obtained custody for five children by relatives.

Commission discussion emphasized compliance with federal CDBG rules. Diana told the commission that federal guidance requires subrecipients to leverage CDBG funds, demonstrate expanding service reach and not rely on CDBG as the sole funding source. Commissioners discussed whether the available funds could be split differently; staff said they could reallocate but the committee's recommendation reflected the CDBG criteria and the applicants'demonstrated capacity.

Mayor Pro Tem Galvan moved to approve the committee recommendation; Commissioner Navarro seconded. The motion carried.

The action directs city staff to implement the contracts and to use remaining funds for street improvements while using previously set-aside balances for park projects.","The San Benito City Commission approved allocations of FY2025–26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, awarding $29,442 to CASA and $20,000 to Sunshine Haven after the citizen advisory committee recommendation; one longtime subrecipient was not funded for failing to meet CDBG performance criteria.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

San Benito manager announces online billing, flood planning cooperation and summer events; regional recovery conference promoted

San Benito approves police laptops, sewer-truck repairs and vendor payments; engineers roster pre-approved

San Benito approves FY2025–26 CDBG allocations; CASA and Sunshine Haven receive awards