LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) — As we approach the end of the year, Webb County Commissioners gathered for their final meeting of 2024.

Topics of interest included the use of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, discussion of the second phase of the Webb County Fairgrounds, and reaching agreement on the roofing contract for the new downtown sheriff’s administrative offices.

Regarding federal funds, Precinct One Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez assured the public that he wanted to ensure the funds would be used appropriately.

“In total, the funding we got from the federal government, the ARPA money, was about $53 million. It was a very important meeting for our ARPA fund consultant who emphasized the importance of allocating the money to different projects by the end of this year,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said if the funds are not allocated to projects in the county, they will have to be returned.

They aim to use the funds for 40 county projects, including water projects, roadway projects and more.

Commissioners and entities involved in the Fairgrounds project held discussions on the plan for the second phase of the project.

Questions have been raised about how much money could be spent. Additionally, commissioners questioned the materials of the parking spaces and the size of the buildings.

Gonzalez said, “We saw a price tag of about $55 million. We are trying to get that total down comfortably to $40-45 million, but we should have a special meeting before the end of the year so we can secure the maximum price.

Gonzalez says the fairgrounds need a better floor plan, which means an update is much needed.

The court also met in executive session to discuss the roofing contract for the new Webb County Sheriff’s Administration Building.

Over the summer, the county estimated the project would be ready by fall of this year.

A few months later, it was announced that repairs were needed to fix the elevators, generators and roof.

However, Gonzalez assured that the extension of the roof repair contract was resolved.

Adding: “The contractors they were looking for were just trying to close their contract with the item approved today, we are completely done with them.”

At this time, it is unclear when the building is expected to open.

The commissioners will meet again to talk business in early January.

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