City meeting packed with items on agenda, Eagle Scouts, elections, CDs

By RAUL GARCIA JR | The Harlingen Times

HARLINGEN — City Commissoners will meet today to discuss and vote on multiple agenda items at City Hall.

The City meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Harlingen City Hall located at 118 Tyler Avenue.

An item placed on the agenda by Mayor Pro Tem Richard Uribe and Commissioner Frank Fuente is the possible action of placement/reinvestment of certificates of deposit held by the city of Harlingen.

According to the agenda packet, there is no information listed about specific certificates of obligation or their amounts, interest earnings or mature dates. The packet does not mention current CD investments placement nor potential reinvestment plans.

Its not clear what the financial penalty for the City of Harlingen could be, but if so it could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars in penalties for placement reinvestment of the City’s CDs.

According to US Bank, “A certificate of deposit is a type of savings account that you agree to keep your money in for a certain amount of time, known as the term. The term could be three or six months, one year or longer. Early withdrawal: If you withdraw money before the CD’s term ends, you’ll usually have to pay a penalty. This penalty varies, but you may have to give up some of your interest earnings – sometimes as much as three or six months’ worth.”

EAGLE SCOUT

Boy Scout Brian Wilson is seeking approval to fund and construct improvements to the Thicket Nature Park as part of his requirements for his Eagle Scout Project. The item was placed on the agenda by Harlingen Parks and Recreation.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. 

BLUE LINE

The city commission is scheduled to recognize Harlingen Police Officer Moises Cruz for saving the life of a newborn baby on December 24, 2021 while on duty. According to the agenda, Cruz will be awarded the Life Saving Award for his valor and response to community safety.

ELECTION

The Commission will take action to approve a resolution to schedule a special election May 7, 2022 for citizens to take action on three proposals.