“set fees and enforce them”. A list of 32 offenses were presented to the Court, with the fee set for each. from $32.00 for blocking driveways to $4,000.00 for dumping of material, trash and solid waste!
Joyce Currington | MyZapata.com – April 28, 2019
It has been an on-going battle with various nuisance issues in Zapata County. The solution seemed to be “set fees and enforce them”. A list of 32 offenses were presented to the Court, with the fee set for each. from $32.00 for blocking driveways to $4,000.00 for dumping of material, trash and solid waste! A few of some frequent issues and the fee, include: Abandoning or dumping animals in County limits, $202.00; Tire ordinance, $227.00; Failure to register a dangerous dog, $202.00; Attack by a dog, $202.00; Abandoned vehicle, $302.00; Illegal water connection, $261.00; Garbage and litter on private property, $302.00; Failure to immunize a pet, $302.00. You might notice on these examples, most involve, not only a nuisance, but also a health risk of some sort.
The recent Tax Sale on foreclosed properties, had ten of the thirteen properties back on the tax records. While the sales may not have met the actual value, the fact that they will now be bringing tax revenue back to the County is a plus and that was the goal – to get them back.
In regard to the issue facing Falcon and other areas facing the Amusement Redemption Machines, the County Attorney is authorized to review and adopt changes. To help protect in this issue, the distance that such establishments can be to Schools, Churches and Parks was to be increased. Any existing business is grandfathered in, however, no new establishment may be placed nearer than 1,000 feet from the named areas. Litter from these establishments is an additional issue, the fees mentioned above, may help remedy this problem.
Falcon Lake will be the site for two Bass Champs Tournaments, January 2020 and March 2020. In addition to these, San Antonio Bass Metro Club is coming to Zapata in October 2019. Each of these tournaments bring in 150 to 175 boats for the event and also come in early for some pre-fishing – most participants will be staying in motels or the local RV parks – they must all eat and use other facilities here in Zapata!
Zapata High School Mariachi Bingo was approved to use the Zapata County Pavilion on May 5, 2019, for the fundraiser.
The next Commissioner Court will meet May 13, 2019.