D. (POSTPONED 9/14/26) Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign a Professional Legal Services Agreement with Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP for bond counsel 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 No. 2026-0653) Eddie Sosa, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247

[A. Approve and adopt a resolution declaring October 2026 as “Special Olympics Texas - El Paso Area Month” in El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591]

WE'RE SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS. EL PASO AREA ENRICHES THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES BY PROVIDING YEAR ROUND SPORTS TRAINING, ATHLETIC COMPETITION, HEALTH PROGRAMS, LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, AND UNIFIED EXPERIENCES THAT INSPIRE CONFIDENCE, COURAGE AND JOY. WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS, TEXAS EL PASO AREA EMPOWERS ATHLETES OF ALL ABILITIES TO DISCOVER NEW STRENGTHS, DEVELOP PHYSICAL FITNESS, DEMONSTRATE COURAGE, EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF ACHIEVEMENT, AND BUILD LASTING FRIENDSHIPS WHILE FOSTERING RESPECT, ACCEPTANCE AND UNITY THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY. WHEREAS, THROUGH THE DEDICATION OF ATHLETES, COACHES, UNIFIED PARTNERS, VOLUNTEERS, FAMILY, EDUCATORS, LAW ENFORCEMENT

[00:15:02]

PERSONNEL, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS, SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS EL PASO AREA CREATES OPPORTUNITIES THAT PROMOTE DIGNITY, ACCEPTANCE, LEADERSHIP, AND MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES.

WHEREAS, PARTICIPATION IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS ENHANCES PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING, ENCOURAGES HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, DEVELOPS LEADERSHIP SKILLS, AND DEMONSTRATES THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST REGARDLESS OF ABILITY. WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS, TEXAS EL PASO AREA SERVES AS A MODEL FOR UNITY BY BRINGING TOGETHER PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES TO COMPETE, VOLUNTEER, AND CELEBRATE THE EXTRAORDINARY TALENTS, DETERMINATION AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF ATHLETES, STRENGTHENING FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY WITH EL PASO COUNTY PROUDLY RECOGNIZES THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS, TEXAS EL PASO AREA AND ITS COMMITMENT TO CREATING A UNIFIED COMMUNITY WHERE INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES ARE VALUED, RESPECTED, SUPPORTED, AND EMPOWERED TO SUCCEED WITH. EL PASO COUNTY ENCOURAGES ALL RESIDENTS TO RECOGNIZE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS. TEXAS EL PASO AREA ATHLETES, AND TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THAT ADVANCE ACCEPTANCE, UNITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. NOW THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY DECLARE OCTOBER 2026 A SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS EL PASO AREA MONTH AND CALL UPON ALL RESIDENTS, SCHOOL BUSINESSES, CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO JOIN IN RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETES. ADVANCING A CULTURE OF INCLUSION, ACCEPTANCE AND UNITY, AND REAFFIRMING EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A COMMUNITY WHERE INDIVIDUALS OF ALL ABILITIES ARE VALUED, RESPECTED, EMPOWERED AND PROVIDED EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND THRIVE. IN THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER STOUT. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. MOTION CARRIES. OKAY, NOW YOU CAN CLAP AGAIN. OKAY. THIS IS NOW. MY GOOD FRIEND RICHARD, IF YOU DON'T MIND LEADING US INTO IT.

YES. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE DIRECTOR RENEE KOSINSKI. SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS FOR EL PASO. AREA CHAIRWOMAN RENEE CIPRO FOR THE BOARD OF PASO AREA. MY NAME IS RICHARD VELEZ. I AM THE VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS IN EL PASO.

FIRST, LET ME START BY THANKING THE HONORABLE JUDGE RICARDO SAMANIEGO AND HONORABLE COMMISSIONERS FOR GRANTING US AN AUDIENCE HERE TODAY. IT IS AN HONOR TO APPEAR BEFORE YOU ON BEHALF OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS. MOST IMPORTANT, IT IS AN HONOR TO BE HERE REPRESENTING THE EL PASO FAMILIES, ATHLETES, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS THAT MAKE THIS PROGRAM SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR COMMUNITY. SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS IS FAR MORE THAN AN ATHLETIC PROGRAM.

THROUGH YEAR ROUND SPORTS TRAINING, COMPETITION, HEALTH INITIATIVES, LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS PROVIDES INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP CONFIDENCE, INDEPENDENCE, DISCIPLINE, AND A GREATER SENSE OF PURPOSE. EL PASO HAS A DISTINGUISHED HISTORY WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS. TEXAS. AT ONE TIME, OUR COMMUNITY WAS HOME TO THE LARGEST SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN THE UNITED STATES. THAT ACCOMPLISHED REFLECTED SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT ABOUT EL PASO. IT GAVE NOTICE TO THE NATION THAT WHEN OUR COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER AROUND A COMMON PURPOSE, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH EXTRAORDINARY THINGS. TODAY, I AM ASKING THIS COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO HELP US BUILD UPON THAT LEGACY. WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE COUNTY'S PARTNERSHIP IN ESTABLISHING UNIFIED EL PASO COUNTY ALLIANCE SUPPORTING EL PASO. I MEAN, SUPPORTING SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY. THIS PARTNERSHIP WOULD BRING TOGETHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, BUSINESSES, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, FIRST SPONSORS. AS ONE OF OUR GREATEST SUPPORTERS, THE EL PASO FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE LOCAL 51 FIREFIGHTERS UNION, CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. COORDINATING RESOURCES AND DEVELOPING MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ATHLETICS, HEALTH, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATION. THE OBJECTIVE IS STRAIGHTFORWARD TO CREATE A STRONGER, MORE COORDINATED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT FOR OUR

[00:20:04]

ATHLETES AND THEIR FAMILIES. WE ARE NOT ASKING EL PASO COMMUNITY TO DO. WE ARE NOT ASKING EL PASO COUNTY TO DO THIS ALONE. WE ARE ASKING EL PASO COUNTY TO HELP US BRING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER. OUR ATHLETES ASK FOR THE SAME FUNDAMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT EVERY MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE, COMPETE, CONTRIBUTE, AND BE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR ABILITIES. EVERY COMPETITION DEMONSTRATES DETERMINATION. EVERY MEDAL REPRESENTS ACHIEVEMENT, AND EVERY ATHLETE THAT CROSSES THAT FINISH LINE REMINDS US OF THE STRENGTH OF OUR COMMUNITY IS MEASURED BY HOW WE STAND TOGETHER AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER. WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AND THE PARTICIPATION OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS, WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESTORE EL PASO'S POSITION AS A NATIONAL LEADER IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, ESTABLISH A LASTING MODEL OF COOPERATION AND SERVICE. I RESPECTFULLY ASK THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT TO JOIN SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS AND IN DEVELOPING THIS UNIFIED, COUNTY WIDE ALLIANCE. LET US BUILD UPON EL PASO'S PROUD HISTORY AND CREATE A FUTURE IN WHICH EVERY ATHLETE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES, PURSUE THEIR GOALS, AND REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE HONORABLE JUDGE RICARDO SAMANIEGO AND HONORABLE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR YOUR SERVICE TO EL PASO COUNTY, FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO WORK, FOR OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH US ON THIS IMPORTANT EFFORT. TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE EL PASO STRONGER, MORE UNIFIED, AND A MODEL FOR COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT TEXAS AND OUR NATION. THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH, RICHARD. AND YOU WANT TO INTRODUCE YOURSELVES, PLEASE. JUST. RENEE KLIBANSKI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS FOR THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. WELCOME. THANK YOU. I'M GENTLEMAN. I AM THE BOARD CHAIR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM HERE IN EL PASO. WELCOME. THANK YOU. BERNADETTE SANCHEZ. I'M THE EVENT DIRECTOR FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS. I'M IN THE LEADERSHIP AND LOGISTICS MANAGER. WELCOME.

GOOD MORNING, JULIE BALDWIN MUNOZ. AND I'M ASSISTING WITH STRATEGY AS WELL AS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP. WELCOME. NANCY MCGRAIL PART OF THE BOARD SPECIALIZING IN RECRUITMENT.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ. I AM THE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR. THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND RICHARD AND ALL OF YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH. THIS IS QUITE A UNIQUE THINGS THAT WE DO IN EL PASO. BUT WHAT WE'RE TRYING OUR BEST AS WELL, WE HAVE THE, YOU KNOW, THE ACCESSIBILITY. WE'VE CREATED ALL ACCESSIBILITY PARKS. IF YOU COULD VISIT THE PARK, IT'S JUST AMAZING BECAUSE OUR REALLY, OUR PHILOSOPHY AND OUR BASIC UNDERSTANDING IS THAT NO ONE SHOULD BE TREATED ANY DIFFERENT. EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE ACCESSIBILITY TO EVERYTHING. NO ONE SHOULD BE LIMITED TO ANY OF THE BLESSINGS THAT WE RECEIVE HERE IN EL PASO. SO WE WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. SO I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WERE GOING TO CONTINUE WITH. I JUST WANTED TO DO A CHEER FOR US. WE KNOW WE WANTED TO ANNOUNCE TODAY OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH KENT ISD. OUR FIRST SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT HAS REJOINED US TO COME BACK AND BRING SPECIAL OLYMPICS BACK TO THIS COMMUNITY. AND I'D LIKE TO HAVE SUPERINTENDENT BORREGO COME FORWARD AND SAY A FEW WORDS, BECAUSE MANY OF HIS STUDENTS AND STAFF HAS COME HERE TODAY AS. AND THEN I'LL SPEAK A LITTLE BIT AFTER SUPERINTENDENT BORREGO. DOCTOR.

THANK YOU SIR. APPRECIATE YOU. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE SAMANIEGO. MY NAME IS DOCTOR JOSUE BORREGO. I'M THE PROUD SUPERINTENDENT OF CANUTILLO ISD. NEWLY MINTED ON THE JOB SEVEN MONTHS. AND SO I'D LIKE TO THANK EACH OF THE COMMISSIONERS HERE REPRESENTED AS WELL THAT REPRESENT OUR WONDERFUL CITY. IT'S BEEN SUCH AN HONOR TO SERVE. AND SO YOU'VE DONE A TREMENDOUS JOB. AND SO I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU. YOU KNOW WHAT THIS OPPORTUNITY REPRESENTS FOR NOT ONLY CANUTILLO, BUT FOR THE CITY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO IT.

AND SO THIS MORNING, I'M HERE TO JUST TO SAY THANK YOU AND TO TO COMMIT USD RESOURCES TO MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE A PARTNERSHIP, THAT WE EXTEND OUR OPEN ARMS TO OUR COMMUNITY, THIS ENTIRE CITY. AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO JUST A TREMENDOUS PARTNERSHIP. AND SO THIS MORNING, AGAIN, WE BROUGHT SOME STUDENTS. THEY MAY HAVE A CHEER, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE CAME HERE THIS MORNING TO SEEK YOUR BLESSING BECAUSE WE, AGAIN, OUR MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES, YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY WE WANT TO SERVE AND WE WANT TO SERVE THEM WELL. AND SO WE WILL START THAT PROCESS. AND OUR ARMS ARE OPEN FOR THE ENTIRE CITY. YEAH. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE CHAIR.

COMMISSIONER CORONADO WILL DO IT HIMSELF. OKAY. ALL RIGHT. CANUTILLO. GO, EAGLES. THAT'S

[00:25:03]

RIGHT. EXCUSE ME. I KNOW THAT WE ARE SHORT ON TIME, AND I. AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR EXTENDING THIS TIME REALLY QUICK. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO AS A FORMER FIRST RESPONDER, I WOULD ASK THAT OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND THEIR RECRUITS. PLEASE STAND UP. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

AS WELL AS OUR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. I DIDN'T SEE THEM COME IN, I APOLOGIZE. RICHARD, ANYBODY ELSE THAT YOU'D LIKE TO THAT CAME WITH YOU? WE JUST WANTED I WANTED TO THANK OUR FAMILIES AND ATHLETES. SO FOR OUR FAMILIES, ATHLETES AND COACHES THAT HAVE MADE THE TIME TO COME THIS MORNING, PLEASE STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED. THESE ARE MANY OF OUR ATHLETES. SOME OF THE FRONT IN THE BACK. WE HAVE SOME WAY IN THE BACK. BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, OUR FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, ALL THESE ALL THESE INDIVIDUALS HERE ARE VOLUNTEERS.

I'M THE ONLY PAID STAFF. ALL OF THIS IS DONE BY COMMUNITY WORK AND DEDICATION AND BELIEF IN THOSE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES CAN ACHIEVE AND BE EQUAL TO ALL OF US IN THE COMMUNITY. SO IT'S MY HOPE THAT WE CAN WORK STRONGER AND MORE COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE COUNTY AND OFFERING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS FROM BIRTH ALL THE WAY UP INTO ADULTHOOD. SO THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME TODAY, AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE SHOWING OF THE SUPPORT FOR YOU ALL TO SEE THE SUPPORT THAT IS WANTED FOR THIS PROGRAM IN THIS COMMUNITY. SO I'M SO VERY PROUD TO BE LEADING THAT WITH THESE INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS. AS WE BRING THIS BACK TO THE EL PASO COMMUNITY, WE'LL MAKE IT. WE'LL MAKE IT HAPPEN. LOOK AT THE CROWD. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU IF YOU'VE SEEN THE THE VIDEO. SO EL PASO, IT'S SO EL PASO BECAUSE THIS IS SO EL PASO. THIS IS WHAT WE DO. THAT'S HOW WE'RE GETTING RECOGNIZED.

THAT'S WHY WE'RE ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITIES IN THE COUNTRY. SO THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. WE'RE GOING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO TAKE PICTURES WITH EVERYBODY. I THINK WE WANT TO CHEER. EVERYBODY'S ASKING YOU TO DO A CHEER. OKAY. COMMISSIONER, WOULD YOU MIND? ALL RIGHT, LADIES, ARE YOU READY? WHO ARE WE? ALL RIGHT. NOW. SHOW THIS AUDIENCE HERE HOW WE CAN GO AHEAD.

AND. ONE. TWO. ONE. TWO. BABA. BUBBA, BUBBA. BUBBA. BUBBA. HE WILL.

COME ON. HE GOES RIGHT THROUGH THAT. PARTITION BECAUSE. 107 HE WAS. RIGHT. SHE WAS TIGHT, TIGHT, TIGHT. AND HEY, HEY. HEY. WE TELL. JESUS HEY. LEGAL, LEGAL. EAGLE. COME ON EAGLES TRY TO GET. IN THE FAR RIGHT DOWN. CHAIRMAN. COME ON EAGLES. COME ON. OH, I SAW YOUR FACE. I.

SEE THOSE FIGHT FIGHT EVERY SINGLE DAY. GO! THANK THANK YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH. GO, FOXES.

OH. I'M SORRY. IT'S ANOTHER. I TOTALLY FORGOT. OKAY, WE'RE GOING TO WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO

[00:30:06]

DO SOME MAGIC AND SEE IF WE CAN TAKE AS MANY PICTURES IN DIFFERENT SECTIONS. SO WE'RE GOING TO GO DOWN THERE WITH YOU. JUDGE. I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT THAT OUR STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, WHO ALSO WORKS AT CANUTILLO ISD, IS HERE THIS MORNING.

[00:38:22]

HERE.

[00:41:34]

CESAR. ITEM NUMBER FIVE, BE APPROVING, ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2026 AS GOLD STAR MOTHERS AND FATHERS DAY IN EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS. COULD I HAVE A GOLD STAR FAMILY, PLEASE? EVERYBODY? I DON'T WANT TO BE BY MYSELF. IT'S GOING TO BE

[B. Approve and adopt a resolution declaring September 27, 2026, as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day in El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591]

HARD TO FOLLOW THAT ACT. JAMES. MY GOODNESS, MY GOOD FRIEND, HOW ARE YOU? I'LL GO DOWN AND SAY HI TO YOU IN A LITTLE WHILE JUST TO. WELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH. OF COURSE, THIS IS VERY SPECIAL BEING PART OF THE GOLD STAR FAMILY, HAVING LOST MY BROTHER IN VIETNAM AS A CAPTAIN CHITO SAMANIEGO. SO VERY SPECIAL THAT YOU'VE EXTENDED THAT THE THE PROCESS, THE HEALING PROCESS, NOT ONLY TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY, BUT THE ENTIRE FAMILY, BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, IT'S VERY HEARTFELT. AND SOMETIMES IT FELT LONELY NOT TO HAVE THAT KIND OF NURTURING. SO THANK YOU FOR THAT. WHEREAS THROUGHOUT OUR NATION'S HISTORY, GENERATIONS OF COURAGEOUS MEN AND WOMEN HAVE ANSWERED THE CALL TO SERVE IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES, AND SOME HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES WHILE SERVING OUR COUNTRY WITH THE FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND CARRY A PROFOUND AND ENDURING SACRIFICE, PRESERVING THE MEMORIES AND LEGACIES OF THEIR LOVED ONES WHILE REMAINING AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR MILITARY AND VETERAN COMMUNITY. WHEREAS, IN 1936, CONGRESS DESIGNATED THE LAST SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER AS GOLD STAR MOTHERS DAY AS A PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF THE NATION'S LOVE, SORROW, AND REVERENCE OF MOTHERS WHOSE SONS AND DAUGHTERS DIED IN MILITARY SERVICE WAS. THE OBSERVANCE HAS GROWN TO RECOGNIZE NOT ONLY GOLD STAR MOTHERS, BUT ALSO THE SPOUSES, PARENTS, CHILDREN, SIBLINGS AND OTHER LOVED ONES WHO COMPROMISE OUR NATION'S GOLD STAR FAMILIES AND WAS THE TERM GOLD STAR TRACES ITS ORIGINS TO WORLD WAR ONE, WHEN FAMILIES DISPLAYED SERVICE FLAGS BEARING A BLUE STAR FOR A LOVED ONE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES, AND A GOLD STAR SIGNIFYING THAT A LOVED ONE HAD DIED WHILE SERVING, CREATING AN ENDURING SYMBOL OF SACRIFICE. AND WHEREAS GOLD STAR MOTHERS AND FAMILIES DEMONSTRATE EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE WHILE CARRYING FORWARD THE NAMES, STORIES AND LEGACIES OF THEIR FALLEN LOVED ONES, REMINDING ALL AMERICANS THAT THE COST OF MILITARY SERVICE IS BORNE NOT ONLY BY THOSE WHO WEAR THE UNIFORM, BUT ALSO THE FAMILIES WHO STAND. BESIDE THEM WAS EL PASO COUNTY SHARES A PROUD AND ENDURING BOND WITH THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND IS HOME TO GENERATIONS OF SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS, MILITARY FAMILIES AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES WHO SACRIFICES ARE FOREVER WOVEN INTO THE HISTORY AND CHARACTER OF OUR COMMUNITY WITH EL PASO COUNTY RECOGNIZES ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT OUR GOLD STAR MOTHERS AND FAMILIES KNOW THAT THEIR LOVED ONES ARE REMEMBERED, THEIR SACRIFICE IS HONORED, AND THEY WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A VALUED PART OF OUR COMMUNITY. NOW THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY DECLARES THAT SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2026 SHALL BE RECOGNIZED AS

[00:45:04]

GOLD STAR MOTHERS AND FAMILY DAY IN HONOR OF MOTHERS AND FAMILIES OF OUR NATION'S FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS, AND FURTHER ENCOURAGES ALL RESIDENTS TO PAUSE AND REMEMBRANCE, HONOR THE LIVES AND SERVICE OF OUR FALLEN, AND EXTEND GRATITUDE AND SUPPORT TO THEIR FAMILIES AND REAFFIRM OUR COMMUNITY ENDURING COMMITMENT THAT THEIR SACRIFICE AND THE LEGACY OF THEIR LOVED ONES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. SIGNED THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. SUSAN. YOUR VOTE JUDGE. THANK YOU SIR.

MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU JUDGE. IF YOU DON'T MIND, TONY, YOU WANT TO GO AHEAD AND START US OFF? TONY? ANTOINETTE, PLEASE. COME ON, WE GOT YOU.

LUTHER. YOU CAN JOIN US, TOO. YOU'VE BEEN SUCH AN INCREDIBLE. WELL, ACTUALLY, A PART OF EVERYTHING, LUTHER. YEAH. TONY, IF YOU COULD LEAD US IN. AND THEN WE COULD HAVE THE REST OF.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. ANTOINETTE HUNT, VETERAN COUNTY SERVICE OFFICER.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I'VE KIND OF GOTTEN CLOSE TO THIS GROUP BEHIND US. AND QUITE OFTEN THEY FEEL LIKE THEY'VE BEEN LEFT BEHIND. RIGHT. AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE DON'T WANT. IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ME IN COMBAT, I WANT TO KNOW THAT THIS COMMUNITY IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF MY FAMILY, AND THAT'S HOW I WANT TO TREAT THEM. AND I THINK THAT'S HOW WE SHOULD ALL TREAT THEM EVERY DAY, IS TO UNDERSTAND THE SACRIFICE THAT THEY'VE GIVEN AND SUPPORT THEM IN ANY WAY THAT WE CAN. SO I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR HONORING THIS DAY AND, AND TAKING CARE OF THEM BECAUSE THEY'RE VERY SPECIAL GROUP. AND I THINK THIS TYPE OF SACRIFICE IS NOT SOMETHING THAT GOES AWAY EASILY OR IS FORGOTTEN EASILY. IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S KIND OF ALWAYS IN THE ROOT OF THEIR HEART. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONSIDERING THIS. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO, TONY. IN EVERY ELEMENT AND ASPECT OF VETERANS. LUTHER. YOU WANT TO.

SO THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE YOURSELF. TONY SAID IT ALL.

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WE REALLY NEED TO SUPPORT. THIS IS THE PEOPLE THAT PAY, THAT SACRIFICE, OUR SOLDIERS, OUR VETERANS, EVERYONE IN THAT COMMUNITY, BUT THEIR FAMILIES ARE THE ONES THAT ARE LEFT BEHIND TO, YOU KNOW, PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER. SO THANK YOU FOR THAT. AND ANY WAY I CAN SUPPORT THE CITY CAN SUPPORT. WE WILL. SO THANK YOU TO YOU GUYS. YOU GUYS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ALL OF THIS. SO WE'RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU GUYS 100%. YEAH. LUTHER IS THE OTHER COUNTERPART FOR TONY FROM THE CITY. SO IT'S A PRETTY IMPRESSIVE HOW HE'S BEEN INVOLVED AND KEPT THE UNITY BETWEEN THE COUNTY, COUNTY AND THE CITY. ABSOLUTELY. AND THAT'S SO IMPORTANT. JUDGE. I HAVE DOLORES VALENZUELA. SHE'S THE PRESIDENT OF THE GOLD STAR. FAMILY MEMBERS, EL PASO GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBERS MEMORIAL.

AND I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE GETS A MOMENT TO TALK AND THEN SHE CAN INTRODUCE THE GROUP. ABSOLUTELY. THANK YOU. DOLORES. ARE WE GOING TO. GOOD MORNING. COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS AND ALL THE ESTEEMED GUESTS. MY NAME IS DOLORES VALENZUELA. AS PRESIDENT OF THE EL PASO GOLD STAR FAMILIES MEMORIAL AND AS A GOLD STAR DAUGHTER, THIS RESOLUTION IS DEEPLY PERSONAL TO ME. MY FATHER, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SERGEANT ROBERTO DUARTE, WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON DECEMBER THE 11TH, 1965. IN CASE OF VIETNAM. I SINCERELY THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR RECOGNIZING OUR GOLD STAR FAMILIES AND HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF OUR FALLEN HEROES. WE CARRY AN IMMEASURABLE LOSS, BUT ALSO TREMENDOUS PRIDE IN THOSE WE LOVE. I'M SORRY. GOLD STAR MOTHERS AND FAMILIES DAY IS A TIME TO HONOR NOT ONLY OUR FALLEN HEROES, BUT ALSO THE MOTHERS, FATHERS, SPOUSES, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES WHO CARRY THEIR LOSS EVERY DAY. THEIR SACRIFICE DID NOT END ON THE BATTLEFIELD. IT CONTINUES IN THE EMPTY SPACE LEFT WITHIN EACH FAMILY. I SINCERELY THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING GOLD STAR FAMILIES AND HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF OUR FALLEN HEROES.

REMEMBER THEIR NAMES, THEIR COURAGE, AND THEIR SERVICE AS NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS OUR GOLD STAR FAMILIES, OUR MILITARY, AND OUR COMMUNITY AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT IDA TOVAR TO SPEAK. SHE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING THE RESOLUTION. THANK YOU. DOLORES. HELLO, COURT. TODAY WE HONOR OUR FALLEN MEMORY BY HELPING TO

[00:50:03]

ENSURE THE GOLD STAR FAMILIES ARE REMEMBERED AND THEIR LOVED ONES SACRIFICES ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. WE ARE ALSO INVOLVED WITH THE EL PASO GOLD STAR FAMILIES MEMORIAL, WORKING TO CREATE A SPACE, A PLACE WHERE FAMILIES, THE COMMUNITY, CAN ALL COME TOGETHER TO HONOR THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. MY FATHER MAY BE GONE FROM MY LIFE, BUT HE IS NEVER FORGOTTEN. SACRIFICE BECAME PART OF WHO I AM, AND I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THE NAMES OF EACH OF THE FALLEN OF THEIR FAMILIES. IT'S IMPORTANT. IT'S IMPORTANT FOR OUR COMMUNITY. I REMEMBER, AND I WANT EVERYONE TO REMEMBER THAT BEHIND EVERY NAME IS A FAMILY. A FAMILY WHO LOVED THEM AND MISSED THEM AND CONTINUES TO CARRY THAT MEMORY. ON GOLD STAR FAMILIES DAY, I HOPE OUR STORIES WILL REMIND THE COMMUNITY THAT THE SACRIFICE OF A SERVICE MEMBER DOES NOT END WHEN THEIR LIFE IS LOST. THEIR FAMILIES CARRY THAT MEMORY, THEIR LOVE AND THEIR LEGACY FORWARD. FOREVER REMEMBERED AND FOREVER LOVED. THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORDS. YOU WANT TO INTRODUCE YOURSELVES ALSO, PLEASE. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS SANTIAGO GONZALEZ AND ROBERTO DUARTE WAS MY COUSIN. HE PASSED AWAY WHEN I WAS 12 YEARS OLD. I STAYED BACK AND TOOK CARE OF MY GRANDMA BECAUSE NOBODY WANTED TO LET HER KNOW THAT HER ROBERTO. WAS NO LONGER PART OF OUR LIFE. THANK YOU. OUR VETERAN OF THE YEAR. YES, JAMES. YES. HELLO, JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, I'M JAMES GREEN AND I AM THE VETERAN OF THE YEAR. I'M A LIFETIME MEMBER. HELLO, JUDGE. MY NAME IS K N DOBSON TRUJILLO. AND MY DAD LOST HIS BROTHER IN VIETNAM. AND I REMEMBER THAT. LOST WITH MY DAD. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

MORNING, JUDGE. MISS HER. I'M GLAD TO BE HERE. AND I SUPPORT THE GOLD STAR FAMILY FOUNDATION.

THANK YOU. WELCOME. THANK YOU JUDGE. TO THE JUDGE AND THE COMMISSIONERS. I'M LILLIAN CROUCH, AND I AM THE PRESIDENT OF THE EL PASO DEL NORTE CHAPTER OF THE GOLD STAR WIVES OF AMERICA INCORPORATED. AND I'M THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF JAMES CROUCH. AND I'M HERE TODAY. AND ARLENE WORTHY FROM OUR CHAPTER TO SUPPORT THE GOLD STAR FAMILIES. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU DO. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. JUDGE. MY NAME IS ARLENE WORTHY AND I'M A MEMBER OF THE EL PASO GOLD STAR WIVES.

MY HUSBAND. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU SO MUCH. SO I'M IN SUPPORT OF ALL OF THE FAMILIES THAT ARE HERE AND THOSE THAT DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT. I HOPE THEY BECOME AWARE OF WHAT'S GOING ON AND WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR THEM. THANK YOU. OR OTHER VETERAN OF THE YEAR.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, IT IS AN HONOR TO BE HERE IN REPRESENTATION OF THE GOLD STAR FAMILIES MEMORIAL. I WAS BESIEGED BY A FEW PEOPLE AND AS A RESULT OF THAT, I TOOK THE CHALLENGE. I'M THE VICE PRESIDENT NOW STANDING, AND I AM A LIFETIME MEMBER, AND I'M PROUD TO BE HERE, PROUD TO SERVE AND PROUD TO CARRY ON THE LEGACY OF ALL OF THESE THAT HAVE LOST LOVED ONES. AND WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT. I'M COMING TO YOUR POCKETBOOK REAL SOON. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. DOUBLE. YOU HAD TO THROW THAT ONE IN, RIGHT? I DID, I WANT TO RECORD IT ANY ANYONE ELSE GIL. MY NAME IS GILBERT BLANCAS. I'M A VICE PRESIDENT OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA. CHAPTER 84844. AND I'M HERE REPRESENTING THEM. AND ONCE A MONTH WE HONOR A FALLEN COMRADE. AND I WAS IN VIETNAM IN 66 AND 67. I MADE IT BACK AND SOME DIDN'T. SO WE HONOR OUR FALLEN VETERANS. AND NOW THAT I'M HERE, THE GOLD STAR

[00:55:05]

FAMILY SAID THEY'RE GOING TO RECRUIT ME. SO WE'LL SEE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.

APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE. THE LAST THING WE WANT TO LEAVE YOU WITH IS ON THE 7TH OF NOVEMBER.

WE'RE HAVING OUR ANNIVERSARY, OUR ANNUAL ANNIVERSARY DINNER. YOU WILL BE GETTING A FLIER EACH, AND WE INVITE YOU ALL TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT US. HAVE GREAT FOOD, DANCE, SHAKE YOUR BOOM BOOM AND ENJOY US CELEBRATING OUR ANNIVERSARY. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DOLORES.

YOU HAVE. ALSO ON SEPTEMBER THE 27TH, ON SUNDAY, WE INVITE YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES AND OUR COMMUNITY. WE WILL BE HAVING A GOLD STAR MOTHERS AND FAMILY DAY EVENT AT THE ELKS LODGE.

2278 TRAILWOOD. AND THAT WILL BE FROM 2 TO 6 P.M. WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YOU COME OUT AND JOIN US. WE'LL BE HAVING FOOD, A TACO BAR. SOME GAMES WILL BE PLAYING, SOME BINGO. JUST HAVING A UNITED WITH OUR FAMILIES. WE, WE, THEY WORK SO HARD DURING THE YEAR. AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE'D LIKE TO COMMEMORATE AND HAVE OUR GOLD STAR FAMILIES COME OUT AND JUST MEET WITH THE COMMUNITY AS WELL. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE REALLY APPRECIATE THIS. AND LIKE I SAID EARLIER, THE INCLUSION OF THE SIBLINGS WAS SOMETHING THAT HADN'T HAPPENED. AND WE WERE DISENFRANCHIZED GRIEF BECAUSE WE JUST SORT OF FELT THAT IT WAS IT WAS NOT AS IMPORTANT FOR US TO GO THROUGH THE HEALING PROCESS. AND I MYSELF RECEIVED THE NOTICE OF MY BROTHER WHEN HE WAS KILLED, THE FIRST FATALITY IN VIETNAM. AND THEN THEY FORGOT ABOUT YOU KIND OF YOU'RE YOU'RE THE SIBLING. YOU KNOW, IT WASN'T IT WAS THE WIFE, THE MOM THAT THEY FOCUSED ON.

BUT THE SIBLINGS DIDN'T GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO, TO BE PART OF THE HEALING PROCESS. SO EXPANDING IT TO THE FAMILY IS VERY HEARTFELT. AND I KNOW A LOT OF YOU ARE UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INCLUSION OF THE ENTIRE FAMILY GOING THROUGH THE HEALING PROCESS. SO FROM MY ON MY BEHALF, I UNDERSTAND DEEPLY WHAT YOU'RE ACCOMPLISHING AND IT'S GOING TO BE VERY WELL RECEIVED. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE DON'T MIND TAKING A PICTURE.

[01:01:26]

HI, HOW ARE YOU? WE HONOR. CHAPTER 844. FROM EL PASO COUNTY. THANK YOU.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW IT. YEAH, I, I, I.

ITEM NUMBER FIVE. SEE A PROVEN ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING RAYMOND EL TELLEZ AND CYNTHIA ATHELAS FOR THEIR HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENTS, DISTINGUISHED CAREERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO EL PASO, THE UNITED STATES, AND

[C. Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing and honoring Raymond L. Telles and Cynthia A. Telles for their historic achievements, distinguished careers in public service, and extraordinary contributions to El Paso, the United States, and international diplomacy. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591]

INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY. THANK YOU. AMBASSADOR. DO YOU WANT TO COME IN AND YOUR FAMILY CAN JOIN YOU AS WELL? THANK YOU. WELL, THANK YOU, THANK YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR FOR BEING HERE.

THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL ONE OF MY FROM MY OFFICE AT WATERLOO. JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH A STORY.

AND HE'S BEEN, LIKE, OBSESSED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE COVER PROPERLY. AND EDUARDO, YOU'VE DONE AN AMAZING JOB. THANK YOU FOR FOR DOING THAT. BUT THIS IS VERY SPECIAL. AND I THINK WHEN YOU HEAR THE RESOLUTION, EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, IT'LL TIE YOU IN AS TO WHY WE'RE EL PASO THE WAY WE DO THINGS, BUT WE'VE HAD SOME AMAZING INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE PUT US ON THE MAP.

AND I THINK YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR ABOUT TWO IN PARTICULAR THAT THAT I FEEL WE NEVER FORGET. I DON'T KNOW TOO MANY PEOPLE YOU COULD TALK ABOUT RAYMOND DAVIS AND NOT BRING A SPARK IN THE EYE. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH. SO ALLOW ME TO READ THE RESOLUTION. WHEREAS RAYMOND DAVIS AND CYNTHIA EIGHT DAYS REPRESENT A DISTINGUISHED FAMILY LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO THE EL PASO COMMUNITY, TO STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ITS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS. WHEREAS, RAYMOND DAVIS IS A DECORATED WORLD WAR TWO VETERAN WHO BEGAN HIS CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE IN 1948 WHEN HE WAS ELECTED EL PASO COUNTY CLERK AND LATER MADE HISTORY. IN 1957, WHEN HE WAS ELECTED MAYOR OF EL PASO, BECOMING THE FIRST HISPANIC MAYOR OF A MAJOR AMERICAN CITY AND BREAKING BARRIERS FOR GENERATIONS OF HISPANIC AND LATINO LEADERS WHO FOLLOWED. WHEREAS, FOLLOWING HIS SERVICE AS MAYOR OF EL PASO, CONTINUED HIS COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE. WHEN PRESIDENT JOHN F KENNEDY APPOINTED HIM UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO COSTA RICA IN 1961, MAKING HIM THE FIRST HISPANIC AMERICAN TO SERVE AS A UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR. WHEREAS, THROUGHOUT THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER, RAYMOND DAY SERVED IN NUMEROUS LEADERSHIP ROLES, INCLUDING HIS APPOINTMENT BY PRESIDENT LYNDON B JOHNSON IN 1967 AS CHAIRMAN OF THE U.S. MEXICO BORDER COMMISSION, AND HIS APPOINTMENT BY PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON IN 1971 TO SERVE ON THE UNITED STATES EQUAL EMPLOYMENT

[01:05:05]

OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION WITH CYNTHIA TELLEZ, HAS CARRIED FORWARD HER FATHER'S EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY THROUGHOUT DECADES OF LEADERSHIP, PUBLIC SERVICE, ADVOCACY, AND DEDICATION TO STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES, EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS WITH.

CYNTHIA TELLEZ HAS DISTINGUISHED HERSELF THROUGH HER WORK IN ACADEMIA, HEALTH CARE, CIVIC LEADERSHIP, AND PUBLIC SERVICE. BUILDING A CAREER CENTERED ON IMPROVING THE WELL-BEING OF COMMUNITIES AND ADVANCING GREATER UNDERSTANDING ACROSS CULTURES AND BORDERS. WHEREAS, IN 2022, CYNTHIA DAVIS CONTINUED HER REMARKABLE DIPLOMATIC LEGACY WHEN PRESIDENT JOHN I'M SORRY, JOSEPH BIDEN JR APPOINTED HER TO SERVE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO COSTA RICA, FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF HER FATHER AND MAKING THEM THE FIRST FATHER AND DAUGHTER IN UNITED STATES HISTORY TO SERVE AS U.S. AMBASSADORS TO THE SAME COUNTRY. WITH THE EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC SERVICE OF RAYMOND AND CYNTHIA, TEARS REFLECTS THE SPIRIT OF EL PASO AND DEMONSTRATES A PROFOUND IMPACT THAT LEADERS FROM OUR COMMUNITY CAN HAVE LOCALLY, NATIONALLY, AND INTERNATIONALLY, AND WHERE THEIR COLLECTIVE LEGACY STANDS AS A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR EL PASO COUNTY AND SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION TO FUTURE GENERATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVANTS, DEMONSTRATING THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP, REPRESENTATION, DIPLOMACY, AND A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO SERVING OTHERS. NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED FROM THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZE AND HONOR RAYMOND EL TIAS AND CYNTHIA A DAYS FOR THEIR HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENTS, DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE, CAREER AND EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTION TO EL PASO, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY, AND FURTHER CELEBRATE THE ENDURING LEGACY OF THE TIAS FAMILY AND ITS PROFOUND IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY. SIGN THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. I VOTE AYE. THANK YOU SIR. MOTION CARRIES.

THANK YOU. WHAT A DUEL. WHAT A DUEL! MY GOODNESS. SO, AMBASSADOR, PLEASE, IF I COULD.

CAN YOU HEAR ME, SIR? YEAH. YEAH. GREAT. FIRST OF ALL. WOW. HOW MOVING. I WANT TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO OUR COUNTY JUDGE, RICARDO SAMANIEGO, AND ALSO TO HIS FELLOW COMMISSIONERS FOR THIS VERY MEANINGFUL, MEANINGFUL RECOGNITION, PARTICULARLY OF MY FATHER AND HIS WORK. I HAVE. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW PROUD I AM OF THIS, AND I KNOW HOW HE'S WITH US IN SPIRIT ALSO FEELS THE SAME WAY. AND BEFORE I MAKE A COUPLE OF OTHER REMARKS, I WANTED TO ALSO INTRODUCE SOME OF MY FAMILY THAT'S HERE WITH ME TODAY. MY SON, RAYMOND JIMENEZ, PLEASE WELCOME JOE CARDENAS AND CHARLIE CARDENAS AND KEVIN TAGGART. AND I WANT TO ALSO THANK SOME OF OUR FRIENDS THAT ARE HERE TODAY FROM COMMUNITY ACTION, FROM LULAC AND OTHERS, AND ALSO TO EACH PERSON THAT'S HERE BECAUSE THEIR PRESENCE SIGNIFIES REALLY YOUR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE BETTERMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU. MY FATHER LOVED EL PASO. DEEPLY, DEEPLY LOVED EL PASO. AND IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE HIS CAREER AND VARIOUS POSTS TOOK HIM, WHETHER IT WAS KOREA OR MEXICO OR WASHINGTON OR COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, ETC. HE ALWAYS CARRIED EL PASO IN HIS HEART AND REPRESENTED YOU WELL, I WOULD SAY. AND HE ALSO WOULD ALWAYS SAY WHEN HE WAS IN OTHER PLACES, THAT HE LEFT HIS HEART IN EL PASO. HE ALWAYS WANTED TO COME BACK AND AND HE IS HERE NOW WITH US.

HE'S HERE IN, IN BURIED HERE IN EL PASO. HE WAS ALSO VERY, VERY PROUD OF EL PASO. AND HOW COULD HE NOT BE? THIS IS SUCH A UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY, A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY, ALSO MY HOMETOWN. AND SO HE, YOU KNOW, HE FOUGHT VERY, VERY HARD FOR REPRESENTATION FOR THE MEXICAN AMERICAN LATINO COMMUNITY IN EL PASO, BUT ALSO ENDEAVORED TO ENSURE OPPORTUNITY, BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL. AND HIS GREATEST DREAM WAS TO UNIFY THIS COMMUNITY AND DID ALSO WORKED VERY HARD TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN. AND I WILL SAY THAT THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE. WE'RE OBVIOUSLY FACING SOME VERY SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES RIGHT NOW IN OUR COUNTRY, BUT I JUST

[01:10:05]

KNOW THAT EL PASO, WITH ITS UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS, ITS UNIQUE PEOPLE, ITS BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, CAN DEFINITELY CHART THE WAY IN LEADERSHIP AND BE A MODEL FOR THE REST OF OUR NATION. THANK YOU AGAIN SO VERY MUCH. YOU'RE SO THANK YOU. AND YOU KNOW, MOST OF YOU ALSO RECOGNIZE SOME OF THE FAMILY MEMBERS. SO IF YOU DON'T MIND INTRODUCING YOURSELF, JOE AND CARLOS. NO. CARLOS. NO. THAT'S CHARLIE. YEAH. CHARLIE. GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. I'M JOE CARDENAS, AND I'M NOT AT DAIS, BUT I'M A NAVARRO. MY MOTHER AND MY TIA DELFINA, CYNTHIA'S MOM, HER SISTERS. SO I GREW UP WITH KNOWING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF MY UNCLE, WHO FOR ME FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE, WAS A ROLE MODEL IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. AND I REMEMBER HIM VERY, VERY WELL. THANK YOU SO MUCH, JOE. APPRECIATE YOUR FRIENDSHIP.

CARLOS. CHARLIE. THANK YOU JUDGE. AS THE BLACK SHEEP OF THE FAMILY, I AM HONORED TO ACCOMPANY MY COUSIN CYNTHIA TO HONOR HER AND MY TIO RAYMOND. I HAD THE DISTINCT PLEASURE OF ACTUALLY LIVING WITH MY DEAR RAYMOND AND TIA DELFIN, MY FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE WHEN HE WAS SERVING AT THE EEOC IN WASHINGTON. HE WAS SUCH A MENTOR JUST TO WATCH HIM. HIS.

THE WAY HE TREATED PEOPLE, EVERYBODY WITH DIGNITY, FROM THE DOORMAN TO THE DRIVER TO WHOEVER IT WAS. THEY ALL GOT HIS FULL ATTENTION AND HIS CARING AND COMPASSION. SO I HOPE I LEARNED A LITTLE BIT FROM HIM ABOUT THAT, BECAUSE HE WAS ALSO THE EPITOME OF A DIPLOMAT. I MEAN, TO BE APPOINTED BY PRESIDENT NIXON. AND JOHN KENNEDY SAYS A LOT ON TWO DIFFERENT POSTS. HE'S A MAN THAT DIDN'T CARE ABOUT POLITICAL LINES. HE CARED ABOUT PEOPLE. AND WE COULD USE A LITTLE BIT MORE OF RAYMOND TERRACE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

TODAY. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. SHIRLEY, YOU'RE THE MOST INCREDIBLE BLACK SHEEP THAT I'VE EVER MET IN MY LIFE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WHILE I WAS BORN IN LOS ANGELES, EL PASO, CERTAINLY A SECOND HOME AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME HERE GROWING UP, I. I MISS MY GRANDFATHER EVERY SINGLE DAY. AND BEING HERE IS FILLS MY HEART. AND IT IS ALSO HEARTBREAKING BECAUSE I TRULY DO MISS HIM. BUT WHAT I'LL SAY IS THAT I THINK HE SHOWED ME THAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING YOU WANT IN LIFE AND TRULY CREATE HISTORY AND MAINTAIN YOUR CHARACTER ALONG THE WAY. AND IF ANYTHING, THOSE THINGS ARE SYNERGISTIC. SO HE'S BEEN A HUGE INSPIRATION TO ME. WE ACTUALLY HE LIVED WITH US FOR, FOR MANY YEARS, ALSO NEAR THE END OF HIS LIFE. AND, AND I JUST REALLY APPRECIATE YOU FOR, FOR, FOR HONORING HIM. AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU. WHAT? ROBERT. MY NAME IS KEVIN TAGGART. I'M A COUSIN. AND I'M JUST VERY PROUD AND HONORED TO BE HERE WITH MY COUSIN TODAY. AS YOU RECOGNIZE HER ACHIEVEMENTS AND HER FATHER'S ACHIEVEMENTS. THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. YOU KNOW, YESTERDAY OR SATURDAY, AMBASSADOR DAVIS, CYNTHIA DAVIS READ STRAIGHT FROM NOTES OF HIS DAD ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT THAT TIME. AND IT WASN'T VERY DIFFERENT. AND WE SEE OURSELVES IN THE SAME PLACE. AND SO WE MISS, YOU KNOW, THESE TRUSTING VOICES LIKE, LIKE AMBASSADOR TAYLOR'S THAT, THAT WE NEED THAT HELP TO GET US TO GO THROUGH ONE MORE TIME. BECAUSE IT WAS LIKE HE WAS TALKING ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON, THE LACK OF UNITY, TRYING TO COME TOGETHER, MAKING SURE THAT WE UNDERSTOOD THE CHALLENGES. AND A LOT OF PEOPLE COMMENTED ON THE FACT THAT YOU READ STRAIGHT FROM HIS HIS NOTES. AND THAT WAS I MEAN, I GOT GOOSEBUMPS JUST UNDERSTANDING THAT SOMEONE WAS THINKING ABOUT US AND SORT OF PORTRAYING WHAT WE NEED TO DO GOING FURTHER. SO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP, AND THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY AND GIVING US THE PRIVILEGE TO RECOGNIZE BOTH OF YOU. SO THANK YOU.

JUDGE. JUDGE. YEAH. I JUST WANT TO SAY A FEW. YOU KNOW, Y'ALL'S FAMILY, JUST INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE LEGACY FOR EL PASO AND JUST INCREDIBLE ROLE MODELS. AND CARLOS, I MEAN, I'VE KNOWN YOU A LONG TIME. YOU'RE NOT A BLACK SHEEP. YOU'RE YOU'RE A TRAILBLAZER. JUST JUST LIKE YOUR UNCLE. AND HE WAS A TRUE TRAILBLAZER. AND, YOU KNOW, JUST NOBODY IN EL PASO DURING

[01:15:06]

THOSE TIMES AND EVEN NOW HAVE NOT HEARD OF RAYMOND DAVIS IN TERMS OF WHAT HE DID, YOU KNOW, BECOMING THE FIRST HISPANIC MAYOR, FIRST TO SERVE AS AMBASSADOR TO COSTA RICA UNDER TWO DIFFERENT ADMINISTRATIONS, SERVING IN THE FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION. SO JUST JUST A GREAT, GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR EL PASO AND, AND A TRUE, TRUE EL PASO. AND BECAUSE HE CARED ABOUT EVERYBODY. AND LIKE YOU SAID, HE WAS ALL ABOUT PEOPLE, NOT ABOUT PARTY LINES. AND SO THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING THAT HE STANDS FOR. AND YOUR FAMILY STANDS FOR CARLOS. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

OKAY, CESAR. ITEM NUMBER FIVE D APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING COMMUNITY AND ACTION AND THE 2026 LATINO LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENTS. NESTOR, A VALENCIA AMBASSADOR, RAYMOND L TAYLOR'S AND DOCTOR ROBERTO ASIEL FOR THE OUTSTANDING FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICE,

[D. Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing Community en Acción and the 2026 Latino Legacy Award recipients, Nestor A. Valencia, Ambassador Raymond L. Telles, and Dr. Roberto Assael, for their outstanding service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the people of El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591]

LEADERSHIP AND LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS. PLEASE, IF YOU COULD COME UP ON A GOOD. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW PRIVILEGED BECAUSE NOW YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR ABOUT TWO MORE THAT WERE PILLARS OR PILLARS OF OUR OF OUR COMMUNITY. AND WE GET TO HONOR ALL ALL THREE OF THEM. NESTOR. GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY. FIRST, LET LET ME READ THIS INTO THE RECORD.

FIRST. I'M GOING TO READ THAT. YES. IT'S YOU'RE YOU'RE ALWAYS LIKE ONE STEP AHEAD. SO. SO LIKE I SAID, THIS IS SO SPECIAL. RECOGNIZING THESE INCREDIBLE INDIVIDUALS. WHAT A NIGHT ON SATURDAY. SO MANY GREAT FRIENDS WERE THERE FOR LIKE A REUNION FOR EVERYBODY. SO I THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DID TO, BUT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HEAR ABOUT AN ORGANIZATION THAT HAS DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO RECOGNIZE SOME OF THESE PILLARS OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND HAS DONE

[01:20:02]

SUCH A GREAT JOB OF MAKING SURE THAT WE DON'T FORGET WHAT THEY'VE DONE FOR US. AND MANY OF US ARE STANDING ON THEIR SHOULDERS. AND WE WE'VE GAINED FROM EVERYTHING THAT THEY'VE DONE TO MAKE OUR LIFE A LOT, A LOT EASIER BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY'VE DONE AND WHAT THEY'RE DOING NOW AT THIS VERY MOMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY. SO IF YOU GIVE ME THE PRIVILEGE TO READ THE RESOLUTION, WHEREAS COMMUNITY IN ACTION WAS ORGANIZED IN 2010 AS A 501 C THREE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH A MISSION OF MOBILIZING LATINO LEADERS TO ADVANCE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL EQUALITY, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CULTURAL APPRECIATION. WHEREAS, THE COMMUNITY IN ACTION HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS COMMITMENT TO THE EL PASO COMMUNITY THROUGH INITIATIVES THAT AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS TO AREA STUDENTS, ENCOURAGING THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH THE YOUNG ACHIEVERS FORUM, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO AND NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY, AND PRESERVE THE REGION'S HISTORY THROUGH EFFORTS SUCH AS SPEARHEADING THE THE COMPLETION OF MEN OF COMPANY E MONUMENT, HONORING THE BRAVE PATIENTS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES DURING WORLD WAR TWO. WHEREAS, COMMUNITY ACTION ESTABLISHED THE LATINO LEGACY AWARD TO RECOGNIZE DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS WHOSE ACHIEVEMENTS, SERVICE AND LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE CREATED A LEGACY WORTHY OF RECOGNITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. AND WHEREAS, COMMUNITY ACTION HAS NAMED NESTOR VALENCIA VALENCIA AMBASSADOR RAYMOND TALLIS AND DOCTOR ROBERTO AZAR AT. AS A RECIPIENTS OF THE 2026 LATINO LEGACY AWARDS. WHEREAS, VERY FEW INDIVIDUALS CAN CLAIM SUCH A PROFOUND AND LASTING ROLE IN SHAPING THE PHYSICAL AND CIVIC LANDSCAPE OF OUR BINATIONAL REGION, AS VALENCIA, AS ONE OF THE FIRST MEXICAN AMERICAN CITY PLANNERS IN EL PASO, HE BROKE BARRIERS AND OPENED DOORS FOR FURTHER GENERATIONS, REDEFINING LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE AT A TIME WHEN REPRESENTATION WAS LIMITED. DURING HIS DISTINGUISHED TENURE WITH THE CITY OF EL PASO FROM 1958 TO 1991, NESTOR LED AND INFLUENCED SOME OF THE MOST TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECTS IN OUR REGION'S HISTORY. HIS WORK WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ZARAGOZA BRIDGE, STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIVITY, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHAMIZAL SETTLEMENT, A LANDMARK MOMENT IN U.S. MEXICO RELATIONS, THE PLANNING SURROUNDING WYLER AERIAL TRAMWAY, AND THE PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION OF THE HISTORIC PLAZA THEATER. WITH EVERY GENERATION AS INDIVIDUALS WHO REDEFINE WHAT IS POSSIBLE NOT ONLY THROUGH THE POSITIONS THEY HOLD, BUT THROUGH THE BARRIERS THEY BREAK. FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW, AMBASSADOR RAYMOND WAS ONE OF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS. HIS LIFE REMINDS US OF THAT PUBLIC SERVICE IS NOT ABOUT TITLES, IT'S ABOUT CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS. GROWING UP IN EL PASO, RAYMOND TALLIS UNDERSTOOD BOTH THE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE CHALLENGES FACING MEXICAN AMERICAN DURING THE MID 20TH CENTURY. RATHER THAN ACCEPT LIMITATIONS, HE CHOSE PUBLIC SERVICE WITH INTELLIGENCE, HUMILITY, AND DETERMINATION. HE EARNED THE TRUST OF HIS COMMUNITY AND BECAME THE FIRST LATINO MAYOR OF A MAJOR AMERICAN CITY. HIS ELECTION WAS NOT SIMPLY A POLITICAL VICTORY. IT BECAME A MOMENT OF POSSIBILITY FOR AN ENTIRE GENERATION. WHEREAS DOCTOR ROBERTO ASSAEL IS BEING RECOGNIZED FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO MEDICINE, IMMIGRANT HEALTH, TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION, AND BINATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP. HE FOUNDED CLINICA MÉDICA INTERNACIONAL IN 1987 AND PIONEERED INNOVATIONS SUCH AS VIDEO DOT AND THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL PHYSICIANS ASSOCIATION. BEYOND HIS SCIENTIFIC AND ACCOMPLISHMENT, DOCTOR ASSAEL IS KNOWN FOR HIS GENEROSITY, HUMILITY, AND UNWAVERING DEDICATION TO THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ. HE HAS SUPPORTED CULTURAL INITIATIVES, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AND COUNTLESS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR REGION. HIS WORK REMINDS US THAT MEDICINE IS NOT ONLY ABOUT SCIENCE, IT IS ABOUT COMPASSION, SERVICE, AND THE BELIEF THAT EVERY LIFE MATTERS.

WHERE. SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2026. COMMUNITY IN ACTION RECOGNIZES EXCEPTIONAL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY AT EL PASO DEL NORTE HOTEL IN EL PASO, TEXAS. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT CONGRATULATE THESE RECIPIENTS AND ENCOURAGE OUR COMMUNITY TO JOIN IN HONORING, CELEBRATING THE LIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE 2026 LATINO LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENTS. SIGNED THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. VOTING IS

[01:25:01]

OPEN. I, I THANK YOU, SIR. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. MOTION CARRIES. GOOD MORNING.

GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY. AND YOU KNOW, YOU MENTIONED SOMETHING, COMMISSIONER CORONADO, IS THAT THESE STORIES HAVE TO BE TOLD.

WE DO STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO THE WORK THAT THEY DID IN THE LEGACY THEY LEFT CONTINUE TO SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY. UNFORTUNATELY, DOCTOR ROBERTO HAD TO LEAVE FOR AN APPOINTMENT, BUT I KNOW HE EXTENDS HIS GRATITUDE FOR FOR BEING HERE. BUT I DO WANT TO GIVE THE FLOOR. OH, AND I AM JOINED BEFORE I FORGET BY MY BOARD CHAIR, DOCTOR CRISTINA PAZ, MY VICE CHAIR, RUBEN CHAVEZ, MY BOARD MEMBER AND MEMBERSHIP CHAIR, JORGE SALCEDO, AND OF COURSE, THE TEAM FROM LULEK AND ALSO MY EX, MY PAST CHAIR, JAVIER, MY EX WAS YOUR WIFE, MY PAST CHAIR, JAVIER, AND OF COURSE THE TEAM FROM LULAC, WHICH WE REALLY APPRECIATE THEIR SUPPORT. BUT NESTOR, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK. AND WHERE ARE YOU? COME ON. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. COUNTY JUDGE. RICHARD SAMANIEGO IN THE COUNTY COURT. I WANT TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR THIS HONOR. I WANT TO PRESENT MY WIFE, SONIA, WHO HAS DONE 80% OF THE WORK IN MY BEHALF. THANK YOU, SIR, AND. I ACCEPT THIS HONOR ON BEHALF OF MY PARENTS, PRISCILIANO VALENCIA AND ALBERTO VALENCIA, WHO GAVE ME THE THE VALUES AND THE PRINCIPLES THAT I CARRIED THROUGHOUT MY LIFE. I HAVE. LET ME TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT RAYMOND TALLIS. OKAY. AMBASSADOR AND MAYOR TELLEZ, BECAUSE I HAD THE PRIVILEGE. I WON'T DATE MYSELF A LITTLE BIT. I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH HIM FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS WITH THE CITY OF EL PASO, AND WE WHEN I FIRST STARTED WITH THE CITY IN 1958, HE WAS ALREADY MAYOR. SO BACK AND FORTH WE HAD WE HAD SOME PROJECTS GOING, AND IT WAS REALLY AN HONOR TO BE PART OF HIS ADMINISTRATION OPERATION.

AND THE SECOND THING IS HE WENT TO COSTA RICA AS AMBASSADOR, WHICH WAS INCREDIBLY. IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE HONOR. AND I FOLLOWED YEARS LATER AS AS A PROFESSOR TO THE TO COSTA RICA, WHICH IT WAS IN PLANNING, ADMINISTRATION AND URBAN PLANNING. BUT IT WAS AN HONOR THROUGHOUT. THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES, WE KIND OF. STAYED, YOU KNOW, OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS PRETTY STRONG ALL THROUGHOUT THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE. AND SO I CONSIDERED HIM ONE OF MY ROLE MODELS FROM THE BEGINNING. ANOTHER THING THAT I HAD WITH THE COUNTY AS A CITY PLANNER FOR 33 YEARS IS THAT WOODROW BEAN COUNTY JUDGE WOODROW BEAN BUILT THE FIRST BRIDGE OF THE AMERICAS IN 1959 1960. SO HE ASKED ME TO HELP HIM WITH THE MAPPING AND THE SURVEYS AND ALL THAT. SO THAT'S HOW FAR I GO BACK. AND THEN WITH THE WITH THE EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY AND COUNTY, WE GOT TOGETHER AND DEFEATED THE SRI LANKA NUCLEAR DUMP, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS ONE OF OUR JOINT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. CITY AND COUNTY. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I THINK AND I KNOW THAT THE EL PASO CITY AND COUNTY ARE, YOU KNOW, HAVE A GREAT FUTURE AND THE BEST THINGS ARE YET TO COME. SO LET'S LOOK FORWARD TO IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU. MR. MOST. NO, NO, NO. GO AHEAD, GO AHEAD. YOU KNOW, EQUALLY HE'S AN ARTIST, AMAZING ARTIST. IT'S JUST INCREDIBLE. BUT JUST BEING THAT COMBINATION OF SCIENCE. SO THE PLANNING RECORD, SORT OF THE ONE SIDE OF THE BRAIN AND THE ART, THE OTHER PART OF THE BRAIN. AND HE'S COMBINED THEM BOTH HEMISPHERE WORK AT THE SAME LEVEL, WHICH IS VERY UNIQUE, BUT. MR. THANK YOU.

[01:30:03]

THERE'S SO MANY THINGS HERE IN EL PASO THAT YOU'VE LEFT YOUR FOOTPRINT. AND BUT TRUE TO FORM, WHAT DID HE START DOING? HE STARTED RECOGNIZING AMBASSADOR DAYS. RIGHT. AND WE'RE HONORING HIM. BUT HE TOOK THE TIME TO. AND THAT'S, THAT'S WHO NESTOR IS KNOWN FOR. THE OTHER THING THAT A LOT OF COMMENTS, AND I'VE SEEN IT MYSELF IS YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR WIFE. HE ALWAYS MAKES SURE TO BRING HER UP TO THE PODIUM AND BE BY HIS SIDE. AND SO PEOPLE REALLY NOTICE THAT. AND I THINK THEY TOOK HEART. I THINK THEY YOU RAISED THE BAR ON A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY SORT OF GOT CLOSE TO THE, TO THE, THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHER BECAUSE YOU'VE DONE SUCH A GREAT JOB OF, OF THAT UNITY OF BOTH OF YOU, THE WAY YOU, YOU WORK TOGETHER. SO WE THANK YOU TREMENDOUSLY. JAVIER, DO YOU WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS? YOU'VE BEEN SUCH A BIG PART OF. YEAH. CHRISTINA. OUR APPOINTEE TO OUR WOMEN'S COMMISSION AND TO, TO OUR HOSPITAL AS WELL. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND I LOVE IT. GOOD MORNING JUDGE. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR HAVING US HERE TODAY. I AM SO PROUD TO BE A PART OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS BUILT ON PHILANTHROPY AND HIGHER EDUCATION, AND MORE SO THAT WE GET TO RECOGNIZE THESE BEAUTIFUL SOULS THAT HAVE PASSED, HAVE BUILT A LASTING LEGACY IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND CONTINUE TO BUILD ON ON WHAT WE CAN SEE FOR THE FUTURE, AND STILL YET ALLOWING THE REST OF US TO STAND ON THEIR SHOULDERS. YES, JUDGE, YOU SAID IT VERY CORRECTLY ON SATURDAY, WE GOT TO CELEBRATE THESE WONDERFUL INDIVIDUALS. THE WINE WAS FLOWING. WE HAD A GREAT TIME, AND I'D LIKE TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE GRATITUDE TO YOU, TO YOU JUDGE AND TO YOU, COMMISSIONER BUTLER, FOR ATTENDING THIS CEREMONY. SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR HAVING US. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. AND IF YOU DON'T MIND, IF YOU COULD INTRODUCE YOURSELVES, THOSE THAT HAVE JUST COME ON, DO I HAVE TO? I'M JORGE SALCEDO AND I AM PART OF COMMUNITY IN ACTION. I'M ACTUALLY VERY THANKFUL TO BE INCLUDED IN ALL OF THIS, AND ESPECIALLY SO BECAUSE OF THE LEGENDS THAT ARE HERE AND BECAUSE OF THE LEGACIES THEY'VE BUILT, AND MORE SO BECAUSE OF THE LEGENDS AND THE LEGACIES THAT ARE BEING BUILT. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. I'LL JUST KEEP IT BRIEF. RUBEN CHAVEZ, I AM ONE OF THOSE THAT ARE STANDING ON THEIR SHOULDERS. I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS COMMUNITY, AND ESPECIALLY PEOPLE LIKE NESTOR AND AMBASSADOR TIAS AND WHAT THEY'VE DONE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

SO AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. NOTHING.

PLAN. MY NAME IS FAVIOLA CAMPOS LOPEZ. I'M THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF COMMUNITY AND ACTION. IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE. I WAS SHARING JUST RIGHT NOW WITH MR. YES, ABOUT. WE GREW UP WITH THESE PEOPLE ON OUR MINDS AND ON THE NEWS, BUT HAVING THEM HERE, AND ESPECIALLY MY HUSBAND THAT IS INVOLVED IN DEVELOPMENT AND ARCHITECTURE, HAVING MET MR. VALENCIA, IT'S IT'S A BLESSING. IT IS HAVING THEM JUST BEING SO HUMBLE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME VERY GENEROUS WITH THEIR SKILLS. SO IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE TO MEET THEM IN PERSON. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING. PAST CHAIRPERSON OF COMMUNITY AND ACTION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE PRESENTATION. WE REALLY DO APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR HE DOESN'T JUST DO ONE THING HE SAID HE SAID HE WAS GOING TO RETIRE, BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN THAT HAPPEN YET. SO RETIREMENT GO AHEAD, INTRODUCE YOURSELVES PLEASE. MY NAME IS IGNACIO RAMIREZ AND I'M WITH LUELLA, AND WE'RE VERY EXCITED TO BE HERE. PRESENT, HONORING. BOTH OF THEM. FATHER AND DAUGHTER. MR. VALENCIA, WHO'S A VERY GREAT ARTIST AND COMMUNITY SERVANT. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. OSCAR RAMIREZ, PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL NUMBER EIGHT. WE'RE VERY HAPPY TO HAVE AMBASSADOR TAYLOR'S MR. VALENCIA AND ROBERTO. THEY'RE WONDERFUL PEOPLE. THEY'RE GREAT ROLE MODELS FOR EVERYBODY. WE NEED TO KEEP THIS GOING TO OUR YOUNGER GENERATION. THANK YOU. GREAT EXAMPLES TO EVERYBODY. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WE DEFINITELY NEED ROLE MODELS. AND WHAT BETTER EVERYBODY. MY NAME IS VALENCIA. THANK YOU.

WELL EVERYBODY KNOWS I'M MR. WIFE. YOU KNOW I HAVE A DEGREE, A HUMBLE DEGREE IN SCIENCE. BUT ONE OF THE THINGS AND I DID ACTUALLY IN APPLIED SCIENCE, I DID 30 YEARS OF INTENSIVE CARE

[01:35:03]

AT SIERRA ICU. AND THEN I RETIRED. AND OF COURSE, LATER ON, I, I HAD ALWAYS BEEN AN ARTIST SINCE I WAS A CHILD. I WAS JUST LIKE NESTOR. SO WE TOGETHER, WE STARTED DOING SOME ART, TAKING SOME CLASSES HERE AND THERE. WE, WE TOOK CLASSES WITH THE BIGGEST MASTER PAINTERS IN THE UNITED STATES, AND WE WERE VERY PRIVILEGED AND WE LEARNED QUITE A BIT FROM THEM. ANOTHER THING IS THAT THAT HAS BEEN OUR COALITION. THAT'S WHAT REALLY PUT US TOGETHER, WORK ON THE ART, WORK ON THE PROJECTS THAT NESTOR HAD. IT WAS VERY EXCITING WORKING THE CITY. PROJECTS LIKE THE RESTORATION OF NOT ONLY THE PLAZA. AFTER THE PLAZA, WE DID A LOT. WE ACTUALLY IN MY KIDS IN THE KITCHEN, WE DID THE. THE PLANS FOR THE PLAZA ARTS PLAZA.

THAT WAS ADJUNCT TO THE TO THE PLAZA, HOWEVER, IS ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING WAS THE ONE AT THE PLAZA DE LA GATOS, WHICH HARDLY EVER KNOWN. NOBODY KNOWS. IT WAS A COMMISSION OF EIGHT PEOPLE THAT. ONE DAY NESTOR WENT TO THE. I MEAN, ONE DAY WE WERE GOING TO APPROVE IT AT THE CITY COUNCIL, AND THEY WERE GOING TO DO A. LANDSCAPE, DESERT LANDSCAPE AND ERASE EVERYTHING ON THE HISTORY OF THE PLAZA DE LOS LAGARTOS. I SAY PLACITA DE LA LA GATA ALWAYS WAS THERE SINCE 19 1890S, 1870, 1870S. AND THEN I SAID, IT CANNOT BE ERASED. THAT WAS ONE THING THAT I REALLY THOUGHT, IT CANNOT BE ERASED. SO WE WENT TO CITY COUNCIL, AND MAYOR COOKE WAS VERY. HELPFUL TO US. AND SINCE THEY WERE GOING TO VOTE THAT DAY ON. DURING THE LAND, THE LAND LANDSCAPE, ON THE ON THE PLAZA, HE HELD IT OUT AND HE GAVE US A MONTH TO PRESENT A PLAN 30 DAYS, 30 DAYS WHEN ALL THE OTHER ARCHITECTS, ARCHITECTS HAD ALREADY SIX MONTHS WORKING ON IT, AND PLUS $500,000. WE HAD ZERO. WE HAD A PRINTER, WE HAD A COMPUTER. AND WORKING UNTIL 3:00 IN THE MORNING, WE GOT THE PLAN GOING AND WE GAVE IT TO THE CITY. AND GOD BLESS US TO THE CITY. YEAH, WE GAVE IT TO THE CITY COUNCIL. AND IT WAS LIKE, IT WAS JUST LIKE GOD HAD HAD FAITH ON US, YOU KNOW? AND WHAT WAS IT WAS RESTORED. AND THE THE CITY COUNCIL BOARD UNANIMOUSLY FOR OUR PLAN. AND THAT'S THE PLAN THAT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED. WE IMPLEMENTED IT. SO IT WAS IT WAS A VERY GREAT. AND ONE OF THE GREATEST STORIES THAT I WANTED. THAT WAS A THAT WAS A TEAM EFFORT. IT WAS A BIG TEAM EFFORT THERE. WORKING UNTIL THE PARK IS WHAT WE DID IN THE KITCHEN. WELL, THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. APPRECIATE YOU.

THANK YOU.

[01:40:56]

THAT HE HAS DONE. HE'S A FOUNDER OF COMMUNITY ACTION. AND I, I HOPE I WASN'T DISMISSIVE AND NOT INCLUDING HIM BECAUSE HE WAS SUCH AN INCREDIBLE INDIVIDUAL OF EVERYTHING THAT HE'S DONE FOR OUR COMMUNITY. SO HE'S NOT HERE TODAY, BUT JUST WANT TO THANK HIM FOR EVERYTHING HE DOES. IT'S UNBELIEVABLE HOW MUCH HE DOES IN SUCH A QUIET WAY. SO THANK YOU FOR RICHARD CASTRO. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU.

JUDGE, WITH YOUR PERMISSION, COULD WE GO TO ITEM NUMBER H. THANK YOU SIR. ITEM NUMBER FIVE H APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MIKE, GRACIE AND GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH EL PASO COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE AND

[H. Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing Mike Gracey and Gracey’s Rescue Ranch for their outstanding partnership with El Paso County Animal Welfare and their willingness to step forward to provide care, shelter, and support for the malnourished animals recently rescued in El Paso County. Jackie Butler, Commissioner, Precinct 1, 915-273-3594]

THEIR WILLINGNESS TO STEP FORWARD TO PROVIDE CARE, SHELTER AND SUPPORT FOR THE MALNOURISHED ANIMALS RECENTLY RESCUED IN EL PASO COUNTY. COMMISSIONER. YES, THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M GOING TO ASK OUR GUESTS FROM GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH AND ANIMAL WELFARE AND OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO JOIN US AT THE PODIUM. IT IS AN HONOR TO PRESENT THIS RESOLUTION THIS MORNING. AND THIS THIS EFFORT AND THIS RESOLUTION REPRESENTS WHAT I THINK IS EXEMPLARY OF THE VERY BEST OF OUR COMMUNITY AND EL PASO COUNTY. THERE WAS A THERE WAS A VERY SERIOUS AND UNFORTUNATE SITUATION A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO THAT OCCURRED IN RELATION TO SOME SOME ANIMALS THAT WERE BEING ABUSED AND NEGLECTED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTY. AND, AND SO I'LL, I'LL TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THE RESOLUTION, BUT I WANTED TO SAY

[01:45:04]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO OUR ANIMAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, TO OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE, AND ESPECIALLY TO GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH FOR STEPPING IN AND MAKING SURE THOSE ANIMALS WERE TAKEN CARE OF. SO I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION AND THEN WE'LL HEAR FROM OUR GUESTS.

WHEREAS GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH IS AN EL PASO BASED 501 C THREE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO ANIMAL RESCUE, VETERAN SUPPORT AND WILDLIFE EDUCATION BY DEMONSTRATING A REMARKABLE COMMITMENT TO ADDRESSING ANIMAL CRUELTY AND NEGLECT BY PROVIDING CARE, SANCTUARY AND A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ANIMALS IN NEED. AND WHEREAS GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH HAS MADE A CONSIDERABLE EFFORT TO SUPPORT VETERANS IN THIS COMMUNITY BY OFFERING MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS SUCH AS EQUINE THERAPY AND PROVIDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED VETERANS, WHILE SUCCESSFULLY ESTABLISHING ITSELF AS AN ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION AND THERAPY PLATFORM FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. AND WHEREAS GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH, LOCATED IN FAR EAST EL PASO COUNTY, DEMONSTRATES ITS EXCEPTIONAL COMMITMENT TO ITS MISSION OF PROVIDING MEDICAL SERVICES, ADOPTION SUPPORT, AND EVENTUALLY FINDING LOVING AND CARING FOREVER HOMES FOR RESCUED ANIMALS. AND WHEREAS, MOST RECENTLY, GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE ALONGSIDE THE EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE EL PASO COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WITHOUT HESITATION RESCUING 69 HORSES IN AUGUST FROM A CASE OF SEVERE ANIMAL CRUELTY INVOLVING APPROXIMATELY 100 ANIMALS, ULTIMATELY GOING FROM HOUSING 40 LIVESTOCK, LIVESTOCK ANIMALS ON THEIR PROPERTY TO 140 ANIMALS OVERNIGHT, RANGING FROM HORSES, DONKEYS, SHEEPS, SHEEP, GOATS, CHICKENS, PIGS, TURKEYS, PEACOCKS AND A LLAMA. AND WHEREAS THE EL PASO COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT CONTRIBUTED TO THE RESCUE AND WELFARE EFFORTS BY SUPPORTING THE RESPONSE TO THE ANIMAL'S CONDITIONS, WORKING TOWARDS FACILITATING THEIR PROTECTION AND APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE, SIGNIFICANTLY STRENGTHENING EL PASO COUNTY'S CONTINUUM. CONTINUUM CONTINUUM OF CARE BY INCREASING CAPACITY FOR ACCESSIBLE SERVICES SUCH AS VACCINATIONS. NEUTERING, RESCUING, RESPONDING TO CONSTITUENT CALLS, AND ADVANCING OUR COMMUNITY. SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE HEALTH AND DIGNITY OF EL PASO'S ANIMALS. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES AND HONORS THE OUTSTANDING EFFORTS TAKING PLACE BEHIND THE GATES OF GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH. THE COURT COMMENDS MIKE GRACIE AND HIS INVALUABLE RANCH RANCH, AS WELL AS THE EL PASO COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, LEADERSHIP STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND FRIENDS, INCLUDING COWBOYS WITH LASSOS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO ANIMAL WELL-BEING. SIGNED THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. VOTING IS OPEN. THANK YOU.

JUDGE. MOTION CARRIES. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. CRYSTAL RAY IS WITH THE ANIMAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER BUTLER, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS RECOGNITION.

I'LL KEEP MY REMARKS REALLY BRIEF BECAUSE REALLY, THE SPOTLIGHT SHOULD BE ON EVERYBODY BEHIND ME WHO TOOK PART IN THIS CASE. THIS CASE IS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST ONES I'VE SEEN IN MY ENTIRE CAREER HERE IN EL PASO COUNTY. SO THE WORK THAT THEY DID WAS SO AMAZING.

ONE OF MY LONG TERM GOALS FOR THIS DEPARTMENT WAS STRENGTHENING OUR RESPONSE TO ANIMAL CRUELTY AND ENSURING OUR OFFICERS ARE PREPARED TO HANDLE THESE TYPES OF INVESTIGATIONS EFFECTIVELY, AND, OF COURSE, STRENGTHEN OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THROUGH HARD WORK, TRAINING, PREPARATION AND EXPERIENCE. THIS CASE REALLY SHOWED US THAT OUR TEAM IS PREPARED TO TAKE ON ANYTHING, ESPECIALLY SOMETHING OF THIS MAGNITUDE. OUR OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE CONDITIONS. THEY FOUND WORK TO SECURE ANIMALS IMMEDIATELY AND CONTINUED WORKING THROUGH VERY LARGE AND COMPLEX SITUATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THESE ANIMALS WERE PROTECTED. MY ROLE REALLY IS TO GUIDE THEM, TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE THE TRAINING AND THE TOOLS THEY NEED AND SUPPORT THEM, BUT THEY ARE REALLY THE ONES DOING THE WORK BEHIND THE SCENES, AND I COULD NOT BE MORE PROUD OF THEM. OF COURSE, MR. GRACIE, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE MR. GRACIE, MICAH AND ALL HIS TEAM AT GRACIE RESCUE RANCH. WHEN THE CALL FOR ASSISTANCE WAS FIRST MADE, IT WAS ANYWHERE BETWEEN 8 TO 10 ANIMALS. THEN, OF COURSE, AS THE INVESTIGATION PROGRESSED, THAT ANIMAL GREW. EXCUSE ME, THAT NUMBER GREW TO OVER 100 ANIMALS. SO THEY NEVER HESITATED. THEY SHOWED UP WITH VOLUNTEERS, TRAILERS, RESOURCES AND STOOD ALONGSIDE OUR TEAMS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY SINGLE ANIMAL WAS REMOVED AND TAKEN SAFELY AND HARBORED SAFELY. SO PARTNERSHIPS LIKE THIS ARE CRITICAL IN ANIMAL WELFARE, ESPECIALLY NOW AS WE'RE BUILDING TOWARDS OUR SHELTER. SO THIS OPERATION WAS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IN ANIMAL WELFARE IN OUR COUNTY AND OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT, RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS, AND OF COURSE, OUR COMMUNITY. THEY HAVE COME TOGETHER TO HELP OUT MR. GRACIE AND SHARED THE COMMITMENT TOWARDS THE ANIMAL SAFETY. SO AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR THE

[01:50:02]

RECOGNITION. AND WITH THAT, I'LL TURN IT OVER TO THE TEAM TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES AND ALLOW THEM TO SPEAK. THANK YOU. WELCOME. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU GUYS FOR HAVING US. MY NAME IS MICAH MAYFIELD AND I AM THE RANCH HAND. AND I JUST WANT TO APPRECIATE ALL THE TEAM HERE AND THE TEAM HERE FOR HELPING US OUT. IT WAS IT WAS A VERY LONG DAY. BUT BEHIND THE SCENES WE'VE BEEN TAKING CARE OF IT. AND YEAH, I THANK YOU GUYS FOR HAVING US OUT. THANK YOU. MY NAME IS HOLLY MAYFIELD. I'M A BIG SUPPORTER OF THE RANCH. MY GRACIE'S A LONG TERM FRIEND OF MINE. WHAT STARTED OUT WITH AN IDEA IS TO CREATE THIS RANCH.

MY SON ENDED UP BEING THE RANCH MANAGER WHO TAKES CARE OF THE ANIMALS EVERY DAY, GIVES THEM ALL THE LOVE AND SUPPORT THEY NEED TO HEAL. SO IT'S BEEN A BEAUTIFUL THING TO BE A PART OF.

THANK YOU. WELCOME. THANK YOU JUDGE COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR HAVING US OUT HERE AS A COMPLETE HONOR. I'M MIKE GRACIE, I'M THE FOUNDER FOR GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH. I JUST WANT TO THANK EL PASO COMMUNITY ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES, SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, EVERYBODY WHO MADE THIS HAPPEN. IT WAS A HUGE DEAL FOR US, TOO. WE STARTED AS A LITTLE, LITTLE THING, AN IDEA TO HELP PEOPLE OUT AND RESCUE A FEW ANIMALS BECAME A HUGE THING OVERNIGHT, BUT IT'S BEEN BIG FOR US, IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR MINDS, AND DONE A LOT FOR US MENTALLY AND HELPED THE COMMUNITY, AND WE'RE GLAD TO HAVE THESE PARTNERS ON BOARD WITH US. WELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH. GO AHEAD AND INTRODUCE YOURSELVES, PLEASE. MORNING, JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, CHIEF DEPUTY WITH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BUREAU. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU. THANK YOU TO ALL EVERYBODY THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THIS COMPLEX CASE. IT'S EASY ON THE COMPONENT SIDE OF THE CRIMINAL SIDE BECAUSE WE GET TO INVESTIGATE THAT. BUT THE WORK THAT WENT BEHIND, ALL THE INDIVIDUALS THAT WERE THAT CAME UP FOR US, WE RESPOND, WE GET CALLED OUT. BUT FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT TAKE IT UPON THEMSELVES, USE THEIR OWN RESOURCES, THEIR OWN TIME, THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES. AND WITHOUT THEM, I DON'T THINK THIS CASE WOULD HAVE MOVED FORWARD. THEY CALLED US. WE SEE WHAT WE HAVE. IT ENTAILS MORE THAN 100 ANIMALS. YOU KNOW, THEN AS A AS A DEPARTMENT, WE'RE LIKE, HOW DO WE DEAL WITH THIS? YOU KNOW, THAT'S THE HARDEST PART.

CRYSTAL AND HER TEAM DID A WONDERFUL JOB. MR. GRACIE, HIS HIS ALL HIS TEAM COMING TOGETHER AND MAKING THIS THING FOR THE NOBLE CAUSE OF THE ANIMALS AND ULTIMATELY HOLDING THOSE ACCOUNTABLE THAT THAT WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. SO I LIKE TO JUST SAY THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER BUTLER, FOR RECOGNIZING THIS INCIDENT. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WELCOME.

GOOD MORNING, COMMANDER JEROME WASHINGTON SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE SAME. YOU KNOW, I LOOK OVER AND I SEE THE UNSUNG HEROES, RIGHT? THE I HELD PEOPLE IN A VERY HIGH ESTEEM WHEN THEY CHOOSE LIKE A LIFE OF SERVICE TO HELP PROTECT OTHERS. BUT THAT EXTENDS TO TO ANIMALS AS WELL. AND FOR THEM TO ACTUALLY PUT THEMSELVES OUT THERE TO DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE, INCLUDING ANIMALS. I THINK IT'S, IT'S HIGHER ADMIRATION FOR ME. I HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT. I BELIEVE IN OUR MISSION TO PROTECT EVERYONE, INCLUDING ALL FORMS OF LIFE, AND THEY ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES. AND I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU ALL DO. THANK YOU ALL. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS DAVID RAMIREZ. I'M THE LEAD ANIMAL WELFARE OFFICER FOR EL PASO COUNTY. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION. THANK YOU FOR THE TEAM. THEY PUT A LOT OF WORK DURING THIS CASE. IT WAS LONG HOURS, BUT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WE NEEDED TO DO AND TO DO, AND WE LOVE DOING IT. I THINK IF GRACIE'S RANCH, THEY HELPED US A LOT. THEY WERE MOVING QUICK IN ACTION. WHEN WE CALLED THEM. THEY DIDN'T HESITATE. THEY WERE THERE FOR REALLY SHORT NOTICE, SO IT WAS WONDERFUL. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. THEY THEY WERE QUICK RESPONSE AS WELL. THEY GUIDED THROUGH US TO ALL THE CRIMINAL ASPECTS OF IT. AND I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU, I APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. OFFICER MURPHY, I WAS THE LEAD OFFICER OF THIS WHOLE WHOLE PROJECT. I COULD NOT BE MORE GRATEFUL TO MY TEAM WITHOUT. WITHOUT THEM, THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. INCLUDING SHERIFFS, INCLUDING GRACIE'S RANCH. THEY CAME TO ASSIST US IN A HEARTBEAT. THIS WAS A LOT OF ANIMALS. IF WE'RE STILL DOING THIS, IT'S PROBABLY STILL DOING IT TODAY WITHOUT THEIR SUPPORT. SO I GIVE A LOT OF THANKS TO EVERYBODY THAT'S BEHIND ME, INCLUDING THE FORENSIC TEAM THAT'S BACK THERE, BECAUSE THEY WERE OUT THERE HELPING US AS WELL. BUT THANK YOU, THANK YOU. JUST INTRODUCE YOURSELF. YEAH. HELLO, I'M OFFICER GUTIERREZ, ANIMAL WELFARE. I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU GUYS. IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND IT WAS TRULY NICE TO BE OUT THERE WITH A LOT OF SUPPORT. WELL THANK YOU, THANK YOU. HELLO. I'M AN ANIMAL WELFARE OFFICER CRYSTAL RAMOS. THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. GABRIELA SANCHEZ CUSTOMER RELATIONS. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND CRYSTAL, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO. SORT OF LIKE THE COG. BUT YOU TALK ABOUT, YOU KNOW, CALL FOR ACTION. AND BECAUSE I WAS GETTING THE

[01:55:02]

FEEDBACK, GOT THE INFORMATION WHEN IT BARELY HAPPENED. AND IT WAS LIKE BEYOND MY UNDERSTANDING HOW THAT WAS GOING TO BE ADDRESSED. I MEAN, IT WAS JUST EXTREMELY COMPLICATED. BUT THANK YOU FOR EXEMPLARY, YOU KNOW, EL PASOANS, WE WE CAME TOGETHER AND YOU'VE BEEN HEARING THROUGHOUT THE DAY OF SO EL PASO AND. RIGHT. AND THIS IS ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE SHERIFF ALWAYS I MEAN, I ALWAYS HAVE THE CONFIDENCE THAT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS GOING TO STEP IN. YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A PARTNER THEY'RE GOING TO BE WITH INTO THE FIGHT WITH YOU, AND THEY'RE GOING TO DO EXCEPTIONAL. SO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR FOR BEING AND LIKE I SAID, WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GREAT EXAMPLES OF WHY WE ARE SO UNIQUE. AND THIS IS ONE MORE EXAMPLE OF WHAT MAKES EL PASO SO INCREDIBLY SPECIAL. SO THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THANK YOU. THANK YOU AGAIN, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. AND JUST JUST THANK YOU ALL FOR FOR YOUR SELFLESS SERVICE AND FOR ALL OF THE HARD WORK THAT WENT INTO INTO TAKING CARE OF THESE ANIMALS. I'VE HEARD STORIES OF THE HOURS THAT WERE REQUIRED WHEN, WHEN THIS THIS WAS FIRST DISCOVERED AND ALL OF THE WORK THAT'S TAKEN PLACE SINCE THEN AT AT THE RANCH TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE ANIMALS WERE ACCOMMODATED AND TAKEN CARE OF. AND I KNOW THAT THAT BEHIND THIS GROUP HERE IN FRONT OF US, THERE ARE DOZENS OF VOLUNTEERS AND PASSIONATE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO STEPPED UP TO MAKE SURE THAT EACH OF THE ANIMALS WERE TAKEN CARE OF. AND THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF EFFORTS TO, TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT THE FUNDING IS THERE TO FEED THE ANIMALS AND GET THEM THE MEDICATIONS AND THE, THE, THE WELFARE THAT THEY NEED. SO THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY WHO'S, WHO'S SUPPORTED GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH SINCE THEY RESCUED THESE ANIMALS. I WANT TO THANK THE COURT. WE WERE ABLE TO DONATE $2,000 FROM FROM MY OFFICE'S PUBLIC PURPOSE FUNDS TO GRACIE'S RESCUE RANCH. SO WE HAVE A CHECK TO PRESENT TO YOU, MR. GRACIE TODAY. BUT REALLY, THAT'S THAT'S OUR WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU TO YOU FOR STEPPING UP FOR FOR VOLUNTEERING TO TAKE ON SOMETHING THAT WAS MUCH BIGGER THAN I THINK ANY OF US COULD, COULD HAVE IMAGINED AS A CHALLENGE. SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU ALL AGAIN, FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS. WE'LL GO AHEAD AND TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE RESOLUTION AND THEN THANK YOU.

PUT THE CHECK IF THAT'S OKAY. YES.

ITEM NUMBER FIVE E APPROVING ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EL PASO SMOKE FREE ORDINANCE AND ITS IMPACT ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS. THANK YOU.

[E. Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of the El Paso Smoke Free Ordinance and its impact across El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591]

[02:00:11]

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONER COURT. MY NAME IS SANDRA DAY. LET ME READ THEM. LET ME READ THE RESOLUTION. SORRY. GO AHEAD. SURE. THANK YOU. DON'T TRY TO TAKE MY JOB. OKAY. IT'S THE ONLY ONE I HAVE. WELL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE'RE GOING TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF OF DIFFERENT INITIATIVES FOR OUR HEALTH. AND THIS IS VERY SPECIAL AS WELL. SO I'LL READ THE RESOLUTION. WHEREAS ON JUNE 26TH, 2001, THE CITY OF EL PASO ADOPTED THE EL PASO SMOKE FREE ORDINANCE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF RESIDENTS, EMPLOYEES AND VISITORS BY PROHIBITING SMOKING IN INDOOR PUBLIC PLACES AND WORKPLACES. WHEREAS, THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHES THE CITY OF EL PASO AS ONE OF TEXAS EARLY LEADERS IN THE ADVANCING COMPREHENSIVE, SMOKE FREE PROTECTION, DEMONSTRATING VISIONARY LEADERSHIP IN CREATING POLICIES THAT PROTECT THE HEALTH OF ALL WHO LIVE, WORK, AND VISIT THE REGION. AND WHEREAS, THE ADOPTION OF THE EL PASO SMOKE FREE ORDINANCE HELPED ESTABLISH A FOUNDATION FOR BROADER SMOKE FREE POLICIES AND PUBLIC HEALTH EFFORTS ACROSS COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT EL PASO COUNTY AND THE PASO DEL NORTE REGION. WAS.

THE ORDINANCE WAS ACHIEVED THROUGH THE DEDICATION AND COLLABORATION OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, HEALTH CARE PARTNERS, BUSINESSES, AND ADVOCATES COMMITTED TO CREATING HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTS FREE FROM THE HARMS OF SECONDHAND SMOKING. OF COURSE, THERE IS NO SAFE LEVEL OF EXPOSURE TO SECONDHAND SMOKE AND TOBACCO USE REMAINS THE LEADING PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF DISEASE AND DEATH IN THE UNITED STATES, CONTRIBUTING TO CANCER, HEART DISEASE, STROKE, RESPIRATORY DISEASE, AND OTHER CHRONIC ILLNESSES WHILE IMPOSING SIGNIFICANT HUMAN AND ECONOMIC COSTS ON SOCIETY. WHEREAS, COMPREHENSIVE, SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS PROVIDE THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROTECTION FROM EXPOSURE TO SECONDHAND SMOKE IN INDOOR WORKPLACES AND PUBLIC SPACES, WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING TOP TOBACCO CESSATION, DISCOURAGING YOUTH INITIATION, IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES AND REDUCING HEALTH CARE COSTS. WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITHIN EL PASO COUNTY CONTINUE TO BUILD UPON THIS LEGACY BY STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING SMOKE FREE AIR PROTECTIONS, INCLUDING ADDRESSING EMERGING TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS SUCH AS ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AND VAPING IN PUBLIC PLACES AND DESIGNATED OUTDOOR AREAS.

WHEREAS, LOCAL AND REGIONAL TOBACCO PREVENTION EFFORTS, INCLUDING THOSE SUPPORTED BY THE PASO DEL NORTE HEALTH FOUNDATION TO THE SMOKE FREE PASO DEL NORTE INITIATIVE AND CARRIED FORWARD THROUGH THE COLLECTIVE EFFORTS OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS WITHIN EL PASO DEL NORTE TOBACCO CONTROL NETWORK, CONTINUE TO PROMOTE EDUCATION, PREVENTION, CESSATION, POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND COLLABORATION TO REDUCE TOBACCO AND NICOTINE RELATED HARM THROUGHOUT. EL PASO DEL NORTE REGION WAS. THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE LASTING IMPACT OF SMOKE FREE ORDINANCES ACROSS THE REGION, RECOGNIZE THOSE WHOSE LEADERSHIP MADE THIS PROGRESS POSSIBLE, AND REAFFIRM A SHARED COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS, FROM EXPOSURE TO SECONDHAND SMOKE. VAPING AEROSOLS AND OTHER HARMFUL EMISSIONS FROM TOBACCO AND OTHER COMBUSTIBLE PRODUCTS. NOW THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT RECOGNIZE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EL PASO SMOKE FREE ORDINANCE AND REAFFIRM THEIR COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF ALL RESIDENTS THROUGH SMOKE FREE AND VAPE FREE ENVIRONMENTS. EVIDENCE BASED TOBACCO HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF ALL RESIDENTS, AND THE PREVENTION, CESSATION, SUPPORT AND CONTINUED COLLABORATION AMONG PUBLIC, PRIVATE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS. SIGN THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, SIR. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. ON BEHALF OF THE HEALTH FOUNDATION AND THE TOBACCO CONTROL NETWORK, WE JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DO THIS RESOLUTION FOR US. WE SAW THAT MANY THINGS WERE ABLE TO UNFOLD WITH THIS CITY BEING THE FIRST ONE TO START IN THE STATE OF TEXAS WITH THIS TYPE OF ORDINANCE. AND THEN WE SOON SAW CITY OF SOCORRO, TOWN OF ANTHONY, CITY AND TOWN OF HORIZON CONTINUE TO ADOPT THEIR

[02:05:04]

OWN COMPREHENSIVE SMOKE ORDINANCE. AND SO WE'RE JUST VERY EXCITED TO, TO BE HERE.

AND AS WE CELEBRATE THIS 25TH ANNIVERSARY, IT'S ALSO A REFLECTION THAT THE ENVIRONMENT HAS CHANGED. SO OUR WORK CONTINUES TO BE RELEVANT AND WE CONTINUE TO TAKE CARE OF OUR YOUTH. AND HOPEFULLY DELAY INITIATION INTO SMOKING AND VAPING OR, YOU KNOW, CESSATION ACROSS THE BOARD. THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND INTRODUCE YOURSELVES, PLEASE.

COMMISSIONERS. JUDGE. MY NAME IS KRISTIN ORTEGA AND I'M ONE OF THE FACILITATORS OF OUR COALITION FOR TOBACCO CONTROL NETWORK. THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND YOU ALL ARE INVITED ON OCTOBER 21ST TO OUR SUMMIT. THANK YOU. HI. GOOD MORNING. I AM AND I'M THE PROGRAM SPECIALIST. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE. MY NAME IS JACOB MARTINEZ. I'M AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THE COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ADVOCATE AND SUPPORTER FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, DOCTOR LOZANO, TEXAS TECH HEALTH, EL PASO. AND LIKE I SHOW HERE JUST SUPPORTING TO FOR OUR YOUTH TO HAVE A GREAT FUTURE AND LOVE LOVE THEIR LUNGS WITH THE VAPE FREE EL PASO. THANK YOU SO MUCH. GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS NADIA MARTINEZ AND I'M A COMMUNITY MEMBER OF THE COALITION. THANK YOU. MORNING, JUDGE.

COMMISSIONERS, MY NAME IS VICTOR SOCORRO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. I'M THE FACILITATING OPPORTUNITIES COORDINATOR. ALSO THE FIRST, WHICH IS THE FIRST OFFENDER PROGRAM THAT'S INDEPENDENT WITHOUT THE TRAINING CURRICULUM AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FOUNDATION ACTION FOR HEALTHY KIDS. A LOT OF THE TRAINING AND CURRICULUM THAT COMES TO SOCORRO INDEPENDENT. WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE. SO VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU. HI, I'M CARA ORDAZ AND I'M WITH F O MEDIA. WE HELP ON THE MARKETING SIDE OF THINGS.

THANK YOU. HI. GOOD MORNING. I'M ALEXANDRA AND I'M ALSO WITH FL MEDIA. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING JUDGE. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS. I'M THE TOBACCO COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR. THANK YOU. APPRECIATE YOU. GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS LISETTE MARQUEZ AND I'M WITH THE. AND I'M A MEMBER OF THE COALITION. THANK YOU. WELL THANK YOU ALL. ALL OF YOU JUST IT'S INCREDIBLE HOW YOU ALL CAME TOGETHER. I'M REALLY. IT'S NICE TO ALSO RECOGNIZE THE CITY FOR WHAT THEY DID AND JUST VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THE HEALTH EFFORT. YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE COMMITMENTS WE'VE ALL MADE, AND I'M SURE ON A PERSONAL LEVEL DURING THE THE PANDEMIC, AND WE SAW ALL OF THE UNDERLYING HEALTH ISSUES. AND SO, YOU KNOW, OUR FIRST PROTECTION AGAINST VIRUSES OR ANYTHING ELSE IS OUR HEALTH. YOU KNOW, THAT'S OUR FIRST LINE OF PROTECTION. AND SO WE THANK YOU BECAUSE THIS IS A VERY IT'S SORT OF SNEAKING BACK UP RIGHT THROUGH VAPING AND THROUGH OTHER FORMS THAT THAT WE FORGET ABOUT. THEY SEEM SAFER, BUT THEY'RE NOT. AND IF THERE'S NOT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE YOURSELF THAT WOULD WOULD CONTINUE THAT FIGHT. IT WAS VERY SAD TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE DIE DURING THE PANDEMIC BECAUSE OF HEALTH CHALLENGES. AND YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING TO PREVENT SOMETHING IN THE FUTURE, AND ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG PEOPLE THAT THAT ARE COMING UP. AND IT LOOKS COOL, BUT I DON'T THINK THEY UNDERSTAND THE DAMAGE THAT VAPING DOES AND ALL THESE OTHER. SO ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU. AND WE LOVE, ALWAYS LOVE TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY. AND SO WE'RE GLAD THAT WE'RE PART OF THIS RECOGNITION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.

[02:11:04]

ITEM NUMBER 5FA PROVEN ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20TH THROUGH THE 26TH 2026 IN EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS. THANK YOU. YOUR OUR FORENSIC POLICE.

[F. Approve and adopt a resolution declaring the week of September 20–26, 2026, as Forensic Science Week in El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591]

WELL THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THIS IS ALSO ONE OF THOSE BEHIND THE SCENES OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WORK REALLY HARD TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT WE HAVE A SAFE COMMUNITY. AND I'M SO GLAD WHEN WE GET TO GET YOU OUT OF THE SHADOWS AND GET YOU IN BEING RECOGNIZED IN PUBLIC.

SO THANK YOU SO MUCH. AS A DEDICATED PUBLIC, SERVANTS WHO WORK IN THE FIELD OF FORENSIC SCIENCE DESERVE RECOGNITION FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN THE FIELD AND INSIDE THE LABORATORY.

THEIR DISCIPLINE AND EXPERTISE THROUGH EDUCATION. WHEREAS FORENSIC ANALYSIS IMPROVES INVESTIGATION OF CRIMINAL CASES, LEADING TO THE OBSERVATION OF THE INNOCENT AND PROSECUTION OF THE GUILTY. WHEREAS, THE PROFESSIONALS WHO COMPROMISE OUR FORENSIC SCIENCE FIELDS DESERVE RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO PROPER SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DUE PROCESS. WHEREAS, CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS, LATENT PRINT EXAMINERS, FORENSIC EXAMINERS AND FORENSIC SCIENTISTS PROVIDE LONG HOURS OF SERVICE DEDICATED TO THE UNBIASED, ACCURATE AND RELIABLE ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE THROUGHOUT THE NATION. WAS THE EFFORT TO CONTINUE STRENGTHENING FORENSIC SCIENCE STANDARDS REQUIRES FORENSIC LABORATORIES TO MAINTAIN ACCREDITATION AND CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS AND LATENT PRINT EXAMINERS TO MAINTAIN CERTIFICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF IDENTIFICATION. WHEREAS, IN 2019, THE UNITED STATES SENATE PASSED A RESOLUTION 320 RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL FORENSIC SCIENCE WEEK, WHICH PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE COUNTRY CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE. NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES SEPTEMBER 20 TO 26, 2026 AS FORENSIC SCIENCE WEEK. SIGN THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, SIR. MOTION CARRIES. WELCOME AGAIN. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, CHIEF DEPUTY WITH THE EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN BY THANKING YOU FOR RECOGNIZING NATIONAL FORENSIC SCIENCE WEEK, AND ESPECIALLY THE DEDICATED FORENSIC PROFESSIONALS OF THE EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. THIS WEEK PROVIDES AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE OFTEN UNSEEN WORK OF FORENSIC PROFESSIONALS AND INVESTIGATORS WHO STAND AT THE CRITICAL INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE AND JUSTICE. WHEN A CRIME OCCURS, WE OFTEN THINK FIRST THE PATROL OFFICERS, DETECTIVES AND ATTORNEYS. HOWEVER, THE WORK OF FORENSIC PROFESSIONALS BEGINS LONG BEFORE A CASE REACHES THE COURTROOM. THEY ARE THE INDIVIDUALS WHO ENABLE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE, THE SILENT WITNESSES TO SPEAK. FORENSIC SCIENCE PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS THROUGH OBJECTIVE, IMPARTIAL AND RELIABLE SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS. FORENSIC PROFESSIONALS HELP EXONERATE AND THE INNOCENT, IDENTIFY THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR CRIMINAL ACTS AND PROTECT THE PUBLIC. I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO REFLECT ON THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF

[02:15:02]

FORENSIC SCIENCE SERVICE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND IN SOCIETY. LET US TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE THE UNSUNG HEROES WHO WORK DILIGENTLY BEHIND THE SCENES IN PURSUIT OF THE TRUTH AND JUSTICE. ON BEHALF OF THE EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, I EXTEND OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE TO ALL FORENSIC PROFESSIONALS FOR YOUR HARD WORK, DEDICATION, AND COMMITMENT TO CONDUCTING PROPER SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN THE CAUSE OF JUSTICE. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COMMANDER JEROME WASHINGTON, THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION COMMANDER. I'LL BE BRIEF. THIS SECTION ACTUALLY FALLS UNDER MY DIVISION. WHAT I CAN SAY, I'VE SAID IT BEFORE. SOME OF THE MOST AMAZING WORK I'VE EVER SEEN DONE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT IS BY THE PROFESSIONAL STANDING BEHIND ME. I CAN TELL YOU WHAT YOU'VE SEEN ON TV, IN THE MOVIES. IT DOESN'T EVEN COMPARE TO WHAT THEY ACTUALLY HAVE TO DO IN REAL LIFE. THE METICULOUS EFFORT IT TAKES TO FIND FINGERPRINTS, TO COMPARE THEM, TO FIND EVIDENCE THAT'S BEEN LEFT BEHIND. YOU KNOW, IN FIRST RESPONDERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO PREVENT CRIME. THE REALITY IS THAT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN. SO THE NEXT BEST THING IS TO TO BRING THESE OFFENDERS TO JUSTICE IS WITH THE EVIDENCE. AND A LOT OF TIMES IT'S GOING TO BE THE PEOPLE THAT YOU SEE HERE AND ACROSS THE NATION. SO AGAIN, THANK YOU TO THE COURT FOR THIS RESOLUTION. AND THANK YOU TO ALL THE PROFESSIONALS BEHIND ME AND THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. YOU WANT TO INTRODUCE YOURSELVES, PLEASE.

HI, MY NAME IS ASHLEY AND I'M THE CRIME SCENE UNIT SUPERVISOR. THANK YOU. MY NAME IS CARLOS SANTANA. I'M ONE OF THE CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS. THANK YOU. MY NAME IS SARAH IRELAND, AND I'M A LATENT PRINT EXAMINERS. THANK YOU. MY NAME IS ABIGAIL RODRIGUEZ, AND I'M ALSO A LATENT PRINT EXAMINER. THANK YOU. MY NAME IS CARLOS CERVANTES, ONE OF THE CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS. THANK YOU. MY NAME IS CARLOS RIVAS. I'M ONE OF THE CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS. THANK YOU. MY NAME IS LEAH NAVARRO, AND I'M ALSO A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR.

THANK YOU. AND OUR GOOD FRIEND OMAR, PLEASE. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION. I'M HERE JUST TO SUPPORT AND TO THANK THIS AMAZING STAFF. KIND OF ECHO WHAT COMMANDER WASHINGTON SAID. AMAZING PEOPLE, AMAZING PEOPLE. AND WE SUPPORT SUPPORT THEM EVERY DAY. AND LUNCH IS ON THE ASSOCIATION TODAY. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. AND I HOPE THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS LIKE THE CERTIFICATION AND THE PROFESSIONALISM THAT HAS TO GO BEHIND THIS. AND AS IT WAS MENTIONED, IF THEY DON'T DO A GOOD JOB, YOU MIGHT HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS A CRIMINAL WHO SHOULD BE IN JAIL, OUT IN THE COMMUNITY. AND THAT'S WHERE WE, WE, YOU KNOW, WE'RE SO PROUD OF BEING ONE OF THE SAFEST COMMUNITIES, BUT THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES. IT'S JUST EVERYONE. AND I JUST, I MEAN, TO ME, ONE OF THE MOST SPECIAL THINGS WE DO IS RECOGNIZE PEOPLE THAT WOULD TYPICALLY NOT BE RECOGNIZED, AS I SAID EARLIER. YOU'RE BEHIND THE SCENE AND YOU DO SO MANY GREAT THINGS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. CONTINUE THAT CERTIFICATION, CONTINUE THAT COMMITMENT THAT YOU HAVE. AND ONCE AGAIN, WHEN THE SHERIFF IS INVOLVED, WE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN. AND SO THANK YOU ALSO. I KNOW YOU SUPPORT THE, THE, THE WORKFORCE AND OUR PERSONNEL IN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. SO THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. AND I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH ALL OF YOU. THANK YOU.

[02:20:19]

ITEM NUMBER FIVE G APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2026 AS HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS DAY IN EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WHO ELSE IS

[G. Approve and adopt a resolution declaring September 26, 2026, as “Human Resources Professionals Day” in El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591]

WITH YOU? JUST ANYBODY ELSE, SAM. BRING YOUR TEAM. HE SAID AFTER THIS, HE'S TAKING YOU TO LUBY'S. OKAY. SO. WELL, YOU DESERVE EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR US. WE'D LIKE TO. WELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH. IT'S MY HONOR. HAVING BEEN A HR PROFESSIONAL IN MY IN MY LIFETIME. I REALLY, TRULY UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORKFORCE. AND THE WORKFORCE OBVIOUSLY IS FEELING GOOD AND FEELING LOVED AND APPRECIATED. GREAT THINGS HAPPEN. AND WHEN THEY'RE NOT, NOT SUCH GREAT THINGS WILL HAPPEN. SO I'M VERY APPRECIATIVE BECAUSE WE HAVE SUCH AN INCREDIBLE FAMILY HERE IN THE COUNTY. SO IT WILL BE MY HONOR TO READ THE RESOLUTION.

WHEREAS HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS PLAY AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING THE EMPLOYEES WHO CARRY OUT THE CRITICAL OPERATIONS, SERVICES AND RESPONSIBILITIES NECESSARY FOR THE SUCCESS AND EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF ORGANIZATIONS. WHEREAS, IN EL PASO COUNTY, HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS SERVE AS TRUSTED PARTNERS TO COUNTY LEADERSHIP, ELECTED OFFICIALS, DEPARTMENT HEADS, AND EMPLOYEES BY PROVIDING GUIDANCE AND EXPERTISE IN RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WORKPLACE POLICIES, AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS. WHEREAS, THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT WORKS DILIGENTLY TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN A TALENTED AND DIVERSE WORKFORCE WHILE PROMOTING A WORKPLACE CULTURE THAT VALUES PROFESSIONALISM, RESPECT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND EXCELLENT PUBLIC SERVICE. WHEREAS, HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS FREQUENTLY WORK BEHIND THE SCENES TO ASSIST EMPLOYEES THROUGHOUT EVERY STAGE OF THEIR COUNTY CAREER, FROM RECRUITMENT, ONBOARDING TO PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND RETIREMENT.

WITH THEIR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING COUNTY EMPLOYEES, STRENGTHENS OUR ORGANIZATION AND HELPS ENSURE THAT EL PASO COUNTY CONTINUES TO PROVIDE RESPONSIVE, EFFICIENT, AND HIGH QUALITY SERVICES TO OUR COMMUNITY. WHEREAS, HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS DAY IS RECOGNIZED ANNUALLY ON SEPTEMBER 26TH AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS AND THE POSITIVE IMPACT THEY MAY WITHIN THEIR ORGANIZATION. WITH EL PASO COUNTY RECOGNIZES AND APPRECIATES THE DEDICATION, KNOWLEDGE, PROFESSIONALISM AND SERVICE DEMONSTRATED EACH DAY BY THE EMPLOYEES OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY DECLARE SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2026, AS HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL DAY HONORING THE HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS WHO DEDICATE THEIR CAREERS TO SUPPORTING OUR COUNTY WORKFORCE AND STRENGTHENING OUR ORGANIZATION. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSION COURT EXTENDS ITS SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT FOR ITS CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO SERVING COUNTY EMPLOYEES, SUPPORTING COUNTY LEADERSHIP, AND HELPING EL PASO COUNTY REMAIN AN EMPLOYER DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE. SIGNED THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, SIR. MOTION CARRIES. WELCOME. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS JONATHAN WAGNER AND TOGETHER WITH YVETTE DELGADO, JOSE BARRAZA, JESSICA VALDIVIESO AND VICTORIA VICKERS. WE HAVE THE HONOR OF REPRESENTING THE EL PASO SOCIETY OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. I'M HERE TODAY ON BEHALF OF OUR CHAPTER AND MANY HR PROFESSIONALS THROUGHOUT EL PASO COUNTY TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR THIS RESOLUTION, RECOGNIZING AS HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS, DAY. HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS SERVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN EVERY ORGANIZATION AND EVERY COMMUNITY. WE HELP EMPLOYERS NAVIGATE AN EVER CHANGING WORKPLACE WHILE SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES, DEVELOPING TALENT, STRENGTHENING ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURES, AND HELPING MAKE EL PASO COUNTY A BETTER PLACE TO WORK. HERE IN EL PASO COUNTY, HR PROFESSIONALS ALSO

[02:25:04]

UNDERSTAND THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF OUR COMMUNITY. WE WORK ACROSS INDUSTRIES, ACROSS GENERATIONS AND ACROSS THE US MEXICO BORDER TO HELP ORGANIZATIONS ATTRACT AND RETAIN TALENT TO HELP ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES SUCCEED. ON BEHALF OF EL PASO SHRM, OUR APPROXIMATELY 200 MEMBERS AND MANY MORE HR PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE BORDERLAND. WE THANK THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF HR PROFESSIONALS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE'RE PROUD TO SERVE EL PASO COUNTY AND BEYOND, AND WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE RECOGNIZED TODAY. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. IT'S SO NICE TO HAVE NOT JUST OURSELVES, BUT SHERM REP, YOU KNOW, RECOGNIZE. SO THANK YOU FOR FOR DOING THAT. REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU. SAM, YOU WANT TO LEAD US OFF? SURE. THANK YOU, JONATHAN, FOR FOR DOING THIS. AND JUDGE COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS RESOLUTION FOR US AND RECOGNIZING THE BEST DEPARTMENT IN THE COUNTY. SO I DON'T WANT TO BIASED AT ALL. OKAY. HE JUST. SO WE'D LIKE TO EXTEND OUR APPRECIATION TO THE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS FOR THIS HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL DAY RESOLUTION.

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WORK BEHIND THE SCENES EXTREMELY HARD, AND I BELIEVE THEY MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO ALL THE COUNTY OPERATIONS AND THEN ULTIMATELY TO THE PUBLIC. SO I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EACH MEMBER OF OUR TEAM HERE TODAY AND WATCHING ONLINE FOR THE WORK THAT THEY DO EACH AND EVERY DAY AS. AND THIS RESOLUTION HELPS GO A LONG WAY TO HELP RECOGNIZE THOSE INDIVIDUALS. SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU, SAM, FOR, FOR YOUR COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION AS WELL. SO IF YOU WANT TO INTRODUCE EACH ONE OF YOU, PLEASE COME UP. AND MY NAME IS JOSE BARRAZA AND I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR HUMAN RESOURCES AT EPCC. OH, THANK YOU. FORMALLY FROM CANUTILLO. MY NAME IS VICTORIA VARGAS AND I'M THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR BENEFITS AND RISK MANAGEMENT. THANK YOU. HI, JUDGE, I'M JESSICA VALDIVIESO AND I'M AN HR SUPERVISOR AT ACADEMY WHOLESALE GROCERS. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. GOOD AFTERNOON.

AT THIS POINT. THANK YOU FOR FOR THE RESOLUTION. MY NAME IS YVETTE DELGADO. I'M THE HR DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMY WHOLESALE GROCERS AND THE VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP FOR SURE. OH THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. YASMIN MARTINEZ, HR SPECIALIST. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS PRISCILLA DOMINGUEZ, HR GENERALIST. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS HR SPECIALIST. THANK YOU. GOOD DAY. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. CRYSTAL RAMOS HALL HR SPECIALIST. THANK YOU. HI. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS CHANTEL CRUZ AND I'M AN HR SPECIALIST. THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS MARIA GONZALEZ. I AM AN HR SPECIALIST. THANK YOU.

GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. ALEXA ENCISO, HR GENERALIST WITH OUR BENEFITS TEAM. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING JUDGE COMMISSIONERS. RUBY MUNOZ, WELLNESS COORDINATOR THANK YOU.

GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. DEBORA COLE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT WITH HR.

THANK YOU. HI. GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONERS. DIANA CORDOVA, SENIOR AT THE HR OFFICE. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. JOANNA THE BENEFITS MANAGER. THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. LAUREN RAMIREZ, HR SPECIALIST WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS SABIN SOLIS, YOUR WELLNESS COORDINATOR. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS VALERIA FERNANDEZ, HR MANAGER. AND I ALSO SERVE ON THE TEXAS STATE COUNCIL AS A CO-DIRECTOR FOR EMERGING PROFESSIONALS AND COLLEGE RELATIONS. THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS VANESSA COSTA, YOUR SENIOR DEPUTY HR OFFICER WITH THE COUNTY'S HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT. WE TRULY APPRECIATE THIS RESOLUTION. OH, THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND WE APPRECIATE SO MUCH WHAT YOU DO. AND AS I SAID EARLIER, THE STRENGTH OF ANY ORGANIZATION ARE THE PEOPLE, OBVIOUSLY, BUT YOU'VE DONE SUCH A GREAT JOB. YOU KNOW, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT OUR FAMILY, OUR COUNTY FAMILY, WE REALLY MEAN IT. IT'S NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU SAY PUT ON THE WALL KIND OF THING, BUT IT'S SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL FOR US. I KNOW THERE'S YOUR BIGGEST FAN. WELL, OTHER THAN MYSELF IS BETSY. SHE'S NOT HERE TODAY, BUT I THINK SHE'S DOING

[02:30:02]

SOMERSAULTS AND BEING VERY HAPPY THAT THAT WE'RE RECOGNIZING, AS MOST OF YOU KNOW, SHE INITIATED IN HR AND CONTINUES TO SHOW BECAUSE SHE WAS AN HR, CONTINUES TO SHOW THAT CAPACITY OF DEALING WITH PEOPLE, OF INTERACTING, OF TRYING TO FIGURE THINGS OUT.

AND SO IT'S REALLY NICE TO HAVE SOMEONE AT THAT LEVEL IN A DIFFERENT POSITION, BUT HAS THAT INTEGRATION OF, OF AN HR PROFESSIONAL. AND I THINK ALL OF YOU HAVE THAT TRAJECTORY THAT YOU COULD DO, YOU KNOW, SO MUCH MORE FOR THE COMPANY. EVERY MOMENT THAT YOU'RE HERE MAKES US A LOT BETTER. SO WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. I HOPE THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR ALL OF YOU. AND THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THAT OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE YOU. THANK YOU. YOU WANT TO? ITEM NUMBER FIVE, I APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 27TH THROUGH OCTOBER 3RD, 2026 AS EL PASO STARTUP WEEK IN EL PASO COUNTY AND SURROUNDING

[I. Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing September 27 through October 3, 2026, as El Paso Startup Week in El Paso County and surrounding communities; celebrating the region’s entrepreneurs and innovators and recognizing their contributions to entrepreneurship, collaboration, innovation, and economic growth throughout the region. Jackie Butler, Commissioner, Precinct 1, 915-273-3594]

COMMUNITIES, CELEBRATING THE REGION'S ENTREPRENEURS AND INNOVATORS AND RECOGNIZING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP, COLLABORATION, INNOVATION, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGHOUT THE REGION. YES, JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'M REALLY EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO PRESENT TODAY'S RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF EL PASO STARTUP WEEK. I KNOW WE HAVE SOME REPRESENTATIVES FROM OUR LOCAL STARTUP SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AND OBVIOUSLY OUR WONDERFUL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. BEFORE I READ THE RESOLUTION AND HEAR FROM FROM OUR GUESTS AND OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE WORK THIS COURT HAS DONE THIS THIS YEAR IN SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES AND STARTUPS, AND

[02:35:05]

[02:40:05]

THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. WITH THAT, I AM PLEASED TO INTRODUCE NANCY LOWERY, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION AT THE MEDICAL CENTER OF AMERICA'S FOUNDATION AND A STRONG CHAMPION OF EL PASO STARTUP WEEK. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WELCOME. THANK YOU SONIA. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER BUTLER, JUDGE SAMANIEGO, OTHER COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THIS IS THE FOURTH YEAR OUR COMMUNITY HAS COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT STARTUP WEEK. AND EVERY YEAR, THE COUNTY HAS HELPED US MAKE IT A LITTLE BIGGER, A LITTLE BETTER AND SERVE A LOT MORE ENTREPRENEURS.

BUT STARTUP WEEK IS ABOUT MORE THAN A WEEK OF EVENTS. IT'S REALLY A CELEBRATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND OF A COMMUNITY THAT SURROUNDS AND SUPPORTS ENTREPRENEURS.

STARTING A BUSINESS IS HARD. IT TAKES COURAGE TO PUT AN IDEA, TO PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE AND TRY TO BUILD SOMETHING FROM SCRATCH. IT'S IMPORTANT FOR ENTREPRENEURS TO KNOW THAT THEY'RE NOT DOING IT ALONE, THAT THEIR COMMUNITY BELIEVES IN THEM AND IS WILLING TO SUPPORT THEM. THAT'S REALLY WHY WE ALL DO STARTUP WEEK, AND IT'S NOT JUST THE MC, BUT THERE ARE 20 PLUS ESOS ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION AND PUTTING ON EVENTS DURING STARTUP WEEK, AND WE ESPECIALLY WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY FOR TAKING AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD WITH THE NEW ECONOMIC WORKFORCE AND HERITAGE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POLICY. WE APPRECIATE THE NEW POLICY FOCUS SUPPORTING HOMEGROWN ENTREPRENEURS AND HELPING MORE BUSINESSES START IN A REGION LIKE EL PASO IS VERY IMPORTANT.

THE FACT THAT YOU RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE THE MENTORSHIP, TRAINING AND INCUBATION AND SUPPORT TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO US SINCE THAT'S WHAT WE DO, CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE COUNTY ENTREPRENEURS AND OUR STARTUP ECOSYSTEM, I THINK IS ALSO A VERY IMPORTANT FOCUS OF THE NEW POLICY, AND WE APPRECIATE THAT. WE APPRECIATE THE COUNTY PUTTING THESE PRIORITIES INTO A POLICY AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER TO CONTINUE BUILDING A STRONGER ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM IN A IN EL PASO, WE INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT AND EXPERIENCE EL PASO STARTUP WEEK, ATTEND AN EVENT, MEET AN ENTREPRENEUR, SUPPORT A SMALL BUSINESS, OR SIMPLY LEARN SOMETHING NEW. THERE ARE EVENTS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE REGION, FROM SOCORRO TO DOWNTOWN TO THE M, C, A TO THE INNOVATION HUB. THEY'LL BE ALL OVER THE COUNTY FROM SEPTEMBER 27TH THROUGH OCTOBER 3RD, AND WE HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US. WE WANT TO ESPECIALLY INVITE THE COMMISSIONERS AND EVERYONE HERE TODAY TO JOIN US FOR THE KICK OFF ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH AT NOON AT THE EL PASO MUSEUM OF ART. THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE COUNTY FOR RECOGNIZING OUR ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITY AND FOR STANDING BEHIND THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BUILDING. WHAT'S NEXT FOR EL PASO. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. APPRECIATE YOUR WORDS. HI. GOOD AFTERNOON. GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M EMILY GOMEZ. I'M THE PROGRAM AND MARKETING EVENT COORDINATOR FOR THE MEDICAL CENTER OF THE AMERICAS FOUNDATION. THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE SAMANIEGO AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS ELIZABETH. I'M THE PRESIDENT AND CEO FOR THE EL PASO BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN EL PASO STARTUP WEEK. WE APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. HI. GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS ALEJANDRO FUENTES. I AM THE FOUNDER OF THE PRESIDENT'S LAB. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT THAT THE COUNTY HAS PROVIDED FOR ENTREPRENEURS TO BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES AND TAKE A CHANCE ON THEMSELVES AND CONTINUE SUPPORTING OUR BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY. THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. YOU KNOW, IN OUR WE'VE ALWAYS SAID THAT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THE COUNTY DOES IS ACCESSIBILITY. AND SOMETIMES PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT ACCESSIBILITY IS, FOR EXAMPLE, AN ENTREPRENEUR BEING ABLE TO ENTER THE MARKET, BEING SUCCESSFUL. AND SONIA WILL TELL YOU, YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES WE WE RECOGNIZE THE AMAZONS, THE SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC'S OF THE WORLD, AND IT SEEMS LIKE THEY'RE THE ONES THAT ARE HOLDING OUR ECONOMY TOGETHER. BUT IN ESSENCE, IT'S THE SMALL BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGHOUT THAT REALLY HELP OUR ECONOMY TO BE WHAT WE ARE. AND I KNOW THE COUNTY, EACH ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS JUST SUPPORTS INCREDIBLY SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES. I KNOW COMMISSIONER STOUT IN THE IS FOCUSING A LOT ON THAT. THE HEALTHY FOOD AND HEALTHY, YOU KNOW, OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HAVE FOR ENTREPRENEURS TO GET INTO THAT. SO OUR JOB IS REALLY TO FIGURE OUT HOW DO WE LET THEM KNOW

[02:45:01]

WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE COMMUNITY. AND THEN PEOPLE THAT HAVE THOSE IDEAS AND THAT ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAN SORT OF UNDERSTAND HOW DO THEY FIT IN INTO THIS KIND OF A PUZZLE THAT WE HAVE? BUT I HOPE THAT PEOPLE DO. OUR COMMUNITY DOES REALIZE HOW MUCH WE CARE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS AND STARTUPS. AND SO THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF IT. AND WE THANK YOU.

WE JUST HAVE TO GET THEM OVER THAT LITTLE HUMP, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT SOME OF THE BUSINESS FAIL BECAUSE THEY THEY LACK INFORMATION. THEY LACK THE ABILITY TO, TO BE CONNECTED TO BANKS AND FINANCING. AND, AND IF YOU CAN HELP THEM WITH THAT, THEY CAN BE VERY SUCCESSFUL. SO THAT FIRST YEAR IS VERY DIFFICULT. BUT IF YOU GIVE THEM THE SUPPORT AND THE MENTORSHIP THAT YOU'RE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH HERE, I THINK WE'LL SEE A BIG DIFFERENCE. AND WE NEED THEM IN OUR COMMUNITY. THAT'S WHAT MAKES OUR COMMUNITY BE SUCCESSFUL. AND SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO, AND WE'LL MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE THERE AT THE AT THE AT THE EVENT SUPPORTING IT ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. SO THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER BUTLER, FOR THE RESOLUTION. THANK YOU. THANK YOU AGAIN, EACH EACH ONE OF YOU FOR BEING HERE. AND I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER ISSUES THAT THAT ARE PART OF STARTUP WEEK. AND SO THANK THANK EVERYBODY FOR YOUR EFFORTS. HOPEFULLY WE CAN ATTEND AS MANY EVENTS NEXT WEEK AS POSSIBLE TO, TO HIGHLIGHT THE WORK THAT YOU'RE DOING. THANK YOU TO THE MC FOUNDATION FOR, FOR ALL OF THE INCREDIBLE WORK THAT YOU DO, ESPECIALLY. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE'LL GO AHEAD AND TAKE A PICTURE.

HOW ARE YOU DOING? HOW'S YOUR BABY? I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN A LONG TIME. HOW ARE YOU DOING? YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO PHOTOSHOP MINE TO MAKE ME LOOK GOOD. ITEM NUMBER FIVE J POSTPONE. SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2026. APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE EL PASO RHINOS 20TH ANNIVERSARY. THANK YOU JUDGE. SO LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, AND I KNOW I ALSO

[J. (POSTPONED 9/14/26) Approve and adopt a Resolution recognizing the El Paso Rhinos 20th Anniversary. Iliana Holguin, Commissioner, Precinct 3, 915-273-3594]

SEE TONY, IF YOU WANT TO COME MAKE YOUR WAY UP AND JOIN COREY, IT'S REALLY AN HONOR TO PRESENT THIS RESOLUTION BECAUSE I THINK THAT RHINOS HOCKEY IS SOMETHING THAT NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY KNOW ABOUT, BUT IT'S ONE OF THE FUNNEST, MOST FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS THAT I KNOW OF.

I DID NOT KNOW I WAS A HOCKEY FAN UNTIL I WENT TO MY FIRST RHINOS GAME, AND NOW MY DAUGHTER REBECCA, AND I LOVE SPENDING TIME WATCHING THE GAME. SO I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION. AND WHILE I DO THAT, I KNOW OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM HAS SOME FOOTAGE FROM THIS WEEKEND'S OPENING GAMES, WHICH WERE VERY, VERY EXCITING. I WAS THERE ON FRIDAY. IT WAS VERY EXCITING. THE SCORE WAS THREE THREE, WENT INTO OVERTIME. UNFORTUNATELY, THE RHINOS DID NOT SCORE THE WINNING THE WINNING POINT, BUT IT WAS STILL VERY, VERY

[02:50:01]

EXCITING. SO I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION. WHEREAS THE EL PASO RHINOS WERE FOUNDED IN 2006 BY FORMER EL PASO BUZZARDS PLAYER COREY HERRMANN, WITH THE GOAL OF BRINGING COMPETITIVE ICE HOCKEY BACK TO THE SUN CITY. AND WHEREAS THE RHINOS COMPETE IN THE SOUTH DIVISION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE, USA, HOCKEY'S ONLY TIER TWO JUNIOR LEAGUE AND HAVE BUILT A SUCCESSFUL LEGACY THAT INCLUDES FOUR THORNE CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS, MORE THAN TEN DIVISION TITLES AND NUMEROUS PLAYERS ADVANCING TO ADVANCING TO NCAA HOCKEY PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. AND WHEREAS THE EL PASO RHINOS RHINOS HAVE HELPED GROW THE SPORT LOCALLY THROUGH THE EL PASO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, WHICH OFFERS YOUTH HOCKEY, TRAVEL, HOCKEY, JUNIOR RHINOS PROGRAMS, ADULT HOCKEY. FIGURE SKATING, PUBLIC SKATING AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE REGION. AND WHEREAS THE 2026 2027 SEASON MARKS THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF RHINOS HOCKEY IN EL PASO AND INCLUDES 28 HOME GAMES AT THE EL PASO COUNTY EVENT CENTER, BEGINNING WITH THE REGULAR SEASON OPENER ON SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2026. AND WHEREAS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, THE RHINOS WILL CELEBRATE THEIR CONNECTION TO THE EL PASO COMMUNITY THROUGH SPECIAL THEMED WEEKENDS AND EVENTS INCLUDING THE LOS MUERTOS, VALENTINE'S DAY, MILITARY WEEKEND AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES THAT BRING FANS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TOGETHER. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT IN RECOGNITION OF THE EL PASO RHINOS 20TH ANNIVERSARY. THEIR ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND THEIR CONTINUED CONTRIBUTIONS TO HOCKEY AND THE BORDERLAND COMMUNITY THAT SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2026 BE DECLARED AS EL PASO RHINOS 20TH ANNIVERSARY DAY. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM COMMISSIONER OLGUIN, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER STOUT. VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, JUDGE. COMMISSIONER STOUT. ALL RIGHT. SORRY. GOT AHEAD OF OURSELVES.

MOTION CARRIES. OKAY, THERE WE GO. ALL RIGHT. COREY, WELCOME. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HAVING US OUT HERE TODAY. YEAH. 20 YEARS MAN. IT'S IT'S BEEN VERY, VERY YOU KNOW, WE NEVER, EVER LIKE WHEN WE FIRST MOVED INTO THE EQUESTRIAN CENTER, YOU KNOW, WE TRANSFORMED IT FROM AN EQUESTRIAN CENTER TO WHERE IT IS TODAY. AND IT'S ALL IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF LIKE THE GREAT STAFF WE HAVE AND, YOU KNOW, THE NUMEROUS, NUMEROUS VOLUNTEERS WE HAVE AND, YOU KNOW, THE SUPPORT OF THE OF THE COUNTY. BUT IT'S BEEN, I THINK ONE OF THE LIKE OF ALL THE CHAMPIONSHIPS AND ALL THE THINGS THAT WE'VE WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE 600 KIDS THAT PLAY YOUTH HOCKEY. NOW. WE HAVE TWO FIGURE SKATING CLUBS WITH, YOU KNOW, 200 PEOPLE ATTENDING AND A BIG ADULT PROGRAM. I THINK ONE OF THE THE BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT, YOU KNOW, WE'VE DONE IS LIKE THE $3 MILLION THAT WE'VE PUT INTO THE EQUESTRIAN CENTER HAS COME FROM SPONSORSHIP, FUNDRAISING, AND JUST DONATIONS, WHICH WE ARE VERY, VERY PROUD OF. WE'VE NEVER ASKED FOR ANY MONEY, AND WE'VE DONE ALL THAT OURSELVES. AND WE'RE VERY, VERY PROUD OF THAT. AND, YOU KNOW, I ALSO THINK LIKE WITHOUT, YOU KNOW, IT'S BEEN WE STARTED THE EL PASO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION IN 20 IN, PARDON ME, 25 YEARS AGO. AND THE RHINOS CAME 20 YEARS AGO. BUT WITHOUT THE HONESTLY, WITHOUT THE SPORTS COMMISSION, I DON'T THINK WE'D EVER BE HERE.

YOU KNOW, WITHOUT THEIR SUPPORT, LIKE THEIR UNBELIEVABLE SUPPORT, BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, OF ALL THE THINGS THAT WE'VE WANTED TO DO AT THE EVENT CENTER, THEY'VE BEEN SUPER, SUPER SUPPORTIVE AND WE'RE VERY, VERY THANKFUL FOR THAT. BUT AGAIN, WE, WE TRULY, TRULY THANK YOU. AND, YOU KNOW, WE'RE AT A, WE'RE AT A POINT RIGHT NOW WHERE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ICE TIME AND WE REALLY, REALLY NEED A SECOND SHEET OF ICE. AND HOPEFULLY ONE DAY WE'LL BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT.

SO AGAIN, THANK YOU. HERE'S OUR PRESIDENT, COREY. JOHN. WELCOME. GOOD I GUESS. GOOD AFTERNOON.

THANKS FOR HAVING US. AND I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY. AND WITHOUT IT'S BEEN A LONG 20 YEARS, THAT'S FOR SURE. AND IF YOU WERE TO ASK US FIVE YEARS OR, YOU KNOW, YEAR FIVE, WOULD WE YOU HERE? I DON'T KNOW IF WE WOULD SAY THE SAME THING, BUT IT'S BEEN A GREAT RIDE. AND, YOU KNOW, WITHOUT WITH ALL THE SUPPORT OF THE COUNTY, THE COMMISSIONERS, YOU KNOW, THE SPORTS COMMISSION, I DON'T THINK WE'D BE STANDING HERE. SO AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR HAVING US AND THANKS FOR THE RECOGNITION. WELL, THANK YOU AND A GREAT PARTNER TO YOU GUYS. TONY, YOU WANT TO ON THEIR BEHALF BECAUSE YOU'VE GOT THE BEST VIEW OF OF WHAT THEY DO. TONY RODRIGUEZ WITH THE EL PASO SPORTS COMMISSION. AND JANET WOULD BE HERE TODAY, BUT SHE'S GETTING READY FOR THE OTHER ICE THING GOING ON THIS THIS WEEK AT THE COLISEUM. DISNEY ON ICE. SO NO IT'S A GREAT PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WITH THE RHINOS. I MEAN YOU'VE SEEN IT. I TELL PEOPLE AND IN FACT I WAS TELLING COREY TODAY NOT TO KNOCK ANY OTHER TEAMS. BUT WHETHER THE RHINOS ARE WINNING OR LOSING. THROUGHOUT THE SEASON THE FANS SHOW UP. PEOPLE SHOW UP. THAT BUILDING IS ALWAYS FILLED NO MATTER WHAT. IT'S JUST EXCITEMENT. NONSENSE. I MEAN,

[02:55:02]

YOU SAW THE VIDEO. I MEAN, THAT'S THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE GAME. THAT'S NOT A PART WHERE ANYONE SITTING DOWN TAKING A BREAK. THAT'S HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE GAME. SO IT'S A GREAT PARTNERSHIP. 20 YEARS. WHO WOULD HAVE WHO WOULD HAVE THUNK IT. BUT YEAH, I MEAN LIKE COREY'S RIGHT. I MEAN, ALL THE EVENTS THAT THEY DO BESIDES JUST THE RHINOS HOCKEY FROM FIGURE SKATING, YOUTH HOCKEY, LEARN TO SKATE PUBLIC SKATING. I MEAN, YOU GO THERE, THAT BUILDING IS USED 365 DAYS A YEAR. AND IT'S NOT STOPPING. AND IT'S ON THEIR SCHEDULE SO THAT YOU CAN SEE IT FOR YOURSELF. IT'S IT'S NO JOKE. BUT NO, WE CONTINUE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO 20 FOR 20 MORE YEARS, HOPEFULLY MORE AFTER THAT. BUT THE SEASON JUST STARTED. SO DEFINITELY GO TO EL PASO RHINOS.COM, EL PASO TO GET THE SCHEDULE AND COME ON DOWN AND CHECK IT OUT. WELL THANK YOU TONY. THANK YOU FOR THAT PARTNERSHIP. AND COREY I THINK IT'S GOOD BEING BY THE ICE BECAUSE YOU DON'T LOOK 20 YEARS OLDER FROM WHEN YOU STARTED.

YOU CONTINUE COLD WEATHER IN THERE. BUT BUT THANK YOU BECAUSE IT'S SUCH A NASA TO EL PASO PEOPLE, YOU KNOW GO CRAZY. THE FANS WHAT YOU DO. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TALK TO THE UTEP FANS TO, YOU KNOW, BE A LITTLE BIT MORE RELENTLESS BECAUSE YOUR FANS, LIKE TONY WAS SAYING, WIN OR LOSE. THEY'RE THEY'RE THEY'RE EXCITED. AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED, YOU KNOW, EFFORT TO, TO MAKE IT GROW. AND HOPEFULLY THERE'S A WAY THAT WE, WE CAN SUPPORT THAT. THAT SECOND SHEET I KNOW HAS BEEN. AND WE HAD SO MANY INDIVIDUALS HERE SUPPORTING THAT. IT WAS PRETTY AMAZED AT THE NUMBER OF, OF PEOPLE SUPPORTING THE ICE SKATING AND EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS THERE. SO REALLY FROM, FROM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND THE COMMISSIONERS, YOU'VE DONE AN AMAZING JOB AND HAVE KEPT THIS GOING. AND I THINK YOU DO NEED SOME MORE SUPPORT TO GET IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL. NO, WE WE REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. AND IT'S FUNNY, LIKE, WE LIKE WE'RE IN LIKE NOT A HOCKEY TRADITIONAL MARKET, BUT WE LEAD THE LEAGUE IN ATTENDANCE AND WE'RE LIKE, WE'RE VERY, VERY FORTUNATE THAT 95% OF OUR GAMES ARE SOLD OUT AND OVER 16,000 PEOPLE GO THROUGH THAT RINK EVERY WEEK. IT'S WE'RE VERY, VERY FORTUNATE.

THANK YOU AGAIN. PRETTY AMAZING. I'M JUST GOING TO I'M JUST GOING TO SHAMELESSLY PLUG COMMISSIONER'S COURT PUTTING BACK ON THE BALLOT, INVESTING IN THE COLISEUM. IT'S GREAT TO DO RESOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT YOU. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE FOR 20 YEARS AND DOING ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE DURING THAT TIME. BUT BUT IF WE'RE SERIOUS ABOUT SUPPORTING YOU, I WOULD SAY WE NEED TO PUT THAT BACK ON THE BALLOT AND ASK THE VOTERS TO SUPPORT YOU AS WELL. WELL, WE HAVE WE HAVE A PLAN TO WE WE COULD DO IT OURSELVES, YOU KNOW, AND WE'RE WE'D BE MORE THAN WILLING TO DO THAT BECAUSE WE DESPERATELY NEED A SECOND SHEET OF ICE. THANK YOU. COREY. WELL, I JUST WANT TO ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO HAS NOT BEEN OUT TO SEE A RHINOS GAME TO GO WATCH ONE, EVEN IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU'RE A HOCKEY FAN, BELIEVE ME, YOU WILL BE AFTER YOU WATCH A GAME.

SO THANK YOU ALL. AND IF WE COULD HAVE YOU JOIN US UP HERE FOR A PHOTO, I WANT TO SEE A VIDEO OF TONY DOING THE RHINO MOVE. I DON'T HAVE TO PUT ON THE MASK.

ITEM NUMBER SIX IS PUBLIC COMMENT. WE HAVE TWO SPEAKERS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY, JUDGE. I'D LIKE TO GET STARTED WITH MR. SAMMY. I'D JUST LIKE TO REMIND SPEAKERS THAT PUBLIC COMMENT IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES PER PERSON. EVERYBODY WILL BE TIMED. THANK

[PUBLIC COMMENT]

[03:00:02]

YOU. WELCOME. GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYBODY. I KNOW IT'S LATE, SO LET'S GET THIS OVER WITH. YOU GUYS KNOW WHY I'M HERE FOR TODAY? OKAY. TAXES. TAXES ARE GOING UP. IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION. IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, RIGHT? THERE'S ONLY TWO THINGS IN LIFE THAT ARE CERTAIN, RIGHT? DEATH AND TAXES. BUT WE NEED TO CONTROL THEM. OUR TAXES HAVE GONE UP IN THE COUNTY. THERE'S A LOT. YOU HAVE THE HR DEPARTMENT. YOU HAVE A LOT OF DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE DOING THEIR PART TO TRY TO KEEP THAT DOWN. BUT YET THERE'S ONE DEPARTMENT HERE IN EL PASO COUNTY THAT'S NOT DOING THEIR PART, AND THAT'S THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET IS, I BELIEVE, THE LAST FIGURE, $5.9 MILLION IN THE DEFICIT, AND IT KEEPS CLIMBING. THERE WAS A SUMMONS SENT OUT TO SHERIFF OSCAR UGARTE. I'VE SEEN COMMANDERS, I'VE SEEN LIEUTENANTS. I'VE EVEN SEEN THE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT HERE. YET WE DON'T SEE SHERIFF OSCAR UGARTE. WHY? WHY ISN'T HE OUT HERE? WHY ISN'T HE OUT HERE ANSWERING QUESTIONS? HE NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THE SPENDING IS GETTING OUT OF CONTROL. AND A LOT OF TIMES HE SAYS, WELL, IT'S FOR SECURITY REASONS, FOR SAFETY. AND HE ASKED FOR MORE MONEY AND HE ASKED FOR MORE MONEY. BUT I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU GUYS, WHAT DOES EATING GORDITAS HAVE TO DO WITH SAFETY? NOTHING. WHAT DOES HAVING GOING TO SENIOR CITIZEN CENTERS HAVE TO DO WITH SAFETY? NOTHING. ONE OF THE MOST RECENT THINGS THAT YOU GUYS AGREED ON APPROVED WAS MONEY FOR BULLETPROOF WINDOWS, WHICH SOUNDS AMAZING, RIGHT? IT'S SAFE, BUT THEY'RE USELESS. WHY? BECAUSE IF THE WHOLE VEHICLE IS NOT BULLETPROOF, THAT'S A WASTE OF MONEY. JUST BECAUSE IT'S FREE DOESN'T MEAN YOU TAKE IT.

AND THAT'S JUST ONE OF THE MANY EXAMPLES OF THE PURCHASES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE BY OSCAR UGARTE.

BUT AGAIN, LET ME TAKE A LOOK. HE'S NOT HERE. WHY IS HE NOT HERE? NOW I'M THE SAMMY C SHOW, SO THAT MEANS I KNOW A LOT. I PLAY DUMB, BUT GUESS WHAT? I'VE BEEN TOLD HE'S NOT GOING TO BE HERE IN PERSON, BUT HE'S GOING TO BE IN ON TEAMS. DOES HE NOT HAVE ENOUGH RESPECT FOR YOU GUYS OR FOR THE TAXPAYERS TO SHOW UP IN PERSON? COME ON GUYS, WE GOT TO DO SOMETHING. HE HAS BEEN HERE WAY TOO MANY TIMES ASKING FOR MONEY. HE HAS BEEN HERE WAY TOO MANY TIMES SAYING, OKAY, HE'S GOING TO DO THINGS RIGHT. YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND WHO IS BEHIND HIM. AND WE ALL KNOW WHO IT IS. IT'S A CONGRESSWOMAN, VERONICA ESCOBAR. NOW, I ASK YOU GUYS, THIS ISN'T POLITICAL BECAUSE BOTH PEOPLE ON THE LEFT AND ON THE RIGHT ARE SICK AND TIRED OF HIS SPENDING. THEY'RE SICK AND TIRED OF TAXES GOING UP. THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. TWO OF YOU GUYS ARE GONE BECAUSE OF THAT. AND OF COURSE, SACRED CORONADO, IF YOU DON'T MIND, GET OFF YOUR PHONE. SAME THING EVERY SINGLE TIME. FOUR OF YOU GUYS ARE LOOKING AT ME LISTENING. AND WE HAVE SENATOR CORONADO JUST IGNORING WHATEVER I ASK YOU GUYS. I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE POLITICAL TIES AND WHATEVER IT IS. BUT LET ME ASK YOU THIS. DO YOU GUYS REPRESENT THE CONGRESSWOMAN OR DO YOU GUYS REPRESENT YOUR CONSTITUENTS? YOUR CONSTITUENTS HAVE SPOKEN.

THEY NEED HELP. BUT IF YOU DON'T LISTEN TO THEM, GUESS WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN? THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED, THESE TWO GUYS, THEY'RE GOING TO GET VOTED OUT. THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. WE ARE HERE. WE'RE STANDING UP AND WE'RE SPEAKING OUT LOUD. NO MORE TAXES. ARE YOU GUYS GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, OR ARE YOU JUST GOING TO SIT HERE AND WARN HIM ONE MORE TIME? HOW MANY MORE WARNINGS IS HE GOING TO GET? WE CAN'T AFFORD IT. WE LITERALLY CANNOT AFFORD MORE TAXES. I AM ASKING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO HOLD OSCAR UGARTE ACCOUNTABLE, NOT JUST FOR HIS SPENDING, BUT HIS UNETHICAL PRACTICES, HIS HIRING PRACTICES. HE HAS HIRED HIS GIRLFRIEND, BYPASSED HIRING PROCESSES, AND EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS. EVERYBODY TELLS ME, SAMMY, WE KNOW, BUT WE CAN'T DO NOTHING. WHY? BECAUSE THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS AUTONOMOUS. IT RUNS BY ITSELF. BUT YOU GUYS HERE CAN PUBLICLY TELL HIM HE NEEDS TO STOP. YOU GUYS CAN EITHER CENSOR HIM OR DO SOMETHING. BUT I AM HERE, 30S. AND AS YOU KNOW, I AM A MAN ON A MISSION. I'M NOT GOING TO STOP. I'M LIKE A BULLDOG. I'M ROUND, I SALIVATE SOMETIMES, I HONK, I SNORE WHEN I TALK, WHEN I WALK. BUT JUST LIKE A BULLDOG. WHEN I LATCH ON TO SOMETHING, I DON'T LET GO. AND I'M NOT GOING TO LET GO OF THIS. SO I'M ASKING YOU GUYS HERE

[03:05:02]

TODAY, AND EVERYBODY WHO'S WATCHING ON THAT CAMERA IS ASKING YOU GUYS, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. PUT A STOP TO SHERIFF OSCAR UGARTE. I YIELD MY TIME. OUR NEXT SPEAKER HAS SUBMITTED PUBLIC COMMENTS. WE HAVE ELIZABETH CRAWFORD. SHE BEGINS HER COMMENT. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE SAMANIEGO. AND COMMISSIONERS, AS WE KNOW IN OUR NATION, WE HAVE GONE FROM THE SLOGAN ABORTION SAFE, LEGAL AND RARE TO THE RALLYING CRY OF SHOUT YOUR ABORTION. AN INTERESTING UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE OF THE SHOUT YOUR ABORTION MOVEMENT IS THAT WOMEN IN TELLING THEIR STORIES ARE ADMITTING THAT AN ABORTION IS NOT A SIMPLE DISPOSING OF A CLUMP OF CELLS. EVEN A NUMBER OF WOMEN WHO ARE THE LOUDEST IN SHOUTING THEIR ABORTIONS ARE PUBLICLY ADMITTING THAT THERE WAS AN EMOTIONAL TOLL. WHY? BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THAT WHAT'S WHAT'S GROWING IN THE WOMB OF AN EXPECTANT MOM IS NOT A CLUMP OF CELLS. IT IS A LITTLE BOY OR A LITTLE GIRL. SEVERAL MONTHS BACK, WE SAW THE OUTRAGE OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT ISRAELI SOLDIERS DESTROYED A STATUE IN LEBANON, AN IMAGE OF JESUS ON THE CROSS USING A SLEDGEHAMMER.

AS I WATCHED THE VIDEO OF IT, I FELT A PROFOUND SADNESS BEYOND AN EXTERNAL ACT OF ALLEGEDLY SMASHING A STATUE. WHAT ABOUT THE REALITY OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED ON CALVARY 2000 YEARS AGO? IN THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES, WRITTEN CENTURIES BEFORE JESUS'S ADVENT ON EARTH, WE READ THESE WORDS THAT SPEAK OF OF A SUFFERING MESSIAH, WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES, THE CHASTISEMENT OF OUR PEACE UPON HIM. AND WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HERALDED. WE ARE HEALED. HE WAS BEATEN TO A PULP TO PAY FOR OUR SINS. AND A FEW VERSES UP IN ISAIAH 5214, HIS VISAGE WAS SO MARRED MORE THAN ANY MAN, AND HIS FORM. MORE THAN THAT, THE SONS OF MEN. AS WE THINK AGAIN ABOUT THE ABORTION ISSUE, WE CANNOT FORGET THAT ABORTION IS. DESTRUCTION IN THE WOMB IS DONE TO THOSE WHOM THE LORD IS CREATING IN HIS OWN IMAGE. I AM SO THANKFUL THAT THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS NOT MY BODY, MY CHOICE, BUT INSTEAD HIS BODY, HIS CHOICE, HIS SELFLESS CHOICE TO GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY. THANK YOU AND I HOPE YOU HAVE A REALLY GOOD DAY. END OF COMMENT. THAT COMPLETES ALL THE SPEAKERS THAT WE HAVE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY. WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND GET ONE MORE ITEM IN AND THEN WE'LL BREAK FOR LUNCH. YES, SIR. ITEM NUMBER SEVEN A FROM THE REGULAR AGENDA, RECEIVE A PRESENTATION, DISCUSS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE FUTURE DIRECTION, GOVERNANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA INITIATIVE. WELCOME, TONY. GOOD AFTERNOON,

[A. Receive a presentation, discuss and take appropriate action regarding the future direction, governance, and implementation of the Veterans Capital of the U.S.A. Initiative Antoinette Hunt, VA Program Manager, Veterans Assistance, 915-273-3454]

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I HAVE LIKE THIS 20 MINUTE BRIEF. BUT IF AT ANY TIME YOU WANT TO CUT ME OFF BECAUSE YOU'RE HUNGRY, WE CAN. WE CAN GET TO THE BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT. SO I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE VETERANS CAPITAL. THE VETERANS CAPITAL INITIATIVE REFLECTS SOMETHING DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE EL PASO COUNTY, OUR MILITARY HISTORY, OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FORT BLISS, AND OUR COMMITMENT TO VETERANS SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE WORK THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE GIVES A COUNTY A FOUNDATION TO BUILD UPON. THE QUESTION BEFORE US NOW IS WHERE WE WANT VETERANS CAPITAL TO GO NEXT, AND WHAT WE WANT THIS DESIGNATION TO MEAN FOR EL PASO COUNTY. ALL RIGHT. SO Y EL PASO, THE VETERANS CAPITAL ECOSYSTEM, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE EL PASO AS A VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA, WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT A DESIGNATION WITHOUT SUBSTANCE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AN ENTIRE MILITARY AND VETERAN ECOSYSTEM THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THIS COMMUNITY. FORT BLISS RECEIVED THE 2026 COMMANDER IN CHIEF'S ANNUAL AWARD FOR INSTALLATION EXCELLENCE AND WAS RECOGNIZED BY THE ARMY AS THE ARMY'S BEST GARRISON. MAJOR GENERAL TAYLOR ALSO HIGHLIGHTED HOW FORT BLISS LED THE ARMY IN RE-ENLISTMENTS AND EL PASO LED THE NATION IN RECRUITING DURING THE PRECEDING YEAR. WILLIAM BEAUMONT ARMY MEDICAL CENTER HAS RECEIVED NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PATIENT SAFETY, AND OUR EL PASO VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM RANKS NUMBER ONE ACROSS THE NATION. THESE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE CONNECTED. THEY TELL A MUCH LARGER STORY ABOUT EL PASO COUNTY. THE VETERANS CAPITAL GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THOSE STRENGTHS TOGETHER UNDER ONE RECOGNIZABLE IDENTITY.

THE GOAL IS NOT SIMPLY TO CELEBRATE WHAT OUR MILITARY AND VETERAN PARTNERS HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. IT IS A BUILD UPON THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND MAKE SURE THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE HAVE SERVED, AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM CAN BENEFIT FROM EVERYTHING THIS COMMUNITY HAS TO OFFER. THAT IS WHAT I BELIEVE THE VETERANS CAPITAL CAN REPRESENT FOR EL PASO

[03:10:03]

COUNTY. WE HAD FOUR PILLARS, AND WHERE WE LEFT OFF IN 2025 WAS THE LAST BRIEFING. THE 2025 PLAN ORGANIZED VETERANS CAPITAL AROUND FOUR PILLARS INTERNAL MARKETING, EXTERNAL MARKETING, REPUTATION AND RECOGNITION. THOSE PILLARS REMAIN RELEVANT AND PROVIDE CONTINUITY BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL VISION AND WHERE THE COUNTY COULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE NEXT. THE OPPORTUNITY NOW IS TO EXPAND THOSE PILLARS BEYOND MARKETING AND CONNECT THEM TO TANGIBLE OUTCOMES. ACCESS TO RESOURCES. EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSITION OPPORTUNITIES. VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND RECOGNITION. THE IDEA IS NOT TO REPLACE THE EARLIER WORK. IT IS TO BUILD UPON IT AND DETERMINE WHAT NEXT PHASE SHOULD LOOK LIKE. OUR INTERNAL MARKETING. THE COUNTY ITSELF IS AN IMPORTANT STARTING POINT FOR VETERANS CAPITAL MESSAGE. OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEES, DEPARTMENTS, FACILITIES, COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS ALL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO REINFORCE WHAT THE VETERANS CAPITAL REPRESENTS. THE ORIGINAL PLAN INCLUDED REOCCURRING COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITION OF COUNTY EMPLOYEES WHO SERVE IN THE MILITARY. THOSE EFFORTS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH A COORDINATED COUNTY CALENDAR AND CLEARLY IDENTIFIED RESPONSIBILITIES. THE COUNTY EMPLOYEE VETERAN LUNCHEON IS ONE EXAMPLE OF THAT COMMITMENT AND SHOULD REMAIN PART OF THE CONVERSATION AS COUNTY DETERMINES FUTURE PRIORITIES AND FUNDING. I KIND OF HIT MYSELF. ALL RIGHT, EXTERNAL MARKETING. THE VETERANS CAPITAL HAS THE GREATEST POTENTIAL WHEN PARTICIPATION EXTENDS BEYOND THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT, THE COUNTY CAN PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK THAT ALLOWS THE CITY OF EL PASO, FORT BLISS MUNICIPALITIES, BUSINESSES, VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO PARTICIPATE UNDER A SHARED VETERANS CAPITAL IDENTITY. ONE OPPORTUNITY IS TO ESTABLISH A VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA. SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES THAT SERVE AS A CENTRAL LOCATION FOR VETERAN RELATED INFORMATION AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT PASO COUNTY. RATHER THAN EXPECTING VETERANS AND FAMILIES TO FOLLOW MULTIPLE ORGANIZATIONS AND TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING, VC USA COULD HELP BRING THAT INFORMATION TOGETHER UNDER ONE RECOGNIZABLE PLACE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN THE CITY VETERANS OFFICE PARTNERED WITH THE ELIZABETH DOLE FOUNDATION AND MANY COMMUNITY PARTNERS PLANNING AN EVENT, THE COUNTY IS WELCOMING HOME IN HONOR FLIGHT OR WHEN FORT BLISS IS HOSTING A TRANSITION EVENT.

THE VETERAN ORGANIZATION HAS AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY EVENT. VC USA COULD HELP AMPLIFY AND SHARE THAT INFORMATION. WE COULD ALSO EXPLORE VETERANS CAPITAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL OR PODCAST, INCLUDING SHORT EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS THAT BRING MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT MOST. THE MILITARY AND VETERANS BASE CAN BE DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE, AND VETERANS ARE NOT THE ONLY PEOPLE TRYING TO NAVIGATE IT. CAREGIVERS AND MILITARY SPOUSES ARE OFTEN TRYING TO MISUNDER TO UNDERSTAND PROGRAMS, BENEFITS, RESOURCES, AND POLICY CHANGES WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING THEIR FAMILIES. VC USA COULD PROVIDE SHORT, EASY TO UNDERSTAND UPDATES SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT. THIS MIGHT INCLUDE. CAREGIVER UPDATE EXPLAINING A CHANGE TO A VA PROGRAM. A MILITARY SPOUSE UPDATE ABOUT NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OR AN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY OR SHORT EXPLANATION OF LEGISLATION OR VA POLICY THAT DIRECTLY AFFECTS THEIR FAMILY. WE COULD DO THE SAME FOR TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS, SURVIVING SPOUSES, GUARD AND RESERVE FAMILY, AND OTHER PARTS OF THE MILITARY AND VETERAN COMMUNITY. THE LONG TERM GOAL IS FOR THE VETERANS CAPITAL TO BECOME A RECOGNIZABLE COMMUNITY IDENTITY FOR EVERY COMMUNICATION, TO GIVE VETERANS AND FAMILY A USEFUL NEXT STEP. THE COUNTY ALREADY HAS AN ONLINE VETERANS CAPITAL PRESENCE, SO WE ARE NOT STARTING FROM ZERO. THAT OPPORTUNITY IS TO DEVELOP THE PRESENCE INTO TRUE DIGITAL FRONT DOOR FOR VETERANS, MILITARY FAMILIES, TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS AND BUSINESSES. THAT COULD INCLUDE A COUNTY WIDE VETERANS RESOURCE DIRECTORY, SUCH AS THE ONE THE VALLEY HAS CREATED AS AND IS EXPANDING ON SHARED EVENTS. CALENDAR, VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS DIRECTORY, VETERAN FRIENDLY BUSINESS LISTINGS, TRANSITION RESOURCES AND INFORMATION ABOUT MILITARY HISTORY. THERE IS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMPANIES SUCH AS META AND OTHERS TO DETERMINE WHETHER INTERACTIVE TOOLS COULD HELP CONNECT PEOPLE WITH THE VETERAN COMMUNITY IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WAY. IMAGINE AN INTERACTIVE VETERANS CAPITAL MAP WITH DIFFERENT LAYERS THAT A VETERAN MILITARY FAMILY VISITOR OR INCOMING SERVICE MEMBER COULD SELECT BASED ON WHAT THEY NEED. VETERANS COULD EASILY LOCATE THE NEAREST VFW POST AMERICAN LEGION POST, DAV CHAPTERS, VA, VA CLINICS, VETERAN OWNED BUSINESSES, VETERAN FRIENDLY BUSINESSES, AND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES. WE COULD MAP THE MORE THAN 125 MILITARY AND VETERAN MEMORIALS THROUGHOUT EL PASO COUNTY, ALONG WITH THE PURPLE HEART

[03:15:05]

TRAIL AND OTHER HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT LOCATIONS. ADDITIONAL LAYERS COULD EVENTUALLY INCLUDE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, EVENTS, TRANSITION RESOURCES, AND CONNECT FORT BLISS FAMILY TO OUR LOCAL CULTURE, SUCH AS A MISSION TRAIL AND CONNECT EL PASO AS TO WHAT IS GOING ON IN FORT BLISS. OUR REPUTATION. EL PASO COUNTY HAS A MILITARY STORY THAT FEW COMMUNITIES CAN MATCH, AND VETERANS CAPITAL GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY TO TELL THAT STORY MUCH MORE INTENTIONALLY. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT BUILDING THE REPUTATION OF THE VETERANS CAPITAL, WE ALREADY HAVE A FOUNDATION, FORT BLISS, NATIONAL RECOGNITION, OUR MILITARY AND VETERAN HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS, OUR RECRUITING AND REENLISTMENT ACHIEVEMENTS, AND THE ORGANIZATIONS SERVING THE VETERAN THROUGHOUT THIS COMMUNITY ARE ALL PART OF THAT SAME STORY. THIS STORY INCLUDES OUR HISTORY, FORT BLISS, GENERATIONS OF VETERANS WHO HAVE MADE EL PASO HOME, AND THE VETERANS WHO CONTINUE CONTRIBUTING TO OUR BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES TODAY. THIS IS WHERE EL PASO AND THE VETERANS CAPITAL CAN BECOME NOT ONLY SOMETHING WE SAY ABOUT EL PASO COUNTY, BUT SOMETHING RESIDENTS AND VISITORS VISITORS CAN ACTUALLY EXPERIENCE. RECOGNITION PROVIDES ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO TURN THE VETERANS CAPITAL DESIGNATION INTO COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION. A VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS DIRECTORY COULD HELP RESIDENTS AND VISITORS IDENTIFY AND SUPPORT VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS THROUGHOUT EL PASO COUNTY. A SEPARATE, VETERAN FRIENDLY BUSINESS LISTING WILL PROGRAM WOULD RECOGNIZE BUSINESSES THAT DEMONSTRATE MEANINGFUL SUPPORT FOR THE MILITARY AND VETERAN COMMUNITY. THAT COULD INCLUDE VETERAN HIRING GUARD AND RESERVE SUPPORT, VETERAN DISCOUNTS, PARTICIPATION IN VETERAN INITIATIVES, OR OTHER ESTABLISHED CRITERIA. SO THE PROPOSED STRUCTURE OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE. ONE RECOMMENDATION FOR THE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD IS THE CREATION OF A VETERANS CAPITAL SUBCOMMITTEE TO HELP DEVELOP AND ADVANCE A COUNTYWIDE STRATEGY. THE PURPOSE IS TO BRING TOGETHER THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF VETERAN EXPERIENCE, GOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION, MARKETING EXPERTISE, COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS, AND HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE. THE PROPOSED STRUCTURE WOULD ALSO INCLUDE FIVE VETERANS, INCLUDING TWO VETERANS FROM THE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD, THE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER WORKING IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE VETERANS OFFICE, AND AN ADDITIONAL VETERAN REPRESENTATION, INCLUDES MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS EXPERTISE. THE STRUCTURE WOULD ALSO INCLUDE A CIVILIAN LIAISONS WHO BRING VALUABLE COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIPS, INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE, HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, AND OTHER EXPERTISE TO IMPORTANT TO THE VETERANS CAPITAL. I ALSO WANT TO MAKE IT IMPORTANT THE DISTINCTION REGARDING OF MY ROLE AS A VETERAN COUNTY SERVICE OFFICER. THE COUNTY.

STATUTORY VETERANS SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES. THE DAY TO DAY WORK OF ASSISTING VETERANS DEPENDENTS SURVIVORS WILL REMAIN A CORE PRIORITY AND WILL NOT BE DISPLACED BY THE VETERANS CAPITAL INITIATIVE. THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS A SUBCOMMITTEE STRUCTURE IS CRITICAL. WHILE I AM REQUESTING THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE AS COUNTY'S OPERATIONAL LEAD AND FISCAL ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE INITIATIVE, THAT DOES NOT MEAN OUR OFFICE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PERSONALLY EXECUTING EVERY COMPONENT OF THE VETERANS CAPITAL STRATEGY. THE SUBCOMMITTEE WOULD CREATE STRUCTURE WHERE WORK CAN BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS BASED ON THEIR EXPERTISE.

MARKETING PROFESSIONALS CAN HELP WITH MARKETING. HISTORICAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS CAN HELP WITH HERITAGE INITIATIVES. BUSINESS PARTNERS CAN HELP WITH BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT. VETERAN REPRESENTATIVES CAN ENSURE WORK REMAINS RESPONSIVE TO THE COMMUNITY. THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE WOULD PROVIDE OPERATIONAL COORDINATION, FISCAL ADMINISTRATION, AND CONNECTION TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT, WHILE THE SUBCOMMITTEE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS WOULD ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPING AND CARRYING OUT THE WORK. THE GOAL IS TO CREATE A COUNTY WIDE INITIATIVE THAT HAS A CLEAR OPERATIONAL HOME WITHOUT PLACING ENTIRE WORKLOAD ON ONE COUNTY OFFICE. ANY MAJOR POLICY FUNDING COUNTY COMMITMENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO GO THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE COUNTY PROCESS, AND COMMUNITY COMMISSIONERS COURT. SO THIS IS WHERE THE FOUR PILLARS BEGIN TO COME TOGETHER IN A WORKING STRATEGY. THE DIGITAL HUB IMPROVES ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND INFORMATION, WHILE THE VC, USA, SOCIAL MEDIA AND POTENTIALLY YOUTUBE CHANNEL GIVE THE COUNTY ITS PARTNERS A WAY TO CONTINUOUSLY COMMUNICATE TO THE VETERAN COMMUNITY. THINK ABOUT WHAT THIS COULD LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE. A PARTNER ANNOUNCES AN EXPO. WE AMPLIFY IT THROUGH VC, USA. HONOR FLIGHT IS COMING HOME. WE PROMOTE THE WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION. FORT BLISS HAS AN EVENT. WE HELP CONNECT SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS AND PEOPLE IN THE EL PASO COMMUNITY TO THAT EVENT. A MAJOR VA SERVICE.

CONNECTED COMPENSATION CHANGE AFFECTS LOCAL VETERANS. WE HELP GET ACCURATE INFORMATION OUT. A

[03:20:01]

CAREGIVER PROGRAM CHANGES. WE HELP FAMILIES UNDERSTAND WHAT CHANGED AND HOW TO NAVIGATE THAT PROGRAM FOR ASSISTANCE. WE WANT SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO HAVE A POSITIVE CONNECTION WITH THIS COMMUNITY FROM THE VERY MOMENT THAT THEY ARRIVE AND WHEN THEIR MILITARY SERVICE ENDS. WE WANT THEM TO SEE EL PASO COUNTY AS A PLACE WHERE STAYING. THAT MEANS CONNECTING VETERANS WITH EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, HOUSING RESOURCES, BUSINESSES, EVENTS, AND COMMUNITY BEFORE THEY MAKE THE DECISION TO LEAVE. THEN WE HAVE A PRACTICAL FOUR YEAR SEQUENCE. THE COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE TO ACCOMPLISH EVERYTHING AT ONCE. THE FOUR YEAR SEQUENCE ALLOWS COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ESTABLISH PRIORITIES, EVALUATE RESULTS AND MATCH PROJECTS WITH AVAILABLE RESOURCES. 2027 WOULD BE BUILDING THE FOUNDATION. THE.

THE EMPHASIS IN 2027 COULD BE STRENGTHENING THE WEBSITE, ESTABLISHING A VC, USA SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM, EXPLORING THE VC, USA YOUTUBE CHANNEL OR PODCASTS, COMPLETING RESOURCE AND MEMORIAL INVENTORIES, DEVELOPING BUSINESS PROGRAM STANDARDS, EXPANDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH HOSPITALITY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AND ESTABLISHING BASELINE MEASURES.

WE COULD ALSO BEGIN EVALUATING THE FEASIBILITY OF AN INTERACTIVE MAP, INCLUDING THE POTENTIAL TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS. 2028 WE WILL EXPAND OUR PARTNERSHIPS, MILITARY TRANSITION EFFORTS, EMPLOYER RECOGNITION, BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MILITARY HERITAGE CONCEPT. IN 2029, WE'RE GOING TO EXPAND THE VETERANS CAPITAL BRAND INITIATIVE COULD BROADEN THE EXTERNAL PROMOTION AND PURSUE LONGER BUSINESSES, TOURISM, MILITARY HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES. IN 2030, WE'RE GOING TO MEASURE AND SUSTAIN. BY 2030, THE COUNTY SHOULD BE IN A POSITION TO EVALUATE WHAT HAS WORKED, MEASURE PARTICIPATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT, AND DETERMINE WHICH INITIATIVES SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXPAND. THE IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT WE ESTABLISH MEASURES AT THE BEGINNING, SO COMMISSIONERS COURT CAN SEE WHAT THE VETERANS CAPITAL IS PRODUCING OVER TIME.

SO WHAT ARE WE REQUESTING FROM THE COURT? THIS PRESENTATION IS ULTIMATELY ABOUT DIRECTION AND ESTABLISHING THE STRUCTURE THAT ALLOWS THE VETERANS CAPITAL TO MOVE FORWARD. VETERAN CAPITAL BELONGS TO EL PASO COUNTY, AND THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DETERMINE WHAT THE NEXT PHASE SHOULD LOOK LIKE. THE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD HAS RECOMMENDED A SUBCOMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND IS ONE WAY TO BRING TOGETHER THE EXPERTISE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS NEEDED TO ADVANCE THE INITIATIVE. TODAY, I'M REQUESTING THAT THE COURT APPROVE THE CREATION OF THE VETERANS CAPITAL SUBCOMMITTEE, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD, AND TO DESIGNATE THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE AS A COUNTY'S OPERATIONAL LEAD AND FISCAL ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE INITIATIVE. THIS WOULD ESTABLISH CLEAR COUNTY ACCOUNTABILITY AND MAINTAIN A COLLABORATIVE STRUCTURE NEEDED FOR VETERANS CAPITAL TO SUCCEED. COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS. THE CITY, FORT BLISS BUSINESSES, VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS WOULD ALL CONTRIBUTE CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS. WITH THE COURT'S DIRECTION, WE CAN ESTABLISH RESPONSIBILITIES, TIMELINES, PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND ANY FUTURE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS. RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING APPROVAL. THE GOAL IS A COUNTY WIDE INITIATIVE WITH CLEAR LEADERSHIP SHARING THE RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY WITH THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. THIS IS THE FY 25 BUDGET. I DIDN'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE FY 27 BUDGET, BUT THIS SLIDE PROVIDES A HISTORICAL CONTEXT CONTEXT REGARDING THE COUNTY'S INVESTMENT. THE VETERANS CAPITAL IN FY 25 PLANNING FIGURES TOTALED 11,355, WITH $6,000 FOR EMPLOYEE LUNCHEON, $3,000 FOR LAPEL PINS, AND $2,000 FOR BANNERS AND GIVEAWAY. THE LUNCHEON REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT EXISTING COMMITMENT AND SHOULD BE ACCOUNTED FOR. THE COUNTY CONSIDERS FUTURE VETERANS CAPITAL PRIORITIES. AS THE STRATEGY DEVELOPS. THE COUNTY CAN THEN MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT WHICH INVESTMENTS BEST ADVANCE VETERANS CAPITAL MISSION. THE GOAL WOULD BE TO CONNECT FUTURE SPENDING TO SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND MEASURABLE OUTCOMES. THAT'S ALL I HAVE. I WELCOME THE COURT'S QUESTIONS AND DIRECTION. WELL, YOU KNOW, PERSONALLY, I WANT TO REALLY THANK YOU BECAUSE WE WERE SORT OF PLATEAUING A LITTLE BIT. I KNOW THE, YOU KNOW, MY OFFICE AND A LOT OF SUPPORT FROM COMMISSIONER OFFICE. WE'RE NOT GOING TO SORT OF SAY, OKAY, THAT'S IT. WE'RE GOING TO BE VERY SUPPORTIVE BECAUSE OF OUR OWN RELATIONSHIPS AND THE THINGS WE'VE, YOU KNOW, WITH THE GENERALS OR RELATIONSHIP WITH FORT BLISS. AND SO I REALLY BELIEVE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO TAKE

[03:25:04]

US TO THE NEXT LEVEL. AND IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS REALLY NEEDED. LIKE I SAID, EVERYTHING SORT OF YOU DON'T PUSH IT HARD ENOUGH, IT'LL PLATEAU A LITTLE BIT. AND I DID FEEL LIKE IT WAS BEGINNING TO PLATEAU. AS FAR AS YOU KNOW, THERE WERE SO MANY OTHER THINGS THAT WE NEEDED TO DO. SO I THINK THIS IS A GREAT PLAN. IT DOES REQUIRE STRATEGIC PLANNING. A LOT OF GREAT THINGS HAVE HAPPENED, A LOT OF RECOGNITION. A LOT OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS HAVE RECOGNIZED US. AND ONE OF THE THINGS I REALLY APPRECIATE IS THAT THE MILITARY, YOU KNOW, FORT BLISS IS REALLY, REALLY PROBABLY WAS THE FIRST TO TRULY UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A COMMUNITY BEING NAMED AND OR THAT WE WOULD PROCLAIM BEING THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES. AND IT WAS SO STRONG THAT WE HAVEN'T BEEN CHALLENGED. YOU KNOW, WE DID SO MUCH RESEARCH AT THE BEGINNING. YOU KNOW, MADRIGAL MADRIGAL DID SO MUCH RESEARCH AT THE BEGINNING TO SHOW WHY WE WERE THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA. THERE'S STILL SO MUCH INFORMATION THERE THAT I'M REALLY ASKING THAT YOU GO BACK TO SOME OF THE WORK THAT WAS DONE THERE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE 141 LANDMARKS THAT WERE THERE THAT WE DISCOVERED SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT WERE RECOGNIZED. AND SO WE STARTED WITH THIS IDEA OF, MAN, WE HAVE THIS INCREDIBLE, LIKE I'VE ALWAYS SAID, I'VE NEVER SAID THAT, YOU KNOW, I'M THE ONE THAT DID ANYTHING. I SAID, WE WERE ALWAYS THE VETERANS CAPITAL. I MEAN, YOU COULD TELL YOU COULD FEEL IT. YOU COULD SENSE IT THE WAY WE DID THINGS. FLAGS ACROSS AMERICA JUST DIDN'T COME UP OUT OF NOWHERE. IT TOOK A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF COURAGE TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT. AND, YOU KNOW, BUT HERE WE ARE. IF YOU ASK 100 PEOPLE, YOU ASK THEM IF THEY'VE BEEN TO FLEX ACROSS AMERICA. THEY HAVEN'T. I MEAN, VERY SMALL AMOUNT HAVE EVER BEEN THERE. IF YOU ASK THEM ABOUT THE THE MUSEUMS OR THE MEMORIALS AND, AND FABENS OR TORNILLO. SO I THINK THIS IS A TIME WHEN WE REALLY GET OUR OWN COMMUNITY, WE'RE NEVER GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IF OUR OWN COMMUNITY DOESN'T EMBRACE SUCH AN AMAZING THING. I WISH OUR COMMUNITY COULD SEE WHAT WE'VE DONE THROUGH THE EYES OF THE GENERALS. FOR SOME REASON, THE GENERALS, BECAUSE THEY TRAVEL ALL OVER AND THEY'RE IN ALL THESE DIFFERENT CITIES AND THEY TELL US, WOW, THIS IS DEFINITELY VERY, VERY DIFFERENT. THEY ACTUALLY WILL TELL OTHER COMMUNITIES, HEY, IF YOU EVER WANT TO KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT TAKING CARE OF VETERANS AND MAKING SURE THAT THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS, GO TO EL PASO. AND LIKE EISENHOWER, GENERAL EISENHOWER SAYS IT'S NOT EASY TO BE IN ANOTHER COMMUNITY TELLING THEM ABOUT EL PASO. HE GOES, BUT YOU GUYS HAVE DONE SUCH AN AMAZING JOB THAT IT'S REALLY EXCITING. AND THEN THEY'RE GAINING. ALSO, THE RECRUITMENT HAS INCREASED TREMENDOUSLY. AS YOU KNOW, THERE WAS A POINT THAT IT WAS SORT OF IT WAS HAD IT HAD TO DO WITH OUR OWN OUR OWN DEFENSE AND OUR OWN SECURITY AS A NATION OF MORE PEOPLE NOT GOING INTO THE MILITARY. WE HAD A SLOWDOWN. WHY? WELL, THEY DIDN'T SEE US HONORING VETERANS. SO WHY WOULD I WANT TO BE A, YOU KNOW, GO INTO THE MILITARY IF I WAS GOING TO BE JUST ONE MORE PERSON? SO THEY KNOW THAT BY US DOING WHAT YOU'VE TALKED ABOUT GETS YOUNG PEOPLE EXCITED ABOUT JOINING THE MILITARY. AND THAT'S THAT'S DIFFICULT IN TODAY'S WORLD. YOU KNOW, OUR NEW GENERATIONS DON'T HAVE THAT SAME KIND OF LOVE FOR THE FOR THE MILITARY AS, AS ALL OF YOU DID. SO THIS IS SOMETHING I BELIEVE THAT IF WE DO IT RIGHT AND WE FOLLOW THE STRATEGIC PLANNING, THIS IS NOT ONLY A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO OUR COMMUNITY, BUT A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO THE COUNTRY OF BEING A ROLE MODEL. I MEAN, I JUST, YOU KNOW, WE'VE SEEN IT HAPPEN IN PROBATION DEPARTMENT AND OUR, OUR, YOU KNOW, OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM. WHEN PEOPLE START ASKING, HOW DO YOU DO THIS? YOU KNOW, HOW DO YOU, HOW DO YOU MAKE THAT HAPPEN? AND THAT'S WHAT WE'D LIKE TO BE, YOU KNOW, WE WOULD LOVE OTHER COMMUNITIES. SO IF THERE'S ANY OUTREACH TO OTHER COMMUNITIES, I THINK WE HAVE A GREAT STORY TO TELL, AN AMAZING STORY OF STARTING IN 2019, I THINK EVERY VETERANS GROUP SEEMED TO BE GOING IN EVERY DIRECTION YOU COULD THINK OF. I MEAN, THEY WERE ALL SORT OF TRYING TO DO THEIR THING. NOW, IT'S VERY RARE THAT A THAT ANY OF THE VETERANS GROUP DON'T TIE IN THE VETERANS, YOU KNOW, BEING THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA, THERE'S A LINKAGE. AND THAT LINKAGE IS VERY POWERFUL BECAUSE SEPARATELY, I DON'T THINK WE WE COULD WE WERE DOING AS MUCH. AND SO TONY, THANK YOU. I THINK THIS IS A GREAT STRATEGIC PLAN. AND LIKE I SAID, I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IT'S NOT LIKE THE, YOU KNOW, THE COUNTIES, YOU KNOW, MY MY

[03:30:04]

OFFICE IS STEPPING AWAY FROM IT, BUT WE'RE GOING TO REALLY TRY EVERYTHING TO DO TO SUPPORT IT.

I KNOW I'VE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH COMMISSIONER HOLGUIN AND JAVIER. THEY'VE JUST BEEN AMAZING OF THE THINGS THAT THEY'VE DONE IN THE RURAL AREAS, THE MEMORIALS AND ALL THE THINGS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE. SO I THINK IT'S SORT OF WE'RE COMING OF AGE, YOU KNOW, WE REALLY FEEL LIKE WE'RE GOING TO TAKE THAT NEXT LEAP. THE OTHER THING, OBVIOUSLY, IS THAT, YOU KNOW, WE'VE TALKED ABOUT MAYBE IF YOU COULD LOOK INTO IT A LITTLE BIT OF FOUNDATION SO THAT MONEY CAN COME INTO THE FOUNDATION SO THAT WE CAN SUPPORT VETERANS. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT. I'VE SPOKEN TO DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING META, AND THEY SAID IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO GIVE MONEY TO A COUNTY, TO A GOVERNMENT. SO IF YOU CREATE A FOUNDATION, THEN IT'S A LOT EASIER FOR A LOT OF ORGANIZATIONS TO BE ABLE TO SAY, WELL, YOU KNOW, WE'RE GOING TO PROVIDE MONEY FOR THE FOUNDATION. THE FOUNDATION THEN CAN COVER THINGS LIKE I, I MEAN, I'M, IT'S A KIND OF SMALL THING THAT'S A BIG THING. AND THAT IS THAT I WANT TO BE ABLE TO COME BACK FROM SOMEWHERE. AND IT SAYS, WELCOME TO THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT EACH ONE OF THE ENTRANCES. I MEAN, SOMETIMES PEOPLE FEEL LIKE, WELL, THAT'S NOT VERY IMPORTANT, BUT IT IS IF YOU'RE A VETERAN AND YOU'RE COMING BACK HOME AND YOU SEE THIS BIG SIGN, THIS BIG PLACE THAT SAYS, WELCOME TO THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA, I CAN JUST IMAGINE HOW THAT MUST FEEL NOT BEING I'M A VETERAN ADVOCATE, NOT A VETERAN. I WOULD FEEL IN REALLY GREAT. I CAN IMAGINE A VETERAN COMING BACK FROM SOMEWHERE AND SEEING. BEING WELCOMED TO COME BACK TO THIS COMMUNITY, AND I THINK. SO THAT'S ONE OF THE BIG THINGS I SEE IS THAT WE HAVE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF VETERANS THAT HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH THIS CONCEPT, BUT I DON'T THINK A LOT OF THEM UNDERSTAND IT.

AND SO I THINK ONE OF THE OUTREACH IS FOR MORE VETERANS, BECAUSE WHAT WE WANT, WHAT DO WE WANT? WE WANT A VETERAN TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE FACT THAT THEY SERVED, THAT THEY FEEL GOOD ABOUT BEING PART OF THIS COMMUNITY. THAT'S A VETERAN, YOU KNOW, COMMUNITY. AND I REMEMBER THE ONE TIME I WAS SPEAKING AT THE VERY BEGINNING, I SAID THAT WE WERE A VETERAN, FRIENDLY COMMUNITY, AND SOME GUY COMES OVER AND HE GOES, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, SITTING DOWN AND HAVING COFFEE WITH A VETERAN? WE DON'T WANT TO BE FRIENDLY. WE WANT TO BE READY.

WE WANT TO BE READY. FOR VETERANS WHO ARE LOOKING TO START BUSINESSES READY, BECAUSE THERE ARE CHALLENGES THAT HAVE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES. SO THIS IDEA OF FRIENDLY WAS WHAT MOST COMMUNITIES DO. WE'RE FRIENDLY, BUT WE'RE ALSO BEYOND FRIENDLY, AND WE'RE REALLY DOING SOMETHING ABOUT VETERANS. SO I MEAN, I'M EXCITED THAT THAT WE DON'T LOSE THAT TRACTION BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T QUITE UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS. THE SIGNIFICANCE.

YOU KNOW, I'VE ALWAYS SAID I LOVE BEING THE SUN CITY, BUT I HATED GIVING CREDIT TO THE SUN FOR US, FOR OUR COMMUNITY. I WANTED TO GIVE CREDIT TO OUR VETERANS. AND SO WE'VE WE'VE TAKEN SOME BIG STEPS. AND IF YOU'VE NOTICED HOW, FOR EXAMPLE, GOING FROM TWO PEOPLE AT THE UNACCOMPANIED FUNERALS TO 150 PEOPLE FROM HAVING THESE BREAKFASTS THAT HAVE NOW, I MEAN, YOU CAN'T EVEN. IT'S LIKE STANDING ROOM ONLY TO GO IN. SO I THINK WE'VE WE'VE GOTTEN THAT TRACTION, THAT EXCITEMENT OF WHO WE ARE. I JUST WOULD LOVE MORE PEOPLE TO FEEL THE WAY YOU ALL DO ABOUT VETERANS AND ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY. AND SO I THINK THIS IS A SORT OF CATAPULTING US TO THE NEXT LEVEL. AND, YOU KNOW, I'M VERY FORTUNATE, DAVID. THANK YOU. I KNOW THAT EVERYBODY WANTS TO THANK THEIR APPOINTEES, BUT, I MEAN, I REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE WHAT EVERY ONE OF YOU DOES. THE HOPE THERE'S NO CONFUSION WITH THE WITH OUR VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD BECAUSE IT'S ALL KIND OF A IT'S ALL WORKING TOGETHER. TONY'S OFFICE, YOU KNOW, OUR OFFICES, THE VETERANS, YOU KNOW, AND THE THE WORK WITH THE CITY. AND I'LL NEVER STOP THANKING LUTHER FOR THE THIS IDEA. IT'S NOT EASY WHEN YOU KNOW, THE IDEA OF NOT INVENTED HERE, YOU KNOW, IT'S HARD. LIKE IF IT WASN'T INVENTED IN THE CITY, IT MIGHT THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE THAT SAME LOVE AND, AND APPRECIATION FOR IT. BUT THANKS TO LUTHER, HE'S KEEPING THE CITY AND US WORKING TOGETHER. IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK. IF THE CITY AND THE COUNTY DON'T COME TOGETHER, IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK. IF WE'RE NOT TIED INTO SAN ELIZARIO AND THEIR EFFORTS. AND, YOU KNOW, ALL OF THE DIFFERENT, YOU KNOW, SOCORRO, ANTHONY, IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. SO I HOPE THE COMMUNITY DOES REALIZE THAT THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT, SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVE THAT

[03:35:03]

GOES BEYOND SOME UNDERSTANDING. IT IMPACTS THE, YOU KNOW, OUR ECONOMY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, IT IMPACTS SO MANY OTHER THINGS. AND, AND I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE UP TO YOU TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT WE PUT THE PUZZLE TOGETHER AND THAT PEOPLE REALIZE A HUGE IMPACT OF, OF WHERE WE ARE AT THIS POINT IN TIME. SO TONY, EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH RIGHT NOW. AND, YOU KNOW, I JUST HOPE THE COURT DOES SUPPORT THIS IDEA OF, OF TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL, MAKING IT PART OF A STRATEGIC PLAN AND REALLY BEING, YOU KNOW, SUPPORTIVE TO TONY AND WHAT HER EFFORTS ARE. JUDGE, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. MELISSA CARRILLO WITH COUNTY OPERATIONS, JUST TO BE CLEAR, FOR THE COURT'S KNOWLEDGE. SO FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE FUNDING FOR THIS PARTICULAR ITEM HAS RESIDED WITHIN THE COMMUNICATIONS BUDGET, WITHIN THE MY SUPERVISION. SO THIS ITEM, IF APPROVED BY THE COURT, WOULD BE TRANSITIONING THAT LINE ITEM FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY TO THE VETERANS OFFICERS CAPACITY SO THAT THEY CAN MANAGE AND SPEND THAT MONEY ACCORDINGLY TO THE PLAN THAT YOU ALL APPROVED TODAY. THANK YOU, MELISSA, FOR THAT. SO. SO I GUESS THE MOTION WOULD BE TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF THE VETERANS CAPITAL SUBCOMMITTEE, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BAB, AND DESIGNATE THE EL PASO COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE AS THE COUNTY'S OPERATIONAL LEAD AND FISCAL ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE INITIATIVE. WITH SUBCOMMITTEE PROVIDING COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE. THANK YOU. I'LL MAKE THAT MOTION TO APPROVE SECOND. THE VOTING STOPPED WORKING TO. IT'S HUNGRY. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM COMMISSIONER OLGUIN, A SECOND FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO. VOTING IS OPEN. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU, SIR.

COMMISSIONER STOUT, THANK YOU. MOTION CARRIES. I KNOW, I KNOW THAT EVERYBODY'S HUNGRY, BUT I JUST I'D BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T THANK MY TRIBE. SO TO THE CITY'S VETERANS OFFICE. THEY'RE HERE. THE AMERICAN LEGION'S HERE. THE VFW IS HERE. OUR VETERANS OF THE YEAR HERE. AND THEN TO THE BAB WHO THEY'RE LIKE THE BEST NON PAYING EMPLOYEES I'VE EVER HAD. SO BUT THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY FOR THEIR SUPPORT. I COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT THAT. DAVID THOUGHT HE WAS GETTING PAID, RIGHT? NO. IT'S A DELAYED PAYMENT. IT'S A GRATIFICATION FOR YOUR WORK. SO THANK YOU GUYS. APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DO. JUDGE, BEFORE WE BREAK, BEFORE WE BREAK FOR LUNCH, THERE'S A COUPLE THINGS WE WANTED TO CHECK WITH THE COURT ABOUT AND MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE OF. OKAY. FIRST, COMMISSIONER CORONADO, I DIDN'T KNOW IF YOU WANTED TO ASK ABOUT THE ELECTION ITEM OR IF YOU WANTED TO ASK IF WE WANT TO ASK FOR A SHORT LUNCH PERIOD, THERE'S AN ITEM IN EXECUTIVE. I KNOW COMMISSIONER CORONADO WANTS TO BE HERE FOR THE ITEMS. SO WHETHER WHETHER WE SAID AFTER LUNCH WE'D GO RIGHT INTO EXECUTIVES AND THAT WAY WE COULD GET AS MANY OF THE ITEMS FOR COMMISSIONER CORONADO.

WOULD THAT WORK FOR YOU? THAT'S FINE, JUDGE, AND WOULD YOU BE OPEN TO A SHORTER LUNCH PERIOD? MAYBE 40 TO 45 MINUTES? THAT'S FINE. I'M JUST KIDDING. I'M GOOD. WHAT IS IT, 30. YOU WANT TO SAY 40 MINUTES? 40 IS FINE. OKAY, GOOD. SO WHEN WE COME BACK FROM LUNCH, THEN JUST FOR THE PUBLIC, THAT WILL BE GOING RIGHT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO TO DO THOSE ITEMS. WOULD THAT BE WOULDN'T WE'LL BE BACK AT 15151. OKAY. OKAY. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECESS FOR 40 MINUTES. IT IS 1:09 P.M.

[03:42:03]

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'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

[03:45:04]

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. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERANS SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[03:50:19]

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 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

[03:55:03]

DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY.

[04:00:05]

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.

[04:05:03]

INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[04:10:05]

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.

[04:15:22]

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.

[04:20:20]

EVERY DAY. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERANS SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN HOUSTON, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[04:25:04]

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. COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS RECONVENED INTO REGULAR OPEN SESSION. IT IS 1:56 P.M.

BEFORE WE MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, I NEED TO READ IN TWO ITEMS ITEM NUMBER 11 C POSTPONED FROM SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2026, PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 55100725. DISCUSS CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS REGARDING USDA RECONNECT GRANT AGREEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COTTON VALLEY CONNECT PROJECT AND ITEM NUMBER 11. D PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 55100725. DISCUSS CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS REGARDING THE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT US LLP FOR BOND COUNSEL SERVICES CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0653. JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. ERIC SCAGLIONE, ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY. WE'RE ASKING THE ITEMS 11 C AND D THOSE ITEMS WRITTEN BY MR. NOT TO BE TAKEN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.0725. THE COUNTY IS CURRENTLY IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH FIRST FOR ITEM 11 C INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR, INC. FOR A POTENTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND INSIGHT RELATING TO THE COUNT COTTON VALLEY CONNECT BROADBAND PROJECT. CONCURRENTLY, THE COUNTY IS IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE USDA REGARDING POTENTIAL U.S. GRANT AWARD FUNDS RELATED RELATING TO THE COTTON VALLEY CONNECT BROADBAND PROJECT. AND THEN FOR ITEM 11 D, THE COUNTY IS CURRENTLY IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT US LLP WITH REGARDS TO BOND COUNSEL SERVICES. THE INFORMATION TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDES ISSUES INVOLVING BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATED TO THOSE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, AND THE COURT MUST BE FREE TO DISCUSS THOSE ISSUES WITHOUT UNDERMINING THE COUNTY'S POSITION. THEREFORE, ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEYS DIANA SHEARER AND YVETTE ABBOTT HAVE DETERMINED THAT DELIBERATION IN OPEN MEETING CONCERNING THESE ISSUES RELATING TO THE NEGOTIATIONS WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COURT IF DISCUSSED IN OPEN. SO WE'RE ASKING FOR A VOTE THAT WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION THAT ALL DELIBERATIONS TAKE PLACE IN CLOSED SESSION. WE WOULD FURTHER REQUEST THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT DIRECT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, COMMISSIONERS, COURT REPORTERS TO ENSURE THAT ALL PROCEEDINGS IN CLOSED SESSION BE RECORDED.

A COPY OF THE LEGAL MEMOS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONERS, COURT REPORTERS TO BE MADE A PART OF THE OFFICIAL COURT RECORDS. IF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AGREES, I'D NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND RECORDED VOTE AT THIS TIME, PLEASE. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER STOUTE, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER BUTLER. COMMISSIONER, I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. MOTION CARRIES. COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL NOW RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEMS 11 A THROUGH 11 I PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071551.072551.0725551.074 AND 551.087. COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECONVENE TO TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION. IT IS 2 P.M.

[04:32:43]

[04:35:07]

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.

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. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERAN SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[04:40:58]

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.

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 ARE 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 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, ILUMINA 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

[04:45:04]

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.

[04:50:04]

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 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.

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.

[04:55:04]

TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONG FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[05:00:03]

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.

[05:06:01]

SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES SEEMINGLY.

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 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.

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.

[05:10:59]

EVERY DAY. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERAN SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[05:15:01]

HELPS ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE.

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.

[05:22:40]

[05:25:05]

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. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERAN SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[05:30:55]

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.

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

[05:35:01]

[05:40:02]

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.

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.

[05:45:02]

ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[05:50:01]

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.

[05:55:59]

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.

[06:00:57]

EVERY DAY. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERANS SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[06:05:06]

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.

[06:12:38]

[06:15:02]

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. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERAN SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF FIVE OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[06:20:53]

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,

[06:25:06]

[06:30:06]

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.

[06:35:05]

LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[06:40:06]

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.

[06:45:57]

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.

[06:50:55]

EVERY DAY. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERANS SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

[06:55:04]

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.

[07:02:36]

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

[07:05:05]

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. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERANS SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE.

[07:10:51]

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,

[07:15:04]

[07:20:04]

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.

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.

[07:25:03]

[07:30:04]

RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION.

[07:35:55]

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.

[07:40:52]

EVERY DAY. EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SOMETIMES THAT WORK HAPPENS HERE AT HOME. SOMETIMES IT TAKES US ACROSS TEXAS, ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD. COUNTY LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SAFETY, VETERANS SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH PRIORITIES IMPORTANT TO OUR RESIDENTS. THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, FUNDING REQUESTS, AND VARIOUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS, YOUR COUNTY IS WORKING TO ENSURE EL PASO'S VOICE IS HEARD. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS HELP BRING RESOURCES, EXPERTISE AND OPPORTUNITIES BACK TO EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, OUR POSITION ON CRITICAL MATTERS CAN BE SHARED AND HEARD BY THOSE MAKING DECISIONS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS, ALSO ALLOWS COUNTY LEADERS TO LEARN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BRING INNOVATIVE IDEAS BACK HOME. EL PASO COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR BORDERS. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF TRAVEL ACROSS TEXAS, THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY TO PROMOTE EL PASO AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION. THESE EFFORTS ALLOW US TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS, SHOWCASE OUR REGION'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES, AND COMPETE FOR NEW JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS NOT WHERE WE TRAVEL TO, BUT WHAT WE BROUGHT HOME. AT THE MIDPOINT OF 2026, OUR GRANT PORTFOLIO REMAINS STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE. TO DATE, WE HAVE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 50 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, WITH 21 AWARDS SECURED, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $15.6 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING AWARDED. EVERY TRIP REPRESENTS ONE PURPOSE SERVING THE PEOPLE OF EL PASO COUNTY. WHETHER ADVOCATING IN AUSTIN, COLLABORATING IN WASHINGTON, OR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS. OUR MISSION REMAINS THE SAME CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING SERVICES, AND BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

EVERY DAY ACROSS EL 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.

[07:45:02]

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.

[07:52:34]

[A. Approve and authorize the El Paso County Hospital District to execute a lease, with an option to purchase, for certain real estate located in central El Paso. R. Jacob Cintron, District President & CEO, University Medical Center/EPCHD, 915-521-7600]

A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER. DO YOU WANT A SECOND? JUDGE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE THE SECOND? YES.

OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER SECOND FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO. THE VOTING IS OPEN.

AYE, SIR. COMMISSIONER STOUT IS ABSENT AND COMMISSIONER CORONADO IS ABSENT. THE MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'D LIKE TO MOVE ON TO ITEM NUMBER EIGHT A FROM PUBLIC WORKS.

[07:55:15]

DISCUSS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO APPROVE THE WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR THE EL PASO COUNTY WATER SYSTEM. DOING BUSINESS AS EL EAST MONTANA WATER SYSTEM AND AUTHORIZE THE FEES TO TAKE EFFECT NOVEMBER 1ST, 2026. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS ON THIS.

[A. Discuss and take appropriate action to approve the water and sewer rates for the El Paso County Water System d/b/a East Montana Water System and authorize the fees to take effect November 1, 2026. Norma Rivera-Palacios, Deputy County Administrator, Public Works Department, 915-273-3330]

WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES, WE HAD A PRESENTED. I GUESS THE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION, SOME OF THE WATER RATES AND WE ALSO PROVIDED IN THE BACK UP THE CONCERNS OR COMMENTS THAT WE HAD PROVIDED FOR THE QUESTIONS THAT WERE PENDING. I'M NOT SURE IF YOU ALL WOULD LIKE US TO PROCEED WITH PRESENTATION OR IF YOU'D LIKE TO TAKE THE VOTE ON THE RECOMMENDED RATES THAT WE ARE PROPOSING. I THINK WE SHOULD GO THROUGH THE PRESENTATION. I PREFER THAT THEN AT THIS TIME, WE'LL TURN THE PRESENTATION OVER TO THE AUDITOR. STEVE, SORRY I LOST YOU THERE. GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONERS MICHAEL, FIRST ASSISTANT COUNTY AUDITOR.

WE HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS THAT WERE ASKED LAST TIME, AND WE JUST ARE GOING TO GO THROUGH DEPARTMENT BY DEPARTMENT ANSWERING THOSE QUESTIONS. SO FIRST OFF, STARTING WITH THE COUNTY AUDITOR. SORRY ABOUT THAT. THE FIRST QUESTION WE RECEIVED WAS REGARDING THE EL PASO WATER CONTRACT. 91% OF PAYMENTS ARE DIRECT PAYMENTS. DOES THE ADMINISTRATION FEE ALSO FALL WITHIN THAT 91%? THE ANSWER WAS YES. 91% OF PAYMENTS ARE DIRECT OPERATIONAL CHARGES FROM EL PASO WATER, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE IS INCLUDED WITHIN THAT CALCULATION. SOME OF THE REMAINING SOME OF THE REMAINING EXPENDITURES COVER OUR INTERNAL SALARY EXPENSE, WHICH WE HAD UP UNTIL RECENTLY. SOME EXCAVATION SAFETY COSTS, WATER SYSTEM FEES AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS FEES. BUT AGAIN, THE MAJORITY DOES GO TO EL PASO WATER. SECOND QUESTION WE RECEIVED. WE ARE REQUIRED TO PAY A PERCENTAGE OF WATER LOSS. IS THIS REQUIREMENT ONLY FOR EAST MONTANA WATER SYSTEM OR FOR THE ENTIRE WATER SYSTEM? AND WHAT IS THAT TOTAL WATER LOSS PERCENTAGE? SO RIGHT NOW WE CURRENTLY PAY A RATE OF 16.73% FOR WATER LOSS. AND THIS RATE IS UPDATED EVERY APRIL ALONG WITH OUR NEW WATER RATE, FEES AND SEWER RATES. SORRY, THE 16.73 IS NOT AN INDEPENDENTLY CALCULATED WATER LOSS RATE FOR OUR SYSTEM. IT'S FOR THE OVERALL SYSTEM FOR EL PASO WATER. AND THEY CALCULATED BY COMPARING THE TOTAL WATER PRODUCTION TO TOTAL BILLED WATER. THIS 16.73% RATE IS THEN APPLIED TO OUR MONTHLY USAGE.

TO DETERMINE THE FINAL BILLING FOR THE COUNTY. OUR NEXT QUESTION THAT WE HAVE IS DO WE HAVE YEAR OVER YEAR DATA FROM EL PASO WATER SHOWING HOW MANY ACCOUNTS WERE DELINQUENT OR DISCONNECTED, AS PER EL PASO WATER, AS OF THE END OF AUGUST, WE HAVE, OUT OF A TOTAL OF $326,000 BALANCE DUE. WE HAVE 17% PAST DUE, WITH 60 DAYS BEING 10%, 90 DAYS, 3%, 120 DAYS, 1%, AND OVER 120 DAYS BEING 3%. AND JUST FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THE BALANCE HAS TO BE OVER $150 FOR COLLECTION SEVERANCE PROCESS TO START AFTER A DUE DATE. THEY HAVE A GRACE PERIOD, A TWO DAY GRACE PERIOD. IF THE PAYMENT IS NOT MADE, THE SEVERANCE PROCESS WILL BEGIN AFTER THAT. AND AS FAR AS WRITE OFFS, THE SYSTEM CONVERTS THE BALANCE TO A WRITE OFF AFTER A YEAR. IF THAT CUSTOMER DID NOT PAY THAT FINAL BALANCE. AND HERE WE HAVE A CHART SHOWING SOME OF THE SAME INFORMATION FROM THE PAST SLIDE. AS YOU CAN SEE AT THE BOTTOM, WE ALSO SAY THE PAST DUE AMOUNTS INCLUDE 66 DISCONNECTED ACCOUNT BALANCES. AS FAR AS YEAR TO YEAR INCREASES. WHY ARE WE PROPOSING ANOTHER INCREASE TO OUR CUSTOMER? EACH YEAR WE EVALUATE THE EAST MONTANA WATER SYSTEM OPERATING COSTS TO ENSURE THAT THE SYSTEM REMAINS FINANCIALLY STABLE AND COMPLIANT WITH REQUIREMENTS. THE PROPOSED INCREASE IS DRIVEN BY HIGHER SYSTEM WIDE COSTS, INCLUDING EL PASO WATERS, UPDATED WATER LOSS PERCENTAGE, INCREASED WHOLESALE WATER RATES, AND RISING OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES. THESE ADJUSTMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO ENSURE WE CAN CONTINUE DELIVERING SAFE, RELIABLE WATER SERVICE AND MAINTAIN THE LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SYSTEM. AGAIN, FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THE COUNTY DOES NOT PROFIT FROM THE WATER SYSTEM AND RELIES ON RATE