Contractor says Camino Real facility is ready for move-in

By Breyana Segura - Chief Staff Writer | January 15, 2025

Last delay was over mini blinds selection

Frio County commissioners have been given the keys to the rebuilt Camino Real Community Services facility three years after its construction project was launched and after several debates over apparent delays in the project.
Commissioners asked that Angel Sandoval, owner of Sandoval Construction, the company hired to complete the project, attend the Monday, December 30, meeting and provide the court with an update.
“I think the only thing that is pending is some mini blinds,” Sandoval told the court last month. “The building currently has mini blinds but we had to special-order a different color.”
According to the contractor, the mini blinds were slated to arrive on January 8.
“As far as the building, it has been ready for occupancy,” Sandoval said. “We have had a certificate of occupancy since August 21. We have had some punch-list items but those have been completed. It has been ready.”
Frio County Judge Rochelle Camacho disagreed with Sandoval’s claim the building was ready for occupants.

“I do not think so, Mr. Sandoval,” the judge said. “The last time I made location, we do not even, the county does not even, have in their possession the keys to open the indoors.”
Sandoval argued his company has made attempts to hand over the keys to the building since August 21, when a certificate of occupancy was granted.
“We were requested to give you guys the keys, I guess, since last week but we have been trying to hand over the keys since occupancy was given,” the contractor said. “Last week your office was closed but someone is delivering the keys this morning.”
“I do not know how it can be stated that it has been ready for occupancy since August, because we cannot even get into the offices that are in there,” the judge said. “So how can we occupy it?”
Camacho confirmed that keys were delivered to the county on Monday, December 30, and were immediately handed to Camino Real representatives.

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