Residents ask Dimmit County to restore dumpster and enforce illegal dumping at Guadalupe Cemetery

Mary Martinez, representing a committee described in the record as the Comite de Gutierrez Materiales, asked the commissioners for placement of dumpsters at Guadalupe Cemetery (sites referred to as Cemetery 3 and 4), brush‑collection scheduling and enforcement against illegal dumping.

Martinez said a county dumpster had been in place previously but was removed. She said the committee is willing to pay for services if necessary and that the cemetery needs regular trash collection distinct from brush pickup. The court’s staff and commissioners discussed possible avenues: opening an account with county billing (contacting Ms. Miranda on the first floor of the annex courthouse), coordinating with the city for pick up when the cemetery falls inside city limits, and using cameras to collect evidence for enforcement.

County staff explained that a county code‑enforcement officer, James González, is certified to issue citations by mail and to assist with investigations but that in‑person citation and arrest authority for incidents inside city limits would require involvement of the sheriff’s office or city marshals. The court clarified that, if the cemetery is inside city limits, municipal authorities (city marshals) normally have jurisdiction and that enforcement would be a joint effort when necessary.

Officials advised Martinez to consult with county administrative staff about opening an account for dumpster and brush services, to coordinate with city officials if the cemetery sits inside city limits, and to collect camera evidence to present to law enforcement for investigation. The court did not take a formal vote on the request at this meeting; staff indicated next steps for the committee to pursue outside the court’s formal action.