Reprint from the Progress Times - February 1, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

Hidalgo County approves design for Sheriff's Office substation

 

By Rick Reynoso

The Hidalgo County Commissioner's Court approved an agreement for architect services in connection with the design and construction of the planned Sheriff's Office substation on Wednesday, January 30. The county, which planned the substations to be built at Los Ebanos Road and Mile 7 in Alton with another planned in Weslaco, originally thought the cost would be much less than it is now finding. Judge J.D. Salinas voiced his concerns to architect Raymond Gignac of Gignac and Associates, the company who was awarded the contract.

"When you first came to us, we budgeted for about $90 a square foot," Salinas said. "Now the estimate is $240 a square foot. I don't understand the cost."

Gignac said that he came to the estimate based upon comparisons to similar projects. He also said that given that the original estimate was done years ago, the price of construction has gone up.

"You also have to realize that this is just an estimate," said Gignac. "I know that I somewhat shot myself in the foot when I said $240."

Upon further questioning about other projects, Gignac said that the station in Harlingen was cheaper but was done several years ago. Precinct 1 Commissioner Sylvia Handy reminded Gignac that even though the estimates may be higher, the budget would not necessarily reflect the added cost.

"Keep in mind that the budget in the contract was for a total of $3 million," said Handy.

Gignac assured the commissioners that he would work within the budget and make any necessary adjustments as agreed to in the original contract. Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe Flores said that the county could not afford any more delays in the project.

"Let's go, because if we wait three years it'll go up to $300 a square foot," said Flores.

In a related Drainage District meeting, Hidalgo County Drainage Director Godfrey Garza gave a status update on the levee repairs. He said the first set of repairs run from Penitas through Anzalduas dam.

"We're trying to coordinate something with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to maximize our efforts," said Garza.

Commissioner Handy asked for clarification as to how residents of Precinct 1 would benefit from levee repairs done in Precinct 3 since both precincts paid for the repairs through taxes. Garza explained that if not repaired, the levees would flood downward from Precinct 3 to Precinct 1.

"The consequence is that if these repairs aren't done quickly enough, FEMA will release new flood maps," said Garza. "If that happens, the flood insurance rates for the county will raise dramatically. We're just waiting on approval from the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC)."

Judge Salinas raised concerns about IBWC's role in the process.

"(IBWC Commissioner Carlos) Marin asks for $10 million every year to maintain the levees and here we are," said Salinas. "We still have to repair them. And you know that we're not even gonna get reimbursed for the money we spend."

Salinas also urged Garza to finish the repairs as quickly as possible.

"Don't bother waiting on DHS," said Salinas. "If they call, answer them. But the bottom line is that we have to finish the repairs anyway."