Rocio Villalobos 
MERCEDES – After complaints from residents about the city’s “uninspiring” tree that has been at the Mercedes Civic Center for close to 20 years, commissioners voted to bring in new holiday decorations.
The new tree and street crossings come at the cost of $107,000, which the city manager says is possible for the small town of just under $17,000 through a three-year payment plan.
“Last fiscal year we paid $39,000,” said Sergio Zavala, Mercedes city manager. “This fiscal year, February 2020, we will pay $33,000 and February 2021 we will make the last payment of $33,000 as well.”
The ribbon tree, which is one of a few in the world, cost $65,000, the three street crossings $27,600, installation of the tree $7,000 and just under $7,500 for shipping and interest.
Some residents we spoke with, who declined to be interviewed on camera, say the amount spent on decorations is a waste of taxpayer money and that there are more pressing issues for the city to address.
However Mercedes resident Jacob Howell, who is running for city commissioner, says since the money has already been spent, the city should utilize the attraction for the community’s benefit.
“Moving forward, I feel we need to find out how we can use this tree to bring revenue to the city and to the citizens of Mercedes to be used for city and community needs, like drainage, roads and other improvements,” Howell said.
Dalia Delano-Carr, whose family owns El Fenix Cafe, attended the tree-lighting ceremony last month and believes the tree is a good investment for her city.
“I’m okay with it. I’ve enjoyed it,” she said. “I’ve been excited all of the way and I see a lot of the kids and they love it. There’s nothing really wrong with it that I can see. I know it’s expenditure but like everything else, you need to invest to get back.”
“We welcome anybody who is interested,” Zavala said. “Looking at it in the picture is one thing, but seeing it live with the height that it is and the color and the golden lights it is just a wonderful experience.”
Zavala adds the cost for the decorations are expected to be offset by a boost in the Mercedes’ economy from out of town visitors coming to see the tree and explore the city.
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