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Cameron County adopts new fixed‑asset policy after months of committee work; court directs training and disciplinary integration
Summary
The Commissioners Court adopted a new Assets Policy and Procedures Manual intended to strengthen tracking, tagging and disposition of county property, add a ‘high‑risk inventory’ category and integrate disciplinary measures for noncompliance into personnel rules.
The Cameron County Commissioners Court voted to retire the county’s decades‑old fixed‑asset policy and adopt a new Assets Policy and Procedures Manual intended to tighten inventory control and reduce loss of county property.
County administration told the court the new manual was developed by a committee that included the auditor's office, purchasing, county legal, IT and maintenance and operations. Committee meetings averaged 10–14 participants and the policy overhaul has been in development since February. Key changes include a new “high‑risk inventory” category for valuable items that are easily moved, more detailed receipt, tagging and disposition procedures, and a training chapter for purchasing and department staff.
Commissioners pressed staff over enforcement. Commissioner Garza asked for a stronger “stick” if departments fail to update inventory or submit required paperwork. County counsel and auditors responded that the policy incorporates references to criminal liability under the Texas Local Government Code and that the personnel policy will be amended so failure to comply can be a disciplinary matter under civil‑service and personnel rules. Staff also said the policy gives the court budgetary authority to withhold equipment allocations in future budgets when departments have missing items and to present missing‑asset findings to the court annually.
The manual also addresses leased equipment, noting that leases are handled case by case but that leased items should be tracked and, when vendors fail to remove equipment at lease end, the county may transfer items to surplus after notice.
The court approved the policy by voice vote; staff was directed to begin the training rollout, to amend personnel rules to add compliance‑related discipline, and to return with updates during implementation. The auditors’ office will present annual inventory results to the court as the policy is carried out.
