By DANIEL V. RODRIGUEZ
Special to the NEWS
City of San Benito officials met Saturday morning to evaluate the financial records of the Boys & Girls Club of San Benito and discuss measures to prevent its closure.
Leading the effort was a five-member committee made up of City Manager Manuel Lara, Parks and Recreation Director Mike Jaramillo and City Commissioners JD Penny, Joe D. Gonzalez and Rene Villafranco. It was Commissioner Gonzalez who, during a previous city meeting, suggested forming the committee in support of the club remaining operational.
The Boys & Girls Club opened in San Benito in May 1976 and for 36 years has provided its local youth with educational and recreational after-school activities. But due to recent financial difficulties, the club faces closing its doors.
“We have about 120 days to save it,” Commissioner Rene Villafranco said Saturday morning. “And we’re gonna do all we have to do, by law, to assist them in continuing to open those doors to provide services to the youth of our community.”
City officials made it clear, though, that the liability of the club does not fall under San Benito’s administration. “We were just as shocked and surprised [about the club’s financial state],” Commissioner Joe D. Gonzalez said. “The Boys & Girls Club are their own entity and have their own board and their own funding.”
Nevertheless, the committee acknowledged the club’s impact on the community and asserted its support.
The committee began the meeting with a review of the club’s financial records. Committee members said that according to records submitted by Tommy Ramirez, Jr., president of the Boys & Girls Club of San Benito’s Board of Directors, the club has exceeded its proposed annual budget for the past five years. Last year, for example, the club was over-budget by $10,262 and in 2011 by $2,855, committee members said.
But according to Ramirez, one reason they have been over-budget is because the city has reduced the amount of Community Development Block Grant funds it pledges to the organization. Ramirez said, for example, that for the 2013 fiscal year, the Boys & Girls Club has yet to receive the city’s $9,500 pledge, which would help its overall goal.
The club needs $75,000 to remain operational.
Ramirez said he is currently appealing to the United Way for assistance. He is also seeking grants from the Meadow’s Foundation and is working with the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District and parents to raise funds. “We are very grateful for any help we receive,” Ramirez said.
Saturday’s committee meeting will be the first of several. City officials plan on meeting with the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club, and while no decisions have been officially made, the committee remains optimistic of developing a solution.
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Of course I accept.
Haha! Yes, I guess it was another hour of not being my normal cherry, positive self. Seem to be having bunches of them recently, tho not sure why. I see many positives in the attitudes for change in this community, so I shouldn’t get so torqued at the administration we have now. I do believe people are just as tired as we, and it won’t be long before our community has a new administration and a renewed chance to begin to realize its full potential. Still, it is frustrating when our administrators are not in step with the needs and desires of us citizens now.
We have survived the day, my friend. Each day we survive brings us one day closer to a better San Benito. When that day comes, raspas will taste sweeter than ever! For now, yes, a round of raspas for the good people at the ‘News.
Alright RSB, another hour of not being your normal cherry, positive self?
Believe me, I have been there as well, especially of late. My emotions and frustrations escalate as well when I think about all the “areas of opportunity” in our beautiful city.
My faith in our administrators has hence vanished, just looking forward to next elections.
P.S. I think a round of raspas to the SB News staff is in order.
Sin Fin,
Reforming San Benito: outstanding words! You have made some excellent points. Three commission seats and several school board seats. May 2014 … We are waiting!
There are MANY quality people in this community who care more about this city’s needs than their own. Unfortunately, many are very humble and lacking in ego and do not realize they have much to contribute; that their humility is their greatest strength, for it is this that will allow them to subjugate their own desires to the needs of the community.
In this city of approximately 25,000 people, do the majority truly believe that there are only a handful of people who are qualified to make decisions for the remaining 24,495? Taking into account the numerous city boards and committees, there are another dozen or so citizens who occupy numerous seats on multiple committees to the exclusion of the majority of remaining 24,985 citizens. Does this sound just? Does this seem right?
Good community leaders LEAD the community. Good community leaders don’t dictate policy, they encourage the citizens of the community to get involved and be active in boards and committees, not remove citizens who want to serve and replace them with their friends already serving on other boards. This is a big reason why this city does not grow, because it’s the same voices sharing a like mind. Good community leaders seek diversity for new ideas.
Good community leaders inform and invite the entire community to meet the Chinese “dignitaries” when they travel to the city after the city’s leaders return from China, not just invite their closest friends. Good community leaders recognize that the best way to impress the Chinese “dignitaries” to do business here is with a strong turnout of citizens interested in having Chinese business here.
Good community leaders inform and invite the entire community to meet and listen to the newly elected Congressman instead of informing only their closest friends of his visit. They hold these types of events in the public’s view, like the Resaca Trail, a fitting backdrop for The Resaca City. I am amazed that the community leaders we now have — and this extends to the school board, as well — can find 1,000 citizens who listen and vote for them at elections, but can’t find the voters to invite them to important events or listen to them on issues important to the voters.
Good community leaders lead by growing more community leaders. They cultivate new leaders and listen to the community when it has concerns. No one is perfect, not even good community leaders, but good community leaders know when to admit they made mistakes in judgment; that’s what makes them good community leaders. They adjust to the ever changing needs of the community, not force-feed the community what they believe it needs.
“Where can we find quality people to run for city office?” Right here, in this quality city filled with quality people. Here, in these comments, in the people willing to speak out against what they believe is outrageous events, actions and policies by our current leaders. The same qualities that make a quality leader are the same qualities that make a quality person: Honesty. Maturity. Honest and mature enough to admit when they make mistakes. The ability to communicate, which means listening as well as talking. Not someone who knows it all, but someone who knows to listen to all. Someone willing to put the needs of others ahead of their own. Someone who gives to others around them without seeking anything in return. They don’t need to have degrees, they need to have integrity.
With a little more than 14 months to the next election, where 3 of the 5 commission seats are up for election, now is the time for these people to step forward. Now is the time to encourage your friends or people you believe have the qualities to lead, to step up. Anyone can learn how to conduct meetings; that’s the easy part. What we need are good people with good qualities who understand what the needs of the people are, and who are open to getting others from the community involved. Government by the people, for the people truly needs to be by the people.
Where can we find quality people to run for city office?
You bring up an interesting point, QBSB. Hasn’t the city taken over the SBYBSL? Didn’t they commandeer a hostile takeover last year? Is their lack of support and action to save the B&G Club really just an attempt to become the only game in town? Think of the revenue generated for the city in membership fees, sponsorships, concessions…if there was no other alternative for the kids of this community? Whoa, Nellie, I think we’re on to something here!
This scenario would completely explain the city’s reluctance to help save the B&G Club while giving another local non-profit, the Chamber of Commerce, nearly $5,000 each month. What, pray tell, does the Chamber contribute to this community that rivals the B&G Club? Aside from the Pride Committee ~ which is a pet project of the wife of the mayor’s good friend and chief supporter, Charlie Wilson, who spearheaded having Mayor Garcia’s name removed from the Veteran’s Memorial plaque and replaced with this bozo’s name ~ what else does the Chamber contribute? And why do they need funds from the city to not do what it is they do…or not?
Where is the money going that the city provides? The city gives the Chamber ‘room and board;’ what other expenses do they have? One employee? Does the city get as much bang for its buck with the Chamber as it would with the B&G Club? I think not.
Which brings me back to my earlier question: Is the city purposely not helping the B&G Club to create a monoply on the youth sports leagues and all the revenues they generate?
It’s being reported this morning in another publication “In a Monday meeting, a committee agreed to recommend that city commissioners give the club a [$45,000] donation and consider running one or more sports programs.
Is this city’s administration predictable, or what?! See above comment. No doubt in my mind this is what the commissioners have been angling for all along. Wish all their official actions were this transparent.
I just received an angry phone call by someone in the city who has taken exception to the comment I posted at 7:52 a.m., which is currently not published online as of 9:24 am — no matter how many times I refresh the browser and check on a different computer with different IP address — and is showing “Your comment is awaiting moderation.”
Is this what happens when we comment on this site? Is the “moderation” we await from the time we comment until it appears online, just an opportunity for the “moderator” to share our comments with city administration to get their approval?
This would appear to confirm what many expect, that this paper is not of the community but for the friends it has in city hall.
Author
The gentleman you’re referring to called the News this morning to inquire about penning a letter in response to a comment you made on the Valley Morning Star website, which is also prominently posted on Facebook. You know what they say about assumptions, RSB? This is where you insert your foot in your mouth. Does this also mean that I can lump you in the category of people who foolishly claim that the newspaper cannot be trusted? How ironic that you’d be in the company of some of the very people you often complain about. Foolish indeed.
Editor, my sincerest and humblest apology to the “moderator” and your newspaper. It wasn’t an assumption; the angry caller said he just read my comment to “the SBNews.” Since my comment on this site was “awaiting moderation” and I could not view it to check what he was upset about, that is the conclusion I drew, based on his comment. It wasn’t an assumption, it was a misspeak. For that misunderstanding, I apologize to the SBNews. As far as being in the company of some of the very people I complain about does not mean we share a like mind or see things the same. If I disagree with my copadres or believe they’re wrong, I’m not one to silently go along simply because it’s a friend. Too much of that happening already. The angry caller should not have taken it so personally, as we previously discussed my assertions and I know the angry caller is not guilty of what I assert. I have the utmost respect for the angry caller, though we do not always agree. Disagreements are natural and can be healthy. Even the people closest to me don’t always agree with me. It’s unfortunate there were so many misunderstandings this morning. Do hope you accept my apology, Editor.
The city should let the people vote …I vote help the Boys and Girls Club!!!!!! I enjoy seeing the community at the ball parks with their entire families rooting for their childs/childrens teams. WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN THIS CITY?????
I’LL TELL YOU WHAT…ABSOLUTELY NOTHING…NADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reforming San Benito: great comments!! Commissioners traveling… For what? They should hold community sessions for us, the taxpayers, to attend. The SBCISD Board President the only women on the committee. Come on! Friends keep friends close and that is all that this is. Remember, the mayor had her campaign sign on his lawn as did a new commissioner. Enough is enough…give them the funds and make sure quarterly reports are presented. Guide the director and not criticize. And they say they are about kids!
WeThePeople, “over $500,000” sounds like a large figure, but when you consider it “has been doled out” over 18 years, that’s not such a large figure. That’s an average of about $29,515 per year, which is not such a large investment into the boys and girls of this community. How many kids does the club serve each year? 1,500? That’s less than $20 per child per year. Pretty paltry sum for the precious resource that is our children. Please bear in mind that these funds do not come from the general fund budget but, rather, the CDBG to support such services. When you consider that this years general fund budget includes a 450% increase over last year in commissioners traveling expenses — or 4 times what the very same commissioners provided for the well being and development of the boys and girls of this entire community — then the issue is about the city, its budget, and those entrusted to care for the people who elected them.
MR. Rodriguez: The issue is not about the budget of the City. It is about the B/G Club, and whether or not the City should once again bail them out with taxpayer dollars. The City has doled out over $500,000 to them already. Enough.
There are several individuals in San Benito that from experience can tell you that there is money for the B&GC. The City Manager has two assistants….he just got a raise. If he is so good why does he need two assistants? There is so much corruption at city hall you can smell it all over the valley…..M friend Roy Garza was always visiting businesses and looking for new ideas to raise funds and provide all he could for the kids…..Any one with investigative experience can visit Mathis and you will know what’s coming next.
The Legal Budget went up to 130,000 from 65,500 WOW.Is it maybe cause of the lawsuits the city has filed against it,or is it cause the ones they see in the near future.The Travel/Training Budget also went up is it cause theCity Manager&The City Commission are only looking after themselves and not THE CITY OF SANBENITO.Before I forget the only thing the city got fom CHINA I hear is the neon billboards that were put up at the RESACA TRAIL.
I don’t mean to absolve the B&G Club baord for any of their failures that may have brought them to this point. I don’t know enough to say the B&G Club is suffering as a result of inactivity or mismanagement on their part, or the loss of benefactors, or some other reason. I merely intended to point out areas of the current budget, at quick glance, from where the city could find funds to salvage the club that provides much to the children of this community. I stand by my assertions above, for the reasons I asserted.
Let’s not blame the City totally. Where does the board of directors of the B & G Club come in? They bear the responsibility of keeping the club solvent, or they need to get off the board. That is the bottom line. They come running to the City every time things don’t go exactly right, and I’m sure the City is getting tired of it.
Reforming SanBenito said it best. It’s my opinion but it’s time to get rid of the City Manager or should i say the Golden BOY.
They can’t get rid of the city manager. He NOW has a contract! They’ve protected him with that darn contract. At least for a few more years.
Wow, they can terminate the contract for “cause,” meaning, a good reason.
Do you think providing tax payer money to the Chamber for six months after the person’s salary they were funding resigned, is good cause? I do.
Do you think allowing your live-in companion’s brother-in-law to bid on and receive city contracts — especially when your live-in companion also happens to be a city employee who is the Director of the CDBG department which provided funds used in the contract awarded — is good cause? I do.
Do you think placing an item on the city’s commission meeting agenda while the CM and mayor are away in China, for the other commissioners to approve the purchase of “specialized” lights from a company owned by one of the very people accompanying the CM and mayor in China, is good cause? I do.
I have several more “good cause” examples that could be grounds to terminate the CM’s contract. Only problem is, these current commissioners will not do it; not while the CM is appropriating such generous travel budgets for them.
The only way this city will ever change is if the citizens tire of being taken advantage of and vote these commissioners out of office. The only way they can is if good, honest people step up and give them reason to believe the city can and will be better. This city can be so much better than it is now, and it won’t take much to make it better…except for a few new good leaders.
Yea! the city should help the Boys and Girls Club out not just throe out like the old nursery rhyme 1. 2. buckle my shoe 3. 4. shut the door
Suggestions from where the city can get the money to help:
1. TRAVEL/TRAINING. The city’s current fiscal year’s budget for travel and training is MORE THAN DOUBLE what was budgeted last year, $80,255 this year vs. $35,074. This figure does not include the SBFD. The commission’s budget alone INCREASED MORE THAN 4-1/2 TIMES over last year, $36,785 vs. $8,080. The City Manager’s budgeted funds doubled, also, from $4,420 to $9,287. That’s $46,072 of taxpayers’ money earmarked to be spent outside this community. Is there another trip to China in our commissions’ future?
2. LEGAL BUDGET. The current fiscal year’s budget for legal services is MORE THAN DOUBLE what it was last year. Not including the SBFD figures (which I don’t have and not incuded in this total), more than $130,000 is budgeted this year alone to spend on a lawyer. Last year $65,500 was budgeted. A 50% increase in last year’s budgeted figure would take legal services to about $100,000, or about $8,400/month. If the city is spending more than that, it’s time to reassess the attorney, the CM, and the way this city is being managed.
3. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. This year’s budget of $483,542, is approximately $150,000 more than last year’s $334,572. Interestingly, subcategory “maintenance internet/website” increased from $1,880 to $21,760. Has anyone noticed a more efficient, updated cityofsanbenito.com? I still do not see the new and improved amended charter posted, nor have I noticed agendas or minutes of commission meetings posted on the links for such. The budget contains $84,000 for “Professional Services,” which is same as last year; that computes to $7,000 per month. For $1,280/month, the city could hire someone at $8.00/hour to scan and post to the website minutes and agendas, and everything else that is needed to keep the sebsite up to date.
4. Give the B&G Club the $9,500 pledged by the CDBG already! The city has already received the funds from HUD — why hasn’t the B&G Club?
In short, if the members of this committee are serious about helping the B&G Club, take the $46,072 of SB taxpayers’ money they have planned to spend outside this community; add to it $30,000 from the exorbitant legal services budget; take $20,000 from the “maintenance internet/website” line item that is producing no change in service from years past, and they will have $96,072 TO AID THE CITIZENS OF THIS COMMUNITY WHO ELECTED THEM!
AND GIVE THEM THE $9,500 THEY WERE PROMISED SIX MONTHS AGO!
What they Said……….lol
For clarification, the monies pledged to the the Boys and Girls Club are Federal monies from HUD. No one should ‘give’ those monies to anyone without first requiring the sub-recipients to go through the same process as is required by all other agencies that receive these funds throughout the United States.
One of these requirements is that the B/G Club must provide sufficient documentation to the City, (CDBG), as prescribed by the Federal rules.
The HUD rules state clearly that each funded agency must have demonstrated “a laudable degree of control over its financial affairs”, before any money can be “given”. Evidently the City has determined that the B/G Club did not the first time around.
For your further reading enjoyment, try:
Playing By the Rules: A Handbook for CDBG Subrecipients
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_17104.pdf
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_17108.pdf
Before we throw the City under the bus, let’s try looking at the other side…the City is being prudent and responsible with Federal funds, regardless of who is asking. Kudos to them!!
You might want to add some women to the committee. It should be a given.
And break up the “good ol’ boy” network? Funny how the only woman invited to participate, SBCISD Board President Yliana Rodriguez, has been accused of being every bit as corrupt as the city’s commission has been accused. Guess not only water seeks its own level.