Texas Record
Hidalgo County
ET

Ellie Torres

Commissioner, Precinct 42023-2026

No biography on file yet.

At a glance

News mentions
0

Term ending Dec 31, 2026.

Voice

Meetings spoken in
1
Total speaking time
0:26
Avg per meeting
0:26
Segments
12

Want every word Torres has said?

The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Torres said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.

Top issues during term (20)

critical↑Jan 2026[77]

Property Tax and Budget Growth

Maintains current property tax revenue levels while funding drainage operations and bond projects.

high↑Sep 2026[30]

City of Peñitas TIRZ #1 Payment Processing

Involves county payouts totaling $5,311,846.39 to local municipal reinvestment zones.

critical↓Jun 2025[26]

Sheriff's Deputy Compensation

Potential future budget adjustments if deputy salaries are increased.

high↑Sep 2026[25]

New Courthouse and Capital Improvement Projects

Involves hundreds of thousands of dollars in change orders, final payments, and contract adjustments for county facilities.

critical↑Sep 2026[25]

County Health Insurance Plan Premiums for 2027

Determines health insurance costs for county employees and the county health fund.

high↑Sep 2026[25]

Urban County Street Improvements and Housing Demolition

Includes major contract awards like $6,610,808.55 for the Mile 2 W project.

high↓Feb 2026[20]

Hike-and-Bike Trail Safety

Funded through previously allocated project budgets and grant funding sources.

high→Sep 2026[20]

2018 and 2023 Bond Referendum Construction Adjustments

No immediate cost increase, but extends contract timelines through 2027.

critical↑Jan 2026[13]

County Infrastructure and Construction Projects

Involves millions of dollars in county funds and ARPA allocations for capital improvement projects.

high↑Apr 2026[12]

Hidalgo County Courthouse Phase II Construction Progress

Costs are largely covered by existing construction warranties and insurance claims.

high↑Sep 2025[12]

Chapter 381 Economic Incentive Agreements

Economic incentive amounts to be determined upon agreement approval.

high↑Mar 2026[11]

Law Enforcement Grant Approvals and Vetting Certifications

Total county appropriation of $650,369.00, including local cash match contributions.

high↑Sep 2026[10]

FY 2027 WIC Grant Funding Allocations

Accepts over $13 million in state grant funding for WIC programs.

low↑Sep 2026[10]

VIDA 31st Anniversary Gala Quorum Attendance

None anticipated.

high↑Sep 2026[10]

Delta Reclamation Project Partnership

Financial terms will be detailed upon final legal review and partnership approval.

medium↑Sep 2026[10]

Zinnia Park Fitness Court Interlocal Agreement

Involves interlocal funding and resource sharing for park improvements.

medium↑Sep 2026[10]

'PossAble Dream' Literacy Initiative Partnership

Allocates administrative resources for county literacy efforts.

medium↑Oct 2026[10]

Regional Transportation Planning and MPO Coordination

Discussions focus on regional transportation funding and planning priorities.

medium↑Sep 2026[10]

Community Service Agency Administrative Salary Adjustments

Reallocates existing program service funds to cover staff salary adjustments without increasing the general tax levy.

medium↑Sep 2026[10]

Future Leaders Council Youth Engagement

Operates primarily through volunteer efforts and existing departmental coordination.

Moved or seconded (40)

Motions Torres personally put forward or seconded. Attribution comes from the minutes; where the minutes name somebody we cannot match to the roster we leave it out rather than guess, so this is a floor, not a total.

  • movedpassed 3-02026-06-09

    approval on agenda item 14.C.5.

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-05-12

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 17.C.

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-05-12

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 19.B.1.C., w…

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-05-12

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 8.B.1-6.

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-05-12

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.D.

  • secondedpassed 3-02026-04-28

    Approval and acceptance of Certificate of Substantial Completion and Certificate of Construction Completion from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-013-04-15 Pharr McAllen West. Project Engineer Izaguire Engineering Group PO#650877

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 3-02026-04-28

    Ratification of the Hold Harmless, Release, and Indemnity Agreement with the City of McAllen regarding the McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Run and approval for the District General Ma…

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-04-28

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 27.E.

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-04-28

    Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 2:00 P.M.

  • secondedpassed 3-02026-04-28

    Requesting approval of Change Order No. 2, reflecting an increase in the amount of $96,650.00 and 90 additional construction calendar days for the project "La Villa Edcouch Elsa Ph…

  • secondedpassed 3-02026-04-28

    Approval of Application for Payment No. 3 in the amount of $231,625.35 from Gonzalez Engineering pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-029-06-10 Phase 1 Flood Control Segm…

  • secondedpassed 3-02026-04-28

    Requesting approval of closing documents for RDF 1 (Gustafson Farms Venture)... Approval of payment and issuance of a manual check to Jones, Galligan, Key and Lozano for $48,302.00

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-04-28

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 15.E.

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-04-28

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 14.C.2., as …

  • movedpassed 5-02026-04-28

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 4.C.

  • secondedpassed 4-02026-04-28

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 14.A.1.

  • secondedpassed 4-02026-04-28

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 23.B.2.A.

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-04-28

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 23.E.2.C., w…

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-04-14

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Sess…

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-04-14

    On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 18.B.

Decisions during term (1759)

Recorded while Torres was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.

approved4-0Sep 29, 2026

Head Start 2027 Budget Applications and One-Time Funding Request

approved4-0Sep 29, 2026

Urban County Construction Contract for Palmview Street Improvements

approved4-0Sep 29, 2026

Urban County Construction Contract for Mercedes Street Improvements

approved4-0Sep 29, 2026

Legal Services Exemption and Engagement of Carlos Escobar

approvedSep 29, 2026

Proclamations and Recognitions

approved4-0Sep 29, 2026

Elections Department Update

approved4-0Sep 29, 2026

Planning Department Subdivision Plats

approvedSep 29, 2026

Approval of Consent Agenda

approvedSep 29, 2026

Legal Services Exemption and Engagement Letter - McCarthy & McCarthy, LLP

approvedSep 29, 2026

Resolution of Support - Delta Reclamation Project

approvedSep 29, 2026

Claim Acceptance and Material Settlement - Mor-Wil, LLC

approvedSep 29, 2026

Drainage Facility Relocation Agreement - Reganti Family LLP

approvedSep 29, 2026

Change Order No. 2 - Alternate Rado Drain Phase I

approvedSep 29, 2026

Rescission and Approval of Work Authorization No. 34 - B2Z Engineering, LLC

approvedSep 29, 2026

Mission McAllen Drain - Substantial Completion and Pay Application No. 13

approvedSep 29, 2026

Approval of check register and payment of claims and bills - (Payments from Juvenile Probation, Adult Probation, LEOSE Fund, DA Motor Vehicle Theft Fund, DA Check Fraud Fund, DA Forfeiture Fund, Sheriff Forfeiture Funds, Constable…

approvedSep 29, 2026

Fund Information Report

approvedSep 29, 2026

Pursuant to Local Government Code §114.044, requesting approval of the attached monthly collection reports.

approvedSep 29, 2026

Pursuant to Local Government Code §115.0035, requesting approval of the attached County Auditor's review/audit letters.

approvedSep 29, 2026

Discussion, consideration and approval to process the City of Penitas TIRZ #1 2025-2026 payment, in the amount of $166,671.44 pursuant to the interlocal agreement between the City of Penitas, Hidalgo County, and the Reinvestment Zone No.…

Voting record (47)

46 yes0 no1 abstained

Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.

Voted yesSep 22, 2026

Adoption of 2026 Tax Rate

Voted yesSep 1, 2026

Adjourn Workshop

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

On motion by Commissioner Pct. 2, Eduardo “Eddie” Cantu , seconded by Commissioner Pct. 1, David Fuentes , the Board approved the proposed 2026 tax rate as presented.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Approval of Proclamation for National Breastfeeding Month

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Ratification of Hogg Foundation Grant Application

Voted yesAug 4, 2026

Adjourn

Voted yesAug 4, 2026

Approval of Commissioners Court Consent Agenda (Except Pulled Items)

Voted yesAug 4, 2026

Aetna Insurance Claims Reimbursement and Fees

Voted yesAug 4, 2026

Sheriff's Office Jail Expansion Engineering Invoice

Voted yesAug 4, 2026

Precinct 1 Wellness and Community Center Change Order

Voted yesAug 4, 2026

Hidalgo Health Clinic Engineering Agreements Extensions

Voted yesAug 4, 2026

Precinct 3 Linear Park Trail Invoice

Voted yesMay 12, 2026

General Consent Agenda Approval

Voted yesMay 12, 2026

Aetna Insurance Claim Reimbursements (Items 4.A.1-3)

Voted yesMay 12, 2026

Precinct 4 Project Invoices (Item 9.E.3)

Voted yesMay 12, 2026

Remote Emergency Operations Centers Payment (Item 9.H)

Voted yesMay 12, 2026

McAllen Health Clinic Payment Application (Item 9.J.1)

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Approval of MOU with Yaqui Animal Rescue

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Approval of FY 2026 Urban County Annual Action Plan

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Approval of Engineering Contract for Nolana Loop Project Section 4

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Approval of Consent Agenda (with exceptions pulled)

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Human Resources Agenda Items 6.A.1 & 6.A.2 (Aetna Insurance Claims)

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Precinct 2 Health Clinic Change Order No. 2 and Contingency Allowance

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Precinct 2 Engineering Services Invoices

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Precinct 2 Cross Country Trail Park Invoices

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Precinct 2 Nolana Loop Application for Payment No. 16

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Precinct 3 Engineering Invoice for 5K Linear Trail

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Precinct 3 Supplemental Agreement Ratification

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Health and Human Services CMAR Payment Application

Voted yesApr 28, 2026

Health and Human Services Material Testing Invoices

Voted yesApr 14, 2026

Approval of General Consent Agenda (Excluding Pulled Items)

Voted yesApr 14, 2026

Approval of Aetna Insurance Claims Reimbursement and Wire Transfer

Voted yesApr 14, 2026

Approval of GDJ Engineering Invoice for Lopezville Park

Voted yesApr 14, 2026

Approval of GDJ Engineering Work Authorization for Brushline Bridge

Voted yesApr 14, 2026

Approval of Construction Manager CMAR Pay Applications for Health Clinics

Voted yesMar 3, 2026

Consent Agenda Approval (Except Pulled Items)

Voted yesMar 3, 2026

Human Resources: Aetna Insurance Claims and Fees

Voted yesMar 3, 2026

Pct. 2 Engineering Services Invoices

AbstainedFeb 3, 2026

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 14.A.3.a

Voted yesFeb 3, 2026

Approval of Drainage District Consent Agenda

Voted yesJan 20, 2026

Approval of Commissioners Court Consent Agenda (with exceptions)

Voted yesJan 20, 2026

Approval of Agenda Items 3.A&B, 11.A.1, and 11.I.2

Voted yesJan 20, 2026

Approval of AETNA Insurance Claim Reimbursements (Items 6.A.1-3)

Voted yesJan 20, 2026

Approval of Precinct 1 Engineering Invoices (Item 11.C.1)

Voted yesJan 20, 2026

Approval of Precinct 2 Engineering Invoices (Items 11.D.2 and 11.D.7)

Voted yesJan 20, 2026

Approval of Precinct 4 Project Invoices (Item 11.F.2)

Voted yesJan 20, 2026

Approval of Health Clinic Engineering Invoices (Item 11.L.2)