Willacy housing director fired

RAYMONDVILLE - The Willacy County Housing Authority is trying to "catch up" on bills left behind by former Executive Director Irene Moreno Cavazos, board Chairwoman Esther Ramirez said Tuesday.

Board members on June 30 fired Moreno Cavazos for poor bookkeeping that failed to keep up with bills, Ramirez said.

Board members will meet Friday to discuss the appointment of an interim director, board member Kimberly Rains said.

Moreno Cavazos' poor bookkeeping left the agency about a month behind on its payments, Ramirez said.

"It was just paperwork that wasn't getting done," Ramirez said. "Bills needed to be paid. It was just regular payments we get each month, like the light bill. There's no missing funds. It wasn't anyone stealing anything."

Ramirez declined to disclose the amount of money the housing authority owed.

"We were just behind a month, but we're catching up," Ramirez only said.

Board members plan to launch a search to replace Moreno Cavazos, who was hired in April 2007, Ramirez said.

Ramirez refused to disclose Moreno Cavazos' salary. The salary of the housing authority director is public record under the Texas Open Records Act. An open records request will be filed by the Valley Morning Star to obtain this information.

Moreno Cavazos replaced Dolores Duron, a former Willacy County treasurer who retired from the agency.