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Odessa City Council gives Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2 months to come up with plan for future

City council given the Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 60 days to come up with a plan for their future. This comes after some recent decisions that's given officials pause.
(Source: KWES)

ODESSA, TX (KWES) - More time.

"What it came down to is that the taxpayer's money is taken care of," said Filiberto Gonzales, Odessa City Councilman, District 5.

Odessa City Council gave it to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, following their most recent finance meeting. Officials say recent personnel decisions have given them pause so they are giving the organization more time to plan for the future.

"The ODC has a right to ask. The city council has a right to ask what's happening with the funds. There is a possibility of being able to re-write a new contract," said Gonzales.

The chamber says the contract on a year-by-year basis, Gonzales said if the chamber comes back after 60 days and their plans aren't good enough then the contract between the city and the chamber could possibly end. Affecting plans, especially the Mexico Initiative.

"We do have nine binding agreements with Mexico as far as Chihuahua is concerned, as far as Sinaloa is concerned. We have those agreements in place," said Raymond Chavez, International Director, Mexico Initiatives.

The agreements are aimed at improving trade, especially in the oil and gas industry, between Odessa and Mexico. Along with helping recruit teachers for Ector County ISD.

"Mexico is holding true to their agreement as long as we agree. The minute we don't agree and the minute it falls apart, then they have the option to go somewhere else," said Chavez.

Chavez added time is what is good for everyone, especially when it comes to finding someone to replace him following his upcoming retirement.

"If they can't find somebody I'm still willing to stay and help. If they find somebody, I'm still willing to help because I feel like we need it," said Chavez.

More time. It's been given to see what plans are made because a lot could be riding on it.

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