Texas AEP Refund Check Burns A Hole in City Commission Pockets

Texas AEP did a terrible disservice to our inept City Commission in sending the City of Brownsville a $3,060,000 refund check for power overcharges.

Like a bag of candy procured on Halloween Night, the refund proved simply too much of a temptation dumbest city commission on Planet Earth.  Mayor Tony, always the opportunist, thought his role as city commission tie-breaker included siphoning off Texas AEP Refund money for his own pet projects.  That didn't even fool Commissioner John Villarreal who nipped the mayor's candy consumption in the bud, but not before a huge mayoral belly ache.

Workmen from Rio Elevator replacing
hydraulic jack on elevator

Some of the Texas AEP Refund money went for worthy projects, like repairing the elevator in El Tapiz Building for $288,000.  For several months the building, which houses planning and fire department administration, was out of compliance with the American Disabilities Act.  


If the laid back City Manager, Charlie Cabler, had spoken to James from Rio Elevator, he might have gotten the repair done for nothing.

As James explained to us, hydraulic jacks typically last for decades, but this one was installed incorrectly by the previous firm, lasting less than two years.

"The hydraulic jack was placed in a PVC sleeve, but it was set in mud. In a short time, the thing was completely corroded," stated James.

When asked how his company will prevent a repeat of the previous short-lived hydraulic jack repair, James stated: "We will put a PVC cap underneath the sleeve to prevent contact corrosion."

Next time, check the warranty Charlie!

But back to the Texas AEP Refund money.  

Commissioners Jessica Tetreau and John Villarreal wanted to make certain the remainder of the refund check was spent wisely, thus submitting this agenda item:  12. Consideration and ACTION to designate the remaining balance from the AEP Settlement, 

towards downtown improvements at Market Square and the San Fernando Building, and 

authorizing that any remaining funds be designated towards further downtown improvements or programs that would advance downtown revitalization. (Commissioners J. Villarreal and J. Tetreau)

Ramiro Gonzalez

This agenda item was actually presented somewhat haphazardly by Tony Martinez and Rose Gowen's heyboy Ramiro Gonzalez, recently given the newly created position of Downtown Redevelopment Officer after failing stint as Downtown Revitalization Officer.  Gonzalez, without naming a figure, asked that the Texas AEP remainder be spent on Market Square.  

Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, tired from not fighting for Lincoln Park, said he did not want to fight over how this money was spent:  "Just spend it so we don't have to argue about it any more!" was Longoria's approach.  Yes, protecting taxpayer assets becomes such a drag, Ricardo.  We understand, I think.

This agenda item did pass, 4-3, with Mayor Tony gleefully acting as the tie breaker.  Before the vote, Commissioner Deborah Portillo read a statement in opposition to the move.  We will share that transcript in the next segment.