Valley Interfaith questions McAllen’s use of sales tax revenue
McALLEN — A nearly two-decade-old issue resurfaced Monday night as Valley Interfaith members questioned the city’s use of sales tax revenue.
McAllen voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase in 1997 — on the fourth try. Members of Valley Interfaith said then and now they were instrumental in getting it passed by making city commissioners promise to abide by what a 1997 Monitor article called a “wish list” — including spending the money on an additional library, healthcare providers and educational programs.
At Monday’s commission meeting, three Interfaith members who spoke during public comment — with about 30 additional supporters in attendance — criticized the city for devoting $2.5 million for a potential presidential debate in 2016. City Manager Roy Rodriguez said he’ll know in October whether the convention center was selected as a site.
The members also said more sales-tax dollars should go to El Milagro Clinic, which serves mostly indigent residents. The clinic requested $190,000 from the city this year, but $120,000 was budgeted.
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