Hidalgo County RMA holds required annual ethics and compliance training; reviews new Open Meetings and Public Information rules

The Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) held its annual ethics and compliance workshop during a board meeting; Blakey Fernandez delivered the training and reviewed recent statutory and administrative changes affecting board duties.

The training covered conflicts of interest thresholds, bribery and gift rules, use of government property, open meetings obligations, public information obligations and the RMA's required compliance program and reporting to TxDOT. Fernandez told directors that the RMA must adopt and enforce an internal ethics program and provide annual training to officials.

Fernandez highlighted statutory and administrative thresholds for conflicts of interest, saying a substantial business interest can be lower than directors expect — “it's only 10% of your total income” — and noted statutory property thresholds and administrative-code limits tied to TxDOT rules. He explained that a disclosure form allows a director to step aside from discussion and vote, and that the RMA asks that disclosure be filed within seven days of becoming aware of a conflict.

On bribery and gifts, Fernandez summarized the state statute’s definition and noted TxDOT guidance that treats certain noncash items (token items under $25) and limited reimbursements differently than other benefits. He said acceptance of an item after official action can still raise bribery concerns.

Fernandez reviewed Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act changes from the latest legislative session, including a new three-business-day agenda-posting standard and tighter agenda specificity requirements after a recent Amarillo-area court case was codified. He said attorneys who assist with open-meetings and public-information work must now take online training and cannot charge the board for that training under the new statutes. He also described new statutory protections and procedures for fraud-detection information and clarified records-retention and Public Information Act timelines now codified in statute.

The trainer reviewed RMA-specific rules adopted to align with TxDOT administrative code, including stricter gift and solicitation rules, limits on use of government property (including information), and restrictions on employment or investments that might impair independence of judgment. He told directors that the RMA maintains an anonymous fraud-reporting portal that notifies three staff members and that the agency was audited this past year and found in compliance with its TxDOT-required items.

Board members asked clarifying questions about proposed statutory changes, the scope of required disclosures and the length of record retention; Fernandez answered that some administrative rules are stricter than state law and that the RMA has proposed rulemaking to align them. Directors were provided certificates for attendance to sign as evidence of completing the training.

The workshop closed with a motion to adjourn the workshop; the board voted in favor and resumed the regular agenda.