The Rio Grande Herald (Rio Grande City, Tex.), No. 43, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 20, 1987 Page: 1 of 10
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Valley Mart
Inserts
Inside
THE RIO GRANDE HERALD
Serving Starr County For Five Decades
H.E.B.
Inserts
Inside
Published in Rio Grande City, Texas, Every Thursday By The Rio Grande Publishing Co.
NO. 43 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20,1987
FIFTEEN CENTS;
Rio School Trustees
OK 1987-88 Budget
Rio Grande City CISD Business Manager Romeo Lopez addresses the board of
trustees concerning the 1987-88 budget at Tuesday night's meeting.
By KENNETH ROBERTS
Tlie Rio Grande City CISD board
of t lis tees voted to approve the
1987 88 budget as presented Tues
day night, and due to the lack of
certified valuations, reached a
consensus to delay setting the tax
rate for a while.
The budget approved by the
trustees totals $20,516,984, with a
projected shortfall of $161,037. But
Business Manager Romeo Lopez
indicated that a fund balance
projected to be about $700,000 for
1986-87 would more than cover that
shortfall.
Business Manager Romeo Lopez
said that the 1986-87 amended
budget is projected to come out
with total expenditures of approx-
imately $22,450,000, while the
1987-88 budget is projected to total
about $23,851,000, when all expen-
diture are taken into account. He
^ I eferra I Progra m
For Elderly Discussed
At their special meeting Tues-
day, the County Commissioners
discussed the future of a feder-
ally-funded program to help the
elderly with their transportation
needs.
Precinct Two Commissioner
Amando Pena noted that "I asked
the people from Laredo (the South
Texas Development Council) to
oome down and explain what goes
on. This program sercices the
whole county. We're giving service
to the people who need it."
County Judge J M. Martinez
noted that the purpose of the
program is "to provide transporta-
tion for the elderly, in whatever
needs they have."
Pena and Federal Program
Coordinator Javier Margo noted
that the Council will probably send
$18,000 this coming year, with the
county tabu ting at least $2000
on an in-kind basis.
Both Margo and Auditor Jose
Heat Wave Bakes
Starr County
A blistering and persistent
August heat wave has settled over
Starr County in recent weeks,
resulting in temperatures well over
100 degrees for the past week
Local weather observer Frank
Anderson told The Rio Grande
Herald that the highest tempera
ture recorded at his residence was
the reading of 106 on Monday. He
indicated that the temperature
reached 103 degrees each of the
three preceding days.
Weather observer Elder Neie,
who lives several miles west of Rio
Grande City, indicated that the
high temperture was 105 at his
residence for Friday, Saturday and
Sunday. In the three previous days,
the temperature reached 103 de-
grees. Neie said that the mercury
shot up to 104 degrees on Monday.
SCS District Conservationist
Silvestre Gonzalez said that the
highest temperature recorded in
the county has been 106. The
conservationist added, "I talked to
a fellow from I .a Gloria, and he
said it's been unusually hot for that
area."
Gonzalez said, "This is drying up
the grass real fast. This was a very
abrupt change from what we had
(mild, wet weather). The wind is
taking all of the moisture out of the
ground."
Rio To Host District
Lions Governor
The Rio Grande City Lions Club
will host District Lions Governor
Ken James of Corpus Christi at a
meeting Monday night at 7:30 p.m.
at the Brass Bull Restaurant in Rio
Grande City
The governor has also invited the
Roma and Zapata Lions Clubs to be
present at that same meeting.
James is the Lions Club Gov-
ernor for the District 2 A3 area of
Lions International this year. He
plans to visit each club several
times during the year.
This will be considered an official
visit by the district governor.
Simon Garza, president of the Rio
Grande City Lions Club, urges all
members of the local club to be
present at the meeting. He also
urges members of the Roma and
Zapata Lions Clubs to join in
welcoming the district governor
DA Cerda Announces
Re-election Candidacy
Guadalupe Villarreal noted that the
grant in past years has been for
$12,000.
Pena said that "the vehicle (a
van) has about 200,000 miles; it is
in good shape.' "Precinct Foyr
Commissioner Reynaldo "Mofeno"
Alaniz contended that mainte-
nance of the vehicle is a difficult
and costly proposition.
Margo noted that the federal
funding is coming through STDC
under Title III of the "Older
Americans Act." He added, "We
were able to up the grant, from
$12,000 to $18,000."
Judge J.M. Martinez, Jr., said,
"Apparently, there's some concern
about whether this service will
continue." Precinct Three Com-
missioner Eloy Garza said that
senior citizens at the La. Casita
center had expressed similar con-
cern.
Pena moved that an application
be submitted for renewal of the
program in the next fiscal year,
with an $18,000 federal grant and at
least $2000 in county in-kind con-
tributions.
Pena offered a second motion
that the county attempt to work out
a lease purchase for a new van
from the Ramirez Ford dealership
in Rio Grande City. Both motions
passed unanimously.
Pena concluded, "This needs to
be settled by the end of Sep-
tember."
Commissioner Garza moved that
a study be made by a five-member
committee to recommend a poten-
tial application to the Economic
Development Administration in
Fiscal Year 1988 for modernization
and repair work on the Starr
County Gas System.
The five members of the Overall
Economic Development Plan
Committee are Javier Margo, Juan
Mills, Roberto Ponce, Dickie
Gonzalez, and Minnie G. Villarreal.
Margo said, "This committee
would recommend to the court, and
the court would say what would be
priority number one."
Martinez indicatead that the
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Com-
mission has asked to lease their
current booth at the Roma In-
ternational Bridge on the same
terms lof a nother y ear.
The judge added, "I told them
they might be bounced around in
the process; they saw no problem."
About the status of countywide
valuations, Martinez said, "I did
talk to Mr. (Ricardo) Diaz (the
Chief Appraiser) since list time.
He said there has been an increase
of about $8 or $9 million in
valuations." He stressed that this
was an unofficial and tentative
report
The commissioners recom-
mended the claims as recom-
mended by the auditor. The claims
included a $6000 payment to the
Mitchell C.P.A. firm for auditing
rural paving, HUD, and the port
facilities projects, among others.
County Clerk Juan Mills con-
cluded the meeting by noting that
he has received indications from
Washington that Justice Depart-
ment approval of the proposed new
Precinct 11 could soon be forthcom-
ing.
said that some $3.8 million in
expenditures are expected to come
out of the fund balance.
The approved budget calls for
revenues of $17,950,094 in the
General Fund, and $2,405,853 in the
Cafeteria Fund.
Sstimated revenues are broken
down as follows in the 1987-ft1!
budget: General Fund, $17,950,094;
Special Revenues (exclusively fed-
eral funds), $4,793,385; and Debt
Service (Bonds), $460,908.
The anticipated revenues from
the local, state, and federal levels
are broken down as follows: Local-
$3,757,440; State- $14,962,656; Fed-
eral, $4,492,246.
State aid this year, based on a
projected Average Daily Atten-
dance increase of 320 students, is
projected to be $14,877,433, com-
pared to $13,876,434, for an increase
of $1,000,999.
As discussion of the 1987-88
budget began, Lopez noted that the
1986-87 tax levy, based on more
than $293 million in RGCCISD
valuations, totaled $3,785,018
He indicated that tentative, but
non-certified, figures show pro-
jected 1987-88 district valuations of
$271,043,551, or a decrease of more
than $22 million. This, said Lopez,
comes out to a projected tax levy
of $3,496,461, or a decline of more
than $288,000 over the past year.
Lopez noted the projected in-
crease in state aid of approximate-
ly $1 million, pointing out that state
monies are based on average daily
attendance figures. He stressed
that the district is projecting an
ADA increase of 320 for this
October.
Lopez pointed out that, among
the state funds, the district will be
receiving $2,946,042 in equalization
aid this fiscal year, compared to
$2,665,838 in 1986-87
Board President Rafael Carrera
asked, "What happens if we
increase by more than that (320
ADA)?" Lopez replied, "It would
go up by $2000 per student more,
but that applies on the other hand
if the ADA level is not reached.
They give you the best of two
months; October is the best
(month) for us."
Lopez commented, "One thing
that bothers me is what will be the
effect of the amnesty program."
LOpez noted the projected deficit
of $161,037, but said, "When the
Color Night Activities
Thursday
Color Night activities will be
held Thursday evening ir. honor
of all the Rio Grande City High
School football teams.
The activities will begin at 7
p.m. at Rattler Stadium. All
varsity, junior varsity, sopho-
more, and freshman players will
be introduced.
Also, the Rio High
cheerleaders and drill team will
be introduced. The band will
play the Rio High alma mater
and national anthem.
A photo session will be held
for football players, drill team
members, and cheerleaders.
budget committee started, we were
looking at differences of up to
$500,000."
Among the critical factors, said
the business manager, is the fact
that the tax rate cannot be set until
the values are certified. He added.
"I am projecting that this year's
(1986-87j fund balance should be
$700,000. We won't know that,"
until the audit results are complete
in December
Lopez said, "We can always
come back with an amendment,
either up or down."
Carrera commented, "I propose
lowering our tax rate ($1.29 per
$100 valuation) and working from
there. We realize that the people
are overtaxed."
Lopez told The Rio Grande
Herald Wednesday morning that
"based on previous experience, 90
percent of collection is the rate that
we anticipate."
Board Vice-President Dr Antonio
Falcon asked about a $500,000
surplus in cafeteria funds. He
commented, "That money cannot
be used for anything. The closer to
zero that fund is, the better Why
can't the budget be less than what
the cafeteria expects to spend?
Why can't we use that money to
make up that $160,000 difference?"
Lopez said, "This is the first time
that I see that the book balance
will be used for the general
operating budget of the cafeteria."
Falcon concluded, "We have that
money; we're not using it for a
single other item." Trustee Fran-
cisco "Paco" Zarate commented,
"This money built up is at the
expense of the local taxpayers.''
Lopez said, "We're shooting for
$2.4 million for the cafeteria. They
are already beginning to do that
(tap cafeteria funds)." But Falcon
said, "We still have more than
$250,000 tied up in a situation where
we have no access to it."
Lopez said, "We do not mix
dollars of the cafeteria with the
General Fund."
The superintendent said, "We're
exploring every way we can legally
get money from cafeteria funds."
Lopez replied, to Falcon's sugges-
tion, "We'll definitely look into it."
Trustee Eloy R. Garcia sug-
gested an increase of $161,000 in the
cafeteria book balance, and
authorizing the district to draw
that exact amount out of cafeteria
CD's. Lopez said the district would
look into that suggestion.
Lopez later told The Rio Grande
Herald that "it is permissible to
used the CD's" to purchase equip-
ment and contents for the two
planned new cafeterias and the one
cafeteria that will be remodeled.
All told, he said, such expenses are
expected to total $125,000 per
cafeteria, leaving a margin of
$500,000
He said Wednesday morning,
"The administration has been
directed to look into acceptable
(See BUDGET, Page 6)
RGCCISD Classes To Start Sept. 1
District Attorney Francisco A
"Pancho" Cerda of Hebbronville
has announced his candidacy for
re-election to the post he was first
elected to in 1976
In making his announcement,
Cerda contended that he has,
through the cooperation of his staff
of attorneys, investigators, and
secretaries, "implemented the
most modern of administrative
techniques to carry on the duties of
(this) office throughout the 229th
Judicial District, which includes
Jim Hogg, Duval, and Starr
Counties."
Cerda, a resident of Jim H<>gg
County, indicated that he maintains
offices in each of the three
counties The central office, he
said, is maintained in Jim Hogg
County, from where day-to day
activities of the staff are directed
The district attorney is elected
from a judicial district for a
four-year term. The D.A., said
Cerda, "is primarily an attorney
for the state and by law attends the
state district courts, although not
exclusively
"The duties of the district
attorney are centered primarily on
assuring that justice is done and
the prosecution of felony criminal
cases, and is responsible for civil
suits concerning the state, as well
as misdemeanor offenses He may
also serve in an advisory capacity
in regard to county and state
officials "
Cerda stated that he has his
constituency "to thank for the
many successful political cam-
paigns in the past, particulary all
of the volunteer groups from Starr,
Jim Hogg, and Duval counties."
In concluding his announcement
Cerda said that if he is re-elected,
he will try to continue to provide
the best possible services.
Chambers,
Pantry
To Undertake
Telethon
The Starr County Food Pantry
and the Rio Grande City and Roma
Chambers of Commerce will be
carrying out the county's part of
the Jerry Lewis Labor Day
telethon on Sept. 6-7.
Gigi Gutierrez, president of the
Rio Grande City Chamber of
Commerce, said that the fiurst
shift will be carried out from 8
p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday. The
second shift will last from 6:30 to
11 a m The third shift will be from
11 a m. to 3 p.m., while the fourth
shift will be from 3 to 6 p.m.
Mrs. Gutierrez said that the
telethon will be hosted at the Stan-
County Farm Bureau, and added
that "we are still looking for
volunteers " She urged persons
interested in volunteering to call
487 3063 or call Edna at 849-3070.
A. E. Garcia, Supertindent of
Schools, announces that students in
the Rio Grande City CISD will
begin classes on Tuesday, Sep-
tember 1.
Buses will make regular runs
and cafeterias will be open to serve
breakfast and lunch. Students are
to come prepared to attend classes.
Registration for pre-kinder and
kindergarten students will be held
beginning August 18. at 9 a.m. in
the central cafeteria, Fort Ring-
gold
Elementary schools will hold
registration on August 28 and
August 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
and on September 1, beginning at
8:30a.m
Plate Lunch
Fund-Raiser
For Drill Team
On Sunday, Aug 30, from 11:30
a m to 3 p.m. at the Rio Grande
City High School cafeteria, "Mex-
ican Fiesta" plate lunch dinners
will be served in an effort to raise
funds for the new varsity
"Diamondback" drill team
The cost per plate lunch is $3 50
Any person seeking further infor-
mation should call Linda Fuentes
at 487-5100
Registration for students attend-
ing Ringgold Junior High School
will be held in the principal's office
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning
August 17.
High school students who have
not pre-registered and those atten-
ding high school for the first time,
may register at the principal's
office from 8 a.m. to 4 p m by
August 21.
Those students transferring to
the school district must bring
report cards and immunization
records in order to register. All
students new to the district must
report to the school nurse for
health clearance.
Inservice for teachers is set for
August 24-27. A comprehensive
schedule has been planned for the
three days, with consultants and
campus administrators conducting
sessions Teachers will have two
work days, August 28 and August
31 to prepare their rooms and
record-keeping files for the begin
nmg of classes
Lawmen Narrow Murder
Probe To Suspect
Law enforcement officers in-
vestigating the Aug 7 murder of
Guadalupe Arturo Garcia near La
Rosita have evidently narrowed
down their probe to one prime
suspect
Sheriff Gene Falcon said, "Since
the day of the murder, we've been
looking for him (the suspect) " He
added that the murder case is
pending presentation to the grand
jury
Falcon added. "This fellow has a
t*>rder crossing card We feel he's
jumped the river We're asking the
public, if they know anything, to
contact the nearest law enforce-
ment agency We sent the evi
dence to the (DPS) Lab, We feel
there is sufficient evidence to go
before the gra nd jury ''
Falcon indicated that the sus
pect, originally from Tamauhpas,
stands approximately 5 feet. 6
inches tall, weighs about 160
pounds, has black hair and black
eyes, and is in his mid-twenties.
Guadalupe Arturo Garcia, 37,
was shot to death on Friday
morning, Aug 7 while parked on
the south shoulder of U S 83 in La
Rosita He was struck at least four
times by gunshots fired by a
motorist using a two-tone white
vehicle.
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Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
Roberts, Kenneth. The Rio Grande Herald (Rio Grande City, Tex.), No. 43, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 20, 1987, newspaper, August 20, 1987; Edinburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth195094/m1/1/?rotate=270: accessed May 7, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rio Grande City Public Library.