A public hearing held on August 5, 2025, in Hidalgo County focused on mandatory payments from hospitals for the upcoming fiscal year, with a proposed tax rate set at 6%. The hearing, led by Judge Doreen, opened at 10:30 AM to gather public comments regarding the financial contributions required from healthcare providers for the fiscal year 2026, which runs from September 2025 to August 2026.

Michael Neal from Alonzo Healthcare Ventures expressed gratitude for the county's support and requested that the payment rate remain at the current 6%. Following the hearing, the court unanimously approved the mandatory payment structure, which will be assessed quarterly based on the net patient revenue of institutional healthcare providers.

In addition to the financial discussions, the meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming elections. Hilda Salinas, the elections administrator, provided updates on the November 4, 2025, special constitutional amendment election, highlighting the importance of voter registration deadlines and early voting dates. The last day to register or make changes is October 6, 2025, with early voting scheduled from October 20 to October 31.

The court also discussed staffing challenges for election workers, with officials encouraging community involvement to fill necessary positions. The compensation for election workers was noted as a potential area for review to attract more participants.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to healthcare funding and the importance of community engagement in the electoral process, setting the stage for both fiscal and civic responsibilities in the coming year.