     Native Peoples lived along the Medina River basin for thousands of years Spanish-era (1690-1821), ranchos form along the Medina River to feed the Missions and the City of Bexar Mexican-era (1821-1836) empresario system created to encourage American immigration Texan Era (1836 - 1845), • • Von Ormy known as Paso de las Garzas Santa Ana encamps in Von Ormy • Tejanos flee San Antonio, first Anglo settlers American-era • Renamed Mann’s Crossing by the end of the Civil War (1860’s)

• • • • Re-named Von Ormy by postmaster in 1886 after Count Norbert Von Ormay San Antonio grows, expands southward 2006 CIVO forms 2008 Von Ormy Election to become a City

• • • • • • • • • • • 1820’s, Enoch Jones builds “Castle” 1846, 1 st Church established 1872, Post office opens 1884, Count Norbert Von Ormy arrives, leaves within two years 1906, Int. Grt. N. RR builds first bridge over Medina 1910, Von Ormy Cotton Gin Built 1911, Von Ormy Cottage Sanitarium opens Highway       1690 Camino Real established by Alonso de Leon 1836 Camino Arriba 1865 Old San Antonio Road 1911 Meridian Hwy built (Mexico to Canada, along 77the Meridian) 1917 State Highway 2 1926 US 81  1959 I-35 1956, Southwest ISD 1976, Jarret VFD 2006 - 2008, Effort to create City of Von Ormy

    Started in 2006 Lobbied and received support from County Commissioners, County Judge, State Rep. State Sen. US Congressman Testified in Austin for Von Ormy Have held two town festivals

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Advantages of forming a City:

1. To keep government close to the people 2. To establish specific services like fire, police, traffic controls, etc.

3. To control land use.

4. To control subdivision of land.

5. To establish a tax program or to prevent a tax program from being established.

6. To qualify for various grants from state or federal agencies.

7. To prevent San Antonio from annexing Von Ormy 8. To preserve our heritage, identity and history

Disadvantages of forming a City:

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Along with government come taxes

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Loss of other support Volunteers seem to dry up

  • “Let the City do it”

City may be liable for damages Grants come with “strings”

Who we are:

• 1350 residents • 500 registered voters • 1.88 square miles • 84% Hispanic, 15% Anglo • Median Household income: $32,621 • 57.8% speak Spanish in the home • 16.6% of families live below the poverty line and 21.1% of individuals •Average drive time to work: 39.3 min.

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The election schedule

• April 10, 2008 Voter Registration Deadline • • • April 28, 2008 Early Voting Begins May 06, 2008 Early Voting Ends

May 10, 2008 Election Day

Election Site: Sacred Heart Church in Von Ormy The ballot will have two choices: • “For incorporation” • “Against incorporation” “Incorporation” is the legal term used to describe the formation of a new city If successful, another election for mayor, five aldermen and marshal will be held

  Types of Texas Cities Home Rule Cities – over 5000 residents Statutory Cities – under 5000 residents • • •  Type A: Large cities – over 700 residents Aldermen form of government Type B: Small cities – under 700   Aldermen form of government Type C: Large or small Commissioner Form of Government

 Alderman Form of Government Mayor  • Only votes when there is a tie Board of Aldermen • Five positions elected at-large  • City can form wards, 2 aldermen per ward Marshal • Office can be abolished

CITIES MUST HAVE:  A Budget Officer      Select a depository (bank) Provide insurance for liability and property Provide an Engineer for Public Works and Construction Provide Defense for Police Officers Meet Handicapped Requirements

CITIES CAN:

 police and fire protection and control  health and sanitation services     street construction and design bridge construction and maintenance and street maintenance cemeteries and cemetery care garbage and solid waste removal, collection, and disposal             establishment and maintenance of jails hospitals sanitary, or now being called wastewater, and storm sewers airports waterworks parks and zoos museums libraries and library maintenance convention centers, or coliseums community, neighborhood, or senior citizen centers operation of emergency ambulance service dams and reservoirs

Cities Can, continued:  warning signals  regulation of traffic     transportation systems recreational facilities, including but not limited to swimming pools, beaches, and marinas vehicle and motor driven equipment maintenance parking facilities             tax collection fireworks displays building codes and inspection zoning, planning, and plat approval engineering functions maintenance of traffic signals, signs, and hazards water and sewer service animal control community development or urban renewal activities Codify Ordinances Establish and Regulate Health Standards Exercise Power of Eminent Domain

CITIES MUST HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE:

 Adopting Subdivision Regulations     Adopting Zoning Regulations Adopting a Comprehensive Plan Annexing Property Adopting the Annual Budget     Raising Taxes Levying Assessments for Street or Other Public Imp.

Sale of Park Land Condemnation of property

WHAT KIND OF FUNDS WILL BE AVAILABLE?

 Property Tax   • $1.25 per $100 max Sales tax • must hold election to adopt 1¢ sales tax.

Franchise Taxes  • • Electric Telephone • • Cable Services Traffic Fines • Natural Gas Must adopt traffic code first

WHAT KIND OF FUNDS WILL BE AVAILABLE?

 Grants • • • • • Small Cities Community Development Block Grants Economic Development Administration Rural Development Administration Water Development Board Texas Parks and Wildlife Grants

Can the new city expand and annex new territory?

  The city may begin to annex additional area at any time. Von Ormy may annex territory by request of the property owners or voters

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If the community votes to incorporate, when will the city begin to function as a city?

• After the election for mayor, aldermen and marshal.

 City government is the level where action happens. It is both exciting and challenging to be a member of city government. We commend you on your participating in city government, and we