City will abide by judge's decision over benefits

The city is not expected to appeal state District Judge Janet L. Leal's ruling that commissioners and mayors are not entitled to medical insurance benefits because the City Charter does not provide for them.

"I don't see us appealing the decision," City Attorney Jim Goza told The Brownsville Herald Thursday.

"We have initiated steps to discontinue the plans."

The Texas Municipal League also has been advised. "They were concerned that we leave somebody without coverage and that we get in trouble, but the ruling is clear that we cannot continue them. We told them that we will comply - and sooner (rather) than later," Goza said.

Although the commission would have the final word, Goza said that he does not anticipate the commission directing him to appeal the ruling

Leal, who presides over the 103rd state District Court, also ruled that the payment of auto allowances and cell phone use must be justified.

Moses Sorola, William de la O, Eddie Padron, and Brownsville Public Utilities Board member Robert Sanchez were the taxpayer plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit against the city and officials last year.

The compensation provision in the City Charter specifies a $10 stipend for each meeting attended, up to $50 per month.

More than $300,000 has been spent since 2000 to insure most former and present elected officials and their families. The sum does not include medical claims.

In a recent interview with Brownsville 2020TV, a Herald collaboration with UTB-TSC's Center for Civic Engagement, Sanchez estimated that more than $1 million have been once medical claims are taken into account.

Some past and former commission members have been included in the coverage. They also have included some of their family members.