Starr County Judge Eloy Vera took the stage for his final State of the County Address. 

"We only have this every two years, so next time, it's going to be someone else giving it," Vera said.

Vera's top focus was growth. Growth in jobs, business and finances. 

"Starr County has never been in the financial shape that we are today, and we're very proud of that," Vera said.

Vera says the county has over $30 million in the bank and has been able to decrease the tax rate. 

Their financial state, which Vera largely credits to renewable energy farms coming into the county, has allowed them to work on projects that are much needed and overdue.

Specifically, courthouse renovations, delayed by more than two years because of material costs, will begin in the summer.

Vera also discussed progress on the rehabilitation of the Roma-Miguel Alemán Suspension Bridge. It's an $18 million project that has been in the works for decades. 

"I have been working on it for more than 20 years, and it seemed at times that we were right on the verge of getting it done and something would fall through, and it wouldn't happen," Vera said.

Drainage was another talking point.

The four commissioners each talked about improvements and new equipment to help with flooding, a topic that couldn't be more timely.

After Tuesday's address, Vera has a little over a year before retirement, and he says he's ready to pass the baton.