Starr County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Starr County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY 2025 County Financial Audit
Starr County received a clean audit for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, with revenues and expenditures largely balancing out despite minor negative variances and new lease accounting rules. The county maintains robust operating reserves and stable liquidity across its funds.
Employee Health Benefits and Overtime Policy
The court adjusted health insurance cost-sharing to a 60-40 split between the county and employees, fully covered vision and dental increases, and updated the county overtime policy.
Operation Stone Garden 2025 Grant Acceptance
Starr County accepted a $2.7 million federal grant to support local border security and law enforcement efforts.
Delinquent Tax Collections and Resale Properties
Linebarger presented its six-month collection report showing nearly $2 million collected, and the court approved a resolution to auction 18 abandoned or vacant properties below appraised value on July 7 to clear titles and return them to the tax rolls.
CBP Border Security Right of Entry
The court approved an agreement allowing the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to access county property near the bridge for surveying and border wall construction.
Border Health Preparedness Clinic
County health officials announced the return of the multi-day Border Health Preparedness medical clinic, scheduled for July 21-23 at Oliver Elementary in La Casita. For the first time, the clinic will offer veterinary and dental services alongside standard preventative healthcare.
County Burn Ban Renewal
The county court voted to renew the local burn ban despite recent rains, keeping restrictions in place to prevent brush fires.
County Spay and Neuter Voucher Program
Starr County is facing a severe stray and unwanted animal crisis. To combat this, the court declared February Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and commissioners plan to offer low-cost spay/neuter vouchers.
Halcon Wind Reinvestment Zone
The court voted to begin tax abatement talks with Halkan Wind for three project phases, paving the way for potential renewable energy investments in the area.
Operation Lone Star Grant Support
The county continues its participation in border security funding by supporting the recurring Operation Lone Star Grant for the Sheriff's Office.
County Grant Applications for Technology and Public Safety
Starr County is applying for various state and federal grants to fund cybersecurity upgrades, forensic evidence tools, safe neighborhoods programs, and bullet-resistant vehicle gear.
March 3 Primary Election Polling Locations and Mobile Branch
The county approved mobile early voting branch units to serve outlying areas like La Victoria and San Isidro for the upcoming March primary, making voting more accessible for rural residents.
Election Candidacy
Rose Benavidez has officially jumped into the race for Starr County Judge. This election is a big deal because it’ll set the tone for the county’s leadership and major policy goals for the next few years.
Immigration Enforcement
Starr County is gearing up for federal mass deportation plans, which could strain local resources and change how our police operate. It’s a major shift that might impact both our community’s safety and our local tax dollars.
Border Wall Construction
Starr County is fighting federal plans to build a border wall that could carve up local land and disrupt community infrastructure. This legal showdown is a big deal because it will permanently change how the region looks and functions.