[00:00:01] OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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. ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, 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 [00:05:02] 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 [00:10:02] ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. WELL, 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. WELL. 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 IS IT 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. [00:16:33] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO. 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 [00:20:02] WATCHING THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING. GOOD MORNING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. TODAY IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2026. COMMISSIONERS COURT IS MEETING IN REGULAR OPEN SESSION THIS MORNING. WE ARE JOINED BY ASL INTERPRETERS KATYA GARCIA AND SELENA SALOM. COMMISSIONER, WOULD YOU LIKE TO INTRODUCE THIS MORNING'S PLEDGE GROUP? [OPEN MEETING] 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 UNITED STATES OF [PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE] 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 THEE. TEXAS. ONE STATE UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE. VERY CUTE. ITEM NUMBER THREE IS INVOCATION. JUDGE. WE DO NOT HAVE SOMEONE. BUT I'D LIKE TO. THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE. 911 JUST WHAT AN AMAZING SITUATION. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT THAT WERE HURT, NOT ONLY THEN AT THAT AT THAT [INVOCATION] PARTICULAR POINT, BUT THOSE THAT CONTINUE TO DIE BECAUSE OF, OF THE TRAGEDY. SO VERY IMPORTANT. I'M VERY PROUD OF WHAT HAPPENED AT UTEP AT THE SUN BOWL ON, ON FRIDAY. PRETTY AMAZING THAT ALMOST 4000 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN THE 102 OF NOT STAIRS, BUT STORIES THAT THEY HAD TO WALK. AND SO IT WAS VERY, VERY, VERY MOVING. YOU JUST 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 FOR BEING HERE. IT'S ALWAYS SUCH A PLEASURE. AND THIS IS ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND OUR COMMISSIONERS, THAT WE REALLY CARE AND APPRECIATE ALL THE PARTICIPATION, ESPECIALLY SOME OF THE OTHER ITEMS AND THAT WE TALK ABOUT THAT ARE SO RELEVANT TO THE COMMUNITY. SO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. I THINK YOU'RE GOING TO BE, YOU KNOW, VERY PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT THE RESOLUTIONS AND, AND THE MUSIC AROUND IT. AND ALSO SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT 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 FOR A THROUGH FOR A Y. THERE ARE A FEW ITEMS THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS. WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR A POSTPONEMENT OF ITEM NUMBER FOUR BE POSTPONED ONE WEEK PER THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. ITEM FOUR B IS TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN A [CONSENT AGENDA] 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 2026 0653. WE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO [00:25:01] REQUEST ITEM NUMBER FOUR. OH, WE HAVE A CORRECTION FOR THAT FROM THE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT. ITEM FOUR ZERO SHOULD READ APPROVE AN AUTHORIZED THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE JOINT ELECTION SERVICES CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF EL PASO VILLAGE OF VINTON, FABENS 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. NUMBER FOUR, CLINT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE YSLETA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE NOVEMBER 2026 GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3RD, 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 FOUR W FROM THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT. ITEM FOUR W 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 79901. THERE IS NO FISCAL IMPACT. OPINION NUMBER 12498. AND FINALLY, WE'D LIKE TO ASK FOR A CORRECTION TO ITEM NUMBER 4 A.M. FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. ITEM 4 A.M. SHOULD READ APPROVE AN. 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 TEN 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 2026 0661. ARE THERE ANY ITEMS THAT MEMBERS OF THE COURT OR PUBLIC WOULD LIKE TO PULL FOR INDIVIDUAL DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE, I JUST HAVE A QUESTION, CAESAR, WITH RESPECT TO THE ITEM. OH YES SIR, I NOTICED THAT CANUTILLO WAS LEFT OUT ON THE. THAT IS THAT IS THE CORRECTION, SIR, THAT THE COUNTY 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 WANTED. YES, SIR. THAT'S ALL I HAVE, JUDGE. OKAY, OKAY. THANK YOU SIR. LET'S SEE. 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 OLGUIN. MOTION CARRIES. JUDGE, WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I'D LIKE TO READ IN ITEM NUMBER FIVE B FROM RESOLUTIONS. THANK YOU, SIR. ITEM NUMBER FIVE B APPROVING ADOPT A RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY AND EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC, CULTURAL AND BINATIONAL TIES TO MEXICO. COMMISSIONER. 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 A SPECIAL TREAT HERE. HERE IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES AFTER WE READ THE RESOLUTION. BUT I THINK FOR OUR COMMUNITY, DE SEPTIEMBRE 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 HAVE SHAPED GENERATIONS OF EL PASO 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 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, [00:30:01] GRATEFUL TO BE JOINED BY THE MEXICAN CONSULATE AND OF COURSE, THE TALENTED MARIACHI STUDENTS FROM JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE TO CELEBRATE THIS IMPORTANT OCCASION. SO I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION, AND THEN WE'LL INVITE IN THE MARIACHIS, AND THEN WE'LL HEAR FROM OUR 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 16TH, 1810 MARKS EL GRITO DE INDEPENDENCIA, ATTRIBUTED TO FATHER MIGUEL HIDALGO, WHO THE NIGHT BEFORE GATHERED PEOPLE IN DOLORES. GUANAJUATO AND SPARKED A 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 EL GRITO, WAVING THE MEXICAN FLAG AND EXCLAIMING, VIVA MÉXICO, MEXICANAS AND MEXICANOS! VIVA [B. Approve and adopt a resolution celebrating Mexican Independence Day and El Paso County’s historic, cultural, and binational ties to Mexico. David Stout, Commissioner, Precinct 2, 915-273-3559] NUESTRA INDEPENDENCIA, VIVAN LOS HÉROES, PATRIA Y LIBERTAD AND JUAREZ. TRADITIONALLY, EL GRITO ALSO PAYS TRIBUTE TO VIVA HIDALGO, MORELOS, JOSEFA ORTIZ DE DOMINGUEZ, ALLENDE AND LEONA VICARIO, VIVA GUERRERO, VIVAN LOS NINOS AIRWAYS. 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 COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT EL PASO COUNTY RECOGNIZES AND CELEBRATES OUR BINATIONAL CONNECTIONS TO MEXICO AND ALONG WITH OUR SISTER CITIES, JUAREZ IS PROUD TO SAY VIVA MEXICO SIGNED THIS 14TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026, THE HONORABLE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 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. AFUERA. PERO EL DE DE MORA. SÉ QUÉ TENDRAS CU. LAURA. LAURA. LAURA. LAURA. LAURA Q NO ME QUIZAS VAS A ESTAR MUY TRISTE Y ASI HAS A QUEDAR. ONLY SIN. SIEMPRE LO. DE PALABRAS. O TENGO CRONAN Y. ALLI EL CAMPO DE MACEDO. SIENTO EL REY. PIEDRA EN EL CAMINO. DESTINO PARA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA DESPUÉS DE UNA. Y DE LA PRIMERO. ERA. EN EL RACING. EL. ESTOY DE. [00:35:23] HERMOSO CARINO. DIOS MI A MANDADO HACER DE LA MAS DE. LOS REGALOS. PRECIOSO REGALO DEL CIELO A LLEGADO Y Q ME ACOMPANADO DE DICHA Y AMOR. HERMOSO CARINO. HERMOSO CARINO. ESTOY CREDO POR JUGUETE CONTENTO Y. DERECHO LO TE QUIERO PUERTO. HERMOSO CARRILLO, DIOS GUARDADO NO NOS PARA MI. MARIACHI. SI, SENOR. EL CAMINO EL MOZO CARRILLO ASI COMO BELOW. CON EL OJO DE CONTENTO Y PELEAR. DE MI NO NO QUIERO QUITAR. HERMOSO CARINO. QUÉ DIOS MIO MANDADO COMO PARA MI? O. MUCHAS GRACIAS. MUCHAS GRACIAS A LOS MARIACHIS DE LA PREPARATORIA JEFE. MUY MUY BONITO. MUCHAS GRACIAS. POR POR ESA MUSICA TAN LINDA. THANK YOU. IF YOU ALLOW ME, I'LL START BY RECOGNIZING AND THANKING ALL THESE MUSICIANS FROM JEFFERSON HIGH. I THINK IT'S READY TO HAVE A 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 COMMISSIONERS COURT JUDGE RICARDO SAMANIEGO, COMMISSIONER STOUT, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN, 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, A LOT, NOT ONLY TO ME AS THE CONSUL GENERAL OF MEXICO, BUT 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 GASTRONOMY, THROUGH LANGUAGE, THROUGH BEING GREAT PEOPLE HERE IN EL PASO. AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, THIS SATURDAY WE CELEBRATED THE 2026 VERSION OF VAMOS MEXICO, WHICH IS THE THE THE CELEBRATION OF MEXICO'S INDEPENDENCE DAY. AND, AND WE SAW AND I WAS READING THE PAPERS AND THEY SAY, YOU KNOW, THE THE BORDER WAS BROUGHT TOGETHER BY BINATIONAL EVENT. AND THIS IS THIS IS A BINATIONAL EVENT. WE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE, EVERYBODY WAS HAPPY. EVERYBODY WAS ENJOYING THEMSELVES, ENJOYING THE CULTURE. AND, AND I ALWAYS SAY THAT EL GRITO GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO HIGHLIGHT ALL THE HISTORY, ALL THE TRADITIONS THAT WE SHARE, ALL THE, ALL THE [00:40:06] PRINCIPLES THAT WE ALSO SHARE AS A, AS A BORDER. SO THANK YOU FOR THE, FOR THIS RESOLUTION. IT MEANS A LOT AND IT MEANS A LOT TO ALL OUR COMMUNITY HERE, I THINK. THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR FOR WHAT YOU DO, FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR THE COMMUNITY. GEORGE. THANK YOU FOR FOR BEING ALWAYS PUSHING FOR STRENGTHENING THE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEXICO AND ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESPECIALLY HERE AT THE BORDER COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER BUTLER AND COMMISSIONER CORONADO, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. AND I'M HONORED TO TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THIS RESOLUTION. THANK YOU. WELL, THANK YOU, CONSUL. I WANT TO ALSO THANK HIM FOR. IT'S NOT LIKE A ONE DAY THING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR. AND HIS TEAM DO EVERYTHING TO BRING OUR CULTURE TOGETHER, MAKE SURE THAT WE REMEMBER THAT HE HAS SOME AMAZING EVENTS THERE AND CONSULADO THAT REALLY GET GET US TO UNDERSTAND. AS A MATTER OF FACT, UP THERE ON THE RIGHT HERE, WE HAVE THE SENORA YANEZ THAT HAS AN EXHIBITION ON RACES. AND SO WE'RE CONSTANTLY WORKING TOGETHER TO DO SOME OF THESE GREAT THINGS. AND SO WE'RE VERY PROUD OF, 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. DESTINATION EL PASO AND BROOKE UNDERWOOD DID SUCH A GREAT JOB IN HER TEAM. AND SO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO. VIVA MEXICO! VIVA LA JEFE. VIVA MEXICO! CON TODO EL. I'M SORRY. OH, YES. OF COURSE. PLEASE. MIKE IS YOURS. SORRY. I JUST WANTED TO SAY A COUPLE WORDS. GRACIAS, POR. NOS. ESTAMOS MUY ORGULLOSOS DE ESTAR AQUI. MY NAME IS PRESTON GRIFFITH, AND I'M THE DIRECTOR OF MARIACHI CORAZON DE LOS TOROS FROM JEFFERSON SILVA HIGH SCHOOL. WE'RE HONORED TO BE HERE TO REPRESENT OUR SCHOOL AND THE EL PASO COMMUNITY FOR THIS DIA DE SEPTIEMBRE 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 COULD HEAR AS WELL, THEY'RE REALLY AMAZING AND WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE BEING HERE AGAIN. THANK YOU. MUCHAS GRACIAS. CAN WE HAVE CAN WE HAVE EACH OF THE STUDENTS JUST COME TO THE MICROPHONE AND JUST TELL US THEIR NAME, INTRODUCE THEMSELVES. AND THEN AS THEY AS THEY COME AND LINE UP HERE TO TAKE THEIR PICTURE. THANK YOU. HELLO. MY NAME IS. I AM A SENIOR AT JEFFERSON SILVA. HELLO, MY NAME IS KAYLEE FRIDAY. I'M A SOPHOMORE AT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL. HELLO, MY NAME IS JACOB CORRAL AND I'M A JUNIOR AT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL. GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS ALLISON PADILLA AND I'M A JUNIOR AT SILVA MAGNET. HELLO, MY NAME IS CARLA SOFIA HERNANDEZ, AND I AM A SOPHOMORE AT JEFFERSON SILVA HIGH SCHOOL. HELLO, MY NAME IS CINDY SILVA 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 AT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL. HELLO, MY NAME IS SANDRA RODRIGUEZ AND I'M A JUNIOR AT JEFFERSON SILVA HIGH SCHOOL. NOW WE CAN GO AHEAD AND TAKE A PICTURE. [00:47:10] GOING BACK TO THE REGULAR ORDER ITEM NUMBER FIVE A 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? TO [A. Approve and adopt a resolution declaring September 2026 as “Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month” in El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591] HAVE EVERYBODY ELSE COME UP TO? I'LL READ THE RESOLUTION, BUT YOU CAN YOU CAN WAIT THERE BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, 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 FOR SEPTEMBER IS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, PROVIDING AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS, PROMOTE EDUCATION, SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY OVARIAN CANCER, AND ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO RECOGNIZE AND ADVOCATE FOR CHANGES IN THEIR HEALTH. WITH. OVARIAN CANCER IS A COMPARATIVELY UNCOMMON BUT SERIOUS GENEALOGICAL 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 WITH. UNLIKE SEVERAL OTHER CANCERS, THERE IS 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. URINARY CHANGES, UNEXPLAINED FATIGUE OR OTHER CHANGES THAT ARE NEW, PERSISTENT OR UNUSUAL FOR THE INDIVIDUAL. WHEREAS HIGH GRADE SEROUS CARCINOMA 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 WAS 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. WHEREAS, 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 WITH INCREASED AWARENESS [00:50:01] 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 WITH EL PASO COUNTY FURTHER RECOGNIZES THE PHYSICIANS, NURSES, RESEARCHERS, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, 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, REAL 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, BE RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS 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. SIGN THIS 14TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER STOUT. THE VOTING IS OPEN. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. LINDA. FIRST LET ME. I'M GOING TO GIVE EVERYBODY. THANK YOU. AND NEXT I AM I'M GOING TO CALL EVERYBODY UP HERE WHO'S COME IN SUPPORT BECAUSE THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT ME. ABSOLUTELY, ABSOLUTELY. OVARIAN CANCER SUPPORTERS, HAVE YOU COME UP HERE, PLEASE. 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'M CURRENTLY BATTLING STAGE THREE HIGH GRADE SEROUS CARCINOMA, WHICH IS HIGHLY AGGRESSIVE, AND I'M IN MY WENT THROUGH FIRST ROUND OF CHEMO AND, 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 THIS 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 IN STAGE THREE OR EVEN STAGE FOUR, I WAS LUCKY I WAS RIGHT ON THE BORDER STAGE THREE C OF WHEN IT WAS FOUND FOR ME. AND I CREDIT MY DOCTOR, DOCTOR 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 WHO HAVE LOST. SO I REALLY WANT TO RECOGNIZE THOSE BRAVE INDIVIDUALS. THE ALSO, ADVANCES [00:55:06] 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. SO IF YOU HAVE THAT TESTING, YOU'RE ABLE TO FIND OUT THAT YOU HAVE A REOCCURRENCE, 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 US 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 IS THERE ANY, ANY, ANYONE ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SAY ANYTHING ON BEHALF OF LINDA OR THE OVARIAN CANCER? WELL, THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY. ACTUALLY, WE'RE HAVING AN EVENT FOR RAISING FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR OVARIAN CANCER. IT'LL BE THE NOVEMBER THE 14TH. IT'S GOING TO BE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 122 IN ANTHONY, TEXAS. IT'S GOING TO BE CAR SHOW. BIKE SHOW. SO WE'RE LOOKING FOR SUPPORT AND SPONSORS FOR GETTING REVENUE AND AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR MISS LINDA, SINCE IT'S BEEN A BIG ADVOCATE FOR THE VETERAN GROUP, VETERAN GROUPS AND FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES 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 DOCTOR 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, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. AND GOD BE THE GLORY. THANK YOU, SISTER, FOR INVITING ME. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO THAT. YOU BRING THIS UP TOO, BECAUSE OUR VETERAN SISTERS ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING. AND NOW THAT I'M APPOINTED TO 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 MISSION IS FOR EVERY WOMAN AND YOUNG LADY. GRANDMA THAT IS EXPERIENCING THIS IS THAT FAMILIES THAT COME TOGETHER, SOMETIMES THEIR 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 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, OR GENTLEMEN, 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 IS 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 WERE 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 AN SHE'S JUST AN AMAZING PERSON OVERALL. AND SHE HELPED SO MANY VETERANS, FAMILIES, DEPENDENTS, SURVIVING SPOUSES, I MEAN, THROUGH LINDA MAY'S 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 OF HER SUPPORT. THANK YOU. BY THE WAY, THANK YOU CARL. WELCOME. GOOD MORNING JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. I WAS GOING TO SAY ANYTHING, BUT LINDA GAVE ME THAT I. THE ONLY THING I'LL SAY TO MY FRIEND IS, YOU KNOW, GOD CHOOSES PEOPLE FOR A REASON. [01:00:08] AMEN. AND, 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 IS 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, JUDGE. 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. I AM WOODY BEAR. I'M WITH THE ALSO WITH THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION HERE, LINDA AND 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. GO AHEAD. YOU WANT TO. OKAY. ARE WE READY? OKAY. NOW I JUST WANT TO 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 HER COMMUNITY, BEING A REPRESENTATIVE OF ELIZABETH DOLE 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, OF BEING ABLE TO RALLY AND SHOWING THAT SOLIDARITY IS, 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 FOR THE CITY BEING PART OF THAT RELATIONSHIP. AND, YOU KNOW, 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 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 KNEW I HAD A, YOU KNOW, A RIGHT AND LEFT HAND TO HELP ME THROUGH THE PROCESS. WE'VE GOT ANOTHER I DON'T KNOW IF CARLOS RIVERA C DID HE HIDE FROM ME OR WHETHER HE'S. HE'S OVER THERE. 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, LINDA, IT'S JUST NOT AN IMPACT TO THE INDIVIDUAL, BUT A HUGE IMPACT TO, 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. [01:06:29] VIETNAM VETERANS. I'LL SHOW YOU THE WALKING STICKS. YES. ARE YOU LEAVING RIGHT NOW? LINDA? ITEM NUMBER 5CA PROVEN ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2026 AS SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH. THANK YOU ALL. I'M PROUD TO BE ABLE TO PRESENT THIS [C. Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing September 2026 as ”Suicide Prevention Awareness Month”. David Stout, Commissioner, Precinct 2, 915-273-3559] RESOLUTION AND RECOGNIZE SEPTEMBER 2026 AS 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. YOU KNOW, SUICIDE IS 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 EL PASO FOR JOINING US TODAY. AS WITH EMERGENCE HEALTH NETWORK AND OTHERS WHO DO GREAT WORK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO PROVIDE CLINICAL SUPPORT WHEN IT COMES TO RN 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 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 US 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 CISGENDER AND HETEROSEXUAL PEERS AND. AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE EXPERIENCE FAR HIGHER RATES OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION. AND WHEREAS THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS REPORTS THAT AN AVERAGE OF 17.5 VETERANS DIE BY SUICIDE EACH DAY, AND WHEREAS, 46% OF [01:10:04] PEOPLE WHO DIED BY SUICIDE HAD A KNOWN MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS AND RESEARCH SUGGESTS, 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 AND 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 247 AND ANSWERED BY EMERGENCY 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 A 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 COMMISSIONERS COURT RECOGNIZED SEPTEMBER 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 COMMISSIONERS COURT. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM COMMISSIONER STOUT AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO. VOTING IS OPEN. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. MOTION CARRIES. WE HAVE A ISIDRO TORRES FROM FROM EL PASO. PLEASE, IF YOU IF YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE A FEW WORDS, AND THEN WE CAN HEAR FROM OUR FRIENDS AT EIN. GOOD MORNING. 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 THANK. 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 RENE WILL TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT NINE, EIGHT, EIGHT AND THE WORK THEY DO, BUT THE THEME RESONATES WITH US SO DEEPLY ABOUT ANY REASON IS A REASON TO CALL NINE, EIGHT, EIGHT. THEY'RE THERE FOR YOU. 247 A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS THERE IN 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 AND 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 100 HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES A YEAR, OVER 4000 MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND CONTINUE THIS WORK. AND WE COULD NOT DO IT WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF COMMISSIONERS COURT AND ORGANIZATIONS LIKE EMERGENCE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, 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 [01:15:01] TO MENTAL HEALTH, WELLNESS AND CRISIS RESPONSE AT EMERGENCE HEALTH NETWORK, TRAINED HEALTH 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. A CRISIS CALLS. SPECIALISTS ARE OFTEN THE FIRST VOICE OF HOPE THAT SOMEONE HEARS DURING THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THEIR LIVES, AND IS PROUD TO BE ONE OF ONLY 4988 CALL CENTERS IN TEXAS, EACH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE 911 DISTRICT, IS ALSO A NATIONAL MODEL. NOT ONLY ARE OUR 908 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 LIFE SAVING 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 RESPONSE RESPONSIBILITY. EVERYONE HERE CAN PLAY A ROLE BY DOING ONE OF FOUR THINGS. NUMBER ONE, CHECK IN 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, A SIMPLE CALL, OR A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS CAN MAKE A LIFE CHANGING DIFFERENCE. SO AGAIN, THANK YOU TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 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 IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO 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 IS 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 NINE OVER 11 FIRST RESPONDER PATRIOTS DAY NO. SEPTEMBER THE 12TH, A LITTLE NINE YEAR OLD SAID, YOU KNOW, YOU ALL GO. YOU ALL GO INTO 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 AND BUT HELP IS ALWAYS THERE. SO I THANK EACH. AND I THANK NAMI BECAUSE JUST THIS MORNING I WAS SENDING NOTES. HOW ARE YOU? YOU KNOW, SHE LIVES IN PENNSYLVANIA. ARE YOU OKAY? BUT, YOU KNOW, IT TAKES 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, 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. ALEJANDRO VALDEZ, PROGRAM MANAGER FOR NAMI EL PASO. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME. AND AS 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, PROGRAM COORDINATOR WITH NAMI EL PASO. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS SELENA AMADO, 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. AS THE FIRST PART OF MY CAREER, I HAD TO SEE THE THE CRISIS, THE FAMILIES, THE 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 SITUATION. I MEAN, IT IS 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 THAT PERSON IS OKAY. AND IT'S A, IT'S A DIFFICULT SITUATION, ESPECIALLY EVEN FOR A THERAPIST. [01:20:01] I MEAN, WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE SOMEONE WHO, WHO YOU'RE WORKING WITH AND THINKING THAT, THAT, YOU KNOW, 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 GOING TO BE THERE FOR THEM, AND THERE'S A POINT IN THEIR LIFE WHERE THEY THINK THAT IT'S NOT GOING TO 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 OR MINIMIZE THE, THE PRESSURE ON FAMILIES OF HAVING TO FIGURE THINGS THEMSELVES. AS YOU SAID, RENEE, IT'S A, IT'S A COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY. IT'S NOT JUST A FAMILY OR A FRIEND, BUT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER. SO ONCE AGAIN, COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION. YEAH. THANK YOU, JUDGE AND, AND AGAIN, THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR, OUR PROVIDERS HERE DOING AMAZING WORK. AND IT'S, IT'S JUST A, IT'S AN HONOR TO BE ABLE TO, 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, THAT, THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT HELP IS THERE. AND WE SEE THEM AND AND WE WANT THEM TO BE SAFE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. ITEM NUMBER FOUR D APPROVING ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE EL PASO RHINOS 20TH ANNIVERSARY. COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. OKAY, 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 [D. Approve and adopt a Resolution recognizing the El Paso Rhinos 20th Anniversary. Iliana Holguin, Commissioner, Precinct 3, 915-273-3594] THIS MORNING. JUST ONE MOMENT. IF WE COULD HAVE VERONICA DIAZ. LUPE HERNANDEZ, LUCERO. I WAS [01:25:11] 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 [PUBLIC COMMENT] YOU ALL SOMETHING. IS THAT OKAY? SURE. IT IS AVAILABLE. ONE OF THE SMALLER. THANK YOU. LISA. I HAD TO OFFER. 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. IT 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. 52000 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 SHE'S ON $1,300 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 WHO 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. IF IT UPSETS ME, YOU ALL SHOULD BE BATTERING THEM. HORNET'S NEST HAS 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 [01:30:05] THEY DESERVE. A FAIR WAGE SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE ON SNAP. AND ONE OF OUR PROBLEMS IS, 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 POLITICIANS POINT OF VIEW, YOU'RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY. YOU CALL YOURSELF VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. VETERANS ARE GOING HUNGRY. SO WE AIN'T SUCH A GREAT CAPITAL FOR VETERANS, ARE WE? YOU KNOW, I'M ASKING YOU ALL TO DO SOMETHING. I'M ASKING YOU ALL TO LOOK INTO IT. I'M ASKING YOU ALL TO FIND OUT WHY THERE'S NO FOOD GOING TO THESE FOOD BANKS. I DO KNOW THERE'S 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 GOING TO GET ANYTHING. 800 FAMILIES. THINK ABOUT IT. THINK LONG AND HARD. 30S 52000. CHILDREN DON'T KNOW IF THEY WANT TO 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 AM 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 TAKEN, 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 THIRD 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 A COMMENT. 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 IN THE WORLD OF ADVOCACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL RIGHTS. AND I AM PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT AT THE 2ND OCTOBER PRESIDENT'S BANQUET, WHICH WILL BE FRIDAY NIGHT TO 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 THAT'S. 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'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN OFFICE. LAST THING I'D LIKE TO THANK IS THE STAFF DOCTOR RENTERIA AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. THEY HAVE HELPED US ALL ALONG THE WAY AND SUPPORTED US. AND AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE [01:35:01] 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 MISS 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 U.S. 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 DOCTOR 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 USING 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. THE SAD REALITY IS THAT THE NIH IS ALIVE AND THRIVING IN NEW MEXICO. THE STATE 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. CAESAR. I'M NOT NECESSARILY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT, BUT I JUST WANTED TO GO OVER THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA, JUDGE, IF THAT WOULD BE OKAY. 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 ITEM 12 B, REGARDING 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. I JUST THE 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 SEVEN A 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 CHRISTINE MARTINEZ WITH THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT AS OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR JUST DESCRIBED, THIS ITEM IS A IS A [A. 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. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600] QUARTERLY UPDATE PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR, STEVE 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. WELL, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS BRAD STIEFEL, 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 [01:40:09] IN THE MARKET, NOT THAT THAT THE COUNTY HAS ANY IMMEDIATE PLANS TO GO TO THE MARKET. I THINK IT'S STILL IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOU UPDATED ON 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. THE 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 THE MARKET AS IT 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. I 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? I THINK A BETTER DESCRIPTION OF WHAT'S HAPPENING IS ON THE NEXT. IF YOU COULD JUST GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE. YEAH, YEAH, ACTUALLY IT'S NOT THIS ONE. LET'S GO BACK. YEAH. YEAH. SORRY. THE TWO YEAR, IF YOU LOOK AT THE LEFT HAND, LEFT HAND SIDE, THE TWO YEAR MMD AS OF 828 WAS 251. TODAY. HOWEVER, IT'S 282. THERE HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT TO THE MARKET. THE 30 YEAR WENT FROM 455 JUST TWO WEEKS AGO TO 487. THAT IS A VERY BIG SWING IN OUR MARKET. SO AS YOU A LOT OF THE DATA THAT WE WE SHOW YOU HERE IS NOW OUTDATED, JUST GIVEN, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF THE, THE, THE EVENTS GOING ON THAT INVOLVE THE UNITED STATES. SO AND ALSO OUR ACTIVITY ABROAD. BUT THIS BASICALLY THE GIST OF THIS, THESE GRAPHS IS TO SHOW YOU THE, THE TRACKING OF THE INDEX THAT WE USE TO PRICE BONDS AND TO ALSO MONITOR ANY POTENTIAL FUNDINGS THAT THE 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, YOU KNOW, OPTIMAL SAVINGS SHOULD, WHEN THE TIME COMES, MAYBE ONE. YEAH, ONE COMMENT ON THIS SLIDE, THAT BOTTOM LEFT TABLE, WHICH 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 IN THE, IN THE RANGE FOR THE YEAR IS THE BLUE IN 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 OF WEEKS BACK. SO WE'RE NOW PUSHING ABOVE KIND OF THE YEAR YEARLY HIGHS. WE'RE STILL WITHIN THAT 20 YEAR AVERAGE. WE'RE NOT BUMPING UP AGAINST WHERE WE'VE BEEN HISTORICALLY. BUT BUT FOR THE YEAR, WE ARE AT THE HIGHS. AND AGAIN, TWO WEEKS AGO THERE WAS A 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 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 [01:45:03] RECENT EVENTS ABROAD, THE RECENT GEOPOLITICAL EVENTS, YOU KNOW, 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, YOU KNOW, WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAVINGS OR IN PREPARATION OF YOUR NEXT FINANCING AS, AS WE MANAGE THE DEBT PORTFOLIO AS WELL. YEAH. JUST TO CHIME IN ON THAT. SO THE PROBABILITY 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 BUMP THEM UP. SO IT'S UP TO 88% NOW. AND THEY'RE GOING TO LIKELY INCREASE IT BY 0.25%. SO THAT WOULD TAKE IT FROM A 3.75 TO A 4% ON TAXABLE TREASURY TYPE DEBT AND FEDERAL FUNDS RATES. THE THE RATE THAT THE BANKS BORROW AT. SO 4% 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 MARKET, SOME OF THE BOND MARKETS, THEY, THEY ACTUALLY LIKE 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 MARKET PARTICIPANTS FOUND THAT THAT KNOWING THAT THE FED IS ACTUALLY GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT TO TRY AND COMBAT THAT INFLATION, HELP STEADY THE MARKETS A LITTLE BIT. AFTER A VERY TOUGH COUPLE OF WEEKS AND VOLATILE COUPLE WEEKS. FINAL. 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. SO 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 TO GO WITH NO NEW REVENUE. AND THESE THESE NUMBERS ARE PRESENTED HERE FOR YOU. THERE WAS SOME GOOD GROWTH IN THE COUNTY 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. SO. A 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 WE'LL SHOW YOU HERE IN A COUPLE OF 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 AT THE CURRENT TIME, THE OTHER ITEM LOOKING FOR A HIGHER COUPON RATE OR INTEREST RATE. SOMETIMES THAT CAN PRESENT OPPORTUNITIES. IF WE HAVE A LOWER INTEREST RATE TODAY. JUST TO LOOK AT THE DEBT SERVICE PAYMENTS COMING UP, OF COURSE, WE 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 [01:50:05] 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 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 IF THIS ONE MADE ANY SENSE. IT HAS A SHORTER TIME FRAME, JUST ABOUT FOUR YEARS REMAINING. AND EVEN EVEN THOUGH THOSE THE HIGHER COUPON AND THE SHORTER MATURITY EXISTS, 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 CONTINUE TO MONITOR THAT. AND 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, YOU KNOW, ARE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS SOMETHING TO CONSIDER. IS THE SAME THAT YOU INDICATE ON THAT ON THE BOX, THAT NET OF THE COST OF REFINANCE. YES, SIR. IT IS. YEAH. THESE WERE STAND ALONE THOUGH. IF, YOU KNOW, COME THE SPRING OR LATER IN THE YEAR, IF YOU'RE DOING A NEW MONEY TRANSACTION FOR, SAY, LIKE THE GEO 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. SO IT HAS BEEN NETTED OUT OF 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 YOUR WATER REVENUE. THERE ARE 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 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, THEY'RE LOOKING AT, YOU KNOW, UNFORTUNATELY, IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE 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 DATE PROPERTY TAX REFORM. WE CONTINUE TO HEAR A LOT ABOUT, YOU KNOW, DATA CENTERS, WHAT THE IMPACT IS ON THE ENERGY AND ELECTRIC ELECTRICITY GRID, BUT ALSO THE WATER IMPACT. AND SO THAT WILL BE A A BIG TOPIC AS WELL. AND THEN AS WE SAID, ANYTHING IN THE NAME OF AFFORDABILITY. SO TRYING TO LIMIT THE, THE TYPE OF FEES, IMPACT FEES OR OTHER THINGS THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CAN. DO TO, 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 APPROVED. THAT WILL BE LATER THIS SPRING OR EARLY NEXT SUMMER. THEN THERE'S OUR THERE ARE A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS WITH THE WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND STATE INFRASTRUCTURE BOARD, WHICH IS [01:55:03] OPPORTUNITY FOR ROAD PROJECT FINANCING AT A LOW COST. ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD? YEAH. CEOS WILL ALSO BE A TARGET. BUT AGAIN, THAT'S JUST ANOTHER TOOL THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS USE FOR EMERGENCY PROJECTS. AND ALSO, YOU KNOW, PROJECTS THAT THEY DON'T FORESEE OR THAT SOMEHOW BECOME RELEVANT BEFORE OR AFTER THE BUDGETING PROCESS. SO YES, CEOS WILL BE A TARGET FOR, 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 JUST. CARMEN ANY ADDITIONS OR ANYTHING AS IT RELATES TO OUR BUDGET OR ANYTHING THAT YOU WANT TO COMMENT ON. THANK YOU. JUDGE CARMEN CANDELARIA DIRECTOR OF BUDGET AND FINANCE NO, 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. SO THANK YOU, BETSEY. ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS? NO, SIR. NO. 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. COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL HEAR 12 B CORRECT. WE'RE ONLY DOING 12 B AT THIS TIME. COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECONVENE INTO REGULAR OPEN SESSION TO TAKE ACTION. 12 A AND B, MICHELLE, I APOLOGIZE, COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO HEAR. 12 A AND B, THEY WILL RECONVENE IN REGULAR OPEN SESSION TO TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION. IT IS 11:27 A.M. [EXECUTIVE SESSION Only the members of the Commissioners Court have a right to attend an executive session, except that legal counsel must be present if the executive session is held pursuant to Government Code section 551.071. In addition to legal counsel, Commissioners Court may include in executive session certain officers and employees if it finds that (1) their participation is necessary to the matter under consideration; (2) their interests are not adverse to the county, and (3) their presence will not waive the attorney client privilege. Generally, the Chief Administrator, Commissioners Court Recorders, and Audio/Visual staff attend the closed session items based on the enumerated criteria, and certain other persons may attend based on the above-listed criteria or as otherwise provided by law.] [02:00:29] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR. 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO, AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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. ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, 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. [02:06:57] 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 COUNTY WIDE 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 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, [02:10:02] 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. WELL, 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 IS IT 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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 RELATIONSHIPS TO THE [02:15:03] 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 TO THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US CONGRESSWOMAN [02:20:05] VERONICA ESCOBAR. FISCAL YEAR 2020 FOR 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 YANEZ, 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. [02:25:32] 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 [02:30:04] 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. WELL, 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. WELL. 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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 RELATIONSHIPS 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. HA HA HA. HEY. [02:37:41] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR'S. FISCAL YEAR 2020 FOR 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO, [02:40:03] AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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. ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANNA YANEZ, 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 [02:45:05] 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. WELL, 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 [02:50:08] 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. WELL. 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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 RELATIONSHIPS 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. HA HA HA. HEY. OH. [02:56:16] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS THE MISSION. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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. ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, 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 [03:00:01] 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, [03:05:05] OUR COUNTY WIDE 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. WELL, 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. WELL. 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, [03:10:01] PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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 RELATIONSHIPS 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. 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 [03:15:06] CONSTITUENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF THE ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS A MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 YANEZ, 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. [03:21:19] 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 COUNTY WIDE 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 [03:25:04] 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. WELL, 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 IS IT 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENT IS 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 [03:30:02] TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HEY. OH. 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR. FISCAL YEAR 2020 FOR 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 EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS [03:35:05] 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. THIS IS A MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 YANEZ, 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 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 [03:40:05] 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 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. [03:45:11] 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. WELL, 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 IS IT 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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 RELATIONSHIPS 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 TO THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. HA! HEY. [03:52:03] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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. FISCAL YEAR 2020 FOR 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 [03:55:04] PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY. ROOTS THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, 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. COMMISSIONERS 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. COMMISSIONERS 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 [04:00:03] 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. WELL, 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 [04:05:01] 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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 RELATIONSHIPS 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. HA HA HA. HEY. [04:10:39] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR. FISCAL YEAR 2020 FOR 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS A MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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. ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANNA YANEZ, 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. [04:17:06] 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 [04:20:03] 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. WELL, 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. WELL. 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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. [04:25:03] 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. HA HA HA. HEY. OH. 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 [04:30:03] 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO, AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANNA YANEZ, 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. [04:35:42] 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, [04:40:01] 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. WELL, 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. WELL. 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 IS IT 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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 RELATIONSHIPS 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. [04:47:50] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR. FISCAL YEAR 2020 FOR 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 EFFO. 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. THIS [04:50:05] IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 YANEZ, 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. [04:58:39] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 [05:00:02] CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. 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. THIS IS A MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANNA YANEZ, 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. [05:05:07] 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. [05:10:23] 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. BUT 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. WELL. 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 IS IT 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. COMMISSIONERS 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 SEVEN B FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATION. RECEIVE A PRESENTATION, DISCUSS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING EL PASO COUNTY'S 90TH [05:15:01] TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION AGENDA. AND COMMISSIONERS. ELISA TAMAYO, GOVERNMENTAL [B. Receive a presentation, discuss and take appropriate action regarding El Paso County’s 90th Texas Legislative Session Agenda. Melissa Carrillo, Deputy County Administrator, County Operations, 915-273-3582] AFFAIRS MANAGER AND 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 AND PARTNERS WHO HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB IN REALLY HELPING US THROUGH THE VETTING PROCESS AND, AND LOOKING AT 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 STATEMENTS THAT FALL IN THIS SORRY. 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 THE 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 TREND LIKE TRANSPARENT, COMMUNITY ORIENTED ECONOMIC GROWTH. WE'RE ALSO SEEKING SOUND FISCAL 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 GOVERNANCE 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, 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 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 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN AND. AND 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, WE AFTER A LOT OF THOSE MEETINGS AND INPUT THAT WE RECEIVED, WE WANTED TO REARRANGE THE PRIORITIES THAT WERE ADOPTED IN JUNE AND UPLIFT 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 89TH 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. ERIN SUTCLIFFE HAS BEEN WORKING ON THIS QUITE A BIT. SO THIS WILL BE OUR EIGHTH PRIORITY THAT YOU HAVE ON THE ON THE INITIAL BACKUP WE HAVE THAT THAT YOU HAD. AND THAT WAS POSTED ON TUESDAY OF LAST WEEK. SO WITH THAT, WE CAN SUMMARIZE OUR FINAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES TO, 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 CONTROLLERS 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 CONTROLLER'S OFFICE. THEY DID NOT REQUEST. THIS IS AN UPDATE IN THEIR LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST THERE LA THEY DID NOT REQUEST MORE FUNDING FOR THIS PROGRAM. BUT AGAIN, SOMETHING THAT 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 [05:20:04] COMMITTEES TO 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 THE ON THIS FINAL? WELL, I DON'T WANT TO CALL THEM FINAL, BUT WHAT WHAT WAS POSTED ON THE FIRST AGENDA BACK UP LAST WEEK? NO THANK YOU. LISA. THIS IS A SUMMARY OF THE EDITS. WE DID A MINIMUM 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 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 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA AS PRESENTED IN THE BACKUP. I'LL MAKE THAT MOTION 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. I 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. THIS FIRST EDITS TO THE PRIORITIES UNDER. AND THEN I THANK YOU, MELISSA, FOR PASSING ON THE 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 THIS 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 RATEPAYERS FROM INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS CREATED BY LARGE LOAD. CUSTOMERS REQUIRE MEANINGFUL DISCLOSURE OF PROJECT 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, LIGHTING, TRAFFIC AND NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES. SO THAT WOULD BE JUST THE FIRST BULLET. BUT THEN WE WOULD HAVE TWO MORE BULLETS UNDER THAT, JUST ON THE LAST ONE. JUST CURIOSITY, ARE WE ALIGNED WITH WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS SAYING THAT HE'D LIKE TO DO ON ON DATA CENTER DATA CENTERS? AND WE YES, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT 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 MORE COUNTIES, ALL THIS AUTHORITY. THERE'S JUST BEEN LIKE TALK. I'M JUST CURIOUS IF WE HAVE 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 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 PLANNING TRANSPARENCY AND RATEPAYER PROTECTIONS TO NON ERCOT 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 WHAT IT HOW IT WOULD READ NOW. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, ELISA. JUDGE COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR [05:25:03] FOR ALLOWING ME TO TO OFFER THIS AMENDED LANGUAGE THAT THAT REALLY IS JUST, JUST A, A BIT MORE SPECIFIC. AND, AND ENCOMPASSING OF THE DISCUSSIONS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE RIGHT NOW. EVERYTHING THAT THAT'S THAT THAT'S PROPOSED IN THIS LANGUAGE REALLY DOES INCLUDE THOSE CONVERSATIONS THAT I'VE HEARD BOTH AT THE, THE, THE, THE HEARINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING AROUND DATA CENTERS, BUT ALSO THE DISCUSSIONS THAT ARE HAPPENING WITHIN ORGANIZATIONS LIKE PTAC AND COOK AND SEW AND, AND REALLY MIRROR A LOT OF THE LANGUAGE ON THE RESOLUTION THAT WE APPROVED HERE IN COMMISSIONERS COURT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. SO THE, THE NON ERCOT ISSUE IS THE, IS WHAT I TESTIFIED ON A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO IN AUSTIN AS WELL. AND I THINK THAT IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO, TO KIND OF BE ONE OF THOSE VOICES IN MAKING SURE THAT WHENEVER THE GOVERNOR, FOR EXAMPLE, IS TALKING ABOUT. MAKING SURE THAT THAT THERE'S A 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, 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, SO THAT, YOU KNOW, WE'RE, WE'RE, WE'RE PREPARED WITH, WITH THESE BULLET POINTS WHEN WE'RE ADVOCATING FOR THE COUNTY. SO WITH THAT, WE CAN GO AHEAD AND TAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THESE CHANGES ON THE. IT WOULD BE THE THE FIRST PRIORITY ON THE AGENDA. WE'RE UNDERNEATH LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 90TH SESSION. SO THIS NEW LANGUAGE WOULD BE ADDED ON TO THAT. UNDERNEATH THAT FIRST BULLET POINT. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER BUTLER. DO WE HAVE A SECOND. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER. WE HAVE A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, JUDGE. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. NOW, WE'LL GO ON INTO THE NEXT PROPOSED CHANGE. THAT WOULD BE ADDITION. I'M GOING TO CALL IT ADDITION NUMBER ONE SO WE CAN FOLLOW WHAT'S GOING ON. AND THIS WOULD BE AMENDING THE PRIORITY. 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 AQUIFER SERVING EL PASO COUNTY SUPPORT TOOLS THAT PROMOTE LONG TERM GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY. PROTECT EXISTING WATER WATER USERS, IMPROVE LOCAL GROUNDWATER DATA AND PLANNING, AND PRESERVE THIS CRITICAL WATER RESOURCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. BETSY, CAN YOU 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, 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 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 GONZALEZ EVALUATES THIS CONSIDERATION, THIS LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCALLY GOVERNED GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT. SO I THINK THAT THAT WOULD BE SUPPORTING WHAT SHE MAY I'M SORRY. IT WOULD BE SUPPORTING WHAT REP GONZALEZ WOULD BRING FORWARD, WHAT SHE HAS COMPLETED, HER ANALYSIS AND DECISION ON WHAT TO BRING FORWARD. I ACTUALLY THINK THAT THAT MAY BE EVEN A LITTLE BIT PREMATURE, RIGHT? I THINK THAT I KNOW WE KNOW THAT THIS IS A PRIORITY FOR FOR AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF OUR DELEGATION. WE'VE WE'VE 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, YOU KNOW, ONE FORMATION VERSUS ANOTHER OTHER THAN THERE SHOULD BE A LOCALLY GOVERNED GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, I THINK I THINK THAT'S VERY BASIC LANGUAGE. AND FOR US AS AS A COUNTY THAT DOES NOT HAVE A GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, I DO [05:30:01] THINK THAT IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO SAY THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION, IT SHOULD BE A PRIORITY FOR. 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 I LOVE GONZALEZ IS REALLY ON ON TOP OF THIS, BUT I JUST FELT UNCOMFORTABLE WITH LIKE, WHAT'S THE TAXATION GOING TO BE? AND WE'RE GOING TO 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 NOT 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 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. DO YOU 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 DETAILS. AND LIKE I SAID, IF A COMMUNITY IS GOING TO GET TAXED ON IT, IF IT FORMS, WE'RE THE ONES THAT ACTUALLY SUPPORTED THAT. BUT SO I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. NO. AND THAT WAS GOING TO BE MY QUESTION. I'M NOT SURE. SO I KNOW THAT WE 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 DO YOU KNOW ELISA? WE TRIED. NO, I DON'T HAVE THE DRAFT WITH I HAVEN'T SEEN THE DRAFT AND I 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 TRYING TO GET TO A 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 COULD MAKE IT A VALUE STATEMENT BECAUSE RIGHT NOW IT'S BEING PROPOSED AS A LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY, WHICH MEANS WE ARE ACTIVELY WORKING ON THOSE. 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. SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? YEAH, I, I ALSO THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO UNDERSTAND A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT WHERE, WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS AND WHAT, WHAT, WHAT THE LANGUAGE LOOKS LIKE. BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, I HAVE THE SAME CONCERNS. IT'S, IT'S CREATING A NEW TAXING ENTITY. IT SEEMS. AND, AND THOUGH, YOU KNOW, I DO AGREE IN CONCEPT WITH 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, AS ELISA'S SUGGESTING AS A VALUE STATEMENT FOR NOW AND THEN BRING IT BACK UP. AND IT, IT ALSO IS CONCERNING TO ME THAT AT THIS JUNCTURE, WE DON'T HAVE A SENATE SPONSOR YET. IF IF WE DON'T KNOW IF SENATOR BLANCO IS GOING TO SPONSOR THE BILL YET OR NOT. AND IF HE'S NOT, THEN THEN WHO WOULD? AND, YOU KNOW, THIS IS WE'RE KIND OF AT THE END OF THE TIME FRAME THAT I THINK WE SHOULD BE FEELING COMFORTABLE ABOUT SENDING INFORMATION TO OUR, OUR, OUR, OUR LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION. AND SO I WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO I WOULD LIKE TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT EXACTLY THE INS AND OUTS ARE OF WHAT WE'RE WHAT WE'RE SUPPORTING. I, I REALLY THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH. YOU KNOW, THERE'S ONLY CERTAIN AREAS IF 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, [05:35:04] AND THAT'S GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, PERIOD. 70% OR 173 OR SO COUNTIES OF THE 254 HAVE THESE GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, OUR NEIGHBORING COUNTIES. BREWSTER COUNTY HAS. WE. 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 IN TO 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 YOU KNOW, IF WE DON'T 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 WHERE I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE THAT WE'RE GOING TO SUPPORT SOMETHING THAT WE DON'T KNOW THE. AND IT MIGHT BE THE COMMISSIONER SAYING, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO TELL THE COMMUNITY WHAT THAT IMPACT IS GOING TO 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 SUPPORTING IT, YOU KNOW, 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 WANT TO DO IT PROPERLY. AND I THINK, YOU KNOW, AGAIN, WHEN IT COMES TO ANOTHER QUESTION FOR ME IS, IS THE MAKEUP OF 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, SUPPORT THE, THE GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, THAT THAT WE SHOULD HAVE AMPLE REPRESENTATION ON THAT BOARD, WHATEVER IT LOOKS LIKE. RIGHT. I FEEL LIKE MANY TIMES WE HAVE SO MANY, SO, SO FEW TOOLS WHEN IT COMES TO REGULATION. AND, AND SOMETIMES WE ABDICATE OUR AUTHORITY TO, TO OTHER ENTITIES OR TO OTHER INDIVIDUALS, YOU KNOW, KIND OF LIKE WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE MPO WHEN WE, WHEN WE MOVED FORWARD WITH THE ETA. AND I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THAT, THAT IF WE'RE GOING TO SUPPORT THIS, THAT WE HAVE WHAT WE WANT AS WELL, RIGHT. SO I DON'T, I DON'T KNOW IF, IF, IF IT'S OKAY, WE CAN, WE CAN POSTPONE THE ADDING IT TO BEING ONE OF OUR LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES BECAUSE I WOULD EXPECT IT IN THE FUTURE. IT PROBABLY WOULD ONCE WE 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. SO THE VALUE STATEMENT, WHICH. SO I MEAN, WE CAN WE I CAN I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WOULD PREFER, BUT I, I, OR I DON'T KNOW AT LEAST 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 COMMISSIONERS COURT AND SEE IF WE ADD IT TO THE AGENDA, THEN OR SO WE. 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? OKAY. YES, THAT'S CORRECT COMMISSIONER. I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT. AND I WILL NOT BRING THIS MOTION. WE'LL GO ON THE NEXT ONE. I JUST WANT TO SAY BEFORE WE MOVE ON THAT, I, 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 OR. BUT THIS GIVES US, YOU KNOW, A WAY FOR US TO BE PROACTIVE IN THE DRAFTING OF THAT LEGISLATION AND TO HAVE THOSE CONVERSATIONS AND TO MOVE THIS, THIS CONVERSATION SPECIFICALLY [05:40:05] 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 WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY AND PUTTING THIS ON OUR 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, I REALLY, REALLY WANT TO 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 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 HOW 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. WE'RE NOT SAYING WHAT THE ORGANIZATION OR ENTITY SHOULD LOOK LIKE, BUT THEY ALL, FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, HAVE A BOARD MADE UP OF ITS LOCAL RESIDENTS WHERE THE THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT IS SO, SO ARE WE ARE WE ARE WE ACTUALLY HAVE WE BEEN INVITED TO TO BE INVOLVED? HAS OUR IS OUR PLEDGE TEAM BEEN INVITED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE QUOTE UNQUOTE, QUOTE, PROACTIVE WRITING OF THE OF THE BILL LANGUAGE OR ARE WE JUST WAITING FOR HAVE YOU BEEN HAVE YOU BEEN APPROACHED BY ANY MEMBER OF THE DELEGATION? I MEAN, MAINLY GONZALEZ, RIGHT. BECAUSE SHE'S SHE'S TAKING THE LEAD ON THIS TO, TO, TO HELP WRITE THE, 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'RE NOT WE HAVEN'T SEEN THE DRAFT. WE DID TALK WITH SENATOR BLANCO TO SEE IF HE COULD SHARE SOMETHING, AND HE DOESN'T HAVE ONE YET, IS WHAT WE WERE TOLD. SO WE CAN WE CAN TRY AGAIN, LIKE PROACTIVELY TRY TO GET THE DRAFT OR GET INVOLVED IN THOSE IN THE COMING WEEKS AND THEN BRING IT FORWARD, BRING THIS ITEM FORWARD AGAIN, OR 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 WHAT SHE'S WRITING. BUT IT SEEMS TO ME IT'S IT'S BETTER FOR THE WHOLE COURT TO HAVE OUR STAFF INVOLVED AND 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 WE GET IN, WE GET INTO ISSUES WITH QUORUM ISSUES. I GUESS TWO, TWO OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT COULD COULD MEET WITH HER. SO IF IF COMMISSIONER CORONADO AND YOU ARE SPOKEN 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 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 THAT FRAMEWORK FOR OUR TEAM AND OUR AND OUR, OUR LOBBYISTS TO, TO, TO BE PROACTIVE ON THIS ISSUE WITH OUR DELEGATION? WELL, I THINK, I THINK WE, WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT EXACTLY WE, WE IS BEING PROPOSED, RIGHT? SO, SO FOR ME, IT'S IMPORTANT TO, TO UNDERSTAND, AGAIN, WE, I THINK WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THE THINGS THAT WE, THAT WE WANT TO UNDERSTAND. BUT IF WE'RE IF YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT US BEING PROACTIVE IN WRITING, HELPING WRITE THE, THE, THE, THE LANGUAGE. I MEAN, WE HAVE A TEAM THAT THAT CAN, THAT CAN HELP, THAT CAN HELP DO THAT ON BEHALF OF THE COURT INSTEAD OF JUST INSTEAD OF JUST 1 OR 2 MEMBERS. WE CAN REENGAGE, I GUESS. REPRESENTATIVE GONZALEZ AND, AND, AND SEE IF THAT'S IF THAT'S SOMETHING THAT THAT, THAT SHE'D LIKE FOR US TO DO. OKAY. WE CAN, 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, 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 [05:45:01] PRIORITY FOR THE COUNTY. SO IF YOU IF YOU ALL WANT TO ADD IT, WE NEED A MOTION AND A VOTE, OR IF YOU. AND THIS. 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. 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 BECAUSE IT'S A 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. 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 THE ON THE FLIP SIDE, IF WE ADDED THIS AS A PRIORITY TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING THE, YOU KNOW, 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 SAYING THAT THAT THAT THAT'S WHAT THE STATE. THAT'S WHAT IT'S. I, I DISAGREE, THAT'S NOT WHAT IT'S SAYING, THAT WE SUPPORT IT IN WHATEVER ESTABLISHMENT IT 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. YEAH. 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 WANT TO DO THAT MOTION? SO 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 OF THIS BODY IN TERMS OF WHAT WE 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 SO WE HAVE MOTION THAT WE'RE VOTING ON IS TO INCLUDE THE SECOND PARAGRAPH IN OUR VALUE STATEMENT IS THAT I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE A SECOND, BUT WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADD IT AS A VALUES STATEMENT. SO THAT THAT WAS THE MOTION THAT YOU MADE, COMMISSIONER. YES. NO, NO, THAT WAS THE MOTION. THE MOTION HERE SAYING IT'S MOVED. I'M SORRY, COMMISSIONER BUTLER AND SECONDED BY NOW IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER IS COMMISSIONER. I'M SECONDING. OKAY. SO WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER OLGUIN, A SECOND FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. JUDGE, JUDGE. I'M SORRY. THANK YOU. MOTION CARRIES. SO THAT ADDED IT AS A VALUE STATEMENT, I JUST. YES. OKAY. WE'LL COME BACK AS SOON AS WE SEE THE DRAFT. WE'LL COME BACK AND SEE IF WE WANT TO MOVE IT UP LIKE WE DID THE SHORT TERM RENTALS HOT COLLECTION EFFORTS. WE CAN ALWAYS MOVE IT BACK UP TO THE ONES WE KNOW. THE AN ACTION ITEM. YEAH, THAT'S AN ACTION ITEM. OKAY. 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 [05:50:01] 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 TO 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 IT WOULD DIRECT US TO SUPPORT PROTECTING AND INCREASING STATE APPROPRIATIONS TO THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND OTHER APPLICABLE STATE PROGRAMS THAT HELP LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PREVENT AND ADDRESS ILLEGAL DUMPING AND EXPAND ACCESS TO SAFE, AFFORDABLE AND 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 TO WELL, WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE. DEFINITELY ONE OF THE THE MOST URGENT ISSUES WE DEAL WITH HERE AT THE COUNTY. AND I KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, WE WE HAVE VALUE STATEMENTS SUPPORTING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE ALREADY, BUT I'M HOPEFUL THAT IF WE'RE ABLE TO ADD THIS AS A AS A PRIORITY FOR US, WE CAN BE MORE ENGAGED IN THAT PROCESS WITH THE RELEVANT AGENCIES AT THE STATE LEVEL. YOU KNOW, I KNOW THAT IT'S REALLY UNCERTAIN WHAT FUNDING IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE AND WHAT THE BUDGET SITUATION IS GOING TO 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, SAME, 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 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 WITH. SO AFTER STATE AGENCIES WERE MANDATED TO CUT 3% OF THEIR BUDGETS, THEY FOUND. OUR CONSULTANTS FOUND OUT THAT T-C-E-Q CUT THOSE PROGRAMS, THE FUNDING. AND THAT'S WHERE THEIR A LOT OF THEIR CUTS ARE COMING FROM. SO ALREADY ACTIVELY TALKING WITH LEGISLATORS TO HOPEFULLY RESTORE EVEN TO LIKE THE LAST SESSION 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 WE CAN START LOBBYING. TEAM CAN CONTINUE HAVING THOSE CONVERSATIONS AND SEEING WHERE WE CAN RESTORE THE FUNDING THAT 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 TO 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. COMMISSIONERS. SO NOW WE'RE GOING TO GO INTO OUR VALUE STATEMENTS DOCUMENT. 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 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, FOR BRINGING THIS FORTH. WE WE TRY TO DO OUR BEST TO SCRUB THE VALUE STATEMENTS. AND WE DID REMOVE THINGS THAT WERE ALREADY APPROVED. WE MISSED THE THE WEST TEXAS SPACEPORT 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 [05:55:01] VALUE STATEMENTS, NUMBER SIX WOULD BE ADDING SUPPORT LEGISLATION, ENSURING THE THAT NEW LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTES ITS FAIR SHARE TOWARD THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE NECESSARY SERVICES NECESSARY TO ACCOMMODATE ITS 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. SO 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 WAYS TO 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 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 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. INSTEAD OF THE 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 ERCOT. 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 CLAWBACK 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 THE. 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 HEALTH CARE 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 THE 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 ANY COMMENTS BEFORE WE CLOSE OUT THE LEGISLATIVE ACTION? OKAY. AND I WANT TO THANK OUR [06:00:02] 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. SORRY, I JUST I JUST WANTED TO TO TO THANK ELISA AND OUR AND OUR, OUR LOBBY TEAM FOR, FOR THE WORK THAT THEY'VE DONE IN THIS 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 3 TO 5 TO NOT OVERBURDEN THEIR THEIR TEAMS. BUT, YOU KNOW, I KNOW THAT THAT YOU ALL ARE HARD WORKING AND, AND BETWEEN ELISA AND, AND, AND MIKE AND KURT AND JACKIE AND MR. PHILLIPS AND JERRY, YOU KNOW, WE'LL, WE'LL, WE'LL BE SUCCESSFUL IN MOVING OUR OUR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FORWARD. IT'S A DOCUMENT. IT'S A ROADMAP FOR, FOR, OF COURSE, OUR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND LOBBYING TEAM TO, TO ADVOCATE ON, AGAIN, PART OF OUR STRATEGIC PLANNING, PART OF PART OF OUR BUDGET PLANNING. IT'S, YOU KNOW, IT'S REFLECTED IN THIS. AND, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF TIMES DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, WE GET LIKE 24 HOURS NOTICE THAT SOMETHING'S GOING TO BE CALLED UP IN INTO A HEARING AND, YOU KNOW, GIVING US 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, AND SO WE HAVE TO DEPEND ON, ON THEM TO GO DROP CARDS OR TESTIFY OR, YOU KNOW, SPEAK TO LEGISLATORS IN THEIR 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 THIS IS A GOOD 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 THEIR LIST OF THEIR 3 TO 5 PRIORITIES IS, IS DEFENSE AGAINST STATE INTERVENTION, STATE MANDATE, UNFUNDED MANDATES. AND SO I KNOW A LOT OF THAT IS, I THINK BUILT OUT OR, OR, OR, YOU KNOW, IS, IS WORDED IN, OUT IN SOME OF SOME OF OUR PRIORITIES AND, AND SOME OF OUR VALUE STATEMENTS. BUT I CANNOT STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYING DEFENSE BECAUSE THAT'S REALLY WHAT COUNTIES HAVE BEEN HAVE BEEN DOING OVER THE LAST AT LEAST SINCE, YOU KNOW, 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. YOU KNOW, I, I WON'T BE AROUND TO TO SEE WELL, I'LL BE AROUND TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS, BUT I WON'T BE AROUND TO, TO ADVOCATE AS I HAVE IN THE PAST ON BEHALF OF THE, OF THE COUNTY. BUT YOU KNOW, I, I KNOW THAT WE LEAVE THE THE FUTURE OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVELY IN GOOD HANDS HERE WITH OUR LOBBY TEAM AND WITH, WITH ALISA TAMAYO. AND SO THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR, FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK, COMMISSIONER. AND THANK YOU. THANK YOU, LISA, AND OUR TEAM. GREAT TEAM OUT THERE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU LISA. THANK YOU GUYS. THANK YOU. JUDGE. JUDGE, DID YOU WANT TO GO TO THE ITEM FOR THE TOUR'S NEXT. WHATEVER YOU FEEL WHAT WHAT'S YOUR COMFORT LEVEL AT THIS POINT? I KNOW THAT THEY'RE HERE FOR THE TOUR'S ITEM. I DO KNOW ALSO THAT ITEM EIGHT A IS REALLY A QUICK ITEM AND THEY'VE BEEN WAITING AS WELL. OKAY, SO DO YOU WANT TO DO EIGHT A AND THEN GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PLEASE? ITEM NUMBER EIGHT A FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT CLERK APPROVE AND RECORDED TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING MINUTES. THE DISTRICT CLERK 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 84.00384.021, [A. Approve and record into the Commissioners 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 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027). Norma Favela-Barceleau, District Clerk, District Clerk's Office, 915-273-3534] 84.90111, 1.04415, 2.03115, 2.03215, 2.034 AND 152.905. ADDITIONALLY, APPROVE PROPOSED [06:05:08] 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 THE ORDER BE RECORDED INTO THE MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS COURT. THE. 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, THANK YOU. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. CRYSTAL. WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE WITH A. CAN WE PLEASE GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION? OKAY. FOR THE ITEM FOR TOURS? SURE. AT THIS TIME, COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM NUMBER 12 E PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.0725, COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECONVENE TO TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION. IT IS 3:38 P.M. [06:11:21] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO, AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, 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 [06:15:05] 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 [06:20:03] SUPPORTS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ON THEIR PATHWAY TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP. AND I SPEAK 915, OUR COUNTY WIDE 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. WELL, 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. WELL. 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 IS IT 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, [06:25:05] PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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 RELATIONSHIPS 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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. SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES. SEE WHAT [06:30:02] 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US 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 EFFO. 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. THIS IS A MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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 ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANNA YANEZ, 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. [06:36:24] 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, [06:40:01] 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. WELL. 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 COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. 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 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. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS 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 [06:45:07] TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HAHA. HEY. 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 ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE 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 US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR. FISCAL YEAR 2020 FOR 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. [06:50:03] CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. 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. THIS IS A MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS 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. ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANNA YANEZ, 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 PHOTO. COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS RECONVENED INTO REGULAR OPEN SESSION. IT IS 4:22 P.M. WE'RE ON ITEM NUMBER NINE A FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. DISCUSS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY AND THE TOWN OF HORIZON CITY. TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT TO EXPAND COUNTY PARTICIPATION TO EXPANSION AREA A ONE DEDICATE THE COUNTY'S TAX INCREMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREATER HORIZON CITY REGIONAL SPORTS [A. Discuss and take appropriate action to approve the First Amendment between El Paso County and the Town of Horizon City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 1 Interlocal Agreement to expand County participation to Expansion Area A-1, dedicate the County's tax increment to the development of the Greater Horizon City Regional Sports Park, and subsequently redirect the tax increment to support the future County office facility project. Further, approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the corresponding Order Approving the First Amendment to the El Paso County Agreement Regarding the TIRZ. (Contract No. 2026-0526) Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development Department, 915-273-3583] PARK AND SUBSEQUENTLY REDIRECT THE TAX INCREMENT TO SUPPORT THE FUTURE COUNTY OFFICE FACILITY PROJECT. FURTHER, A PROVEN AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE CORRESPONDING ORDER APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE EL PASO COUNTY AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TOURS CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0526. JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. FOR THE RECORD. ROBERTA RANSOM, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THIS ITEM RELATES TO THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE COUNTY'S EXISTING INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH HORIZON CITY FOR TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE. AS YOU MAY RECALL FROM OUR PREVIOUS DISCUSSION, THE COUNTY ALREADY PARTICIPATES IN THIS TERSE AS BRIEF BEFORE WE ARE CONSIDERING AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PARTNERSHIP TO INCORPORATE THE PROPOSED EXPANSION AND CONNECT THE COUNTY'S PARTICIPATION TO TWO IMPORTANT REGIONAL OBJECTIVES. THE FIRST IS SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREATER HORIZON CITY REGIONAL SPORTS PARK. THE SECOND IS HELPING ADVANCE A SHARED USE GOVERNMENT FACILITY THAT WOULD PROVIDE DEDICATED OFFICE SPACE FOR EL PASO COUNTY AND ALLOW US TO BETTER SERVE RESIDENTS IN THIS RAPIDLY GROWING PART OF THE COUNTY. TODAY, I WILL BRIEFLY REVISIT THE BACKGROUND OF THE TOURS, EXPLAIN THE EXPANSION, AND DIRECTLY ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS PROVIDED AND GUIDED BY THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT, I'M GOING TO GO INTO SLIDE NUMBER SIX, WHICH IS REGIONAL SPORT PROJECT. THE BACKGROUND. YES. SO THIS BRINGS US TO THE PRINCIPAL PUBLIC PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED EXPANSION, THE GREATER HORIZON CITY REGIONAL SPORTS PARK. HORIZON CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IDENTIFIES THIS PROJECT AS AN IMPORTANT QUALITY OF LIFE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRIORITY. THE CITY COMPLETED ITS FEASIBILITY STUDY BACK IN 2022. THE ESTIMATED DEVELOPMENT [06:55:01] COST EXPRESSED IN $2,026 IS APPROXIMATELY 35 MILLION. THE CONCEPT COULD INCLUDE SOCCER, BASEBALL, SOFTBALL, FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL, BMX AND SKATE AREAS, TRACK AND FIELD, MULTI-USE TOURNAMENT FIELDS. THE HORIZON CITY EDC. THE MAYOR WOULD FACILITATE COMMUNITY CHARRETTES AND OPEN PUBLIC INPUT SESSION TO HELP SHAPE THE DESIGN OF THE REGIONAL SPORTS PARK, BASED ON THE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED BY THE COMMUNITY. THERE'S ALSO THE POSSIBILITY OF A LARGER INDOOR RECREATIONAL AND EVENT COMPONENT THAT COULD ACCOMMODATE LEAGUES, TOURNAMENTS, TRADE SHOWS, FITNESS PROGRAMS, YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND OTHER ROUND EVENTS. THE VISION IS FOR A REGIONAL RECREATIONAL SPORTS TOURISM DESIGNATION THAT CAN SERVE RESIDENTS WHILE ALSO ATTRACTING VISITORS AND SUPPORTING SURROUNDING COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT. SO COMMISSIONERS TO JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS TO BE VERY CANDID ABOUT THE DIRECTION AND THE QUESTIONS THAT YOU WANTED TO ADDRESS TODAY. I, I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE HAVE CRAFTED TODAY ON, ON A, AN AGREEMENT FOR AN EXTENSION FOR TOURS ONE A AND THIS AGREEMENT BASICALLY INDICATES THAT WE WOULD BE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF HORIZON FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS. HOWEVER, THIS AGREEMENT INDICATES THAT WE WILL BE THERE FOR TEN YEARS OR 73 MILLION. HOWEVER, THIS AGREEMENT DOESN'T INCLUDE ANY PARTICULAR LANGUAGE AS FAR AS IF IT'S GOING TO GO ONLY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE AND AND FOR THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE MEMBER OF THE EDC, MR. EDUARDO GARCIA, IF THE IF IF WE COULD GO AHEAD AND CONSIDER THAT THIS EXPENSE IS ONLY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARK, AND IF THEY WOULD BE AGREEABLE TO THAT. YES, ABSOLUTELY. EDDIE GARCIA, WITH THE TOWN OF HORIZON CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. AND SO RIGHT NOW, WHAT WE'RE ANTICIPATING IS THAT IT'S FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF OF THE PARK, RIGHT? BECAUSE JUST THE, THE UPFRONT EXPENSE, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY THAT BACK OVER TIME. AND SO THIS IS ESSENTIALLY REBATING THOSE PROPERTY TAXES TO THESE FOLKS THAT ARE GOING TO HELP US WITH UPFRONT DOLLARS. SO THE CITY OF HORIZON IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF THE PARK, BUT WE NEED TO PAY THE PARK. THIS IS WHY WE'RE HERE TO TO ACTUALLY PAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARK. DOES THAT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION? IT WASN'T CLEAR IN THE PRESENTATION THAT AND NOT JUST THE INITIAL TEN YEAR PHASE, BUT THE ENTIRE AMOUNT. SO THAT WAS MY QUESTION. YEAH. I MEAN, SO THE CITY AND, YOU KNOW, IN PERPETUITY IS THE ONE THAT'S GOING TO UNDERTAKE THE THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF THE PARK. SO NONE OF THE FUNDS AFTER THE FIRST TEN YEARS ARE GOING TO GO TOWARDS ANY MAINTENANCE, BECAUSE I SAW THAT THERE WAS ADMINISTRATIVE COST ITEM IN THERE. SO THOSE ARE THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST IS FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO ADMINISTER THE TOURIST PROGRAM BECAUSE THERE'S WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. IN OTHER WORDS, IT WILL LIKELY BE MY, MY, MY OFFICE THAT WILL ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM, THAT TOURIST PROGRAM. RIGHT. SO WHAT THAT MEANS IS AS PROPERTY TAXES COME IN, WE HAVE TO GO OUT THERE, RECONCILE WHAT'S COMING IN, AND THEN PAYING BACK TO THE DEVELOPER. YOU KNOW, THOSE PROPERTY TAXES, THE MONEY THAT THEY INVESTED UPFRONT. SO THAT'S THE ADMINISTRATIVE SIDE OF IT. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF THE PARK. SO THERE HAS TO BE SOMEBODY THAT'S DOING THAT WORK, YOU KNOW, AND, AND AT THIS POINT, EVEN THOUGH IT'S THERE, WE LEAVE IT AS A PLACEHOLDER. IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THAT WE'RE GOING TO CHARGE THE CITY TO DO IT BECAUSE WE'RE ALL ONE TEAM AT THE END OF THE DAY. BUT NONE OF THE FUNDS THAT ARE DIRECTED TO THIS TOURS WILL BE USED FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN INCLUDING AFTER THE TEN YEARS. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE PARK NOW. YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT THE PARK ISSUE, BUT I'M TALKING ABOUT FUNDS AFTER THAT. FUNDS AFTER THE TEN YEAR PERIOD. YEAH. SO THE COUNTY'S PORTION WILL NOT THE CITY MAY UTILIZE THOSE DOLLARS FOR THE PARK. THE CITY'S PORTION MAY UTILIZE THOSE DOLLARS FOR THE PARK, FOR MAINTENANCE, FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION. BUT THEN AT THAT POINT, AFTER THE TEN YEAR PERIOD, THE CITY REALLY NEEDS TO GO AND LOOK AT WHERE THEY'RE AT. WE MAY REDUCE THE AMOUNT THAT WE'RE PARTICIPATING IN. YOU KNOW, WE JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT THOSE TEN YEARS ARE GOING TO LOOK LIKE. BUT THE PRIORITY [07:00:02] DURING YEAR ONE THROUGH TEN IS TO PAY DOWN THAT, THAT PARK. RIGHT? THEN AFTER THAT, WE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO WITH THE TOURS AT YEAR 11, RIGHT? BUT THAT'S THAT'S THE CITY AT THAT POINT, NOT NECESSARILY THE COUNTY, BUT NONE OF THOSE COUNTIES PORTION OF IT, AND THAT'S WHAT WAS NOT CLEAR, WOULD BE USED FOR MAINTENANCE AFTER THE TEN YEARS. NO, SIR. OKAY. YOU KNOW, I THINK WE JUST NEED TO SPELL THAT OUT BECAUSE Y'ALL WERE INTENDING TO USE PART OF THAT FROM THAT FROM THE CITY'S PORTION TOWARDS MAINTENANCE, RIGHT? NO, AT THIS POINT, WE'RE NOT, YOU KNOW, THE PRIORITY IS PAYING DOWN THAT COST BECAUSE THERE'S A TIME VALUE OF MONEY, YOU KNOW, PERSPECTIVE FROM THE DEVELOPER THAT'S INVESTING THESE DOLLARS UPFRONT. AND SO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN HANDLE THAT. THAT'S OUR PRIORITY. THAT'S ALWAYS BEEN OUR PRIORITY. I UNDERSTAND THAT, SIR. OKAY, COMMISSIONER. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, JUDGE. I JUST I WANTED TO MAKE A COMMENT. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CORONADO, FOR BRINGING THAT FORWARD. I GUESS MY WORRY IS IF WE DON'T MOVE FORWARD BECAUSE WE NOW NEED TO MAKE THIS CORRECTION, I'M JUST WORRIED. THIS IS, I THINK, THE SECOND OR THIRD TIME THAT THE FOLKS FROM THE CITY OF HORIZON HAVE BEEN HERE, AND WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD. IT SOUNDS LIKE WE'RE ALL NOW ON THE SAME PAGE THIS. SO I'M JUST WONDERING IF THERE'S ANY WAY THAT WE CAN JUST. I THOUGHT WE AGREED THAT GIVEN THE CONSIDERATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED, THAT WE WOULD MOVE FORWARD TODAY, IS THAT THAT WOULD BE MY PREFERENCE. YEAH. I THINK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S WAS CONCERNED THAT THEY WANTED THE EXACT WORDING ON THEIR. SO IF IF YOU ALL I MEAN, IT IS UP TO THE COURT'S DISCRETION, RIGHT? WHETHER YOU ALL WANT TO MAKE A MOTION TO TO ACCEPT OR APPROVE THE AGREEMENT WITH THE REVISION THAT IT IS ONLY FOR CONSTRUCTION, THEN THAT IS THE COURT'S PREROGATIVE. SINCE THIS IS SOMETHING OF THIS MAGNITUDE, I. I PERSONALLY WOULD PREFER TO GO BACK, INTEGRATE THE LANGUAGE, PUT THAT THE FULL AND FINAL DRAFT WITH ALSO THE APPROVAL OF HORIZONS ATTORNEY'S REVIEW. RIGHT. BECAUSE MISS FIRTH ISN'T HERE AND YOU KNOW, SO IT WOULD JUST BE HER AND I ESSENTIALLY. AND ALSO THE TOWN OF HORIZON WHO WOULD SEE WHERE THOSE FINAL CHANGES WITH REGARDS TO CONSTRUCTION ARE MADE. BUT IF THAT IS THE COURT'S DIRECTIVE TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE PENDING FINAL LEGAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL WITH MISS FIRST INPUT, THEN WE CAN DO THAT, THAT THAT WOULD THAT WAS ONLY MY SUGGESTION THOUGH, COMMISSIONER. YEAH, I, I JUST I FEEL LIKE AND I, IT IS IT IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT DID NEED CLARIFICATION. BUT AS FAR AS THE CHANGES, IT'S JUST SPECIFYING THAT IT'S CONSTRUCTION. I MEAN, HOW MUCH OF THE DOCUMENT IS GOING TO CHANGE AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO DISCUSS WITH MISS FIRTH. RIGHT. BUT I AUTOMATICALLY, I THINK RECITALS AND PROBABLY ALSO IN SECTION 3.15 TO MAKE CLEAR IN SECTION 3.15 THAT ANY ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT MAY BE DEEMED AS CONSTRUCTION WOULD NEED TO BE BROUGHT BACK. ANOTHER POTENTIAL CONSIDERATION, RIGHT, IS WOULD YOU ALL WANT TO LIMIT ESSENTIALLY THE PAYMENTS THAT ARE MADE TO THE DEVELOPER? LIKE, DOES THAT COUNT AS CONSTRUCTION? IT'S LIMITED TO THAT ELEMENT. AND THEN ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT IS PAID BACK TO THE DEVELOPER, WHICH IS PRESUMABLY FOR CONSTRUCTION WOULD THEN NEED TO BE, WOULD NEED TO BE, WOULD NEED A RETURN TO THE COURT. I GUESS MY QUESTION IS, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE ONCE WE MAKE THIS CHANGE, ARE IF WE'RE READY TO MOVE FORWARD. ONCE WE MAKE THIS CLARIFICATION, I WOULD JUST HATE FOR THE CITY TO HAVE TO COME BACK AGAIN NEXT WEEK. AND THEN WE'RE FINDING OURSELVES IN THE SAME POSITION AGAIN. THERE'S TIME SENSITIVITY OF WHAT THE HORIZON WANTS TO COMPLETE. CAN THIS BE BROUGHT BACK NEXT MONDAY OR MONDAY AFTER TIME TO STILL POST THE NEXT MONTH OR THE MONDAY AFTER? IS THAT STILL WITHIN THE TIME FRAME FOR ACTION? PREFERABLY. THE SOONER THE BETTER. I THINK. YES. DO YOU WANT TO. OR MAYOR? APOLOGIZE? I DIDN'T RECOGNIZE OUR MAYOR HERE TODAY. AND AND BACK TO OUR OTHER MAYOR. SO WE'VE GOT TWO TWO MAYORS HERE. THANK YOU, MAYOR MILLER, AND THANK THANK YOU. APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS. PROUD MAYOR FOR THE TOWN OF HORIZON CITY. AND I DO WANT TO SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, IN THE I GUESS WE'VE GONE KIND OF BACK AND FORTH A FEW TIMES NOW TO GET THIS LANGUAGE DOWN. SO THAT WAY EVERYBODY'S ON THE SAME PAGE. AND YES, I AGREE THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION ONLY. AND OF COURSE WE WOULD WE DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM PUTTING THAT INTO THE [07:05:02] LANGUAGE HERE IN, IN OUR CONTRACT AND IN THIS IN THIS AGENDA ITEM. BUT I DO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ALL UNDERSTAND THIS IS FOR CONSTRUCTION ONLY. AND IF, IF, IF YOU ALL ARE AGREEABLE TO IT, WE WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD ON THIS. AND IF YOU ALL DECIDED YOU WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND VOTE ON THIS AGENDA ITEM, WE WOULD DO THAT IN CONSIDERATION. AS LONG AS THE THE THE WORDING IS IN THIS AGENDA ITEM AS PRESENTED BY COMMISSIONER CORONADO FOR THIS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION ONLY. WE'RE OKAY WITH THAT. IF YOU DO WANT TO GO AHEAD AND WAIT TILL NEXT WEEK, WE'RE FINE WITH THAT AS WELL. WE JUST REALLY WANT TO MOVE THIS FORWARD AS FAST AS WE CAN BECAUSE WE ARE ON A TIME CONSTRAINT. WE WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS DONE AND THIS MOVING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, BECAUSE WE DO HAVE CONSTRUCTION GOING ON IN THAT AREA, AND WE DO HAVE COMMITMENTS THAT WE ARE TRYING TO KEEP FOR THE TOWN OF HORIZON CITY AS WELL. SO IF YOU AND AGAIN, THIS IS DEPENDENT ON YOU ALL. WE ARE JUST VERY THANKFUL FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ON THIS AGENDA ITEM BECAUSE IT DOES. THERE IS A BENEFIT FOR OUR SHARED CONSTITUENCY OUT THERE IN HORIZON CITY. SO AGAIN, WHETHER YOU TAKE THIS TODAY OR NEXT WEEK, OF COURSE, I WOULD PREFER IT TO BE TODAY. I WOULDN'T BE DOING MY JOB IF I DIDN'T SAY THAT. BUT IF YOU WANT TO BRING IT UP TO NEXT WEEK AND AND ARE YOU COMFORTABLE BECAUSE I MEAN, THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THEY HAVE TO BRING THE WHOLE TEAM OVER. AND IF THAT'S THE ONLY ITEM AND WE'RE SAYING BASED ON YOUR ON LEGAL, WOULD IT BE OKAY TO. IT IS DEFINITELY THE COURT'S PREROGATIVE. IT JUST WOULDN'T COME BACK TO THE COURT. SO REALLY, IT WOULD JUST BE WHERE I'M INSERTING LANGUAGE, RIGHT? TO JUST SAY CONSTRUCTION THROUGHOUT THE AGREEMENT AND FINALIZING WITH MISS FIRST. SO IF YOU ALL, IF THAT IS THE DIRECTION OF THE COURT, THEN YOU ALL CAN MAKE THAT MOTION AND I WILL INSERT LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT AND THEN FINALIZE WITH MISS FIRTH. OR WHAT IF WE WE VOTE TO GO FORWARD, BUT GIVING YOU THAT OPPORTUNITY AND THEN MAYBE THAT WAY NEXT WEEK, IT'S ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND WE SEE IT, BUT WE DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE TO MAKE THE ENTIRE CITY OF HORIZON LEADERSHIP COME TO THE MEETING. AGAIN. WE COULD DEFINITELY PUT IT ON CONSENT FOR NEXT NEXT WEEK, SUBJECT TO THE REVISIONS IN THE CONTRACT SPECIFYING CONSTRUCTION ONLY. AND THEN YOU ALL WOULD ESSENTIALLY RATIFY IT NEXT WEEK. YES, YES, I'LL MAKE THAT MOTION. I'LL SECOND. I JUST I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT ONE OF THE QUESTIONS I HAD WAS WHETHER THE COUNTY WOULD BE ABLE TO USE THE FACILITY. OH, YES. AND SO MAYBE THAT THAT CONVERSATION CAN ALSO TAKE PLACE OVER THIS WEEK. AND IT COULD BE DRAFTED INTO THE. ABSOLUTELY. YEAH. SO THIS IS THIS IS THIS IS A GOING TO BE A SHARED USE WITH THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY AS WELL. SO IF THERE ARE COUNTY EVENTS THAT, THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO, TO, YOU KNOW, OF COURSE, COME OUT TO HORIZON CITY. YOU KNOW, I LOVE HIGHLIGHTING MY TOWN AND WHAT BETTER, WHAT BETTER PARTNERSHIP THAN WITH THE COUNTY ITSELF. THANK YOU. ABSOLUTELY. YEAH. IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING IN MIND, WE WOULD LOVE TO SIT DOWN AND TALK WITH YOU ALL ABOUT THAT. THANK YOU MAYOR. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. AND I THINK THE GOAL IS TO COMPLIMENT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE SPORTS PARK, RIGHT. WE WE KNOW THAT THE SPORTS PARK IS NOT BIG ENOUGH TO HANDLE ALL OF THE SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS. AND SO THE IDEA WOULD BE TO COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER. ABSOLUTELY. YEAH. SO THERE, THERE ARE ENOUGH KIDS OUT THERE LOOKING FOR PARKS THAT WE COULD PACK THAT PLACE TOO. SO LIKE, LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, IT'S NOT EVEN BUILT YET. AND IT'S ALREADY FULL, YOU KNOW, SO WE'RE, WE'RE READY TO TAKE ON THOSE TEAMS AND, AND PARTNER UP WITH YOU ALL. SO AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. THANK YOU. I THINK THIS IS A GREAT YOU KNOW, THIS IS A GREAT REALLY PROJECT NOT TO SELL ME JUST THAT IT'S THE DETAILS THAT WE NEED TO IRON OUT. BUT YOU KNOW, AS YOU KNOW, AS YOU KNOW, YOU JUST LOOK AT MY WEBSITE FOR PRECINCT FOUR, WE'RE ALL ABOUT PARKS. AND I'M JUST HOPING, HOPING THAT DOWN IN THE FUTURE, WE ALL ARE, YOU KNOW, EQUALLY SUPPORTIVE OF REGIONAL PARKS IN OUR ENTIRE COUNTY. ABSOLUTELY, ABSOLUTELY. YES, SIR. BECAUSE I THINK THAT'S REALLY BENEFITS OUR ENTIRE COUNTY. YES, SIR. AND THIS, I THINK IS GOING TO BE A GREAT, GREAT ADDITION. YEAH. WE YOU KNOW, WE WERE WE'RE GOING TO BE THAT, THAT, THAT I GUESS YOU COULD SAY PILOT PARK PILOT TEST AND THAT FOR EVERYBODY ELSE REALLY ACROSS THE NATION ON HOW TO GET THINGS DONE AND HOW TO MOVE THINGS FORWARD QUICKLY. SO I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. AND I KNOW THAT OUR, THE FOLKS OUT IN THE TOWN OF HORIZON CITY, THEY'RE LOOKING FOR IT BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A PARK LIKE THIS FOR A LONG, LONG TIME. AND IT'S NOT JUST THE FOLKS THAT LIVE IN HORIZON CITY, IT'S EVERYBODY THAT LIVES OUT IN THAT AREA TO INCLUDE, EVEN AS FAR AS TORNILLO, FABENS, CLINT, SOCORRO, EVERYBODY IN THAT AREA CAN USE THAT THAT THAT PROPERTY. MONTANA. VISTA. EVERYBODY OUT IN THAT THE THOSE NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES. SO THIS IS GOING TO BE A GOOD THING. AND WE REALLY DO APPRECIATE YOUR HELP WITH IT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU ALL. JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU. MISS SCHUMACHER. IF I COULD HAVE YOU SUMMARIZE THE MOTION ONE MORE [07:10:05] TIME, PLEASE. VERBATIM, THE WAY WE SAID IT FIVE MINUTES AGO. SO IT WOULD BE TO YOU KNOW, LET ME I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE THE AGENDA. AGENDA LANGUAGE. MAY JUST BE THE AGENDA LANGUAGE. SO IT WOULD BE TO APPROVE IT. OH YES. THE AGENDA. THANK YOU. SO WOULD BE TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE FIRST SUBJECT TO LEGAL REVIEW, FINAL LEGAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL, THE FIRST AMENDMENT BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY AND THE TOWN OF HORIZON TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT TO EXPAND THE COUNTY PARTICIPATION TO EXPANSION AREA A ONE TO DEDICATE THE COUNTY'S TAX INCREMENT TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREATER HORIZON CITY REGIONAL SPORTS PARK AND SUBSEQUENTLY REDIRECT THE TAX INCREMENT TO SUPPORT THE FUTURE COUNTY OFFICE FACILITY PROJECT. WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THAT REVISED AMENDMENT TO BE RATIFIED THE FOLLOWING WEEK WOULD INCLUDE PROVISIONS FOR SHARED USE OF THE PARK ITSELF, AS WELL AS LIMITING THE COUNTY'S CONTRIBUTION TO CONSTRUCTION. FURTHER, A PROVEN AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE CORRESPONDING ORDER, THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE EL PASO COUNTY AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TERMS. AND. WE HAD A MOTION FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. VOTING IS OPEN. I VOTE I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CORONADO. NO, THAT IS A NO VOTE FROM COMMISSIONER STOUT. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. GOOD LUCK. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MAYOR. AND BASEBALL FIELDS AND FOOTBALL FIELDS HERE. THANK YOU. GOOD TO SEE YOU. WHICH ITEM WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE WITH? WE COULD PLEASE GO TO ITEM NINE B. ITEM NINE B FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. DISCUSS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED CREATION OF THREE NEW HERITAGE TOURISM EMPLOYEE POSITIONS FUNDED BY HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX FUNDS AND TRANSITIONING THE LOS PORTALES MUSEUM AND INFORMATION CENTER AND THE OLD EL PASO COUNTY JAIL OPERATIONS TO A COUNTY MANAGED OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE UNDER THE [B. Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the proposed creation of three new Heritage Tourism employee positions funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds and transitioning the Los Portales Museum and Information Center and the Old El Paso County Jail operations to a County managed operational structure under the Economic Development Department’s Heritage Tourism Division. Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development Department, 915-273-3583] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT'S HERITAGE TOURISM DIVISION. THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS CYNTHIA RENTERIA WITH HERITAGE, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. FOR THE RECORD. GOOD. SO AS YOU KNOW, THE SAN ELIZARIO GENEALOGY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND THEIR MISSION IS STATED ON THE SLIDE, HAS OPERATED THE LOS PORTALES MUSEUM AND OLD COUNTY JAIL FOR 29 YEARS. WELL, THAT'S LOOKED DIFFERENT OVER THE YEARS. AND MANY PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS, ALONG WITH SEGA'S CONTRIBUTED OVER TO CREATE THE SPACE AND INTERPRETATION WE HAVE TODAY. THIS YEAR, TO COMPLY WITH PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT RULES AND LAWS. WE WORKED WITH THE COUNTY PURCHASING DEPARTMENT TO GO OUT FOR A FORMAL RFP. I WORK CLOSELY WITH THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT ON THE RFP PROCESS. WE HOSTED A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION AT LOS PORTALES, READY TO GIVE VENDORS TOURS OF THE HISTORIC SITES. UNFORTUNATELY, NO ONE ATTENDED. WE EXTENDED THE DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS AT LEAST THREE TIMES. AND AT THE. AT THIS POINT TOO, WE KNEW THAT CJIS DID NOT WANT TO BID. WE KNEW AHEAD OF TIME THAT THE ORGANIZATION WAS LOOKING TO TAKE A STEP BACK AFTER THIS YEAR. IN FACT, LILLY AND MISS LILLIAN TRUJILLO, THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF CJS, HAD EXPRESSED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR THAT SHE'S READY TO MOVE ON AND DO OTHER THINGS AND AND WANTS TO REST IS WHAT SHE TELLS ME, WHICH IS PERFECTLY UNDERSTANDABLE. AND AND SHE DOES SO MUCH FOR THE MUSEUM. THAT THEY'RE HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING SOMEONE THAT'LL DO WHAT SHE DOES FOR THE ORGANIZATION. SO THE FACT THAT WE DIDN'T GET ANY RESPONSE TO THE RFP HIGHLIGHTED THE NEED FOR A NEW APPROACH. I WANT TO PROVIDE A LITTLE BIT OF CONTEXT FOR OUR PROPOSAL. HISTORIC SITES OR A HISTORIC SITE MUSEUM IS SOMETHING VERY SPECIFIC. AND I [07:15:04] HAVE A PHOTO HERE OF OUR MUSEUM JUST FOR US TO REFLECT ON. AND ACCORDING TO UNESCO, HERITAGE SITES ARE LOCATIONS RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR CULTURAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR ARCHEOLOGICAL ARCHEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE SITES OFTEN PRESERVE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE. HOWEVER, NOT ALL HISTORIC SITES ARE MUSEUMS AND NOT ALL MUSEUMS ARE HISTORIC SITES. EL PASO HAS MANY MUSEUMS, BUT AS OF TODAY, ONLY THREE HISTORIC SITE MUSEUMS THE MAGOFFIN HOME STATE HISTORIC SITE AND THE COUNTY OWNS THE REST. THE LOS PORTALES MUSEUM, THE OLD EL PASO COUNTY JAIL, AND CASA RONQUILLO. ONCE IT IS ACTIVATED AND IN MY OPINION, THIS IS SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL. A REALLY QUICK ONE MORE POINT. ALL PUBLICLY OWNED MUSEUMS IN THE COUNTY ARE OPERATED BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE EMPLOYEES OF THE INSTITUTION OR AGENCY. THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY IS OPERATED BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE CITY EMPLOYEES. THIS IS ALSO TRUE FOR THE MUSEUM OF ART, THE MUSEUM OF ARCHEOLOGY, AND NEITHER OUR HISTORIC SITE MUSEUMS. THE CENTENNIAL MUSEUM IS OPERATED BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE UTEP EMPLOYEES. EL PASO COUNTY IS THE ONLY ENTITY IN THE AREA OUTSOURCING OPERATIONS TO A THIRD PARTY, WHICH IS WHY WE ARE BRINGING THIS PROPOSAL FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. SO THE SCOPE OF WORK. SO WE'RE PROPOSING THE CREATION OF THREE NEW COUNTY HERITAGE TOURISM POSITIONS, AND THESE POSITIONS WILL IMPLEMENT THE MUSEUM'S PROGRAMS, HISTORIC SITES, INTERPRETATION, ORAL HISTORY, DAILY OPERATIONS OF THE MUSEUM AND INFORMATION CENTER. BUT THIS TEAM WILL ALSO WORK ON COUNTY WIDE HERITAGE TOURISM INITIATIVES. WHILE THE HISTORIC SITES ARE LOCATED ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL, THESE ARE THE COUNTY'S HISTORIC SITE MUSEUMS AND CAN SERVE AS A HOME BASE FOR HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM. SO THE TRANSITION THAT WE ARE PROPOSING WITH THE NEW POSITIONS AND NEW POSITIONS WILL WOULD BE FULLY FUNDED BY HOT FUNDS WITH BENEFITS INCLUDED. THESE NEW POSITIONS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE HIRING WAITING PERIOD, SINCE THE FUNDING COMES FROM SPECIAL REVENUE AND THE OVERSIGHT THAT WE'RE THAT WE'RE PROPOSING ALSO IS THE TWO FULL TIME POSITIONS AND ONE PART TIME POSITION. AT THE MOMENT, THROUGH OUR CONTRACT WITH CJIS, WE HAVE FOUR PART TIME POSITIONS WITH NO BENEFITS, RANGING IN SALARIES FROM $13 TO $18 AN HOUR. THE NEW STAFF WILL BE LIMITED TO HOT ELIGIBLE HERITAGE TOURISM ACTIVITIES ONLY, BUT AGAIN WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE COUNTY WIDE. UNDER THIS PROPOSAL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND HERITAGE TOURISM DIVISION WILL HAVE DIRECT OVERSIGHT, LONG TERM OPERATIONAL CONTINUITY AND ENSURE THAT THE HERITAGE TOURISM INITIATIVES ARE ALIGNED WITH COUNTY LED INITIATIVES. SO WE DID REQUEST A LEGAL OPINION, WHICH STATED THAT THE PERMISSIBLE USE OF HOT FUNDS UNDER THE TAX CODE, BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT THOSE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ARE INCURRED DIRECTLY IN CONDUCTING AUTHORIZED TOURISM PROMOTION ACTIVITIES. SO SIMILAR TO THE WORK BEING DONE NOW BY CJIS, THERE IS A FUNDING DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE OUTSOURCED MODEL THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE AND THE COUNTY EMPLOYEE MODEL THAT WE PROPOSE, BUT WE WILL OFFER, UNDER THE COUNTY MODEL, A HIGHER LEVEL OF SERVICE, BE COUNTY LED AND HAVE CONSISTENT OPERATIONS AND SERVICES. ANOTHER BENEFIT OF BRINGING THE STAFF UNDER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS THAT YOU'RE ALREADY PAYING A PROFESSIONAL IN THE FIELD. ME SO JUST A LITTLE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THAT, IF YOU'LL INDULGE ME. I HAVE A PHD IN HISTORY FROM UTEP, AS I'M SURE YOU KNOW, BUT A MASTER'S DEGREE WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN PUBLIC HISTORY FROM NEW MEXICO STATE, WHERE MY FOCUS IN MY GRADUATE STUDIES WAS MUSEUMS, ARCHIVES AND ORAL HISTORY. SO PART OF MY PUBLIC HISTORY TRAINING INCLUDED A INTERNSHIP AT NASA'S HISTORY OFFICE IN JOHNSON SPACE CENTER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. SO MY EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, COUPLED WITH YEARS OF APPLIED WORK IN VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS, NONPROFITS, AND ALONGSIDE COMMUNITY PARTNERS, PLUS FIVE YEARS AS A COUNTY EMPLOYEE, ENSURES THAT I CAN PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ONBOARDING, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, CONSISTENT OVERSIGHT OF OUR HISTORIC SITES. THE HOURS THAT WE'RE PROPOSING WOULD ALSO SHIFT SLIGHTLY. RIGHT NOW, THE MUSEUM IS OPEN EVERY DAY EXCEPT FOR MONDAY. I'M SORRY, EVERY DAY EXCEPT FOR WEDNESDAY. SO IT MAKES SENSE THAT THE HISTORIC SITES HOURS OF OPERATION COMPLEMENT THAT OF THE SAN ELIZARIO HISTORIC DISTRICT AND MISSION TRAIL BUSINESSES, WHICH WOULD BE WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY. LET'S TALK A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE SALARIES. SO [07:20:07] HERE YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE THAT I MENTIONED EARLIER. SO TO FUND THE INCREASED LEVEL OF SERVICE, YOU'RE LOOKING AT ABOUT A 90,318 INCREASE IN APPLICATION OF OUR COUNTY HOT FUNDS. THE NUMBERS, THESE NUMBERS AND THE SALARY RANGE WERE PROVIDED BY HR. THEY REVIEWED IT TO ENSURE THE ACCURATE COUNTY GRADE FOR ENTRY LEVEL MUSEUM PROFESSIONALS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NUMBERS MAY CHANGE BASED ON THE COLA AND STUFF THAT THE COURT HAS GRACIOUSLY PROVIDED. I DID SPEAK WITH OUR BUDGET ANALYST, AND THE AMOUNT AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW IS THE AMOUNT THAT WE HAVE IN HOT FUNDS TODAY WOULD COVER THIS PROPOSAL FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS, AND THREE YEARS IS ABOUT WHAT WE WOULD HAVE HAD HAD THE RFP GONE THROUGH. WE WOULD HAVE HAD A CONTRACT FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS. SO THIS IS A SUSTAINABLE PLAN THAT WILL BRING CONSISTENT OPERATION TO OUR HISTORIC SITES. I'M GOING TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS. SO IT HAS DONE THEIR DUE DILIGENCE, DUE DILIGENCE AND PROVIDED AN ESTIMATED COST. SO WHAT YOU'RE SEEING WITH THE 17000 NUMBER, THIS IS ON THE VERY HIGH END. IF WE WERE TO START FROM SCRATCH, WE'VE WE HAVE WE'VE HAD SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT NEXT STEPS. IF THE COURT APPROVES THIS PROPOSAL AND CONSIDER. AND CONSIDERING THAT THERE IS EXISTING EQUIPMENT AT LOS PORTALES, IT WOULD DO AN EVALUATION OF THAT EQUIPMENT TO SEE IF IT'S UP TO COUNTY STANDARDS, AND WE COULD POSSIBLY REUSE A LOT OF IT. WE ALSO MAY NOT NEED THINGS LIKE PHONES, BECAUSE SPECTRUM WILL BE THE INTERNET PROVIDER AT THE MUSEUM, THE INTERNET AND PHONE PROVIDER. SO THE ESTIMATE THAT I AM, THAT I AM, THAT I PUT TOGETHER IS CLOSER TO 8551 FOR LAPTOPS AND SOFTWARE FOR THREE EMPLOYEES. THERE'S AN EXISTING OPERATING ACCOUNT, WHICH IS WHAT WE USE TO FUND THE CJS CONTRACT. WE EXTENDED THE CGI'S CONTRACT TODAY ON CONSENT THROUGH FOR THREE MONTHS INTO FISCAL YEAR 2027, WHICH IS TO FINISH OUT THE CALENDAR YEAR 2026. SO OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, BECAUSE THEIR CONTRACT ENDS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND WE DON'T HAVE A VENDOR TO OPERATE OUR HISTORIC SITES. SO THANK YOU FOR THAT SUPPORT. SO BECAUSE THERE ARE STARTUP COSTS AND OPERATION COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROPOSAL, AFTER SPEAKING WITH BUDGET, THE RECOMMENDATION IS THAT WE FULLY FUND THE SALARIES AND CREATE THE NECESSARY SALARY AND BENEFIT ACCOUNTS FOR THE THREE COUNTY POSITIONS, LEAVING THE OPERATION ACCOUNT AS IS FOR FY 27 TO ENSURE THE STARTUP COSTS ARE COVERED AND THAT THERE IS FUNDING FOR OPERATIONS. AND THAT IS THE NUMBER THAT YOU SEE THERE, THE 88,000. SO I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS MUCH MORE THAN WE'LL NEED, BUT WE'LL NEED TO IMPLEMENT THIS MODEL TO BETTER EVALUATE WHAT THE OPERATION COSTS WILL BE. AND THIS IS SOMETHING WE CAN CONTINUE TO REPORT BACK TO THE COURT AND PROVIDE UPDATES. SO IN CLOSING, EL PASO COUNTY HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL IN LOS PORTALES AND THE OLD COUNTY JAIL. THESE HISTORIC SITES ARE A SIGNIFICANT PART OF EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORY AND PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT RESIDENTS AND VISITORS WITH PEOPLE, PLACES, AND STORIES THAT HAVE SHAPED US AS A REGION, AS COUNTY OWNED HISTORIC RESOURCES. THEY SHOULD BE OPERATED, PRESERVED, PROMOTED AND INTERPRETED UNDER THE DIRECT LEADERSHIP OF EL PASO COUNTY. TRANSITIONING TO A COUNTY OPERATED MODEL WILL ENSURE THAT THESE MUSEUMS ARE CLEARLY RECOGNIZED AS COUNTY MUSEUMS, AND THAT THEIR OPERATIONS ARE ALIGNED WITH THE COUNTY'S BROADER GOALS FOR HERITAGE TOURISM, HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THIS APPROACH WILL STRENGTHEN ACCOUNTABILITY, PRESERVE INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PROVIDE THE COUNTY WITH GREATER CAPACITY TO RESPOND TO COMMUNITY NEEDS AND EXPAND PROGRAMING. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS TRANSITION REPRESENTS MORE THAN JUST A CHANGE IN OPERATIONS. IT IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD BUILDING A COUNTY WIDE MUSEUM AND HISTORIC SITE PROGRAM THAT PRESERVE, INTERPRET, AND INTERPRET EL PASO COUNTY'S RICH HISTORY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED COUNTY OPERATED MODEL ALLOWS THE COURT TO ESTABLISH THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE PROGRAM THAT ELEVATES THE COUNTY'S HISTORIC RESOURCES AND ENSURES THEY REMAIN A PUBLIC ASSET FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. BEFORE I TURN IT OVER TO YOU FOR QUESTIONS, ROBERTO WOULD LIKE TO ADD SOME FINAL THOUGHTS. THANK YOU. DOCTOR ROBERTA RANSOM, DIRECTOR, EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THIS PROPOSAL IS PART OF A BROADER, INTERCONNECTED, INTERCONNECTED [07:25:01] PROGRAM AND VISION TO STRENGTHEN HOW THE COUNTY MANAGES, PRESERVES, AND ACTIVATES AND MAINTAINS ITS HISTORIC ASSETS IS NOT SIMPLY A TRANSITION INTO WHO OPERATES LOS PORTALES. IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH THE INTERNAL CAPACITY NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT A COORDINATED, COUNTYWIDE HERITAGE TOURISM STRATEGY. WITH THAT BROADER VISION IN MIND. OUR FIRST CONSIDERATION IS TIMING. LIKE DOCTOR RENTERIA MENTIONED, WE'RE WORKING UNDER A VERY TIGHT, TIGHT TRANSITION TIMELINE. IF THE COURT AUTHORIZES US TO MOVE FORWARD, WE WILL STILL NEED TO COMPLETE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS, RECRUITMENT AND INTERVIEWS, ONBOARDING, TRAINING AND THE NECESSARY LEARNING CURVE. FOLLOWING A COMPETITIVE PROCESS, WE NEED TO BEGIN NOW SO THAT SO THAT THE NEW TEAM CAN BE PREPARED TO RESUME OPERATIONS BEFORE JANUARY, WHEN CJIS WILL NO LONGER BE OPERATING THE SITE. IN-HOUSE MANAGEMENT ALSO CREATES A CLEAR LINE OF ACCOUNTABILITY. COUNTY EMPLOYEES WILL OPERATE UNDER THE DIRECTION AND SUPERVISION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE HERITAGE TOURISM DIVISION. PROVIDE GREATER OVERSIGHT, PERFORMING EXPENDITURES, PRESERVATION STANDARDS, VISITOR SERVICES, AND COMPLIANCE WITH AUTHORIZED USE OF HUD FUNDS. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS IS NOT SIMPLY ABOUT OPERATING LOS PORTALES AFTER JANUARY. WE'RE BUILDING AN INTERNAL CAPACITY NECESSARY TO MANAGE THE OLD COUNTY JAIL, STRENGTHEN LOS PORTALES, AND PREPARE FOR FUTURE ACTIVATION OF CASA RONQUILLO AND SUPPORT HERITAGE TOURISM INITIATIVES THROUGH EL PASO COUNTY. WE ALREADY HAVE EXPERIENCE. WE ALREADY HAVE EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE ARPA FUNDED AND MUSEUM MUSEUMS ON MAIN STREET INITIATIVE. DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS ON A COUNTYWIDE BASIS. WE CAN APPLY THE EXPERIENCE HERE. THAT GIVES US THE ABILITY TO DEVELOP PROGRAMING THAT IS NOT LIMITED TO INDIVIDUAL SITES OR LOCAL CONTENT, BUT CAN CONNECT WITH HISTORIC ASSETS, REGIONAL, STATE AND NATIONAL AUDIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES. THIS BROADER APPROACH IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE HISTORIC PRESERVATION IS NOT ABOUT PROTECTING OUR IS NOT ONLY ABOUT PROTECTING OUR HISTORY. IT CAN ALSO BE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL. NATIONAL RESEARCH HAS FOUND THAT HISTORIC AND CULTURAL TRAVELERS SPEND APPROXIMATELY 38% MORE PER TRIP, 623, COMPARED TO 457 FOR OTHER U.S. TRAVELERS AND TEND TO STAY LONGER AT THEIR DESTINATIONS. THAT PURCHASING POWER DOES NOT STOP AT THE MUSEUM DOOR. IT EXTENDS TO HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL, CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS AND OTHER BUSINESSES. THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COUNTY TO USE OUR HISTORIC ASSETS AS ECONOMIC ANCHORS AND ENCOURAGE VISITORS TO STAY LONGER, EXPLORE MORE OF OUR COMMUNITIES AND SPEND, EXPLORE MORE OF OUR COMMUNITIES AND SPEND MORE LOCALLY. ULTIMATELY, THIS IS WHERE ALL THE ELEMENTS COME TOGETHER. WE HAVE A SHARED VISION OF THE OLD COUNTY JAIL, LOS PORTALES AND FUTURE CASTLE RONQUILLO. NOT AS THREE ISOLATED FACILITIES, BUT AS INTERCONNECTED COUNTY HERITAGE ASSETS. MANAGING THEM, MANAGING THEM IN-HOUSE GIVES US THE ABILITY TO COORDINATE CONTENT PROGRAMING AND PROGRAMING COUNTYWIDE, MAINTAIN CONSISTENT HISTORICAL AND PRESERVATION STANDARDS, RETAIN INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SHARE RESOURCES ACROSS SITES, AND DEVELOPING AND DEVELOP PROGRAMING THAT ENCOURAGES VISITORS TO MOVE BETWEEN OUR HISTORIC DESTINATIONS. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE EXPERTISE, RELATIONSHIPS, EDUCATIONAL CONTENT AND PROGRAMS WE DEVELOP BECOME A COUNTY CAPACITY THAT REMAINS WITHIN THE COUNTY AND CAN CONTINUE TO GROW OVER TIME. SO WE'D LIKE TO HAVE THIS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION TODAY. ROBERTO. AND THERE'S JUST A COUPLE OTHER THINGS TOO WE WANT TO ADD. ONE OF THE THINGS ON THE $88,000.80 8000, OF COURSE, AS WITH ANY DEPARTMENT'S OPERATING BUDGET, WILL REQUIRE FULL JUSTIFICATION AND EXPLAIN WHAT THE USE OF THE FUNDS WOULD BE FOR. AND ANY REMAINING DOLLARS, OF COURSE, GOES BACK TO THE HOT CONTINGENCY FUND. THEN THE OTHER ASPECT, TOO, IS ONE OF THE CONCERNS THAT I KNOW, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN, YOU'VE SHARED WITH ME IS ABOUT RESPONSIVENESS AND WHAT WE CAN REQUIRE THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO THE FACILITIES WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WE'VE HAD SITUATIONS WHERE, UNEXPECTEDLY, WE HAVE A TOUR OR SOMETHING IS GOING ON, AND WE NEED TO OPEN THE FACILITY OR ACCESS A FACILITY, AND WE CAN [07:30:03] MAKE A REQUIREMENT THAT THERE'S A THAT AN EMPLOYEE BE WITHIN A CERTAIN RESPONSE TIME TO BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO NEEDS OF THE FACILITY. SO I THINK WE CAN ADDRESS THAT CONCERN AS WELL. COMMISSIONER. SO I DID HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. SO THESE WOULD BE THREE NEW POSITIONS, NOT INCLUDING YOUR CURRENT. BECAUSE RIGHT NOW I THINK WE HAVE TWO HISTORIC PRESERVATION. WE HAVE TWO WE'RE A TEAM OF TWO IN THE HERITAGE TOURISM DIVISION, MYSELF THE HERITAGE TOURISM COORDINATOR, CURRAN, THE HERITAGE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, WHICH IS LIKE AN MORE OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE ROLE. AND THESE WOULD BE THREE, TWO FULL TIME AND ONE PART TIME NEW EMPLOYEES. AND WOULD ALL THREE OF THEM HAVE TO BE HIRED AT ONCE, OR IS THAT SOMETHING WE COULD DO INCREMENTALLY, AS WE SEE WITH THE NEED, IS IT WOULD BE BETTER TO HIRE THEM AT ONCE TO ENSURE THE OPERATIONS CONTINUE AT THE HISTORIC SITES. THAT IS THE MINIMUM THAT WE WOULD NEED TO OPERATE THE TWO SITES AT THIS POINT, THE HOURS AND AT THE FULL HOURS. YEAH. SO TO BE FULL TIME AND ONE WOULD BE PART TIME. YES. AND THEN OF COURSE I WOULD BE ON SITE MORE TO ONBOARD THEM AND DO THE TRAINING. OKAY. AND I KNOW THAT WE DIDN'T GET RESPONSES TO THE RFP. DID WE EVER REACH OUT SPECIFICALLY TO THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO? I KNOW THAT NOW. THERE'S BEEN A MEETING SCHEDULED TO TALK TO THEM ABOUT HOW THEY COULD HELP, SUPPORT AND HELP, MAYBE HELP WITH SOME OF THE PROGRAMING, BUT, BUT PREVIOUSLY DID WE EVER. SO BECAUSE THIS WAS A FORMAL RFP AND THE RULES OF THE PROCUREMENT APPLY, I COULDN'T PERSONALLY REACH OUT TO THEM. RIGHT. THAT'S SOMETHING THAT HAS TO GO THROUGH PURCHASING. BUT I THOUGHT FOR INTER LOCALS WE COULD BECAUSE IT'S ANOTHER GOVERNMENT WE CAN FOR AN INTERLOCAL. WE HAVE NOT CONSIDERED AN INTERLOCAL UP TO THIS POINT. IT WAS RFP PROCESS, WHICH WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT AND HAD DIFFERENT REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS. YEAH. AND SO ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I HAVE FOUND VERY, VERY HELPFUL, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT GENEALOGY SOCIETY AND MISS TRUJILLO, SHE'S SHE'S BLESS HER HEART, SHE'S READY TO RETIRE. SO I UNDERSTAND THEY CAN'T KEEP GOING FORWARD. BUT, BUT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THOUGHT WAS A HUGE, HUGE BENEFIT IS THAT THAT ENTIRE GROUP IS PHYSICALLY LOCATED IN SAN ELIZARIO. AND I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES IT HAPPENED THAT, YOU KNOW, WE'RE TAKING A GROUP OUT THERE AND SOMEONE REALIZES WE DIDN'T ACTUALLY MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE JAIL TO BE OPEN. AND LITERALLY WE CALL HER AND TWO MINUTES LATER SHE'S THERE. SO I FEEL LIKE IT'S REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE SOMEONE PHYSICALLY PRESENT. I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S MAYBE ONE OF THESE THREE EMPLOYEES, OR IF THERE IS STILL SOME OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE ENTER INTO AN INTERLOCAL WITH THE CITY WHERE SOME OF THEIR EMPLOYEES MIGHT BE ABLE TO FILL IN SOME OF THOSE GAPS BECAUSE THEY'RE PHYSICALLY THERE AND, AND IT'S IN THEIR INTEREST TO MAKE THE ENTIRE HISTORIC DISTRICT SUCCESSFUL. AND I THINK THEY ARE INTERESTED IN TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO HELP SUPPORT THE COUNTY'S EFFORTS IN THIS AREA. SO I'M JUST WONDERING IF YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MIGHT LOOK LIKE AND A COUPLE OF THINGS RELATED TO THAT. THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTIONS BECAUSE THAT IS A GREAT POINT. WE WE, OF COURSE WANT TO SEE WHAT THE COURT'S DIRECTION IS TODAY. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I'VE BEEN TALKING TO MISS TRUJILLO ABOUT, BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE GENEALOGY ARCHIVE AT LOS PORTALES, IS MAINTAINING THE ARCHIVE THERE AND HAVING AN UNFUNDED AGREEMENT WITH CJIS FOR THEM TO CONTINUE TO USE THE MUSEUM AS THEIR ARCHIVE FOR US TO BE ABLE TO PULL FROM THE ARCHIVE FOR OUR EXHIBITS AND OUR PROGRAMING. SO THAT IS A DISCUSSION THAT IS STILL PENDING. VERY PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS WERE LIKE, OH YEAH, THAT SOUNDS GOOD. AND THEN OF COURSE, LONG TERM SAYING LIKE THE WOULD THE COUNTY BE YOUR PREFERRED LONG TERM REPOSITORY SHOULD THE ORGANIZATION DECIDE TO, YOU KNOW, TO COMPLETELY NOT EXIST OR TO COMPLETELY NOT CONTINUE JUST AS THOSE LONG TERM STEPS FOR THESE THINGS THAT ARE, ARE THEIRS. MOST OF WHAT IS AT THE MUSEUM BELONGS TO THE COUNTY, RIGHT? SO THAT IS ONE OPTION. THE OTHER OPTION COULD BE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY TO GIVE THEM ACCESS. WE HAVE HAD RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH CITY STAFF ABOUT COLLABORATING ON EVENTS, AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THEY'VE SHARED IS THAT SOME OF THE STRENGTHS THAT THE COUNTY HAS, LIKE COMMS, LIKE JUST ADDITIONAL PEOPLE THAT ARE PAID STAFF IS SOMETHING THAT THEY DON'T HAVE. RIGHT? SO IT MAKES SENSE TO PARTNER ON EVENTS. SO WE'LL BE LOOKING TO WORK TOGETHER ON THE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS EVENT AND THE LUMINARIAS FESTIVAL. ALSO, BECAUSE THE CITY HAS LIKE A CHRISTMAS EVENT. AND THEN LOS PORTALES HAD A CHRISTMAS EVENT AND IT MAKES SENSE TO PUT THOSE TOGETHER. BUT I WILL SAY THAT THE COLLABORATION ON EVENTS IS DIFFERENT THAN THEM OPERATING THE MUSEUM. BUT I THINK THAT THERE IS ROOM TO COLLABORATE WITH MANY PARTNERS ALONG THE [07:35:05] MISSION TRAIL TO ALSO HAVE THAT BROADER VIEW THAT, YES, IT'S IN SAN ELIZARIO. YES, IT TELLS SOME OF SAN ELIZARIO HISTORY, BUT IT ALSO TELLS MISSION TRAIL HISTORY. IT ALSO TELLS COUNTY HISTORY. SO YES, MA'AM, THERE'S WAYS TO, I THINK, MAKE THAT WORK. I MEAN, I THINK I'D LIKE TO SEE HOW THAT MIGHT WORK. I, YOU KNOW, WE'VE WE'VE BEEN VERY HESITANT TO ADD NEW POSITIONS. AND I UNDERSTAND THIS IS HOT FUND FUNDED AND NOT GENERAL FUND FUNDED THESE THREE NEW POSITIONS. BUT I JUST I KNOW THAT WE'VE, AS A COURT BEEN HAVING THESE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT WANTING TO BE CAREFUL ON ADDING NEW POSITIONS. SO I'D BE INTERESTED TO SEE IF MAYBE THERE IS A WAY TO COLLABORATE AND ENTER IT INTO AN INTERLOCAL WITH THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO, IF THEY HAVE THE CAPACITY TO DO IT. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY'RE INTERESTED IN AT LEAST HAVING THOSE DISCUSSIONS BEFORE WE APPROVE HIRING THREE NEW POSITIONS. THAT'S PERSONALLY HOW I FEEL. I THINK WHAT I DID LIKE IS THE ORGANIC GROWTH INTO TOURISM, BECAUSE YOU'VE GOT CASA RONQUILLO. AND SO IF WE LIMIT OUR TO THE CITY JUST ON THIS ONE, WE'RE STILL I FEEL LIKE WE'RE STILL ON STEP ONE WHERE I REALLY WANT TO, YOU KNOW, I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ONE MORE TIME. HOW COME YOU'RE NOT LIKE MESILLA? IT'S LIKE IT DRIVES ME CRAZY BECAUSE THEY, YOU KNOW, THEY SEEM MORE IN, YOU KNOW, THEY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT PLACE WORKS. IT HAPPENS. AND YOU'VE SEEN THE RESULTS OF THAT. AND I FEEL THAT'S WHAT WE'RE LACKING IS THAT WE DON'T HAVE THIS A LITTLE BIT OF A FOUNDATION. AND THEN FROM THERE, WE HAVE THIS ORGANIC GROWTH BECAUSE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT TOURISM. YOU'RE GOING TO YOU'RE GOING TO WORK WITH OTHER THINGS, NOT JUST THIS PARTICULAR ITEM. SO THAT'S, THAT WAS VERY ATTRACTIVE TO ME. WHAT, WHAT YOU BOTH SAID ABOUT THIS POTENTIAL OF GROWTH AND USING THE HOT FUNDS TO GET THERE. AND THAT'S THE ONE THAT INTERESTED ME. AND I DON'T KNOW IF WE GO TO THE CITY, THEN IT BECOMES ONE MORE PROJECT HERE AND THEN ANOTHER PROJECT OVER HERE. I SURE WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME NELLY AS SOMETHING THAT WE'VE AND YOU KNOW, BETSY AND I, WE'VE TALKED ABOUT HOW WE JUST CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT ZANELLI DOES BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE'VE DONE. WE'RE SORT OF WAITING TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAPPENS. AND I THINK THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SORT OF INVEST A LITTLE BIT IN, IN DOING THAT. SO. AND, AND I DON'T MEAN TO SUGGEST THAT WE LET ZANELLI TAKE IT OVER OR THE MANAGEMENT OR TAKE THE PLACE OF THE HERITAGE TOURISM OR THE GENEALOGY SOCIETY. I MEANT IF THERE WAS A WAY FOR THE COUNTY, I DO THINK THAT THE COUNTY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROGRAMING AND TAKE MUCH MORE DIRECT INVOLVEMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT. BUT I'M WONDERING IF INSTEAD OF JUST RELYING ON HIRING NEW STAFF, THERE'S A WAY WE COULD WORK TOGETHER, KIND OF A COMBINATION OF THE TWO WHERE WE'RE MAYBE ABLE TO SUBCONTRACT SOME DUTIES TO THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO IF THEY'RE INTERESTED. AGAIN, I KNOW YOU ALL HAVEN'T HAD THAT MEETING WITH THEM YET. IT'S SCHEDULED, I THINK, FOR THE 30TH, BUT I'M JUST WONDERING IF WE CAN GET A LITTLE BIT MORE INFORMATION ON HOW SOMETHING LIKE THAT MIGHT WORK INSTEAD OF JUST. AND THEY MIGHT BE. I'M HOPEFULLY NOT, BUT THEY MIGHT BE OFFENDED THAT WE DIDN'T CONSIDER THEM AS. BECAUSE I SAW HIS HIS PROGRAM, HE PRESENTED. MAYOR CHUCK OWEN PRESENTED THAT OVERALL KIND OF TOURISM AND ALL OF THAT. AND I'M SURE HE'S GOT TO CONSIDER THAT AS PART OF IT. SO I THINK MAYBE THAT CONVERSATION IS VERY IMPORTANT, SORT OF A PROFESSIONAL COURTESY TO SAY, HEY, YOU KNOW, THIS IS WHAT WE'D LIKE TO DO. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER. I MEAN, WOULD IT BE BETTER FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE OR THAT INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT OR. ROBERTO, YOU WERE GOING TO COMMENT. YES. THANK YOU JUDGE. YEAH. I JUST WANTED TO SHARE SHARE WITH YOU THAT WITHIN THE ARPA, THE ARPA PROJECTS, THEY HAVE BEEN A BIG EYE OPENER FOR, FOR FOR TOURISM, FOR THE DEPARTMENT. AS, AS I MENTIONED IN THE VERY BEGINNING, PROBABLY TWO YEARS AND A HALF AGO, WE'RE OPENING THE ENTIRE PLETHORA OF OPTIONS AND WE'RE SEEING WHAT WORKS BEST IN ADDITION TO THE ARP. SO RIGHT NOW WE HAVE A VERY GOOD SENSE OF THE TOURISM AND THE POTENTIAL, AND WE HAVE A VISION WHERE WE CAN PUT TOGETHER THE OLD COUNTY JAIL, FOR EXAMPLE. RIGHT NOW WE'RE TRYING TO BRING THE ROMANTICISM OF THE BILLY KID, RIGHT? BECAUSE THAT SELLS. AND THEN YEARS LATER ON, GO INTO THE HISTORY AND THE LAYERS OF HISTORY. SO THAT'S ONE WE'RE TRYING TO AS WELL CONNECT THE THREE ASSETS THAT WE HAVE UNTIL THE STORY BETWEEN BETWEEN THOSE THREE ASSETS, RIGHT. AND WHEN, WHEN YOU HAVE IN-HOUSE MANAGEMENT, WE HAVE PROJECT [07:40:05] MANAGEMENT, WE HAVE A CULTURE. WE HAVE MONTHLY MEETINGS EVERY MONDAY WHERE WE ARE CONSTANTLY PROVIDING THAT DIRECTION ON WHERE ARE YOUR METRICS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING AND HOW YOU'RE DOING IT AND WHY ARE YOU WHY ARE YOU LATE OR, OR GREAT, YOU'RE ON TIME, RIGHT? SO THAT IS, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK IS A STRENGTH FOR, FOR THE DEPARTMENT, THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT ASPECT. WE'RE LEARNING LEARNING A LOT ABOUT TOURISM, BUT WE'RE LEARNING. THE VISION THAT WE HAVE IS TO HOW DO WE BRING AND RETAIN MORE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRAVELERS FROM HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND TOURISM BECAUSE THEY'RE THE ONES WHO LIKE IN THIS STUDY THAT I MENTIONED, THEY'RE THE ONES WHO SPEND MORE, AND THEY'RE THE ONES WHO HAVE THE HIGHER, HIGHEST PURCHASING POWER. SO I ALSO THINK THAT A WAY OF COLLABORATION WITH WITH OTHER LOCAL PARTNERS IS THROUGH THE HOT FUNDS PROGRAM THAT THE COUNTY HAS, RIGHT? THEY CAN SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION AND WE CAN COLLABORATE IN PROGRAMING WITH, WITH THE EXISTING HOT FUNDS, HOW WE HOW THE COURT JUST APPROVED IT. RIGHT. WE HAVE AN OPENING IN THE FALL, AN OPENING IN THE IN THE IN THE SPRING. SO THAT'S A WAY TO THAT WE COULD COLLABORATE. AND THEN THE OTHER THING THAT I WANTED TO SHARE IS THAT LEARNING FROM THE FROM THE LEGAL OPINION THAT WE DID, IS THAT YOUR MONEY FROM HOT FUNDS UNDER CHAPTER 352, YOU CAN YOU CAN USE IT ONLY FOR A VERY, VERY LIMITED ROLE OF, OF THINGS. YOU CANNOT, FOR EXAMPLE, SERVE ANY OTHER THINGS ASIDE FROM TOURISM. BECAUSE IF THERE'S A FINDING, THEN YOU KNOW THAT CHAPTER 352 WOULD BE IN JEOPARDY. AND THERE HAS BEEN THAT I HAVE HEARD THERE HAS BEEN AUDITS AT THE CITY, NOT THE CITY AT THE CITY LEVEL AND COUNTY LEVELS. WHEN WHEN WE CONNECT WITH, YOU KNOW, THE OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER. SO IT'S SOMETHING THAT YOU WON'T HAVE BETTER FIDUCIARIES THAN, THAN YOUR, YOUR, YOUR TEAM MEMBERS HERE IN TAKING CARE OF, OF THE FUNDING OF THE CHAPTER 352 SO YOU WANT TO HAVE SOMETHING. SO THANK YOU, ROBERTO. AND I THINK, I THINK THERE ARE WAYS TO COLLABORATE, RIGHT? LIKE IF WE MAINTAIN THE OPERATIONS AS PROPOSED, EVEN IF WE START WITH TWO STAFF AND WAIT ON THE PART TIME, THERE'S WAYS THAT MAYBE WE CAN SEE HAVE THAT CONVERSATION WITH THE CITY AND SEE IF THEY'RE INTERESTED. WE DID START TALKING ABOUT AN UNFUNDED ILA WITH THE CITY FOR EVENTS. WE CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION TO EXPAND THAT IF NEEDED, BUT I THINK THAT IT WOULD BE A STEP TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING. I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS. JUDGE. THAT'S OKAY. MR. BUTLER, THANK YOU. SO I'M TRYING TO GET A BETTER IDEA OF THE BUDGET IMPACT AND THE BUDGET NEED FOR THIS POSITION, BECAUSE THE THE 208,000 FOR SALARIES AND FRINGE DOESN'T INCLUDE OPERATIONS BUDGET AT ALL. AND WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE OPERATIONS BUDGET IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE. WE KNOW WHAT IT HAS BEEN AND IT HAS BEEN ON A VERY SHOESTRING, LIMITED BUDGET IN THE PAST YEARS WITH US AS PART OF THEIR CONTRACT. I WILL SAY THEIR OPERATIONS, I DON'T THINK THEY GO OVER MORE THAN 10,000, BUT THEY DON'T REQUIRE SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT THE WAY THE COUNTY DOES THAT. THAT IS THE BIGGEST STARTUP COST THAT I'M ANTICIPATING IS THE TECHNOLOGY. AND THEN WE WOULD EVALUATE IF WE WERE TO IMPLEMENT THIS, WE WOULD EVALUATE IT TO SEE, OKAY, WHAT IS OUR ANNUAL, WHAT ARE OUR ANNUAL EXPENSES FOR LIKE EXHIBITS FOR PROGRAMS, FOR DIFFERENT THINGS, FOR PROMOTION. AND WE'RE HOPING TO DO THAT AT A HIGHER LEVEL, AT LEAST ONE STEP UP FROM WHAT WE WERE DOING, FROM WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING. RIGHT. AND I WILL SAY THAT CSE HAS DONE A GREAT JOB. THEY'VE HAD THINGS LIKE PBS COME IN, SO THEY HAVE REALLY BRANCHED OUT. THEY'VE REALLY MADE THAT BUDGET STRETCH. SO. HAVE YOU STARTED LAYING OUT A BUDGET FOR OPERATIONS? IF YOU KNOW YOU'RE ANTICIPATING HIRING THREE NEW PEOPLE, YOU'RE GOING TO DO MORE EXHIBITS, MORE EVENTS, MORE ACTIVITIES. HAVE YOU DRAFTED A BUDGET FOR THOSE THINGS YET? NOT AT THIS POINT. WE WANTED TO SEE IF IF THE COURT WANTS TO MOVE FORWARD, WE CAN COME BACK WITH THAT. IDEALLY, WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE, EVEN IF IT'S NOT THE COUNTY OPERATING THE MUSEUM IS A CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR THE YEAR AT THE START OF THE YEAR THAT WE COULD PROMOTE AT THE TOP OF THE YEAR, AND [07:45:04] SOME OF THAT WOULD BE ON OUR HERITAGE TOURISM WEBSITE. THAT IS PART OF OUR ARPA PROJECTS THAT ARE GOING TO LAUNCH, THAT IS GOING TO HAVE A COMMUNITY CALENDAR, BUT ALSO THROUGH LIKE POSTERS. WE'RE IN HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'RE FAMILIAR WITH UTEP'S PROGRAM. ANNUALLY, THEY WOULD PUT OUT A GIANT POSTER WITH ALL THEIR EVENTS FOR THE TWO MONTHS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR ON PAPER, AND THEN FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR THAT GOES OUT OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTY, THAT GOES TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTY. WITH ALL OUR EVENTS HAPPENING ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL AND ON THE WEBSITE COUNTY WIDE. SO SO YES, WE'RE ANTICIPATING THAT WHICH WHICH IS WHY WHEN BUDGET SAID I WOULD LEAVE THE OPERATING ACCOUNT WITH THE 8000 FOR NOW TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE START UP COSTS AND CREATE THE SALARY ACCOUNT AND THE BENEFIT ACCOUNT SEPARATELY. THAT IS WHY I BROUGHT THAT RECOMMENDATION. AND THE 88,000 INCLUDES THE START UP COSTS, WHICH WOULD BE ONE TIME COST. FUTURE BUDGETS WOULD NOT HAVE THOSE LIKE. AND WHEN YOU SAY THE THINGS THAT THE COUNTY REQUIRES, OUR MICROSOFT LICENSING PER PERSON IS EXPENSIVE. OUR OUR EQUIPMENT THAT WHAT WHAT WE PURCHASE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES. THOSE ARE THE START UP COSTS THAT WE WOULD HAVE THAT SHE JUST HAS NOT HAD. BUT AFTER AFTER WE GET THOSE ESTABLISHED, IT'S NOT AN ONGOING ANNUAL COST. I UNDERSTAND THAT. I JUST THINK THAT IF THE GOAL IS TO ENHANCE OPERATIONS, THERE HAS TO BE AN ENHANCED OPERATIONS BUDGET THAT'S TIED TO THAT, RIGHT? SO, YOU KNOW, I'M TRYING TO GET A BETTER IDEA. IS IT GOING TO BE CLOSER TO 300 000 A YEAR? OR IS IT LIKE, YOU KNOW, IS IT GOING TO BE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN? AND, AND ONE OF THE OTHER QUESTIONS I HAVE, WHICH IS RELATED IN THE, IN THE, THE DOCUMENT THAT WAS ON THE BACKUP, IT TALKS ABOUT PERFORMANCE METRICS, WHICH MAY INCLUDE TOTAL ANNUAL VISITOR ACCOUNTS, NUMBER OF GUIDED TOURS AND PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS, EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH ACTIVITIES, NUMBER OF COMMUNITY EVENTS. DO WE HAVE ALL OF THOSE BENCHMARKS NOW TO SAY THIS IS HOW MUCH IS HAPPENING NOW VERSUS MAYBE WHAT THE GOAL IS ONCE THIS IF THIS TRANSITION HAPPENS? YES, MA'AM. THE SCOPE OF WORK THAT WE PREPARED MIRRORS A LOT OF WHAT WE WOULD ASK OUR CONTRACTOR TO DO, BUT WE'RE HOPING TO DO IT AGAIN AT A HIGHER LEVEL IN-HOUSE, WITH DIRECT OVERSIGHT. RELATED TO THIS, THROUGH OUR ARPA PROJECT, WE HAVE AN EXHIBIT REDESIGN. SO CASA RONQUILLO, ONCE ACTIVATED, IS EMPTY. WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO GO IN THERE, HOW WE'RE GOING TO INTERPRET THAT SITE. AND WE NEED A PLAN. THE EXHIBIT AT LOS PORTALES HAS HAD SO MANY PEOPLE CONTRIBUTED CONTRIBUTE TO IT OVER THE YEARS, AND THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL AND I SAY THIS WITH THE UTMOST RESPECT, BUT IT NEEDS TO BE UPDATED. RIGHT. IT'S GOING ON ABOUT 20 YEARS OLD, AND IT WASN'T AN EXHIBIT DESIGNED FOR THAT SPACE. IT WAS AN EXHIBIT THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE PUT A LOT OF ENERGY INTO BRINGING THERE. SO WE COULD HAVE A MUSEUM, WHICH IS WONDERFUL, BUT I THINK THAT WE CAN NOW TAKE THE NEXT STEPS AND HAVE A PLAN FOR SOMETHING THAT IS CUSTOM TO THE SPACE. WE KNOW THAT ANOTHER INTERPRETATION AND LAYOUT IS POSSIBLE. WHEN WE BROUGHT OUT THE * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.