Hidalgo County approves $76.8 million in bond proceeds; resident speaker urges restraint over $50 million bond component

Hidalgo County Commissioners voted to approve estimated revenues and interfund transfers tied to 2025 bond issuance and refunding, while a member of the public used the open‑forum period to urge the court to reduce planned borrowing.

Douglas Lothor Jr., director of Budget and Management, presented an item asking the court to approve estimated revenues and an interfund transfer “in the amount of $76,826,465.55 for bond proceeds, bond premium, and issuance cost for the certificate of obligation series 2025 and refunding bond series 2025.” The court approved that action by voice vote.

During open forum, Fern McClarty addressed the court to criticize a previously announced proposed $50,000,000 bond sale and to urge that the county limit new borrowing and provide tax relief for residents. McClarty said officials had increased a planned issuance and questioned whether the county could reduce the borrowing amount instead of taking more taxpayer dollars. She also warned about long-term debt service, saying that $33,000,000 a year in current debt service could continue for decades and that construction timelines can extend costs further.

McClarty stated: “We are selling bonds because interest rates will never be lower and we get to decide what is the best interest of the people. That is the attitude being set forth by your actions.” She also urged voters to consider ballot measures that could alter property tax rules and exemptions.

Court minutes show the bond-related budget and transfer item was approved; the transcript records the vote as a voice vote with the clerk announcing “Motion carries.” The public commenter’s remarks were recorded during the open‑forum portion of the meeting and were not tied to a separate formal court action.

Why it matters: The approved transfers and appropriations fund the mechanics of issuing certificates of obligation and refunding bonds; bond proceeds and premiums affect the county’s capital program and future debt service requirements. Public concerns raised during open forum signal community interest in the county’s borrowing level and long‑term fiscal commitments.

Next steps: County staff will proceed with interfund transfers and receipt of bond proceeds per the schedule presented to the court. Officials noted earlier in the meeting that staff expect receipt of proceeds on 08/21/2025 for the referenced series, and the county will follow its usual post‑issuance reporting and accounting practices.