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Starr County denies Gonzales Community Center reservation after staff policy review and resident testimony
Summary
The Commissioners Court denied an application to use the Gonzales Community Center for private events after staff reviewed facility-use policy and a resident testified about alleged prior alcohol damage at the facility; county policy lists specific buildings available for reservation.
The Starr County Commissioners on Sept. 1 denied an application to reserve the Gonzales Community Center for private use after staff said the facility is not listed among county buildings available for reservation.
County staff referenced the facilities policy and Attachment A, which enumerates reserved facilities (including the Starr County Courthouse, Starr County Fairgrounds, Encenizo Park Community Center, La Rosita Library, Starr County Annex Conference Room and Sarate Park Community Center) but does not include the Gonzales Community Center. Staff noted the policy permits county facilities for "public purposes, benefits, service, training, or interests of Starr County" rather than private functions.
A resident who was on the agenda testified and recounted attending multiple events at the center in 2023 and 2025 and disputed allegations that liquor had been present during an earlier event; the resident said the incidents involved beer. The resident also suggested renaming or recharacterizing the facility to clarify its use. The court took the testimony into account and acted on the staff recommendation.
A motion was made and seconded to deny the reservation request; the court approved the motion by voice vote.
Court members noted the policy was adopted by a prior commissioners court and that staff would follow the existing attachment listing to determine which facilities are available for reservation.
