Commissioners Court - Regular Meeting

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park Bond Project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park Project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso county economic development department congresswoman Escobar and EFO media provided the first public update on the small business administration funded mission trail small business support program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso county's historic mission trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Wiwin's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred, is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County. Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors, and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources, and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life, and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans. Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development. The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance, neighborhood cleanup events, the tool lending library, and the small business center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Aguadulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. Located at the Agua Dulce Community Center campus, Illumina Public Library is El Paso County's first all-digital public library. With a free digital library card, residents can instantly access thousands of e-books, audio books, magazines, movies, television shows, streaming services, and online learning resources. Beyond its digital collection, Illumina also offers in-person technology classes printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy. I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the president of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city. But remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky.

Yeah, and do you have a name or something? Well, uh, yeah.

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later. Okay.

Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey. Oh.

Thank you.

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park bond project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles, A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WeWin's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred, is a...

Live from El Paso County, Texas, the Veterans Capital of the USA. From inside the Alicia Chacon Commissioners Courtroom of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, you are watching the El Paso County Commissioners Court Meeting.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Today is Monday, September 14th, 2026. Commissioner's Court is meeting in regular open session. This morning we're joined by ASL interpreters Katia Garcia and Celina Saloum. Commissioner O'Ginn, would you like to introduce this morning's pledge group?

Yes, thank you, Cesar. Good morning, everyone. So today we have a very special treat. We have a special Pledge of Allegiance video that was prepared for us by the Red Sands Elementary School Technology Club. So they're going to lead us in the pledge, but it's through a special video that they created specifically for us.

Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the Texas, one state, under God, one indivisible.

Very cute.

Item number three is invocation, Judge.

We do not have someone, but it's like the opportunity for a moment of silence. 9-11, just what an amazing situation. The number of people that were hurt, not only then at that particular point, but those that continue to die because of the tragedy. So very important. I'm very proud of what happened at UTEP at the Sun Bowl on Friday. Pretty amazing that... Almost 4,000 individuals participated in the 102, not stairs, but stories that they had to walk. And so it was very, very, very moving. You couldn't leave there with a lot of emotion, especially the memorials that they had there. So I would love for us to... take a moment of silence and then remember something so important 25th anniversary but also remembering how we all came together and the passion we have and the prayers and thoughts that have gone out to all these members and families so if we could take a moment of silence Thank you.

Judge, do you have some opening remarks for us this morning?

Well, thank you so much. And I do want to also appreciate that we have some great resolutions here today. And thank you for being here. It's always such a pleasure. And this is on behalf, obviously, of myself and our commissioners that we really appreciate care and appreciate all the participation, especially some of the other items that we talk about that are so relevant to the community. So thank you for being here. I think you're going to be very pleasantly surprised at the resolutions and the music around it and also some of the things that we have to look at, community members that have gone through difficult times, but we're here to also remember them as well. So thank you very much for being here. Have a beautiful week. Thank you.

Item number four is the consent agenda composed of items 4A through 4AY. There are a few items that we need to address. We would like to ask for a postponement of item number 4B, postpone one week per the county attorney's office. Item 4B is to approve and authorize the county judge to sign a professional legal services agreement with Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP for bond counseling services both in connection to the issuance of bonds and other public securities, and on routine matters not directly connected to the issuance of bonds that require legal advice and counsel. Contract number 20260653. We also would like to request item number 4. Oh, we have a correction for that from the Elections Department. Item 4.0 should read, approve and authorize the county judge to sign the joint election services contract with the City of El Paso, Village of Vinton, Babins Independent School District, Tornillo Independent School District, Horizon Municipal Utility District, Lower Valley Water District, Socorro Independent School District, El Paso County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4, Clint Independent School District, and the Isleta Independent School District for the November 2026 general and special election to be held on November 3, 2026. Funds will be deposited in special revenue, election services, elections non-county. We'd also like to ask for a deletion of item number 4W from the Information Technology Department. Item 4W is to approve and authorize the county judge to sign the notice of lease termination letter for lease contract 2011-0261 between El Paso County and the City of El Paso for the leased space at 1059 Lafayette, El Paso, Texas, 799-01. There is no fiscal impact. Opinion number 12498. And finally, we'd like to ask for a correction to item number 4AM from the Public Works Department. Item 4AM should read, approve and authorize the county judge to sign the University of Texas system commercial lease number 6584. with the University of Texas System Board of Regents for the lease of approximately 56.77 acres for a 10-year period through December 31st, 2035 in the amount of $15,750. Funds are available in special revenue, road and bridge, rents, leases. Contract number 20260661. Are there any items that members of the court or public would like to pull for individual discussion?

Hearing none, Commissioner. I just have a question, Cesar, with respect to the item O. Yes, sir. I noticed that Canutillo was left out on the...

That is the correction, sir, that the Canepillo School District did not, I guess, was not going to participate.

I know they have an election November, early November.

Okay, that might actually be coming back separately then. Okay, I just want to. Yes, sir.

It's all ahead, Judge.

Thank you, sir. We have a motion to approve from Judge Samaniego and a second from Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open.

I vote aye.

Thank you, Commissioner Holguin. Motion carries. Judge, with your permission, I'd like to read in item number 5B from resolutions. Sure. Thank you, sir. Item number 5B. Approve and adopt a resolution celebrating Mexican Independence Day and El Paso County's historic, cultural, and binational ties to Mexico. Commissioner Stone.

Good morning, buenos dias. Very honored to be able to present this resolution celebrating Mexican Independence Day and recognizing El Paso County's deep historical culture and binational ties to Mexico. We're joined by the Consul General Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de Leon. Muchas gracias por estar aqui. We'll bring him up to the dais in just a second.

We also have

a special treat here in a couple of minutes after we read the resolution. But I think for our community, is just much more than a date on a calendar. It's an opportunity to really celebrate our history, our traditions, our music, our cultural and binational ties that have shaped generations of El Pasoans. Of course, our relationship with Mexico is reflected with our families, with our neighborhoods, our local economy, and the unique identity of the border region as a whole. And El Paso and Ciudad Juarez are part of one interconnected binational community. Although an international boundary separates us, our shared history, culture, and relationships continue to bring us together. And Mexican Independence Day also gives us an opportunity to recognize the courage and determination of the folks who fought for independence while celebrating the lasting contributions of Mexican and Mexican-American communities in El Paso and in Texas. especially again grateful to be joined by the Mexican consulate and of course the talented mariachi students from Jefferson Silva High School. Thank you all very much for being here to celebrate this important occasion. So I'm gonna go ahead and read the resolution And then we'll invite in the mariachis, and then we'll hear from our distinguished guests. So the resolution states, whereas wars of independence reverberated throughout South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico in the early 19th century, and whereas September 16, 1810 marks el grito de independencia attributed to Father Miguel Hidalgo, who the night before gathered people in Dolores, Guanajuato, and sparked the movement toward independence from the Spanish Empire. And whereas it took 11 years before Mexico became fully independent and began its journey to shaping the republic we know today, and whereas it is a tradition for the President of Mexico to commemorate Independence Day by giving a grito, waving the Mexican flag, and exclaiming, Viva Mexico! Mexicanas y Mexicanos, viva nuestra independencia, vivan los héroes que nos dieron patria y libertad. Whereas traditionally El Grito also plays tribute to Viva Hidalgo, Morelos, Jose Fortis de Dominguez, Allende, and Leona Vicario. Viva Guerrero, vivan los niños héroes, and whereas after Mexico gained independence from Spain, what we now know today as the American Southwest, including El Paso, became part of that country. And whereas in 1824, as Mexico reorganized its territory, El Paso del Norte, formerly part of Nueva Vizcaya, and was incorporated into the state of Chihuahua. And whereas El Paso and Ciudad Juarez share a colonial history rooted in El Paso del Rio del Norte, a region that encompassed both sides of the Rio Grande before the modern international boundary divided the area. And whereas El Paso's history, culture, and people continue to maintain deeply rooted ties to Mexico, and now therefore be it resolved by the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court that El Paso County recognizes and celebrates our binational connections to Mexico, and along with our sister city, Ciudad Juarez, is proud to say, Viva Mexico. Signed this 14th day of September 2026, the Honorable County Commissioner's Court.

We have a motion to approve from Commissioner Stout and a second from Judge Samaniego. The voting is open. Commissioner Olguin? Thank you. Motion carries.

I know well that I'm out, but the day I die, I know you'll have to cry. Cry, cry, cry, cry. You'll say you didn't love me, but you'll be very sad. You'll say you're going to stay.

Yes?

Una sierra en el camino me enseñó que el destino era el mar I don't know. Undos de sundos! Hermoso cariño que Dios me ha mandado a ser deseado por más que un pánico. Precioso regalo, precioso regalo del cielo ha llegado y que me ha formado de dicha y amor. Hermoso cariño foreign is Hermoso cariño, nuestro único amigo, con el que te conecto el querido.

Abre de pintarlo, y quiero pintarlo, hermoso cariño, que Dios te ha mandado nomás para mí.

Thank you.

If you allow me, I'll start by recognizing and thanking all these musicians from Jefferson High. I think it's really to have goosebumps, but this music really brings everything in you by being Mexican. So thank you guys. You did a great job. Thank you. So now let me thank this commissioner's court, Judge Ricardo Samaniego, Commissioner Stout, Commissioner Holguin, Commissioner Butler, Commissioner Coronado. You guys have done an amazing job in terms of trying to bring communities on both sides together. I think it's an honor having this resolution represents a lot, not only to me as the Consul General of Mexico, both for my staff and for the community in general, because it's really true that Mexico's Independence Day, the ceremony of El Grito, brings the communities on both sides together. You were saying, Commissioner Stout, I think the Mexican identity is alive in this city, not only through the music here, but through astronomy, through language, through being great people here in El Paso. As many of you know, this Saturday we celebrated the 2026 version of Vivamos Mexico, which is the celebration of Mexico's Independence Day. And we saw, and I was reading the papers, and they say the border was brought together by a binational event, and this is a binational event. We had a lot of people, everybody was happy, everybody was enjoying themselves, enjoying the culture, and I always say that El Grito give us the opportunity to highlight all the history, all the traditions that we share, all the principles that we also share as a boarder. So thank you for this resolution. It means a lot, and it means a lot to all our community here. Thank you, commissioners. Thank you very much for what you do, for what you do to the community, George. Thank you for being always pushing for strengthening the relationship between Mexico and the Estados Unidos, especially here at the border, Commissioner Stout, Commissioner Holguin, Commissioner Butler, and Commissioner Coronado. Thank you very much, and I'm honored to being able to receive this resolution. Thank you.

Well, thank you, Consul Ibarra. I want to also thank him for, it's not like a one day thing. Consul Ibarra throughout the entire year and his team do everything to bring our culture together, make sure that we remember. He has some amazing events there in El Consulado that really get us to understand. As a matter of fact, up there on the, right here we have the Yañez, the Señora Yañez that has an exhibition on raíces. And so we're constantly working together to do some of these great things. And so we're very proud of our relationship that you have with the commissioners and myself, and very proud of everything that you do. And if you didn't go to the Grito, you can't miss it. It was spectacular. Gracias to Destination El Paso and Brooke Underwood did such a great job and her team. And so thank you for everything that you do. Viva Mexico y viva la Jeff. Viva Mexico.

Yes, I'm sorry. Oh yes, of course, please. Mic is yours.

All right, I just wanted to say a couple words. My name is Preston Griffith, and I'm the director of from Jefferson Silva High School. We're honored to be here to represent our school and the El Paso community for this resolution. And we are just in our third year as a program, and we already qualified for state competition last year, so we're doing pretty well. And since we started, I've seen that our students are really excited to play this music. And having a mariachi program gives them a pathway to connect to their roots and also experience the Mexican culture through music. So we're very, very happy to be able to do that. And as you can see, the students are super passionate about playing. And as you can hear as well, they're really amazing. And we very much appreciate being here. Again, thank you. Muchas gracias.

Can we have each of the students just come to the microphone and just tell us their name, introduce themselves, and then as they come and line up here to take the picture. Thank you.

Hello, my name is . I am a senior at Jefferson .

Hello, my name is . I'm a sophomore at Jefferson High School.

Hello, my name is and I'm a junior at Jefferson High School.

Good morning, my name is Alazne Padilla and I'm a junior at Silva Magnet. Hello, my name is Carla Sophia Hernandez and I am a sophomore at Jefferson Silva High School.

Hello, my name is Cindy Salvoza and I'm a senior at Jefferson Silva High School.

Hello, my name is Samuel Padilla and I am a junior at Silva Magnet.

Hello, my name is Jayden Quintana and I'm a sophomore at Jefferson High School.

Hello, my name is Marcel Mateo, and I'm a senior at Jefferson High School.

Hello, my name is Karim Serrano, and I'm a senior at Jefferson High School.

Hello, my name is Juan Lopez, and I'm a sophomore at Jefferson Silva.

Hello, my name is and I'm a junior in Jefferson High School.

Hello, my name is and I'm a junior at Jefferson Silva High School.

Thank you.

Going back to the regular order, item number 5A from resolutions. Approve and adopt a resolution declaring September 2026 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in El Paso County, Texas.

Thank you, thank you. Linda, do you mind being up here for us? I'll read the resolution, but you can wait there, because obviously you're the great author of what we're accomplishing today, and thank you for your courage and strength and for also being able to share with others this experience. So I'll read the resolution. where September is nationally recognized as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, providing an important opportunity to raise awareness, promote education, support those affected by ovarian cancer, and encourage women to recognize and advocate for changes in their health. whereas ovarian cancer is a comparatively uncommon but serious gynecological cancer, and its symptoms can be subtle, persistent, and easily mistaken for other conditions contributing to many cases being diagnosed after the disease has already advanced. Whereas unlike several other cancers, there's currently no reliable routine screening of tests for ovarian cancer for women at average risk, making awareness of symptoms, family history, individual risk factors, and timely medical evaluations especially important. where symptoms may include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly in area changes, unexplained fatigue, or other changes that are new, persistent, or unusual for the individual. Whereas high-grade serous carcinoma is the most common and one of the most aggressive forms of epithelial ovarian cancer, underscoring, excuse me, the urgent need for continued research, earlier detection, improved treatments, and greater public awareness. And whereas an ovarian cancer diagnosis reaches far beyond the patient, affecting children, spouses, caregivers, friends, workplaces, and entire communities, while patients often endure major surgery, chemotherapy, ongoing surveillance, and the uncertainty associated with recurrence. where El Paso County recognizes the strength and resilience of those currently undergoing treatment, honors ovarian cancer survivors, remembers those whose lives have been lost to this disease, and acknowledges the families and caregivers who walk beside them. whose increased awareness can empower individuals to listen to their bodies, seek medical attention when symptoms persist, understand their family history and risk factors, and advocate for appropriate evaluation and specialty care. where El Paso County further recognizes the physicians, nurses, researchers, healthcare, professional caregivers, advocates, nonprofit organizations, and institutions throughout our community who provide treatment, support, education, and hope to individual families affected by ovarian cancer. Whereas during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, residents are encouraged to help bring this disease out of the shadows by learning its signs and symptoms, sharing accurate information, supporting research and patient services, and standing in solidarity with those whose lives have been changed by ovarian cancer. Whereas teal is a nationally recognized color of ovarian cancer, awareness symbolizes hope, courage, remembrance, and solidarity with those whose lives have been affected by this disease. Now, therefore, it be resolved that the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court hereby recognize September 2026 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and encourage residents to wear teal, learn the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, support those undergoing treatment and their families, promote education and early recognition of symptoms. and join in advancing hope for better detection, treatment, and ultimately cure. Signed this 14th day of September, 2026.

We have a motion to approve from Judge Sanmaniego and a second from Commissioner Stout. The voting is open. Motion carries. Thank you, Linda.

And next, I'm going to call everybody up here who's come in support because this is not just about me. Absolutely, absolutely. Well, Judge Samaniego, commissioners, thank you very much for this opportunity to be able to advocate on behalf of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As you know, this is deeply personal to me. I come here not only as an advocate in the veteran and caregiver community, but as a woman who has been deeply affected by this. I am currently battling stage three high grade serous carcinoma which is highly aggressive and I'm in my, went through first round of chemo and treatment surgery and I was told I had an 85% chance of it coming back and it has so I'll be going through another round of chemo and I wouldn't have been able to get through that without a lot of these people who are standing here behind me because as you mentioned, Judge, in the resolution, this disease is not, this cancer doesn't have any screening comparable to other cancers. So by the time that women actually do go around to getting this treated or even tested for this, it's already metastasized. So normally you find it in stage three or even stage four. I was lucky I was right on the border, stage 3C of when it was found for me. And I credit my doctor, Dr. Saldivar, amazing, amazing oncologist here. The MD Anderson even told me I was lucky to have him here in El Paso, so I was able to stay here for treatment. So for those of those battling ovarian cancer, this is something that... You don't know how it's going to affect you until it does, and it affects not just yourself, but your family. And that is who I think I want to focus on today is the families who support ovarian cancer. people going under, the women undergoing that and also the survivors and those we have lost. So I really want to recognize those brave individuals, the also advances in treatment. UTEP recently came out with a new test that, or identified a portion of how we can possibly actually stop ovarian cancer, so they're in the research area right now. So many other factors within the last two years. There's a new test that's come out that's dedicated solely to your DNA tumor. If you have that testing, you're able to find out that you have a recurrence much sooner than you would normally. So that's advances in medical technology has been amazing, but there's not enough research right now. So bringing awareness would actually help. provide more money into research and more research to be able to save lives. So I really thank you for allowing me to speak on this and for providing this opportunity. Thank you. Thank you.

Is there anyone else that would like to say anything on behalf of Linda or the ovarian cancer?

Thank you for this great opportunity. Actually, we're having an event for raising funds and awareness for ovarian cancer. It will be the November the 14th. It's going to be at American Legion Post 122 in Anthony, Texas. It's going to be a car show, bike show. So we're looking for support and sponsors for getting revenue and awareness and support for Ms. Linda. She's been a big advocate for the veteran groups and families, community, state, and nations. We greatly appreciate it, and we appreciate giving the support for her. Thank you so much.

Well, thank you. I think we all, go ahead, go ahead.

So, Dr. Eric Kendall, Chief of Staff, El Paso VA, and thank you, Linda, for all of your tireless work and effort, even through all of the treatments you've been getting, you've not stopped. And we really appreciate the example that you've set for all that, and we're here to support you.

Thank you. Good morning, and God be the glory. Thank you, sister, for inviting me.

It's very important, too, that you bring this up, too, because our veteran sisters are going through the same thing.

And now that I'm appointed at the national level with the Disabled American Veteran, I will bring this up so that we can push legislation so that just not our veteran sisters get the treatment and what they need. It's also our civilian counterpart. Thank you, sister, and God bless everyone. Thank you.

My only admission is for every woman and young lady, grandma, that is experiencing this, is that families that come together, sometimes your friends are the family you choose, and just having that support system. If you don't have it, I mean, I think we're all here, so if they happen to hear this message today, let us know, let Linda know, and ask who this group is. I think everybody here, we're all like family. When I look at you, I see it. And I think it's really important if a woman is out there feeling alone, there's people that can walk along beside you, and all they would have to do is contact Linda or one of these ladies here today, our gentleman, and we could walk alongside them, whether they're a veteran or civilian or whoever they are, that at the end of the day, love, you know, can actually do miracles.

Thank you, Donna. Luther, you want to?

Good morning, commissioners, and good morning, judge. Just want to thank you guys for bringing awareness to this and then honoring Linda here. Linda's my partner over at the city with everything we do, military and veterans. And throughout this entire process, I was probably very early on. She kind of told me about this when we're working through our expos and summits, and she hasn't missed a beat. She has been a tremendous soldier, a trooper throughout this whole thing, and we're in support of her. So anything that she needs and that you guys support, we're here. So thank you, Linda. We're here for you.

Thank you.

Good morning. I just wanted to say about Linda, of course we're supporting the cause, but we are supporting Linda. She is a true testament of the resilient spirit that she has. She's just an amazing person overall, and she helps so many veterans, families, dependents, surviving spouses. I mean, through the Linda Mays Foundation and just personally, anybody that comes in contact with her, she's able to be a resource to. I'm so very proud to know her and to be a part of her support.

Thank you. Carl, welcome.

Good morning, Judge, Commissioner. I wasn't going to say anything, but Linda gave me that eye. The only thing I'll say to my friend is God chooses people for a reason. Linda, ever since the day I met her, she's been a special person. And if anybody can get through this, if anybody can show people how to get through this and be a voice and be an advocate, it's Linda Mays. Thank you. And Linda, we love you. We're here for you. And God has you.

Carl, you forgot your phrase. I mean, come on.

Happy Veterans Day, Jeff. Yes, thank you.

Thank you. On behalf of the Congresswoman, you want to? I know you're hiding back there, but... Well, this is on behalf of the member.

I don't have much to say, Judge.

Thank you.

Hi, I'm Woody Bear. I'm also with the Historical Commission here. Linda and some of us are working on preserving some of the historical monuments here. So Linda does a lot of different things. You know, she really keeps busy. And if anybody deserves to be blessed, she surely does.

Thank you.

Did you get it?

Go ahead. You wanna, okay, are we ready?

Okay, now I just wanna, you know, Linda has been such an incredible warrior. I mean, if you look, I think she's like the advocate of advocates. I mean, because of her advocacy and the things that she's done for our community, being a representative of Elizabeth Dolph Foundation, which for caregivers, As you could see the solidarity, we've got two Veterans of the Year, David and Donna, Veterans of the Year here. But you could see the difference of being able to rally and showing that solidarity is very comforting. I could see as a good and beloved friend of mine, I feel like she's safe around these individuals. I mean, it's not like... I worry about her a lot, but I know that what you've just displayed today and coming here, Luther, thank you so much for the city being part of that relationship. I know that it's easy for the city and the county to sort of fade away, but we haven't. I mean, because of Linda and Luther, we're a very strong two groups of trying to do the best we can for veterans. And I'm very, very thankful for Linda from day one. When I came into the office, I know I had a right and left hand to help me through the process. We've got another, I don't know if Carlos Rivera, Did he hide from me? Oh, there he is. Also another great advocate that partners with Linda. So thank you all. Thank you for this incredible resolution to be able to get the word out. It's so painful to know that someone has to wait or has delayed treatment. And as we know, one of the most difficult things in the medical profession is delayed treatment because it's something that's heartfelt because you could have been able to get it earlier and you're dealing with it later and as everybody has said and Linda it's just not an impact to the individual but a huge impact to everyone around and so Linda once again always very blessed to have you in our lives and thank you for everything that you do so thank you

Thank you.

Are you leaving right now? Item number 5C, approve and adopt a resolution recognizing September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Thank you all. I'm proud to be able to present this resolution and recognize September 2026 is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month here in El Paso County. I see we're joined by folks from NAMI here, NAMI El Paso, as well as Emergence Health Network. Welcome. Suicide is a very serious public health issue that affects people of every age, background, and in every community. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, a network of loved ones whose lives have been changed forever. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge the stigma that too often surrounds mental health, and remind our community that asking for help is in fact a sign of strength. It also is an opportunity for us to learn how to recognize warning signs, have difficult but necessary conversations, and connect people with support. No one should have to struggle alone. By speaking openly about mental health and suicide prevention, we can help create a community where people feel seen, supported, and able to seek care without shame or fear. I WANT TO THANK, OF COURSE, NAMI ALPASO FOR JOINING US TODAY WITH EMERGENCE HEALTH NETWORK AND OTHERS WHO DO GREAT WORK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO PROVIDE CLINICAL SUPPORT WHEN IT COMES TO EHN AND OTHER CLINICAL PROVIDERS, EDUCATION, RESOURCES, ADVOCACY AND HOPE TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY IN THE CASE OF NAMI.

SO I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION AND THEN I'LL GO AHEAD AND OPEN UP THE FLOOR TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS.

The resolution states whereas suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34 in the United States and whereas suicide was the 11th leading cause of death overall in the United States claiming more than 49,300 lives and whereas more women than men attempt suicide but men are about four times more likely to die by suicide. And whereas the highest suicide rates in the U.S. occur among American Indian Alaskan Native people, followed by non-Hispanic white people, and whereas LGBTQ plus high school students attempt suicide at a more than three times rate than of their peers, cisgender and heterosexual peers and transgender people experience far higher rates of suicide attempts than the general population. And whereas the US Department of Veteran Affairs reports that an average of 17.5 veterans die by suicide each day. And whereas 46% of people who died by suicide had a known mental health diagnosis and research suggests that up to 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. and whereas the friends and family of individuals who died by suicide are left to navigate grief and loss too often experiencing feeling of shame and stigma and whereas together spreading public awareness education families and friends advocating for mental health care and expansion and improving our behavioral health system will help individuals living with mental health conditions and their families and whereas As a community, it is vital to learn the warning signs of suicide and symptoms of mental health conditions to step in, connect people to help and dismantle stigma and misinformation. And whereas El Pasoans can call or text the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, or call the local crisis line at 915-779-1800 both lines are free confidential available 24 seven and answered by emergence health network mental health professionals. And whereas suicide is preventable treatment works and people living with mental health conditions recover and thrive every day with the right support and whereas Community organizations will hold. is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Candlelight Vigil at Memorial Park Reserve on Thursday, September 24th at 7 p.m. And now, therefore, be it resolved that the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court recognize September nationally as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to share resources, honor those who we've lost, and reach out to people who are struggling. Sign this 14th day of September, 2026, Honorable County Commissioner's Court.

We have a motion to approve from Commissioner Stout and a second from Judge Samaniego. Voting is open. Thank you, Commissioner Coronado. Thank you, Commissioner Holguin. Motion carries.

We have Isidro Torres from NAMI El Paso, please, if you'd like to share a few words and then we can hear from our friends at EHN.

Good morning Judge, good morning Commissioners. Thank you so much for having us today. I want to thank the entire court for always supporting mental health and supporting the work that organizations like NAMI El Paso and organizations like Emergence Health Network do. But I do want to take a moment to thank Commissioner Stout for sponsoring this item, for sponsoring this item year after year along with Mental Health Awareness Month. and your continued support of NAMI El Paso, NAMI Texas, and the work that we do in our community. Thank you, Commissioner. And so we're here for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Our work, our theme this year, NAMI continues to push our work around community and connection. Suicide still has too much stigma, too much shame around it. And by coming together and talking about mental health, talking about ways we can identify if someone is thinking about suicide, preventing suicide, getting someone to reach out for help. I know Renee will talk a little bit about 988 and the work they do, but the theme resonates with us so deeply about any reason is a reason to call 988. They're there for you 24-7, the mental health professionals there, and the community is here. And so our wonderful team, NAMI El Paso team, the NAMI El Paso volunteers, program leaders, go out and educate and share their story and connect with individuals in that way, using their lived experience to let individuals know that it is okay not to be okay and that it's okay to reach out for help. We reach over hundreds of families a year, over 4,000 middle school and high school students, and continue this work. And we cannot do it without the support of Commissioner's Court and organizations like Emergence. Thank you.

Good morning, Judge and Commissioners, Rene Hurtado, Chief of Staff with Emergence Health Network. Judge and Commissioners, thank you again for proclaiming and recognizing National Suicide Prevention Month. On behalf of Emergence Health Network, our Board of Trustees, and the dedicated professionals who answer crisis calls every day, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your commitment to behavioral health services and suicide prevention across the county. This recognition sends an important message to our community. Mental health matters. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and no one has to face a crisis alone. Suicide affects individuals, families, friends, and coworkers, and entire communities. Behind every statistic, there's a person who matters, and there is a family whose life is changed forever. National Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and remind residents that help is available. Organizations across the country use September to raise awareness, promote hope, and connect people to resources. Here in El Paso, we are fortunate to have a strong network of partners like NAMI, like the County of El Paso, like the Sheriff's Department that are committed to mental health wellness and crisis response. At Emergence Health Network, trained mental health professionals provide crisis intervention services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to both our local crisis programs and the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Our crisis call specialists are often the first voice of hope that someone hears during the most difficult part of their lives. and EHN is proud to be one of only four 988 call centers in Texas. EHN's partnership with the 911 District is also a national model. Not only are our 988 call takers co-located at the 911 District here in Northeast El Paso, but our staff can also access 911 operating systems to make sure first responders have lifesaving information at their fingertips during a crisis. The message we want every resident to hear is simple. If you are struggling, if you are worried about a loved one, or don't know where else to call, you call 988. Suicide prevention is not only the responsibility of mental health providers, it is the community responsibility. Everyone here can play a role by doing one of four things. Number one, checking on friends and families and coworkers. Number two, starting honest conversations about mental health. Number three, learning the warning signs of emotional distress. And number four, connecting people to the help that is available when they need it. Sometimes a single conversation, a simple call, or a simple act of kindness can make a life-changing difference. So again, thank you to the County Commissioner's Court for recognizing National Suicide Prevention Month and for your ongoing partnerships that strengthen the behavioral health services that we provide for our region and across Texas. Thank you all today.

Can everybody at least introduce yourselves if you don't have anything to say? Thank you.

Hi. I'm Donna Juarez. I'm a home front instructor that caters to military and veterans and a parent basics instructor. The NAMI Walk's coming up on October the 10th. That's a great time to meet people if you're a little shy and get out and get a lot of support. I do want to say that with the battle buddy, a battle buddy is critical. in the American Legion, we say be the one. Be the one to ask if you're okay. Yesterday at the 9-11 First Responder Patriots Day, September the 12th, a little nine-year-old said, you know, you all go in to look when everybody else is running away. And that's what I believe Renee was saying was that You need to ask. You need to ask if you're okay. You need to put yourself out there. You give them a hope and a vision. I can tell you there's many, many reasons. My son has white matter from football in high school, and he thinks about suicide all the time. It scares me to death. My daughter thinks about it because she's been through trauma. It doesn't discriminate, but help is always there. So I thank EHN and I thank NAMI because just this morning I was sending notes. How are you? She lives in Pennsylvania. Are you okay? But it takes people to ask the question. So I need people all across America asking the question because my kids are all over America. So thank you. Thank you for what you do.

Thank you, Donna.

Good morning, Judge, Commissioners.

Crystal Davis, Emergence Health Network, Chief Operating Officer. Just want to thank you for your time, consideration, and support to this important health issue. And we look forward to continuing to partner with you. Thank you.

Thank you.

Good morning. Alejandra Valdez, program manager for NAMI El Paso. Thank you all for your time. And I said already a hundred times, right, thank you for your support for this very important cause.

Thank you.

Good morning, Judge. Commissioners, thank you for having us. Christina Alcantar, program coordinator with NAMI El Paso.

Thank you.

Good morning, Judge. Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Selena Amada, program coordinator also with NAMI El Paso.

Thank you. Well, Commissioner Stout, as always, thank you for this resolution. It's very dear to my heart as a clinical therapist, the first part of my career. I had to see the crisis, the families, all these indications that were missed because we weren't aware. And I think you guys are doing such a great job of getting us to understand, and please, please, this thing about if they talk about it, they're not going to attempt it, is such a missed situation. I mean, it might not be that time because they're talking about it, but then maybe later on that's when they decide to So don't ever let any message from anybody, any pain from anybody, just become just something like a conversation and follow up, as you said, Renee, about checking in, just making sure that that person is okay. And it's a difficult situation, especially even for a therapist. I mean, when you experience someone who... who you're working with and thinking that they had the solidarity that we saw this morning, and when they don't have it, the chances are greater that when they feel alone and they feel no one's gonna be there for them, there's a point in their life where they think that it's not gonna get better, And that's when they're by themselves for long periods of time and they just, they're convinced this is how it's going to be forever. And in that moment, that's the most dangerous, dangerous point. So thank you for that communication and for reaching out. And it's just such an important, and we've seen throughout the resolutions that awareness plays such a huge part. And I hope that we, you know, sort of eliminate, minimize the THE PRESSURE ON FAMILIES OF HAVING TO FIGURE THINGS THEMSELVES. AS YOU SAID, RENÉE, IT'S A COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY. IT'S NOT JUST A FAMILY OR A FRIEND, BUT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER. SO ONCE AGAIN, COMMISSIONER STOUT, THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION.

Thank you, Judge. And again, thank you to all of our providers here doing amazing work. And it's just an honor to be able to see the impact that you all are having every day. And I really am glad that the county can be a part of that and partner with you all to make sure that people understand that help is there and we see them and we want them to be safe. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner.

Item number 4D, approve and adopt a resolution recognizing the El Paso Rhinos 20th anniversary.

Commissioner Holguin. Actually, we're going to ask that this resolution be postponed for one week.

Thank you, Commissioner. Is there a second? from Commissioner Coronado. We have a second. The voting is open. Judge your vote. Thank you, sir. Motion carries. Item number six is public comment. We do have a few speakers in public comment this morning. Just one moment. We could have Veronica Diaz. Lupe Hernandez Lucero. I was told that these ladies might have stepped out, but would be submitting comments if we could have the court reconsider public comment at a later time for them. We will go next with Lisa Turner. I'd just like to remind speakers that public comment is limited to five minutes. All speakers will be timed. Thank you.

Welcome, Lisa.

May I approach? I want to give you all something. Is that okay? Sure.

Thank you Lisa.

I learned over the weekend. Oh, my name is Lisa Turner. Good morning, Judge, Commissioners. I learned over the weekend from one of the small food banks that gets food from the major food bank that there was no food available, so they cannot distribute this month. They did say they had creamers. Would you like some creamers? Explain to me how you can live on creamers. 52,000 children in your county, my county, don't know if they're going to eat today. They don't know if they're going to eat today. We have the worst food insecurity in the state of Texas. We're more than double. We're running at 40% with inflation. It's going to get higher. I noticed You're buying milkshakes today or you've already bought them. You know what you could do with that money that you spent on milkshakes? You could probably get about, let's see, 7,000 pounds of rice or 5,000 pounds of beans. Lord knows your employees need something. But a milkshake? Give me a break. How about paying them a fair wage so they don't have to go on SNAP I was talking to a young lady. Her mother came in and. He's on $1300 a month on Social Security. Snap benefits for her was $9. We had people in this city and in this county starving. You're buying milkshakes. You spent money on that, which is to me in my eyes is a waste of money. Your priorities are not the people of this county. I don't know what they are, but we have children going hungry. And you all sit up here like, well, it's nothing to worry about. We've got ours that they'll have to get it. I don't know how you can sit there. I don't know how you can say you're a commissioner or a judge. I don't see how you could run for office and hold that seat and ignore that fact. I am upset. We have a major food bank. We pay people to run it, and there's no food in it. No food in the food bank. It upsets me. You all should be bare in a hornet's nest that's just been knocked out of a tree or a fire ant hill. You should be upset. These are your constituents going hungry every day and you're buying milkshakes. Like I said, it's not like your employees don't deserve it, but they deserve it. a fair wage so they don't have to be on SNAP. One of our problems is we subsidize companies like Amazon and Walmart with our tax dollars because they won't pay a fair wage, but that's okay from your point of view. From the politician's point of view, you're not paying attention to the needs of the people of the city. Call yourself Veterans Capital of the World. Veterans are going hungry. We ain't such a great capital for veterans, are we? You know, I'm asking y'all to do something. I'm asking y'all to look into it. I'm asking y'all to find out why there's no food going to these food banks. I do know this one food bank that I've helped with money out of my pocket, and I live on a fixed income. There's 800 families that are not gonna get anything. 800 families. Think about it. Think long and hard. 30 seconds. 52,000 children don't know if they wanna have anything to eat today. But the county bought milkshakes.

Our next speaker is Mr. Carl Dwyer.

Welcome, Carl.

Good morning again, Judge and Commissioners. For the record, my name is Carl Dwyer. Today I'm speaking on behalf of the El Paso branch of the NAACP. I'm the current president of the El Paso branch, the first branch of the NAACP established in the state of Texas, established right here in El Paso. I wanted to come real quick, and I know I'm not on agenda, but take the opportunity for public comment to kind of give you an update on this upcoming convention. It is taking time. I'm glad to announce or re-announce that we're two weeks away now, two weeks away. The convention will be taking place October 1st through the 3rd here downtown in El Paso, Hotel Paso del Norte. So I want to come once again thanking the court, the judge, and the commissioners. for accepting and approving our hot funds grants. You'd be proud to know that we're using those funds judiciously to uplift the community of El Paso. I'm proud to announce that we have over 180 rooms booked thus far and counting, so that's going really, really, really well and really good. This is our 89th Texas State Convention, as I said earlier, and we are proud to welcome just under over 300 delegates to the city and county of El Paso. Our host night events, Judge, I want to thank you and your office for confirmation for host night that you have accepted our invitation to speak. That will be on the 1st of October at the Convention Center Plaza. It starts at 6 p.m. And we're looking to have a great time where our state conference president and our national CEO, Mr. Leon Russell, will be in town for comments. So thank you all for that. The thing that I wanted to also announce, and these are usually close hold, but I wanted to announce and talk about our awards. One of the things that we do at this convention is we recognize individuals who are local leaders and advocates who go above and beyond and who have done what we think is great work in the world of advocacy, human rights, civil rights. And I am proud to announce that at the 2 October President's Banquet, which will be Friday night, 2 October, that the El Paso branch has been proud and honored to bring forward the name for recognition for this year's Torchbearer Award representing El Paso County, Commissioner David Stout. So please join me in knowing that you all are the first to hear that. That's close-held information. So Commissioner Stout, thank you, sir, for all the great work that you have done in your time in office. Last thing I'd like to thank is the staff, Dr. Renteria, and the Economic Development Department. They have helped us all along the way and supported us. And again, thank you all for the support. We hope to see you. Hope you can make time out of your schedule to come down, and we're ready to just represent and show people how great El Paso County really is. So thank you once again for your support.

Thank you, Carl. Thank you for all you do.

Our next comment was submitted by Ms. Elizabeth Crawford. I'd like to read her comments in. She begins. Good morning, judge and commissioners. Judge Samaniego and commissioners. I appreciate the willingness of US Senator Rand Paul to expose evil on either side of the political aisle, even at great risk to his career. As we know, Rand Paul himself, a medical doctor, has gone after Dr. Anthony Fauci and the National Institutes of Health relentlessly. determined to hold people accountable for COVID-related issues that over these years have been mocked as conspiracy theory. Yet another issue that many people are not aware of are the experiments performed at the University of Pittsburgh fusing aborted baby scalps onto rodents. If anyone thinks we pro-lifers make this stuff up, you can read the article entitled Human Fetal Tissue Grafted to Rodent Hosts on the National Institutes of Health website. The NIH has invested over 130 million annually in New Mexico, primarily supporting research at the University Health Sciences Center and New Mexico State University. The NIH also has influence via UTEP in El Paso, yet obviously very limited by the pro-life laws of Texas. Sad reality is that the NIH is alive and thriving in New Mexico, the state that has shown absolute disdain for human life and aborts many babies from Texas, and now encourages women to shout their abortions with slogans such as Pink Power. Research using aborted fetal tissue has bounced back and forth in legality between the Trump-Biden administrations, but is always at risk of expanding. We are told in God's holy word that the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. It is comforting to know that although this evil may seem to thrive from a temporal view, there is a God who sees and will hold people eternally accountable. This is why we never stop pleading with those who have endorsed the abortion industry to cease and desist and to run to the cross of Christ for pardon and transformation. Thank you for the opportunity to share and I hope you have a very good day. End of comment. Next we have Betsy Keller, our County Administrator.

Thank you, Cesar. Not necessarily for public comment, but I just wanted to go over the order of the agenda, Judge, if that would be okay? Absolutely. So for public's awareness. We do plan to, after we complete public comment, we plan to receive the presentation from our county's financial advisors. They're with us this morning. And then we're imagining that the court will go into executive session to discuss the item that we have in executive session Item 12B, receiving legal advice regarding the sheriff's office budget and operations. And then I think that will take us close to the time that the court will be breaking for lunch. And then after lunch, we'll go back to the normal order. We wanted the court to hear the item in executive prior to going into the budget items.

Thank you, Betsy.

That would be okay.

Thank you, Judge. Item number 7A from county administration. Receive a presentation from the county's financial advisor regarding current market conditions, the county's long-term debt portfolio, and a municipal bond overview.

Good morning, Judge, Commissioners Christian Martinez with the County Administration Department. As our county administrator just described, this item is a quarterly update provided by the county's financial advisor, Stiefel, where they'll be going over current market conditions as it pertains to the county, as well as an overview and a recap of the county's bond portfolio. And with that, I'll let them take it from here.

Thank you.

Good morning, Judge, Commissioners, Brad Angst, with Steeple Public Finance, joined by Nancy Rocha. Our new, in fact, just named the manager of our Texas public finance practice. So thrilled to be with you all here this morning for our market update.

Thank you. It is good to be with you today. Just as our quarterly mandate to inform you of what's going on in the market, not that the county has any immediate plans to go to the market, I think it's still important to keep you updated on financial matters and interest rate matters. We presented to you the graphs before you, which basically shows the volatility in the market that continues to face us, given geopolitical tensions, obviously that has only escalated the volatility in the market. There has been a significant amount of movement in terms of MMD, which is the index that we follow as we're pricing bonds. Last week, when we submitted this presentation, we recorded the market as it was at that point. Since then, there has been obviously a number of geopolitical moves and geopolitical events that have occurred that have directly impacted the market, particularly the situation in Iran. So if you could take a look at the, let me see here. Can't see one way or another. Far or near now at this point. But the two-year municipal treasury rate, as you know, MMD, the municipal market, tracks as usually follows what treasury rates do. I think a better definition description of what's happening is on the next, if you could just go to the next slide. Yeah. Actually, it's not this one. Let's go back. Yeah, sorry. The two year MM, if you look at the left hand side, the two year MMD as of 8-28 was 2-51. Today, however, it's 2-82. There has been significant movement to the market. The 30 year went from 4-55 just two weeks ago to 487. That is a very big swing in our market. A lot of the data that we show you here is now outdated, just given a lot of the events going on that involve the United States, and also our activity abroad. But this basically the gist of these graphs is to show you the tracking of the index that we use to price bonds and to also monitor any potential or fundings that the county may have. But as you can see from just a two week mark, those indices have moved significantly to where now some of these are fundings are seeing the savings depleted or at least significantly decreased. We are not in that situation at this point for the county, but this is ultimately what we look for so that we can then provide you with optimal savings when the time comes.

Yeah, one comment on this slide. That bottom left table, I've pointed this one out to you before, but that those bars that's 20 years of data and so the dark lines are the rates that we're at currently and the in the range for the year is the uh blue and the in the orange the current line you'll see is at the top end of this year's range. And as Nancy just said, this information is from a couple weeks back. So we're now pushing above kind of the yearly highs. We're still within that 20-year average. We're not bumping up against where we've been historically. But for the year, we are at the highs.

And again, two weeks ago, there was less confidence that the Fed would end up moving rates in their next meeting. Now we're up to, as you can see on the right-hand side, These are the current rates. On the bottom left-hand side, you see the probability, at least a lot of economists get together and determine what the probability of the Fed moving rates is. Just last week it was about 57% in September. that they would move rates in September. And again, today, that probability has now jumped to 80%, over 80%. So again, the recent events abroad, the recent geopolitical events definitely pushed that probability higher. So just a little bit of a snapshot of what's going on and what we then monitor as we are working to always find you windows of opportunities for savings or in preparation of your next financing as we manage the debt portfolio as well.

Yeah, just to chime in on that. So the probability that, so the fed meets this week on Wednesday is when they're going to decide whether or not to leave it the same. or bump them up. So it's up to 88 percent now, and they're going to likely increase it by .25 percent. So that would take it from a 375 to a 4 percent on taxable Treasury-type debt and federal fund rates, the rate that the banks borrow at. So 4 percent on the short end, it's starting to get a little bit elevated from the geopolitical, the war going on in Iran, but also CPI or inflation numbers just this past week came in a little bit higher than anticipated. Surprisingly, a little bit, the market actually kind of settled down a bit last Friday. The equity markets, some of the bond markets, they actually liked that it became a more clear indication that the interest rates would need to be raised by the Fed, and they found A lot of the market participants found that knowing that the Fed is actually gonna do something about it to try and combat that inflation helps steady the markets a little bit after a very tough couple weeks and volatile couple weeks. Any final?

No.

Okay. Well, we'll just get into a quick review of your debt portfolio. Again, we're not in the process right now of doing any debt obligations with you all, but we do monitor for refinancing opportunities all the time, and that has a lot of information that we consider, not only the economic news and the market data, but also your particular debt portfolio. A little bit of a recap here. The top left table shows the historical tax rates that the county has had. Of course, this year, just recently, this court elected to go with no new revenue. And these numbers are presented here for you. There was some good growth in the county's tax base. which of course can help support some of the obligations and essential purposes that you all have. But it also indicates that you have some new construction, some growth continuing to occur here within the county. Quick look at the summary of your debt portfolio. You'll see the different debt obligations listed out here in chronological order with the most recent at the top. What we've done is highlighted in orange boxes here some of the different obligations that we're monitoring for possible refinancing or refunding opportunities. We did evaluate one of these and do some analysis, which I'll show you here in a couple minutes. Right now, there's not any positive savings that we'd recommend moving on. But we do continue to monitor these. We're looking at these. We're looking for call dates that are either have already been at this time, we've already passed them, or ones that are starting to approach. And so you'll see in the line items that are highlighted, most of them have any time. That means we can refinance those at any time after, at the current time. The other item looking for a higher coupon range or interest rate. Sometimes that can present opportunities if we have a lower interest rate today. So look at the debt service payments coming up. course, we try and do a declining structure, as we always have with you, that provides a couple of different opportunities and management of the portfolio. It allows you to layer on without additional tax rate to take care of some of your projects and essential purpose needs. But it also gives you an opportunity if there is a tough economic time, if there's a big decrease in your assessed valuation it allows you to lower perhaps some of the financing in the future so you don't have a big spike in your in your tax rate this is a look at the uh refunding analysis that we looked at so the 23 series 2023 tax note is callable at any time And this has a 4.6% coupon. And so we wanted to see if this one made any sense. It has a shorter time frame, just about four years remaining. And even though the higher coupon and the shorter maturity exist, it's really not providing a ton of savings. So we did the analysis. They are positive. You'll see in the lower section in the orange box there, you'll see it's about 1 to 1.75%. So we'll continue to monitor that and look at that in the spring.

So the savings is also contingent on not only rates, but length, the structure. As you can see, the structure is short. And then also cost of issuance, so paying all the attorneys and going to market. That basically are factors that determine whether or not this is something to consider.

Is the savings that you indicate on the bottom? That net of the cost of refinance?

Yes, sir, it is. All right. Yeah. These were standalone, though. If, you know, come the spring or later in the year, if you're doing a new money transaction for, say, like the GO bond project, sometimes when you pair it together with another transaction, you can save on some of those costs additionally. So we'll certainly continue to keep an eye on that.

Brad, can you clarify? So when I look above and I look at the net present savings, you're saying that does include the cost of refinancing?

It is after the cost.

Okay.

It has been netted out of the cost of issuance.

Okay, thank you.

And then just a quick summary here of the, there are four debt obligations that are secured by your water revenue. All four of them are USDA debt obligations. So that's a governmental type lending agency that usually provides longer repayment, but also a lower interest rate. I'll point out that last one from 1997. It has a 4.875%, which is a little bit of a higher interest rate, but given the small remaining size, about $530,000, to refinance that would cost more than it's worth in the savings. And then just a few things that we're watching out as we move into the new fiscal year, but also the new calendar year. And of course, the biennium legislative session is coming up. January 12th is when that begins. But really, there's already quite a bit of news coming out of Austin and with some of the folks on what they're looking at. You know, unfortunately, it sounds like they're focused, again, on local government and some of your ability to fund and have some autonomy towards how you can fund and finance your projects. So we'll keep an eye on that. Some additional property tax reform. We continue to hear a lot about data centers, what the impact is on the energy and electricity grid, but also the water impact, and so that will be a big topic as well. And then, as we said, anything in the name of affordability. So trying to limit the type of fees, impact fees, or other things that local governments can do to try and finance or fund some of these items. We'll be working with staff and looking at some of your geo projects that your voters approve. That'll be later this spring or early next summer. Then there are a couple of different applications with the Water Development Board and State Infrastructure Board, which is opportunity for road project financing at a low cost. Anything else to add?

Yeah, CEOs will also be a target. Again, that's just another tool that local governments use for emergency projects and also projects that they don't foresee or that some become relevant before or after the budgeting process. So, yes, CEOs will be a target for the legislature as well.

Just to look at what's been going around the state of Texas this year for other counties, your peers, it's been a pretty active year, the summer especially, which is typical what we see, but about 45 debt issuances totaling approximately $2.6 billion. With that, happy to answer any questions or talk further about any topics you may.

No, just Carmen, any additions or anything as it relates to our budget or anything that you want to comment on?

Thank you, Judge. Carmen Arete Candelaria, Director of Budget and Finance. Now, we've taken all of the debt service obligations into consideration based on the analysis provided by Stiefel, so we've incorporated those into the budget for fiscal year 27.

Thank you. Betsy, any additional comments?

No, sir.

Okay, well, thank you so much. We appreciate your presentation. Thank you. Pleasure. Thank you. Thank you, Christine.

At this time, we'll recess into executive session. Commissioner's Court will hear 12B, correct? We're only doing 12B at this time? Commissioner's Court will reconvene into regular open session to take action.

12A and B, Michelle.

I apologize. Commissioner's Court will recess into executive session to hear 12A and B. They will reconvene in regular open session to take official action. It is 1127 a.m.

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park bond project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. el paso county economic development department congresswoman escobar and efo media provided the first public update on the small business administration funded mission trail small business support program this is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along el paso county's historic mission trail corridor The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred, is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County. Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans. Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development. The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance, neighborhood cleanup events, the tool lending library, and the small business center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Aguadulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. Located at the Agua Dulce Community Center campus, Illumina Public Library is El Paso County's first all-digital public library. With a free digital library card, residents can instantly access thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, television shows, streaming services, and online learning resources. Beyond its digital collection, Illumina also offers in-person technology classes, printing services, wifi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy, I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the president of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city, but remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky.

Yeah, and do you have a name or something? Well, uh, uh, yeah, I...

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later. Okay.

Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

you

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park Bond Project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park Project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred, is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County.

me me

Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county, while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance neighborhood cleanup events, the Tool Lending Library, and the Small Business Center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Aguadulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. Located at the Agua Dulce Community Center Campus, Illumina Public Library is El Paso County's first all-digital public library. With a free digital library card, residents can instantly access thousands of eBooks, audio books, magazines, movies, television shows, streaming services, and online learning resources. Beyond its digital collection, Illumina also offers in-person technology classes printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy. I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the president of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city. But remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky. Yeah, and do you have a name or something?

Well, uh, yeah. Huh?

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later.

OK. Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

I'm going to add a new layer to the top layer.

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park Bond Project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park Project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred, is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County.

Thank you.

Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county, while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development. The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance, neighborhood cleanup events, the Tool Lending Library, and the Small Business Center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Aguadulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. Located at the Agua Dulce Community Center Campus, Illumina Public Library is El Paso County's first all-digital public library. With a free digital library card, residents can instantly access thousands of e-books, audio books, magazines, movies, television shows, streaming services, and online learning resources. Beyond its digital collection, Illumina also offers in-person technology classes printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy, I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart. I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County.

And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the President of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city. But remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky.

Yeah, and do you have a name or something? Well, uh, yeah. Huh?

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later.

OK. Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

so

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park Bond Project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park Project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail Corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Wiwin's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred, is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County.

Thank you.

Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county, while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance, neighborhood cleanup events, the Tool Lending Library, and the Small Business Center. resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Agua Dulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn and connect. Digital Library. In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. Located at the Agua Dulce Community Center Campus, Illumina Public Library is El Paso County's first all-digital public library. With a free digital library card, residents can instantly access thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, television shows, streaming services, and online learning resources. Beyond its digital collection, Illumina also offers in-person technology classes printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy, I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the president of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city. But remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky.

Yeah, and do you have a name or something? Well, uh, yeah.

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later. Okay.

Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

Thank you.

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park Bond Project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park Project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County.

Bye.

Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans. Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development. The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance neighborhood cleanup events, the Tool Lending Library, and the Small Business Center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Agua Dulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. Located at the Agua Dulce Community Center Campus, Illumina Public Library is El Paso County's first all-digital public library. With a free digital library card, residents can instantly access thousands of e-books, audio books, magazines, movies, television shows, streaming services, and online learning resources. Beyond its digital collection, Illumina also offers in-person technology classes, printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy, I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the President of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city, but remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky.

Yeah, and do you have a name or something? Well, uh... Oh, yeah, I...

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later.

OK. Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

Thank you.

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park Bond Project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park Project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County.

Bye.

Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county, while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance neighborhood cleanup events, the Tool Lending Library, and the Small Business Center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Aguadulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. located at the aguadulce community center campus illumina public library is el paso county's first all-digital public library with a free digital library card residents can instantly access thousands of ebooks audio books magazines movies television shows streaming services and online learning resources beyond its digital collection illumina also offers in-person technology classes printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy, I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart. I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County.

And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, Missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the president of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city. But remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky.

Yeah, and do you have a name or something? Well, uh, yeah. Huh?

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later.

OK. Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

Thank you.

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park bond project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County. Go ahead. Commissioner's Court has reconvened into regular open session.

It is 1.28 p.m. Are you ready to recess for lunch, Judge?

Yes, please. One hour, sir. Commissioner's Court will recess for one hour. It is 1.28 p.m. through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans. Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. community development. The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance, neighborhood cleanup events, the tool lending library, and the small business center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Aguadulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. Located at the Agua Dulce Community Center campus, Illumina Public Library is El Paso County's first all-digital public library. With a free digital library card, residents can instantly access thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, television shows, streaming services, and online learning resources. Beyond its digital collection, Illumina also offers in-person technology classes, printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy, I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the President of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city, but remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky. Yeah, and do you have a name or something?

Well, uh, oh, yeah.

Huh? Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later. Okay.

Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

Thank you for watching.

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park bond project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred, is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Come check it out! That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County.

Hey.

Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans. Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development. The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance, neighborhood cleanup events, the Tool Lending Library, and the Small Business Center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Aguadulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. Located at the Aguadulce Community Center campus, Illumina Public Library is El Paso County's first all-digital public library. With a free digital library card, residents can instantly access thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, television shows, streaming services, and online learning resources. Beyond its digital collection, Illumina also offers in-person technology classes, printing services, wifi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy, I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, Missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the president of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city, but remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky.

Yeah, and do you have a name or something? Well, uh, oh, yeah.

Huh? Oh, hey guys, uh, it's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I, uh, thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Uh, anyway, um, see you later! Okay.

Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Ha ha ha. Hey. Oh.

so

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park bond project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. The El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County. Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county, while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance neighborhood cleanup events the tool lending library and the small business center resources that promote safer neighborhoods healthier communities and greater economic opportunity The division also operates the Aguadulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library. In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. located at the aguadulce community center campus illumina public library is el paso county's first all-digital public library with a free digital library card residents can instantly access thousands of ebooks audio books magazines movies television shows streaming services and online learning resources beyond its digital collection illumina also offers in-person technology classes printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together, these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy. I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the president of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city, but remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky. Yeah, and do you have a name or something?

Well, uh, yeah, I...

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later.

OK. Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

so

Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park bond project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. El Paso County Economic Development Department, Congresswoman Escobar, and EFO Media provided the first public update on the Small Business Administration-funded Mission Trail Small Business Support Program. This is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along El Paso County's historic Mission Trail corridor. The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County.

Thank you.

Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors... Hola El Paso! Summer is pretty much over, but El Paso County is still in full swing with activities. See what El Paso County had going on in August. El Paso County cares about the concerns of its constituents when it comes to the future of the Azcárate Park Bond Project. As a result, the county held a unique Commissioner's Court meeting at the Azcárate Park Pavilion to receive input from residents regarding the Azcárate Park Project. El Paso County wants to ensure the public's input is taken into consideration during the process of making its Crown Jewel Park a much better amenity for all residents. The El Paso County Public Works Department had the opportunity to showcase three new utility vehicles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of two tandem dump trucks and one bulk-waste loader-grappler truck. These vehicles were acquired with the support of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's fiscal year 2024 community project funding. The federal investment is helping El Paso County expand its ability to swiftly and efficiently remove illegally dumped waste from the desert areas and county roadways. The new vehicles will also supplement the county's flood response operations and provide additional equipment for other critical county projects. el paso county economic development department congresswoman escobar and efo media provided the first public update on the small business administration funded mission trail small business support program this is an ongoing initiative that has been working to strengthen and expand small businesses along el paso county's historic mission trail corridor The initiative provides participating businesses with customized marketing assistance, business development workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance. These initiatives are designed to strengthen operations, improve access to capital, enhance digital presence, and help business capitalize on opportunities within the region's growing heritage tourism economy. El Paso County, the City of Socorro, and the BorderPlex Alliance celebrated the investment from the WeWin Corporation to expand its server manufacturing and testing operations at the Socorro Logistics Center. This expansion will create over 2,000 new full-time jobs for El Paso County residents. With operations in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, WEWIN's continued growth further establishes the border region as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing and North American supply chains. The courthouse had the privilege of hosting a culturally significant photography exhibit for the public to enjoy. Roots That Speak, Portraits of the Sacred, is a photo exhibition by Mariana Llanes, who showcases with respect and reverence the faces of community leaders from Mexico's indigenous peoples. Through every face, every gesture suspended in time, the artist draws an emotional map that reminds us of who we are and where we come from. The El Paso County Public Works Department helped facilitate the frame structures in which the photographs were displayed. The photographs will be on exhibit through the end of September on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. It is free and now open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come check it out. That does it for this edition of County Connects. As we head into fall, make sure to stay tuned and stay connected with El Paso County. Every day across El Paso County, individuals, families, seniors and newcomers face challenges that can make life more difficult. That's why El Paso County is dedicated to connecting people with the services, resources and opportunities they need to build stability, improve their quality of life and create brighter futures. With compassion, inclusion, and respect at the heart of everything we do, the El Paso County Community Services Department works to strengthen our rural communities. Our work is carried out through five divisions, each playing a unique role in improving the lives of El Paso County residents. General Assistance. The General Assistance Division helps eligible households by providing emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance The program also offers burial assistance, helping families navigate one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and compassion. For many county residents, this support becomes the bridge that helps them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Senior Nutrition Program. For more than 50 years, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported older adults by providing nutritious meals at community and senior centers throughout the county, while also delivering meals directly to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. More than a meal, these services promote health, independence, and meaningful social connection, ensuring our older adults remain supported, valued, and connected to their community. Office of New Americans Established in 2020, the Office of New Americans helps ensure every El Paso County resident, whether they've lived here for generations or are new to our community, has access to the information, programs and services they need. Through outreach, collaboration and strong community partnerships, the Office of New Americans helps residents pursue citizenship, learn English, continue their education and expand economic opportunities. Programs like PACE, which supports county employees on their pathway to U.S. citizenship, and I Speak 915, our countywide language access initiative, helps remove barriers and make county services more accessible for everyone. Working alongside schools, nonprofits, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and community partners, the Office of New Americans brings resources directly into neighborhoods across El Paso County. Community Development The Community Development Division invests in housing, public services, and community resources that improve quality of life throughout rural areas of El Paso County. Through the Colonia Self-Help Center program, residents have access to owner-occupied home improvement assistance neighborhood cleanup events, the Tool Lending Library, and the Small Business Center, resources that promote safer neighborhoods, healthier communities, and greater economic opportunity. The division also operates the Agua Dulce Community Center, which has served residents for more than 25 years. The center provides educational programs, community events, meeting spaces, a hygiene closet, and services offered by local partners, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, and connect. Digital Library In today's world, access to technology is access to opportunity. located at the aguadulce community center campus illumina public library is el paso county's first all-digital public library with a free digital library card residents can instantly access thousands of ebooks audio books magazines movies television shows streaming services and online learning resources beyond its digital collection illumina also offers in-person technology classes printing services, Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, and engaging community programs that help bridge the digital divide and connect residents to education, employment, and essential online services. Together these five divisions share one common purpose, improving lives through service. Together we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected El Paso County. The Community Services Department is in the Family Youth Services Center, located at 6314 Delta Drive, proudly serving the El Paso community.

Howdy, I'm proud to be a Texan.

Me too, but I'm a McLennan County gal at heart.

I live in Waco, which I guess is also McLennan County. And don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Texan, but I'm a city girl at heart. All that county stuff is in the country, right?

Hold on there, missy. Whether you live in the city or not, you're just as much a part of the county as anyone else.

That's right. And your state, your city, and your county all have important jobs to do.

Are you saying that we've got three governments running the show here? Yeah, that seems like a lot. What do they all do anyway?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Let's start with you, cowboy. We all love living in the Lone Star State, but the government has a limited purpose and scope. That's one of the reasons the legislature only meets every other year. When it does, it has to make decisions and laws that apply to the entire state as a whole. And it needs a local partner to implement its laws and policies.

So, who does that?

I'm glad you asked! That's where the counties come in. They were created to implement state policies and enforce state laws at the local level. It's where the rubber meets the road on carrying out the state's priorities. You see, the county enforces the state's laws and policies. Counties provide services locally tailored to fit the needs of the local residents. And they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.

Yeah, but isn't the city even more local than the county?

That's a great question, one that I'm glad you asked. Cities are local and they provide services, but with limits and within the city limits. If you live in a city, they may provide things like water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a police force and the city may build certain streets.

Well, that sounds like everything I need. What else is there?

Well, I'm glad you asked. That brings me back to your county. Your county government fills the gap providing things that the state and city government do not. It provides law enforcement countywide. It runs the court system. When there are bad guys, it keeps the jails where they stay. It registers voters and holds elections for everything from local government offices to the president of the United States. Counties keep track of records like deeds, birth certificates, and death certificates. Counties build and maintain about half the roads in Texas. The county provides health care to lower income residents. It provides emergency management during times of crisis. And the county often collects taxes on behalf of other entities like school districts and cities. Are you getting the picture?

Wow, that's a lot.

Yes, it is.

Oh, so I get it. The county is actually the political subdivision enabled by the Texas Constitution to carry out state laws, but with direct and connected relationship to the people it serves.

Very good, city gal. Yes, you are Texans and may live in the city. But remember, you are also proud county residents, too.

Thank you, big voice in the sky.

Yeah, and do you have a name or something? Well, uh, yeah. Huh?

Oh, hey, guys. It's me, Chet. I guess I'm just a guy who thinks county government's cool, and I thought y'all should know about some of this stuff. Anyway, see you later.

OK. Well, I hope you learned something, because Texas counties deliver. Hey.

Go ahead. Commissioner's Court has reconvened into regular open session. It is 2.44 p.m. Do you want to go back to the regular order? Okay. Item number 7B from County Administration. Receive a presentation, discuss, and take appropriate action regarding El Paso County's 90th Texas Legislative Session Agenda.

Commissioners. Elisa Tamayo, Governmental Affairs Manager. I'm here today with some updates on your county's legislative agenda for the 90th legislative session. I know we've had multiple conversations and I want to start by thanking everyone that has met with us, given input, all the stakeholders as well, our state delegation, and our consultants that are online, Phillips, your esteemed partners who have done a great job in really helping us through process and looking at how to better arrange the county's priorities for the 90th session. So with that, I want to go ahead and start just a brief summary of what we did. I have the clicker here, sorry. In June, that was the last time that we discussed the first draft of the agenda that had, as you might recall, two state funding requests, eight bill proposals that are El Paso County initiated, nine value statement categories that are outlined here with their corresponding opposing or supporting value statements of a wider range of things that we've been adopting session throughout session here at the county. With that and with the feedback that we received from all of you in June, we decided to craft an opening statement that reflects those values of what the county is prioritizing for the 90th legislative session. And they fall under these four categories of responsible growth, meaning we want to seek legislation that is promoting a transparent community-oriented economic growth. We're also seeking sound fiscal management, meaning promoting fiscal responsibility, protecting local revenues, and providing adequate state funding for critical county programs and infrastructure to prevent unfunded mandates. We also want effective government, so improving and protecting vulnerable residents and strengthening public safety policies that reflect the needs of our border community. And then lastly, high quality of life. So anything that will help us build a safe, a sustainable, and economically resilient community. So with that, we crafted the mission statement that will now be in the opening page of the legislative agenda. And you have that on the draft that we all worked on. I think the last meetings that we had were during the TAC legislative conference in Austin. Afterwards, and I'm going to go through that first, and a little bit of what changed, and then we can go ahead and adopt new changes that came afterwards. But first, after a lot of those meetings and input that we received, we wanted to rearrange the priorities that were adopted in June. the short-term rental hot collection efforts instead of making it a value statement, bringing it up as something that we're actively working on. We already had meetings with the Hotel Lodging Association, with other stakeholders such as short-term rental companies like Airbnb to start the process of what, and with Senator Blanco as well to see if he's willing to refile his Senate Bill 1592 from the 89 session, from last session. He was able to pass that out of the Senate And we're working to see if the House will also take something similar, but taking into consideration what the Hotel Lodging Association's concerns were last session. So this would be now a legislative priority, as well as something from our county attorney's office. And Christina, I'm happy to pass it on to you if you'd like. But this is about protecting victim information in protective order proceedings. They have a great champion in the county attorney's office. Aaron Sutcliffe has been working on this quite a bit. So this will be our eighth priority that you have on the initial backup that you had and that was posted on Tuesday of last week. So with that, we can summarize our final legislative priorities to the ones that you see on here on the screen. These are eight priorities, with our state funding and appropriations priorities having two sub-bullet points highlighting the need for our juvenile probation department, vocational education and workforce development facilities. So the welding facilities that Chief Medina has been working on that has already secured congressional funding for. And then prioritizing the comptroller's payments for localities like us who are disproportionately affected by that disabled veterans property tax exemption. That is a program that is already on the comptroller's office. They did not request, this is an update in their legislative appropriations request, their LAR, they did not request more funding for this program. But again, something that we're actively advocating on and our veterans advisory board also adopted a draft letter to be sent to chairs of finance and appropriations and our delegation and members of those committees to let them know why this is so important for the county to recover some of that revenue that is lost to that exemption. Do we have any questions on this final, well, I don't want to call it final, but what was posted on the first agenda backup last week?

No. Thank you, Lisa.

This is a summary of the edits. We did amend some value statements. I know in our meeting with, for example, with you, Judge, and with Commissioner Coronado, I think about three weeks ago, we had some amendments to some value statements, like including the Veterans Capital of the USA as a value statement under our veterans and military affairs. We also included part of the promise program on our value statements. That means that we can coordinate efforts and support legislation that does things to promote this. So those are some of the changes that we're summarizing right here on the agenda. With that, we do have a proposed motion. If you would like to take action to adopt that before, and then we can amend one by one some other items that were brought forth after the backup was posted. But it would be a motion to approve El Paso County's nightly legislative agenda as presented in the backup. The first backup, not the red line.

We have a motion to approve from Judge Samaniego and a second from Commissioner Coronado. Voting is open. Thank you, Judge.

Aye.

Thank you, Commissioner Butler. Motion carries.

And with that, we're going to go into requested edits and additions for your consideration that were done within the last week. And I'm going to start with this first edit to the priorities. And then I thank you, Melissa, for passing on the red line backup that is also posted for the public to see. In this red line, we would be changing under the large-scale industrial development. We would put on data centers regulation, so making sure that any large-scale projects, it could be a warehouse, a big warehouse, or a data center, whichever one, anything that is coming to El Paso County. Now the statement or our priority would be inclusive as presented on the slide. Support legislation establishing responsible development standards for large scale resource intensive projects, including data centers. El Paso County supports policies that protect residential and small business rate payers from infrastructure costs created by large load customers. Require meaningful disclosure of projected water and electricity demand, infrastructure needs, ownership. public incentives, and environmental impacts, and ensure appropriate mitigation of impacts related to water, wastewater, drainage, roads, emergency services, noise, lightning, traffic, and neighboring communities. So that would be under the first bullet, but then we would have two more bullets under that.

Lisa, just on the last one, just curiosity, are we aligned with what the governor is saying that he'd like to do?

On data centers? Yes, it sounds like the governor is proposing things that are going to help communities, but there hasn't been any strong commitments from either the governor or any member of the legislature that says that they will give counties all this authority. There's just been like...

I was just curious if we had some alignment there.

Yeah, but I do think that right now there is interest from both parties and from leadership to have this kind of regulation. So I want to thank Commissioner Butler for bringing this inclusive language that is really thorough. And then also adding on this next slide, we have two more bullets. I think this is really important, and again, thank you, Commissioner Butler, for adding this, which is supporting extending appropriate large load planning, transparency, and rate period protections to non-air cut regions of Texas, like El Paso. including providing the PUC with sufficient authority and tools to evaluate large load growth and protect customers served by vertically integrated utilities. So I think that would go even further than what we had on the agenda. And I think that's also something that was discussed in a hearing, Commissioner. I don't know if you have anything to add. Or if we go on to the third bullet point that would go under these priority. Which would be support additional authority for counties to establish reasonable development standards and enter into agreements necessary to mitigate the infrastructure, public safety, environmental and quality of life impacts of large scale industrial development in unincorporated areas. So that's how it would read now.

Thank you, Alisa. Judge Commissioners, thank you for allowing me to offer this amended language. That really is just a bit more specific and encompassing of the discussions that are happening in the state legislature right now. Everything that's proposed in this language really does include those conversations that I've heard both at the hearings that are happening around data centers, but also the discussions that are happening within organizations like TAC and CUC. And really, mirror a lot of the language on the resolution that we approved here in Commissioner's Court a couple of weeks ago. So the non-ERCOT issue is what I testified on a couple of weeks ago in Austin as well. And I think that it's important for us to kind of be one of those voices and making sure that whenever the governor, for example, is talking about making sure that there's a thorough review of these kinds of projects, that it's not just for ERCOT, but it includes non-ERCOT areas as well. So I think it's very consistent with everything that's been said by the county already, and it's just a little bit more specific. So that we're prepared with these bullet points when we're advocating for the county.

With that, we can go ahead and take a motion to approve these changes. It would be the first priority on the agenda. We're underneath legislative priorities for the 90th session. So this new language would be added underneath that first bullet point.

We have a motion to approve by Commissioner Butler. Do we have a second? Thank you, Commissioner Olguin. We have a second from Commissioner Olguin. Voting is open. Aye. Thank you, Judge. Motion carries.

Thank you, Deputy Commissioners.

Now we'll go on into the next proposed change that would be addition, I'm gonna call it addition number one. So we can follow what's going on. This would be amending the priorities. So instead of having eight priorities, we would have nine priorities. and this would be a groundwater protection and conservation proposed by Commissioner Butler, and it reads, support legislation authorizing and facilitating the development of a locally governed groundwater conservation district to protect and responsibly manage the aquifers serving El Paso County. Support tools that promote long-term groundwater sustainability, protect existing water users, improve local groundwater data and planning, and preserve this critical water resource for future generations.

Betsy, can you help me on this one? Because I'm a little concerned about whether we know enough of, for example, what's the tax impact that it would have on the community? Like, I don't know if you know or not. And then the other one, like how many, would the county have a seat at the table? Those kinds of things. I don't know if we're...

And I don't, I want to defer to Commissioner Butler, but I don't think we're proposing to create it. We're proposing to support as our delegation, specifically Representative Gonzales evaluates this consideration, this legislative.

The development of a locally governed groundwater conservation district. So I think at that point.

So it would be supporting what she may.

I'm sorry?

It would be supporting what Rep. Gonzalez would bring forward once she has completed her analysis and decision on what to bring forward.

I actually think That might be even a little bit premature, right? I think that I know, we know that this is a priority for at least one member of our delegation. We've had a very thorough presentation and discussions about groundwater conservation districts. I really read this as us saying, yes, we support this effort and we don't have to say, you know, we're not saying how it should be developed, or whether we support one formation versus another, other than there should be a locally governed groundwater conservation district. I think that's very basic language, and for us as a county that does not have a groundwater conservation district, I do think that it's important for us to say this legislative session should be a priority for us.

And Commissioner, can we, because I'm concerned, like I want to support that obviously, but if we're creating another tax entity and I don't know the impact of that, that's the only thing that concerns me that it'll come back on us to say you're supporting one more tax entity. So is there another way that, because I would love to support it. I love Gonzales is really on top of this, but I just felt uncomfortable with like what's the taxation gonna be and we're gonna impose that taxation on that community if it happens. So I don't know if it would be better to support that we do everything possible, but I'm still not ready to say a certain governmental group without knowing the impact it would have on So I don't know if you'd be willing to say, you know, we're going to be open to a full support of that. Do you...

I don't know enough about the... Another option, Judge, would be, and Commissioner, so I do believe when she was here previously, at that point she wasn't asking for us to act on it yet. Are you saying you want to, depending on when she's ready and brings it forward, then you're ready to pledge support but not today?

That's how I feel because I still don't know some of the and like I said, if a community's gonna get taxed on it, if it forms, we're the ones that actually supported that. So I don't know how you feel, Commissioner.

No, and that was gonna be my question. I'm not sure. So I know that she provided a lot of really great information and we had a very in-depth presentation several months ago. But I'm just wondering, do we know how it's progressing, what stage they're in, if there's support amongst the other members of the delegation? I feel like we don't really have any more information since the date of that presentation, which is already several months ago. Do you know, Elisa?

We tried, no, I don't have the draft. I haven't seen the draft and I'm not sure who has seen the draft or if it's one available for now. But I understand the concerns. Senator Blanco is also asking to have conversations about this. He has been asking good questions at some of these hearings and point where everybody can understand what the implications would be because there are concerns like you mentioned judge of creating a new taxing entity but but I don't have the answers of how many seeds the county would get if any or like details of that I think and we could always there's options, right? You can make it a value statement, because right now it's being proposed as a legislative priority, which means we are actively working on that. And we could also move it as a value statement or table it for a future discussion when we have the draft.

whenever you will verse it what do you think yeah i i also um think it would be a good idea to um understand a little bit more about where where we are in the process and what what um what the language looks like because you know i have the same concerns it's it's creating a new taxing entity it seems um and and though you know i do agree in concept with um the fact that we need to conserve our groundwater Absolutely. I just think it might be a better idea to to at least postpone unless unless you want to put it as at least as suggesting as a value statement for now and then bring it back up. And it also is concerning to me that at this juncture we don't have a Senate sponsor yet. We don't know if Senator Blanco is going to sponsor the bill yet or not. And if he's not, then who would? We're kind of at the end of... the timeframe that I think we should be feeling comfortable about sending information to our legislative delegation. And so I would be supportive, but I would like to wait and see what exactly the ins and outs are of what we're supporting.

I really think this is something that we need to move forward with. There's only certain areas, if the state legislature doesn't take on the issue of these companies coming in and putting their own restrictions, we only have one other avenue and that's groundwater conservation district. 70% or 173 or so counties of the 254 have these groundwater conservation districts. Our neighboring counties, Brewster County has them. We don't. The major areas in the south of Texas, all of them have groundwater conservation districts. We don't. Some of them even have a collaboration of counties got together for these water districts so that they're able to apply for funding for issues related to water infrastructure issues. I think that's, you know, I think we need to do this. This is, we have no other, other than the state putting in some other restrictions. El Paso Water told us they can't do anything. as long as the water is available for these companies. A water conservation district would allow us to at least be able to require monitoring and those kinds of issues of high usage industry that comes into our local area. I think the public has already spoken up pretty clearly that they want this, regardless of what the issues related to a district doing that. I think we need to move forward. And if we don't tell our legislative delegation we're for this, why should they?

And I think we want to do it, but I would like to tell the community what the impact of something we're supporting. And that's why I feel very uncomfortable that we're going to support something that we don't know the and it might be like Commissioner saying, but I would like to be able to tell the community. what that impact is gonna be and then we could support it versus we support it and then they have to deal with the tax implications of it. So like I said, I think we all agree the importance of it, but I think we need more information like Commissioner Stout said about who's supporting it, who do we make sure passes the bill. I think we're a little premature in my opinion. We want that, but I think we wanna do it properly.

And I think, you know, again, when it comes, another question for me is the makeup of, if there is going to be a board, what the makeup is going to look like. Because I think that if El Paso is going to support the groundwater conservation district, that we should have ample... representation on that board, whatever it looks like, right? I feel like many times we have so few tools when it comes to regulation and sometimes we abdicate our authority to other entities or to other individuals. Kind of like what happened with the MPO when we moved forward with the ETA. And I just wanna make sure that if we're gonna support this, that we have what we want as well. So I don't know if it's okay. We can postpone adding it to being one of our legislative priorities, because I would expect it in the future. It probably would once we understand exactly what we have the information that we need and we see the bill draft. and we understand that we have support on the Senate side, and it's what we want as a court. The value statement would change. I don't know what you would prefer, or I don't know, Elisa, what's easier for you?

We can post the item as soon as we see the bill draft, and we have more conversations with our delegation and our senator. And as soon as we have that, we can bring an item to the Commissioner's Court and see if we add it to the agenda then.

So we can just not take action on this item and not add it to the agenda, and that would be a de facto postponement, right?

Yes, that's correct, Commissioner.

I would agree with that. Then I will not bring this motion. We'll go on the next one.

Well, I just want to say before we move on that I think that, again, this language is very broad and our legislative agenda is a working document and so it could always come back once a bill is drafted for us to say we support or don't support this particular bill. But this gives us a way for us to be proactive in the drafting of that legislation and to have those conversations and to move this conversation specifically forward. And when I'm out there in the community, people are asking me, what is the county doing? If you don't have authority now, what are you doing to protect our community? And putting this on our priorities list would be us saying we're doing everything we can. It doesn't have to be explicitly prescribed. It doesn't have to say exactly what the groundwater district is or should look like, but we can say we support the establishment of a groundwater conservation district because we know that this protects communities. We've heard it over and over and over again. So I really want to ask you to reconsider putting this on our priority list because this would be our statement saying we support protecting our groundwater this next legislative session. And we could say that today without tying our hands to a specific form of groundwater conservation district. Those conversations are going to continue to move forward, but this would give us the ability to go to our delegation and say this is our priority, can you help us?

I like the priority, but not the part of the locally governed because I like I said, what do I tell the community that what kind of an impact is it going to have?

Well, all groundwater conservation districts have a local board. That's part of the. Right, it's it does. We're not saying. What the organization or entity should look like, but they all, from my understanding, a board made up of its local residents where the conservation district is.

So are we actually, have we been invited to be involved? Has our ledge team been invited to be involved in the quote unquote proactive writing of the bill language or are we just waiting for, have you been approached by any member of the delegation? mainly Gonzalez, right? Because she's taking the lead on this to help write the legislation at all.

Not yet. I know that she wanted to keep it to, when she had those meetings, those sets of initial meetings, she wanted to keep it to elected officials only and not GR staff or consultants. So we haven't seen the draft. We did talk with Senator Blanco to see if he could share something. He doesn't have one yet, is what we were told.

so we can we can try again and like proactively try to get the draft or get involved in those in the coming weeks and then bring it for bring this item forward again or uh yeah i think if we're going to be proactive because the issue is you may be able to meet with her and understand what she's dealing with and and what she's writing but it seems to me it's it's it's better for the whole court to have our staff involved in our and our lobbyists involved because If you meet with her, I can't meet with her. Or he can't meet with her, right? Because we get into issues with quorum issues. I guess two of the members of the court could meet with her. So if Commissioner Coronado and you have spoken about it, then we have to be hands off, right? And so to me, I just want to make sure to make the plug for using our team because at the end of the day, you know, They represent us and we are a team when it comes to our legislative priorities and advancing our legislative priorities. I would love to see involvement of our team.

Well, wouldn't this action kind of set up that framework for our team and our lobbyists to be proactive on this issue with our delegation?

Well, I think we need to understand what exactly is being proposed, right? So for me, it's important to understand. Again, I think we've talked about the things that we want to understand. But if you're talking about us being proactive in writing, helping write the language, I mean, we have a team that can help do that on behalf of the court instead of just one or two members. We can reengage, I guess, Representative Gonzalez and see if that's something that she'd like for us to do.

Okay, we can definitely work with her office and ask again if we can be involved and we could see anything, any starting document that she's working on and with Senator Blanco as well. But yes, I understand.

Which I think is the reason why we should put this on our agenda, to say the court agrees that this is a priority for the

So if you all want to add it, we need a motion and a vote. And this will add it up in the action items. So that will direct Elisa and our lobbyist to start working on language or to start working on supporting the delegation.

but i think what we're saying though is that we want a little bit more information on the status of the process what if um so the second sentence what if we add that as a value statement that's very broad support tools that promote long-term groundwater sustainability protect existing i mean that's a very broad statement yes those are things that we want to do obviously a groundwater conservation district is potentially one of those tools but maybe that would be a good compromise

We're just wanting enough time to be able to get all the details. And like I said, I want to be able to tell the community what the impact is before I say I'm going to support it. And so a value statement to me would be that first step.

And then we continue working on the other issue.

That's a good idea. We could definitely do that, support tools that promote long-term water sustainability, that whole sentence as a value statement while we get information. Because on the flip side, if we added this as a priority where it's a support legislation authorizing and facilitating the development of a locally governed groundwater conservation district, that ties us into we have to support whatever is being proposed, if that is a high tax increase or if that is no seats for El Paso County, we have to support it as is because we're all saying that that's what this statement says.

I disagree. That's not what it's saying, that we support it in whatever establishment it comes back to. But that's one of the reasons why we could always bring it back once the bill is drafted.

Right, which is why we need the clarity.

Okay, so maybe adding that second sentence as the value statement, and then we continue working on the remainder of the issues and collecting more information.

Yeah, we can do that. Do you wanna do a motion? So I guess a motion to approve adding the statement support tools that promote long-term water sustainability, protect existing water users, improve local groundwater data and planning, and preserve this critical water resource for future generations as a value statement. Yes. On the agenda under land use. That would be my motion. Okay.

I really think that We need to get this as soon as possible because I think adding it as a priority really should be the decision that this body makes. What that takes effect and what areas we have in terms of how the makeup is, it's a totally different issue. But I think making it a priority should be the value statement of this body in terms of what we've heard from our community. And I think that what form that takes is up for discussion down the road. I really think that we ought to, I think this is very, very imperative and we can't do any sooner than immediately to get this water conservation district established. That's my opinion.

So the motion that we're voting on is to include the second paragraph in our value statement?

I don't know if we have a second, but we have a motion to add it as a values statement.

So that was the motion that you made, Commissioner Butler? Yes. No, no, no, that was the motion that I made. The motion here is saying it's moved by Commissioner Butler and seconded by... No, it was a motion by Commissioner Olguin.

It is Commissioner Olguin.

I'm seconding. So we have a motion from Commissioner Olguin, a second from Judge Samaniego. The voting is open.

Thank you.

Motion carries.

So that added it as a value statement. I just. Yes.

OK. And then we'll come back. As soon as we see that draft, we'll come back and see if we want to move it up like we did the short-term rentals collection efforts. We can always move it back up to the ones we know the details. To an action item. Yeah, as an action item. Then we'll go on to the next slide where we have edits number two. So under our priorities, under state funding and appropriations priorities, we have a proposal by Commissioner Butler to add water and wastewater infrastructure for economically distressed communities. So it would read, Support increased state appropriations and financing for first time water and wastewater service, system capacity improvements, and related infrastructure in colonias and economically distressed areas. Support strengthening Texas Water Development Board programs to address documented funding gaps for communities lacking basic water and wastewater infrastructure. And to ensure that economically distressed communities can successfully access available state funding. That would be the first amendment under our state funding. That means that we would prioritize this type of funding on the state budget during session. And then it would also add under the same priority of state funding and appropriations priorities. Another bullet that says waste disposal and illegal dumping. So I would direct us to support protecting and increasing state appropriations to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCQ, and other applicable state programs that help local governments prevent and address illegal dumping and expand access to safe, affordable waste disposal. Prioritize funding and resources for tire disposal, bulk waste, household waste cleanup enforcement, and other locally identified illegal dumping needs. So those would be the two new additions to our priority of state funding and appropriations. Do we have questions on that? Do we want to add anything, Commissioner Butler?

No, just thank you for including this language again, Judge and Commissioners. Two, well, water and wastewater infrastructure, definitely one of the most urgent issues we deal with here at the county, and I know that We have value statements supporting water infrastructure already, but I'm hopeful that if we're able to add this as a priority for us, we can be more engaged in that process with the relevant agencies at the state level. I know that it's really uncertain what funding is gonna look like and what the budget situation's gonna look like, but as much as possible, I hope that we're able to be very vocal in advocating for increased funding for El Paso County for both water and wastewater and on the waste disposal and illegal dumping, same kind of approach, but we know, especially with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, they are proposing a cut to their budget allocation that helps communities with waste disposal, and so I'm hopeful that with this language we'll be able to advocate for that funding to be sustained through the next session. And so really just trying to have, again, a more proactive and vocal approach to these two major issues for the county by adding it to our priorities.

Yes, and that goes in line, I think, with a lot of what our consultants are already working on. So after state agencies were mandated to cut 3% of their budgets, our consultants found out that, yeah, TCEQ cut those programs and the funding, and that's where a lot of their cuts are coming from. So already actively talking with legislators to hopefully restore, even to the last session's funding, If they're not going to increase, at least don't cut it. So I think this is important. So thank you, Commissioner Butler, for bringing that forward so our lobbying team can continue having those conversations and seeing where we can restore the funding that the agency has already proposed to cut. So we could do a motion to approve these changes, unless there's more questions on this item. Approve the changes as presented on the previous two slides.

We have a motion to approve from Commissioner Butler, a second from Judge Samaniego. The voting is open. Thank you, Judge. Motion carries.

So now we're gonna go into our value statements documents. So there were some edits proposed. And we can do all of those together to save time on the motions, unless you want me to separate them. We just thought this kind of goes in line with you know, like it's very, with what the county is working on. So the first one is our community, under community and economic development, under that category, changes, thank you Commissioner O'Geen for bringing this forth. We try to do our best to scrub the value statements and we did remove things that were already approved. We missed the West Texas Space for Development Corporation that has already been created and so we're proposing just to delete that item and then, If in the future there's need, we can bring something, but just delete that item. The second edit to the value statements would be adding under land use. So if you go to your land use page on value statements, number six would be adding support legislation, ensuring that new large scale development contributes its fair share toward the public infrastructure and service. services necessary to accommodate impacts including roads, drainage, water and wastewater infrastructure, fire and emergency response and other public facilities rather than shifting those costs disproportionately to existing taxpayers. That would be a new addition. Then we would be editing number 13 and it would read with the edits, it would say support legislation strengthening community protections in the siting of transmission infrastructure including meaningful public notice and participation and greater consideration by the PUC of community cohesion, residential density, environmental justice, existing development, public infrastructure and quality of life impacts when evaluating proposed routes. Support policies that prioritize reasonable alternatives that avoid routing transmission lines through established and densely populated communities when feasible. And then under justice and public safety, we would add number 22 that would read support legislation providing counties with reasonable authority consistent with constitutional protections to regulate the public display of sexually explicit images or materials in outdoor or open air settings when those displays are readily visible from public roadways, residential areas or other places accessible to children and the general public. So I know there's been a very specific issue. Do you want to address it now? No? Okay. So this would help us if there's proposed legislation that touches on that part of the code, we could actively try to seek ways to include this language on there. So we could address issues in our growing communities in parts of the county that are growing and now there's young families living there and all of that. So we could be adding that as a value statement. And then under community and economic development, we would be adding also a new statement that would read support legislation providing counties with reasonable land use and development authority in unincorporated areas to address the impacts of large scale commercial and industrial development including Authority related to setbacks, drainage, transportation impacts, noise, lighting, water and wastewater infrastructure, fire protection, emergency response and other demonstrated impacts on surrounding communities and public infrastructure. So that would be a new value statement. And then we would also amend under community and economic development. So we're striking through what's already on there. And instead, it would read support legislation and regulatory policies that ensure large scale customers bear the infrastructure and system costs. Attributable to serving their facilities and protect residential and small business customers from unreasonable cost shifts or rate increases resulting from large-scale development. Support equitable application of these protections to customers throughout Texas, including areas outside of haircut. So in line with our legislative priorities, I think the accompanying value statement. And then the last one also amended under community and economic development would be support state and local economic development tools that promote high-quality job creation, capital investment, and long-term economic mobility while protecting local tax bases and ensuring measurable public benefit. Support transparency, accountability, performance standards, and appropriate callback provisions for publicly supported economic development projects. And then last few edits would be under health and human services under our value statements. I know we had COVID-19 on there on our agenda because there were a lot of concerns during the pandemic about supporting legislation that improves health outcomes for Texans by mitigating the root causes of and preventing the onset of underlying health concerns that make Texans susceptible to opportunistic viruses like that which causes any. So now we're going to amend instead of saying COVID-19 any communicable diseases and also on 15 we would support all healthcare measures that prevent the spread of communicable diseases. So if you approve all of these changes to the value statements we can have one motion to approve the changes as presented on these slides to the El Paso County's 90th legislative values document as presented.

We have a motion to approve from Judge Samaniego and a second from Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. Motion carries.

Do we have any questions at this point or any comments before we close out the legislative action? And I want to thank our communications team for they're already designing the nice cover page and insert for the values document that will go on the PDF official printout of the agenda. Yes, Commissioner. Commissioner.

Thank you, Elisa. Sorry, I just wanted to thank Elise and our lobby team pump for the work that they've done on this legislative agenda, and I know that they'll continue to do. I think a great process was created that allowed many different stakeholders, including departments, members of our delegation, our court offices, other county officials to provide the input necessary to create a strong document. I know it's pretty heavy. We have now, I think, 10 or 11 priorities. Usually counties try to stick to like three to five to not overburden their teams. But I know that you all are hardworking and between Elisa and Mike and Kurt and Jackie and Mr. Phillips, Jerry, will be successful in moving our legislative agenda forward. It's a document, it's a roadmap for, of course, our government affairs and lobbying team to advocate on. Again, part of our strategic planning, part of our budget planning, it's reflected in this. And, you know, a lot of times during the legislative session, we get like 24 hours notice that like something's going to be called up and into a hearing and, you know, giving our team the direction it needs to act quickly and strategically on our behalf, because a lot of times members of the court can't make it in that amount of time. And so we have to depend on them to go drop cards or testify or speak to legislators in their offices. It helps us prioritize our legislative action items and identify the bills that we want to take a position upon. And I think that this is a good agenda. And I do want to stress to the court the importance of defense, defense, defense. I think if you look at some other legislative agendas across counties in the state of Texas, at the top of their list of their three to five priorities is defense against state intervention, state unfunded mandates. And so I know a lot of that is I think built out or is worded out in some of our priorities and some of our value statements, but I cannot stress the importance of playing defense, because that's really what counties have been doing over the last, at least since I've been in office and before, and will continue to have to do so. And so I appreciate, again, all the work on behalf of the court. I won't be around to see, well, I'll be around to see what happens, but I won't be around to advocate as I have in the past on behalf of the county. But I know that we leave the future of the county legislatively in good hands here with our lobby team and with Elisa Tamayo. And so thank you all very much for all of your work.

Commissioner and thank you.

Thank you Lisa and our team great team out there. Thank you. Thank you Lisa.

Judge, did you want to go to the item for the TERS next?

Whatever you feel. What's your comfort level at this point?

I know that they're here for the TERS item. I do know also that item 8A is really a quick item, and they've been waiting as well.

Okay.

So do you want to do 8A and then go into executive session?

Please, uh-huh.

Item number 8A from county and district clerk. Approve and record into the commissioner's court meeting minutes the district clerk's certification of the district judge's order to approve the county auditor's salary plan, staffing level, salaries, and budget for fiscal year 2027 pursuant to Texas local government code 84.003, 84.021, 84.901, 111.044, 152.031, 152.032, 152.034, and 152.905. Additionally, approve proposed compensation levels for certified court reporters pursuant to Texas Local Government Code 152.905 for fiscal year 2027, October 1st, 2026 through September 30th, 2027. Welcome.

Good afternoon, county judge and commissioners. I'm Bernadette Medrano, the chief deputy for the district clerk's office. Unfortunately, Norma was unable to be here today. She caught a cold over the weekend, so she sends her apologies. But the district clerk's office is here, as Cesar mentioned, to certify the action taken by the district court judges and ask that their order be recorded into the minutes. of Commissioner's Court. On September 14th, 2026, pursuant to the sections that Cesar read out, the district judges during their July 29th, 2026 special meeting took action and signed the order approving the county auditor's budget totaling $8,898,207 for fiscal year 2027. And this order also includes the approval of the court reporter salaries for the total budget of $3,974,171.08 for fiscal year 2027. All the supporting documentation was attached in the agenda item for your review. We also have the district court administrator, Crystal Lozano, and I believe County Auditor Barbara Parker is also available on Teams if you have any detailed questions as far as the backup.

We have a motion to approve from Judge Samaniego and a second from Commissioner Olguin. The voting is open. Thank you, Commissioner Butler. Motion carries.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.