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Cortez honored with Lou Fincher award; county auditor wins GFOA certificate; court issues several proclamations
Summary
At its April session the court presented the Lou Fincher Award to County Judge Richard Cortez, recognized the Auditor’s Office for a GFOA Certificate of Achievement, and approved proclamations including Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Hidalgo County Commissioners Court presented several awards and approved multiple proclamations during its meeting.
Lou Fincher Award: Tim Smith, cofounder and coordinator of the National Tropical Weather Conference, presented the 2025 Lou Fincher Award to Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. The award honors individuals who have documented significant tropical weather events and advanced community preparedness and resilience. Judge Cortez accepted the award and credited county staff for their role in emergency planning and response.
GFOA Certificate of Achievement: The court adopted a proclamation recognizing the Hidalgo County Auditor’s Office for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2023. Auditor Letty Chavez accepted the recognition and thanked staff across county departments; the office said it had reestablished the systems necessary to meet GFOA deadlines and standards.
Proclamations: The court approved proclamations and recognizing observances for April 2025, including Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and April 26, 2025 as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Chief Assistant District Attorney Nicole Rodriguez and child-welfare representatives addressed the court in support of the proclamations, stressing survivor support services, prevention, reporting, and local resources. The court also noted participation by area law enforcement and prevention coalitions for the prescription drug take-back effort; officials reported more than 1,500 pounds of unused prescription medication turned in at the most recent local event.
Court action: Each recognition and proclamation was moved, seconded and recorded as carried by voice vote.
What this means: The recognitions highlight county efforts in emergency planning and financial transparency; the proclamations are intended to raise awareness, direct residents to local services, and encourage participation in prevention and disposal events.
