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, 1st 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

Advantages of forming a City:1. To keep government close to the people2. 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

Ormy8. To preserve our heritage, identity and history

Disadvantages of forming a City: Along with government come

taxes 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.

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• Natural Gas• Cable Services

Traffic Fines• 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

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