Real, Minton, & Jones Seated on Council

City Ups Funding to Rodeo and Stock Show from Hotel/Motel Tax Account

story and photos by MB Wright, LFN Editor

Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos was on hand at the regular meeting of the Los Fresnos City Council Nov. 12 to perform the swearing-in ceremony for newly seated commissioners. No election was necessary with incumbents Gary Minton and Swain Real drawing no opponents and Tom Jones was the sole candidate to fill the two-year unexpired term of Alan Atherton who resigned for business and personal reasons.

Mayor Polo Narvaez presented Atherton a plaque and thanked him for his service to the community. A cake was served to celebrate the new councilmen.

With a strong show of support for the Los Fresnos Rodeo and Stock Show, commissioners approved increased funding for the event which will celebrate their 25th anniversary on the first weekend of February 2014.

On the motion of Commissioner Yolanda Cruz, the Cameron County Fair & Livestock Show will receive $3500 in support from the city, up $1000.

Commissioner Real suggested a $2000 increase for the Rodeo up to $10,000. The motion was approved.

The funding is allocated from the Hotel/Motel Tax account which is only used for events that promote visitors coming to Los Fresnos and staying overnight.

Commissioner Javier Mendez, Carlos Salazar, Celina Gonzales and Pam Denny will comprise the Selection Review Team for the Texas CDBG Program.

The team will oversee last year and this years’ Community Development Block grant of approximately $523,000. The monies will be used for curb and drainage improvements to several streets including Ebony, Pecan, Magnolia and 6th Street which are prone to flooding after heavy rains.