Gowen, Zamora to be sworn in today

The City Commission is slated to consider the issuance of $12.5 million in debt to fund street improvements, vehicles, equipment and drainage plans at today's regular meeting.

But first, at 4:30 p.m., the June 6 run-off election returns will be canvassed and new commissioners Melissa Zamora and Dr. Rose M. Z. Gowen will be administered the oath of office and installed.

A workshop follows at 5 p.m. to hear from firms interested in collecting delinquent taxes for the city.

The regular meeting follows at 6 p.m. All three sessions will be held at City Hall, 1001 E. Elizabeth St.

The proposed debt would go for street construction, police vehicles, landfill and drainage plans, including construction, three ambulances, a street sweeper, a fire truck pumper, computers for the library system, traffic control devices, a bucket lift truck, and pickup trucks, sedans and equipment for several departments.

The commission also is expected to discuss the possible tax implications of issuing the certificates of obligation.

Those vying for the three-year delinquent tax collection contract include E. Peña & Associates, P.C. of Brownsville. Peña also has done business as Peña, Esparza & Garza of Brownsville. Other contenders include, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP., McCreary Vesleka Bragg & Allen of Round Rock and Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP of McAllen.

Combined, city staff and Cameron County Tax Assessor Collector Tony Yzaguirre Jr. rated Linebarger the best.