By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
County commissioners court members on Monday honored County Purchasing Agent Melissa Vasquez and members of her staff as part of the state’s “Procurement Month.”
Approval of a proclamation issued by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott designating March as “Procurement Month” and recognizing the county’s procurement staff was the first item on the agenda of the court’s special term meeting.
County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. invited Vasquez to step to the podium and read the proclamation.
Vasquez read, “Whereas, public procurement professionals play an integral part in the efficiency and effectiveness of government entities as stewards of taxpayers’ money, and these employees must ensure the best value for every taxpayer dollar, which contributes to the overall economic well-being of our community; and
“Whereas, public procurement professionals are dedicated to providing the best value for every dollar, allocating government resources judiciously and acquiring necessary goods and services in a cost-effective manner; and
“Whereas, as public procurement professionals continue to expand their knowledge, skills and abilities, they must also exercise sound judgment and uphold the highest ethical and professional standards; and
“Whereas, the month of March is recognized as Procurement Month, a time to acknowledge public procurement professionals for their commitment to excellence and efficiency in government purchasing, and
“Whereas, Val Verde County, Texas, recognizes the importance of public procurement professionals and their commitment to excellence and efficiency in government purchasing, now, therefore, be it resolved, that we, Val Verde County Commissioners Court, hereby proclaim the month of March 2025 as Procurement Month in Val Verde County, Texas, and urge all citizens to join us in recognizing the important role of procurement professionals in our community,” Vasquez finished.
Owens then called for a motion. Commissioner Pct. 2 Juan Carlos Vazquez made the motion to approve the governor’s proclamation, with Commissioner Pct. 4 Gustavo “Gus” Flores giving the second.
The court unanimously approved the motion.
After the vote, Owens said, “I want to thank you all. As county judge, I deal with a couple of departments on a daily basis. You all are one of them. The amount of money that we’ve gone through in the last six years; We’ve borrowed over $26 million, probably, went through $9.5 million in ARPA funds, and I shouldn’t say ‘went through,’ we invested it into our community would be the best way to say it.
“We’ve done Operation Lone Star, $2.9 million. I think the first one was almost $5 million. We’re in the process of another $2.9 million. . . We have Stonegarden, you name it. And those funds go through our purchasing department and through our auditor. Thank you all for everything you do for us,” Owens said.
Vasquez in turn thanked the judge and the members of the court for their support and “your trust in the processes.”
“Since October of 2021, the department has received a new vehicle, a new warehouse and two new positions, and all these assets have allowed us to serve the (county) departments effectively and efficiently,” Vasquez said.
She also thanked her staff.
“I understand that it takes a team to accomplish the goals set forth by our office, and I would not be able to do any of it alone. I would like to thank and acknowledge our staff, Karina Acevedo, assistant purchasing agent; Mariela Barba, fixed assets coordinator; Pete Vidales, purchasing clerk III; and Michael Andrade, our buyer,” Vasquez said.
“I want to thank them for their dedication and loyalty in their respective positions and for meeting the standards I have set for the departments. They have become proficient in their roles as procurement professionals, diligently, and without hesitation,” she added.
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