Hidalgo County sets Feb. 4 public hearings for two emergency services districts and approves grants, proclamations and legal engagement

Hidalgo County Commissioners Court on Tuesday set public hearings for the proposed formation of Emergency Services District No. 5 and Emergency Services District No. 6 and approved a series of grant applications, budget actions and proclamations.

The court voted to call a public hearing for both proposed districts for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, following a presentation from Isaac Solana of the county judge’s office, who said the petitions had been reviewed as to form and filed with the county clerk. “We recommend approval,” Solana told the court before commissioners voted in favor of setting the hearings.

Why it matters: forming an emergency services district can enable a defined area to levy taxes or fees and contract for emergency services (ambulance, fire or EMS). The court also approved engaging special outside counsel, Kovler & Peeler, to assist with legal work related to integrating and coordinating multiple ESDs. During public comment, Fern McClarty asked why the county is considering six ESDs; staff replied the districts are organized by geographic sectors rather than commissioner precincts, which is why the petition count differs from precinct boundaries.

Grants and budgets: the court approved multiple grant actions with brief staff presentations and largely voice votes. Actions included authorization to submit a FY26 Criminal Justice grant application and to apply for State Homeland Security grants; approvals to apply for and accept Operation Stonegarden…