OLS Grant Officials Confirm Former County Auditor Acted Independently in Decision Not to Seek Reimbursement

Maverick County Secures Eligibility to Reclaim Over $500,000 in Operation Lone Star Grant Funds Thanks to United Efforts of Local Leaders

Maverick County’s leadership has successfully ensured the county remains eligible to recover over $500,000 in reimbursements from the Operation Lone Star (OLS) program. This significant development came through a united effort by County Attorney Jaime Iracheta, County Judge Ramsey English Cantu, and District Judges Amado Abascal and Maribel Flores. Their collective engagement with OLS officials clarified that the county can still file for funds previously excluded by former County Auditor Raul Treviño, whose unilateral decision not to pursue reimbursement has sparked widespread questions.

CATCH UP WITH THE NEWS HERE: Maverick County Tax Payers On The Hook For Over $500,000 After Former County Auditor Decides Not To Seek Reimbursement of Grant Funds

Independent Actions by the Former Auditor Raise Concerns

During the December 16, 2024, Commissioners Court meeting, County Attorney Iracheta revealed that former Auditor Treviño independently decided against seeking reimbursement for eligible expenses, including courtroom equipment and salaries. His decision, made without consultation with key county offices or state officials, left taxpayers at risk of absorbing substantial costs unnecessarily.

“This decision was made entirely without input or collaboration,” Iracheta explained. “It is clear that these funds were eligible, and the opportunity to recover them was there all along.”

The unclaimed expenses, which total over $500,000, were later confirmed as reimbursable under the terms of the OLS grant. Residents and officials alike are left questioning why these funds were not pursued and what safeguards can be implemented to prevent similar oversights in the future.

A Post-Meeting Breakthrough

Following the Commissioners Court meeting, local officials engaged in critical discussions with OLS representatives, who confirmed that Maverick County remained eligible to submit reimbursement claims. This discovery, made after the court session, marked a turning point in the county’s effort to address the oversight and protect taxpayers from unnecessary financial strain.

“This was a collaborative achievement,” said a source close to the discussions. “Through persistent effort and clear communication with state officials, Maverick County secured the opportunity to correct this mistake.”

Elected Leaders Collaborate to Protect Taxpayers

The successful resolution of this issue was made possible by the unified efforts of County Attorney Iracheta, Judge English Cantu, and Judges Abascal and Flores. Together, they ensured that the county’s eligibility was reaffirmed and that the unclaimed funds could still be pursued.

Their leadership highlights the importance of collaboration and accountability in addressing complex financial challenges. The process required thorough documentation, clear communication, and persistent advocacy to ensure Maverick County did not lose access to vital grant funding.

“This outcome reflects what happens when elected officials work together for the good of their community,” said one official familiar with the case.

The Path Forward Lies With the County Auditor

Responsibility for submitting the reimbursement claims now falls to Interim Auditor Karla Mazuka. Officials have emphasized the urgency of resubmitting the claims to secure the funds and ensure taxpayers are not left shouldering the financial burden of this oversight.

“The process is in place, and the funds are eligible,” noted a Commissioner during the meeting. “The time to act is now, and it’s critical that these claims are prioritized.”

The Commissioners Court has also signaled a commitment to improving oversight and communication within county departments to prevent future issues. Workshops and procedural updates are being planned to strengthen grant management processes and enhance accountability.

The Maverick Take

Thanks to the determined efforts of County Attorney Jaime Iracheta, County Judge Ramsey English Cantu, and 365th Judge Amado Abascal and 293rd Judge Maribel Flores, Maverick County has retained its eligibility to seek over $500,000 in grant reimbursements from Operation Lone Star. This funding, previously left unclaimed by former Auditor Raul Treviño, represents a significant opportunity to protect taxpayers from unnecessary financial strain. The decision now lies with Interim Auditor Karla Mazuka, who must act to ensure these funds are recovered.

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