[00:13:13] THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA. FROM INSIDE THE ALICIA CHACON COMMISSIONERS COURTROOM OF THE [00:13:18] ENRIQUE MORENO COUNTY COURTHOUSE. YOU ARE WATCHING THE EL PASO COUNTY [00:13:25] COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING. GOOD MORNING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. TODAY IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2026, AND COMMISSIONERS COURT IS MEETING IN REGULAR OPEN SESSION. IT IS 9:43 A.M. WE ARE JOINED TODAY BY ASL INTERPRETERS STEPHANIE MICHELLE AND JAMES GARCIA. COMMISSIONER, WOULD YOU LIKE TO INTRODUCE THIS MORNING'S PLEDGE PRESENTERS? YES. GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE WITH US. AND THANK YOU TO OUR STUDENTS FROM EASTLAKE HIGH [OPEN MEETING] SCHOOL ARE GOING TO BE LEADING US IN THE PLEDGE. AND OF COURSE, I WANT TO THANK MR. WEIDNER, WHO IS THE STUDENT ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR, FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THESE STUDENTS TO JOIN US. GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME. WELCOME. HI, MY NAME IS AVA ELLIS. MY NAME IS DIVA GUTIERREZ. HI. MY NAME IS ALANA DEANDA. OKAY, PLEASE RISE FOR THE PLEDGE. WE'RE READY WHEN YOU ARE. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE. FLAG. TEXAS. UNITED STATES. RELAX, RELAX. START AGAIN. START ALL OVER AGAIN. ONE. TWO. THREE. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE, I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. STATES OF AMERICA, ONE FOR WHICH IT STANDS. ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. MAY THE TEXAS I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE TEXAS ONE STATE, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE. THANK YOU. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. HAVE A GOOD [00:15:02] DAY. BYE BYE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. ITEM THREE IS THE INVOCATION. WE ARE JOINED THIS MORNING BY PASTOR SARAH GARCIA FROM GRACE CHRISTIAN CENTER. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. WELCOME. THANK YOU. MY DAD, PASTOR SAID TO TELL YOU ALL HI. AND THANK YOU FOR LETTING US BE [PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE] HERE. I'M JUST GOING TO READ THIS VERSE. IT'S PHILIPPIANS FOUR SIX THROUGH SEVEN. IT SAYS, [INVOCATION] DON'T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING. INSTEAD, PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. TELL GOD WHAT YOU NEED AND THANK HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE. THEN YOU WILL EXPERIENCE GOD'S PEACE, WHICH EXCEEDS ANYTHING WE CAN UNDERSTAND. HIS PEACE WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS AS YOU LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS. GOD, I COME BEFORE YOU AND I THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERY SINGLE OFFICIAL THAT'S REPRESENTED HERE TODAY, LORD, AND THOSE OF US THAT ARE ON THIS SIDE AS WELL. LORD JESUS, I JUST PRAY FOR YOUR PEACE TO REIGN IN THIS ROOM. GOD, WHETHER THERE'S JUST STRESS OR WORRY OR BURDEN WITH EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON. MAY YOUR PEACE REIGN HERE. FATHER GOD, I BLESS OUR OFFICIALS. I BLESS WHAT THEY'RE DOING. I BLESS THEIR DECISION MAKING IN THE NAME OF JESUS, GOD. AND ALSO, I JUST THANK YOU FOR THAT VERSE THAT SAYS TO TRUST IN YOU WITH ALL OUR HEART, TO NOT LEAN ON OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, BUT IN ALL OUR WAYS TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOU AND YOU WILL MAKE OUR PATHS STRAIGHT. SO GOD, I THANK YOU FOR THAT CLARITY, DISCERNMENT, AND PEACE THAT YOU'RE GIVING THEM THIS MORNING. IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN. THANK YOU SO MUCH. YOU'RE ALWAYS YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME HERE. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. THANK YOU. JUDGE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE SOME OPENING COMMENTS BEFORE WE BEGIN? PLEASE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE TODAY. WE'RE ALWAYS VERY PRIVILEGED ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND THE COMMISSIONERS AND EVERYONE ELSE, WE WELCOME YOU INTO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. I WANT TO START OFF WITH JUST WISHING COMMISSIONER CORONADO A HAPPY BIRTHDAY. THANK YOU. AND LET'S GIVE HIM A THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I HAD ASKED A JEFFERSON MARIACHIS TO COME IN, BUT THEY THEY GOT LOST SOMEWHERE. SO. BUT WELL, THIS IS MY 40TH, SO MAYBE FOR MY 50TH. OKAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. AND ALSO JUST WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL GUEST HERE TODAY THAT I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE BEFORE WE DO EVERYTHING ELSE. A GREAT FRIENDSHIP, A GREAT MAN, REALLY HAVE DONE A LOT OF THINGS TOGETHER SINCE THE WALMART SITUATION, THE IMMIGRATION CRISIS. BISHOP SEITZ, WOULD YOU PLEASE STAND AND RECEIVE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. SO THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN. WE'RE VERY ALWAYS VERY PRIVILEGED, AS I SAID, TO HAVE YOU AND LEARN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE RESOLUTIONS ARE AMAZING. WE LOVE TO RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS, AND THIS REALLY ALLOWS US TO SORT OF SHOW HOW MUCH WE LOVE EL PASO BY DOING THAT. SO THANK YOU AND WISHING EVERY ONE OF YOU A VERY BLESSED MONDAY AND A GREAT, GREAT WEEK. SO THANK YOU. ITEM NUMBER FOUR IS THE CONSENT AGENDA. THE CONSENT AGENDA IS COMPRISED OF ITEMS FOR A THROUGH FOR A K. WE DO HAVE A COUPLE OF CORRECTIONS AND ITEMS PULLED TO READ IN. WE HAVE A REQUEST FROM TRANSIT OPERATIONS TO PULL ITEMS FOR A SEE THROUGH. FOR AI, WE HAVE A CORRECTION FOR ITEM FOUR Q PER HR. A PROVEN AUTHORIZE A $17,075.84 [CONSENT AGENDA] PAYMENT TO THE TEXAS COUNTY AND DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEMS. TXDOT FOR AN IN-SERVICE DISTRIBUTION. FUNDING IS AVAILABLE IN GENERAL FUND G ADMIN RETIREMENT. WE HAVE A DELETION FOR. FOR A J PER TRANSIT OPERATIONS, A PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT TO. TO THE THREE PARTY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY, EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION AND JOHN CHRISTIAN ANDO, THE THIRD TO PROVIDE FOR THE COUNTY'S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE AGREEMENT AND TRANSITION OF THE EMPLOYEE TO IPADS AS THE SOLE EMPLOYER OF RECORD, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST, 2026, PENDING FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026XXX. ARE THERE ANY OTHER ITEMS MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OR PUBLIC WOULD LIKE TO PULL? NO. I WOULD LIKE A FOR A K. I'D LIKE TO TAKE THAT INTO EXECUTIVE, PLEASE. OKAY. FOR A K INTO EXECUTIVE FOR JUDGE SAMANIEGO. ANY OTHERS? OH, JUDGE I WOULD LIKE TO PULL. ITEM V V V AS IN VICTOR. VICTOR. ITEM FOUR V BY COMMISSIONER BUTLER AND I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE, PLEASE. THANK YOU JUDGE. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO TO APPROVE. SECOND WAS THAT COMMISSIONER HOLGUIN. I'M SORRY, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER BUTLER, THANK YOU. THE VOTING IS OPEN. CAN WE HAVE A VERBAL TALLY AS WE'RE HAVING TECHNICAL [00:20:01] ISSUES WITH THE SCREEN, PLEASE? YES. OF COURSE. MIGUEL, WE HAVE A MOTION FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER TO APPROVE CONSENT. COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONER BUTLER I, COMMISSIONER STOUT, I COMMISSIONER GENE, COMMISSIONER CORONADO I AND JUDGE SAMANIEGO. AYE. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. MICHELLE, BEFORE YOU CONTINUE, CAN I ASK THE A V TEAM? I DON'T SEE COMMISSIONER STOUT ON THE SCREEN. IS THAT CONNECTING. DO YOU ALL SEE HIM UP THERE ON THAT ONE. OH YES. HE'S HERE. OKAY. WE SEE HIM. IT'S NOT ON THIS ONE. OKAY. THANK YOU. AND THEN CAN YOU COULD YOU PLEASE CLARIFY THE CORRECTION ON ITEM? Q? I APOLOGIZE. THE ORIGINAL WAS TEXAS COUNTY AND RETIREMENT SYSTEMS. THE CORRECTION WAS TEXAS COUNTY AND DISTRICT RETIREMENT SYSTEM. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. AND MISS COCHRAN, COULD WE ALSO TAKE THAT MOTION FOR FOR FOR EXECUTIVE THAT WAS JUST PULLED. AND I CAN READ THAT IF YOU'D LIKE. AND THAT MOTION WOULD BE, OH, I'LL LET YOU READ THE ITEM. SORRY. YES, MA'AM. GIVE ME ONE MOMENT. ITEM 4AK GRANT AWARD AND PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE INTERLOCAL COOPERATION CONTRACT BETWEEN TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE EL PASO COUNTY. ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF THE CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR TO CONDUCT TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS BEGINNING UPON THE DATE OF SIGNATURE THROUGH AUGUST 31ST, 2027. IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0692. THANK YOU. AND THE MOTION FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION WOULD BE PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 551.071. DISCUSS THE COUNTY'S LEGAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS IT PERTAINS TO THE INTERLOCAL COOPERATION CONTRACT BETWEEN TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY AND EL PASO COUNTY. ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY, I'M SORRY. ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF THE CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR TO CONDUCT TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. THE VOTING IS OPEN. AND I'LL TAKE A ROLL CALL VOTE AS WELL. COMMISSIONER BUTLER, I, COMMISSIONER STOUT, I COMMISSIONER OLGUIN, COMMISSIONER CORONADO, I JUDGE SAMANIEGO. MOTION CARRIES. MOVING ON TO ITEM FIVE, RESOLUTIONS FIVE A APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 25TH THROUGH OCTOBER 3RD, 2026 AS MADELINE PARK SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL WEEK IN EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS, IN RECOGNITION OF THE FESTIVAL'S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO ACCESSIBLE, FAMILY FRIENDLY ARTS PROGRAMING IN OUR COMMUNITY, COMMISSIONER STOUT. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING JUDGE. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY. VERY PROUD TO BE ABLE TO BRING THIS RESOLUTION FORWARD, HONORING AN ORGANIZATION THAT HAS BROUGHT THE ARTS AND COMMUNITY INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. THIS IS THE MADELINE PARK SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, AND SINCE 2022, THEY HAVE MADE SHAKESPEARE FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY, AND REALLY JUST A FUN EVENT FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO WHO GET TO GO. THEY'RE [RESOLUTIONS] BILINGUAL PRODUCTIONS, MEET OUR COMMUNITY WHERE IT IS. AND, YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY BOTH IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH, AND THAT WAY EVERY FAMILY CAN FEEL AT HOME OUT THERE ON THE LAWN AT AT [A. Approve and adopt a resolution declaring September 25 through October 3, 2026, as “Madeline Park Shakespeare Festival Week” in El Paso County, Texas, in recognition of the festival’s fifth anniversary and its contributions to accessible, family-friendly arts programming in our community. David Stout, Commissioner, Precinct 2, 915-273-3559] MADELINE PARK. AND SO I WANT TO GO AHEAD AND CALL UP THE FOLKS WHO, WHO CAME FOR THE RESOLUTION. I DON'T KNOW IF I IF I SEE EVERYBODY IN THE AUDIENCE, BUT I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, JAY STRATTON, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SIDNEY MONROE, AND MR. DAVID MILLS AND EVERYBODY ELSE WHO IS BEHIND THE SCENES, WHO'S ON STAGE, THE ACTORS, THE VOLUNTEERS, THE VENDORS, THE PERFORMERS, OF COURSE, EVERYBODY WHO MAKES THE FESTIVAL WHAT IT IS. AND I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION AND THEN WE CAN HEAR FROM OUR GUESTS. SO THE RESOLUTION STATES, WHEREAS THE MADELINE PARK SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL IN IS A PUBLIC ARTS ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO MAKING SHAKESPEARE FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY AND FUN AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL. EL PASOANS THROUGH AN ANNUAL FESTIVAL AND LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION TOURS. AND WHEREAS NPSF WAS BORN OF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JAY STRATTON'S VISION TO CREATE A FREE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL IN THE HEART OF KERN PLACE NEIGHBORHOOD THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIDNEY MONROE AND MR. DAVID MILLS. THE INAUGURAL FESTIVAL WAS HELD FIRST IN SEPTEMBER 2022 WITH A PRODUCTION OF AS YOU LIKE IT. AND WHEREAS SINCE ITS FOUNDING, NPSF HAS HAD FOUR SUCCESSFUL SEASONS FEATURING BILINGUAL ADAPTATIONS OF THE BARD'S GREAT WORKS, THE FESTIVAL VENDOR MARKET WITH LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES, PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASING EL [00:25:02] PASO'S PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS, ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, STIPENDS TO SUPPORT LOCAL TALENT INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION. AND WHEREAS NPSF NOW CELEBRATES ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND FIFTH SEASON WITH ITS BILINGUAL PRODUCTION OF MACBETH ON SEPTEMBER 25TH AND 26TH, SO THAT THAT IS ALREADY PAST. BUT THEY WILL HAVE MORE SHOWS COMING UP ON OCTOBER 2ND AND THIRD OF 2026. AND NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY DECLARE SEPTEMBER 25TH THROUGH OCTOBER 3RD, 2026 AS MADELINE PARK SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL WEEK IN EL PASO COUNTY. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT EL PASO RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO JOIN THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT IN CONGRATULATING MADELINE PARK SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL AND EXTENDING GRATITUDE FOR PROVIDING A FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY AND FUN ARTS SERVICE FOR OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY. SIGNED THIS 28TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. THE HONORABLE COUNTY COMMISSIONER COURT. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER STOUT, A SECOND FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO. THE VOTING. ARE WE GOOD ON THE VOTING SCREEN? THANK YOU. THE VOTING IS OPEN. NOT YET. WE WILL NEED A VERBAL TALLY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER BUTLER, EYE COMMISSIONER STOUT, A COMMISSIONER, EYE COMMISSIONER CORONADO EYE AND JUDGE SAMANIEGO. A MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. WELCOME, DAVID. OH, OKAY. WE WE DON'T HAVE ANY PREPARED REMARKS. I HAVEN'T DONE THIS BEFORE, BUT WE WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS HONOR. AND I WANT TO PARTICULARLY GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO THE KERN PLACE ASSOCIATION, WHO WE'VE BEEN COLLABORATING WITH SINCE THE BEGINNING, AND WHO SAID TO US, THIS ISN'T FOR KERN, THIS IS FOR ALL OF EL PASO. AND THEY VERY, VERY, VERY MUCH ENCOURAGED US TO NOT PUT ON SOMETHING FOR THE CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT RATHER TO ALLOW KERN TO HOST THE CITY. AND WE SEE THAT WE GET VISITORS FROM FROM THROUGHOUT THE REGION. AND WE ARE REALLY HONORED BY THIS. AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME THIS MORNING. THANK YOU. DAVID, ALTHOUGH I WAS ONLY INVOLVED FOR THE FIRST THREE SEASONS, I'M VERY PROUD OF THE FESTIVAL. I THINK IT'S DONE EXTREMELY WELL. THEY DON'T MISS ME AT ALL BECAUSE I'M BUSY DOING OTHER THINGS. AS COMMISSIONER LEVINE KNOWS, I SEEM TO BE IN RADIO THESE DAYS. BUT NO, WE'RE EXTREMELY PROUD OF MADELINE PARK OF THE FESTIVAL. I THINK IT'S DOING GREAT THINGS FOR CLASSICAL THEATER, FOR THEATER IN GENERAL. AND THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR RECOGNIZING THIS. WELL. THANK YOU. I JUST WANT TO SAY ONE MORE THANK YOU. AND THEN ALSO INVITE EVERYBODY OUT ONE MORE TIME. OUR CLOSING WEEKEND SHOWS ARE HAPPENING ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD. THE MARKET STARTS AT 5 P.M. THE PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT STARTS AT SIX, AND THEN THE SHOW ITSELF STARTS AROUND 640. WE HAVE A TON OF FUN. KIDS GET TO RUN AROUND, AND IF YOU WANT TO WATCH THE SHOW, YOU CAN WATCH THE SHOW, BUT ALSO YOU CAN GO TO THE VENDOR MARKET AND COME BACK. SOMETIMES WE HAVE CHILDREN JOIN US ON STAGE. IT'S LOTS OF FUN. THIS PARTICULAR SHOW IS FULL OF LOTS OF CAMPY. WE'RE SORT OF BRINGING IN THE SPOOKY SEASON WITH MACBETH, AND SO THERE'S FAKE BLOOD THAT SPLASHES ACROSS THE AUDIENCE, AND THE KIDS GET A REALLY BIG KICK OUT OF IT. WE DO OFFER PONCHOS FOR ANYBODY WHO'S BRAVE ENOUGH TO SIT IN THE SPLASH ZONE, AND THEN I, I LIKE TO TELL THIS STORY SO THAT EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS WAS JAY'S INSPIRATION AND SORT OF OUT OF A EVERYTHING FOR KIDDOS TO BE INVOLVED IN CREATING GOOD FIRST EXPERIENCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SHAKESPEARE SO THAT BEFORE THEY GET INTO MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL AND THEY'RE READING SHAKESPEARE FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND IT, THE THING THEY CAN THINK ABOUT IS, OH, I REMEMBER GOING TO A SHOW WHEN I WAS A KID AND GETTING TO ENGAGE WITH THE ACTORS IN THIS WAY. HIS DAUGHTER, WHEN SHE WAS TWO, THREE, TWO AND A HALF, TWO AND A HALF YEARS OLD, JAY AND I MET BECAUSE HIS DAUGHTER TRIPPED AND FELL ON ME IN A COFFEE SHOP, AND WE GOT TALKING. AND THEN HE PRESENTED THIS IDEA AND I SAID, I DO THEATER. I WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED. AND SO IT'S BEEN A REALLY MAGICAL EXPERIENCE TO GET TO BRING THIS TO LIFE FOR EVERYBODY. SO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. WELL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I'M GLAD YOU'RE DOING THIS. I WAS SAYING EARLIER THAT, YOU KNOW, A COUPLE OF YEARS, MAYBE 4 OR 5 YEARS AGO, PEOPLE WOULD SAY, YOU KNOW, WE DON'T HAVE THE MUSIC VIBE, THE PERFORMANCE VIBE. AND, YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO GET TO A POINT THAT SOMEONE CAN COME TO EL PASO AND NOT KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT THEY KNOW SOMETHING IS HAPPENING. AND I THINK WE'RE THERE. YOU KNOW, WE GOT THANKS TO COLDPLAY THAT WE SORT OF, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE REALIZE THAT NOBODY IN TEXAS GOT THAT CONCERT. BUT WE DID ONE BATTLE AFTER THE OTHER THAT TOOK US TO ANOTHER LEVEL AND PEOPLE GOT EXCITED. AND I THINK WE'RE THERE WHERE WE HAVE THIS NEW WAY OF THIS VIBE OF, OF MUSIC AND PERFORMANCES. AND, AND THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES. I MEAN, [00:30:06] YOU COULD GO TO AUSTIN TODAY AND YOU'RE GOING TO FIGURE SOMETHING OUT, RIGHT? SOMETHING'S HAPPENING. AND I THINK THAT'S WHAT WE WANT TO DO. WE HAVE SO MUCH TO OFFER THE COMMUNITY AND ARTS AND THEATER AND MUSIC. AND SO I, I'M VERY GLAD THAT YOU'RE DOING THIS AND THAT, THAT YOU'RE SUCCESSFUL AT IT. AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER STOUT WILL LEAD THIS AND HELP THE COURT REALLY, YOU KNOW, SUPPORT THAT AND MAKE SURE THAT THAT WE CAN PROMOTE THAT AS MUCH AS WE CAN. SO ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU. AND BACK TO YOU, COMMISSIONER STOUT. THANK YOU JUDGE. YEAH. THANK THANK YOU SO MUCH, SYDNEY, DAVID AND JAY, FOR CONTINUING TO PUT THIS ON. LAST YEAR. I HAD I HAD A BLAST AND I'M AND I'M AND I'M REALLY HOPING TO TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT AGAIN THIS THIS, THIS COMING WEEKEND. HOPEFULLY, HOPEFULLY THAT HURRICANE POLO LEAVES US ALONE AND DOESN'T DOESN'T RAIN TOO HARD. AND WE CAN WE CAN ENJOY THE PARK. BUT YOU KNOW, IT'S JUST IT'S IT'S SUCH A FUN EVENT. YOU KNOW, I, I WOULD JUST ENCOURAGE ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY. AND HOPEFULLY I'LL, I'LL GET A SEAT IN THE SPLASH ZONE. SO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AGAIN, LOVE WHAT YOU DO. KEEP PLEASE KEEP IT UP. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. ITEM FIVE BE, APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2026 AS HUNGER ACTION MONTH. COMMISSIONER HOLGUIN THANK YOU JUDGE. SO I'M VERY PROUD TO BE ABLE TO READ THIS RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT DOES A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF [B. Approve and adopt a resolution declaring September 2026 as Hunger Action Month. Iliana Holguin, Commissioner, Precinct 3, 915-273-3594] WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY. AND IF I COULD HAVE THE FOLKS FROM EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER START MAKING THEIR WAY UP TO THE PODIUM, AND THEN WE'LL HEAR A FEW WORDS FROM THEM AFTER I READ THE RESOLUTION. BUT SOME OF THE STATISTICS THAT YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR IN THE RESOLUTION, I THINK REALLY ARE VERY, VERY EYE OPENING. JUST KNOWING THAT FOOD INSECURITY IS STILL SUCH A HUGE ISSUE IN OUR COMMUNITY. I THINK IT REALLY IT REALLY BRINGS FORTH THE URGENCY OF WHAT WE NEED TO BE DOING AS A COMMUNITY TO BE HELPING THOSE THAT NEED THE MOST RIGHT NOW. SO I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION, AND THEN, CHRIS, I'LL PASS IT OVER TO YOU. WHEREAS EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER, CELEBRATING ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2026, IS THE ONLY FOOD BANK SERVING THE EL PASO AREA AND A PROUD MEMBER OF THE FEEDING AMERICA AND FEEDING TEXAS NETWORKS DEDICATED TO ALLEVIATING HUNGER BY COLLECTING, STORING AND DISTRIBUTING FOOD TO NEIGHBORS IN NEED. AND WHEREAS, FOOD INSECURITY AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 40% OF EL PASOANS, FORCING MANY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO MAKE DIFFICULT CHOICES BETWEEN PURCHASING FOOD AND MEETING OTHER ESSENTIAL NEEDS SUCH AS HOUSING, UTILITIES, TRANSPORTATION, AND MEDICAL CARE WITH CHILDREN AND OLDER ADULTS AMONG THOSE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO HUNGER. AND WHEREAS, IN 2025, EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER SERVED 166,772 PEOPLE, DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN 71 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD, AND WORKED THROUGH A NETWORK OF 65 PARTNER PANTRIES, DEMONSTRATING BOTH THE SIGNIFICANT NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THE STRENGTH OF EL PASOANS HELPING ONE ANOTHER. AND WHEREAS EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER ADDRESSES FOOD INSECURITY THROUGH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES INCLUDING FOOD, PHARMACY, THE TEACHING KITCHEN, SNAP ASSISTANCE, ITS PARTNER AGENCY NETWORK AND HOME DELIVERY, CONNECTING NEIGHBORS WITH FOOD, NUTRITION, EDUCATION, HEALTH SUPPORT AND GREATER STABILITY. AND WHEREAS, HUNGER ACTION MONTH, LAUNCHED BY THE FEEDING AMERICA NETWORK IN 2007 [00:35:01] AND OBSERVED EACH SEPTEMBER, RAISES AWARENESS OF FOOD INSECURITY AND ENCOURAGES INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS TO TAKE ACTION THROUGH VOLUNTEERING, ADVOCACY, FUNDRAISING, AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH. AND WHEREAS, HUNGER ACTION MONTH SERVES AS A REMINDER THAT ADDRESSING HUNGER REQUIRES YEAR ROUND COMMITMENT TO ENSURE THAT EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THE FOOD AND SUPPORT THEY NEED NOW. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES SEPTEMBER 26TH AS HUNGER ACTION MONTH AND HONORS EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER, ITS COMMUNITY PARTNERS, VOLUNTEERS, DONORS AND SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO COMBATING HUNGER AND BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER AND MORE FOOD SECURE. EL PASO COUNTY SIGNED THIS 28TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. WE HAVE A MOTION FOR COMMISSIONER, SECOND FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. COMMISSIONER STOUT MY VOTE IS I. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. CHRIS. WELCOME. THANK YOU. WELCOME. GOOD MORNING LEADERS. THANK YOU, JUDGE SAMANIEGO AND COMMISSIONERS FOR HAVING US HERE THIS MORNING, AND ESPECIALLY TO COMMISSIONER HOLGUIN FOR YOUR WORK IN PUTTING TOGETHER THIS RESOLUTION. I'M CHRIS DIEGO, I WORK AT THE FOOD BANK. I'M SURE YOU'VE ALL SEEN THE THE NEWS RECENTLY. WE HAD QUITE A WEEK. LAST WEEK WE HAD SOME DAMAGE TO OUR BUILDING. THAT WAS PRETTY SIGNIFICANT. I'M SURE YOU'VE ALL SEEN THE COVERAGE. UNFORTUNATELY, THOUGH, I THINK THAT MIGHT HAVE OVERSHADOWED A VERY SPECIAL, VERY SPECIAL EVENT WE HAD. ALSO, WE HAD OUR FOURTH ANNUAL GALA, NOCHE DE ESTRELLAS GALA LAST WEEK. THAT'S WHERE WE BROUGHT 150 COMMUNITY MEMBERS, OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED, TO THE PLAZA HOTEL, AND WE CELEBRATE THEM FOR THE NIGHT. WE. WE SERVE THEM. WE GAVE THEM, YOU KNOW, SPECIAL GIVEAWAYS. AND THEY WERE OUR GUESTS OF HONOR. AND TO ME, THAT IS MORE REMINISCENT OF THE WORK THAT WE DO THAN THE DAMAGE THAT WE HAD AT THE FOOD BANK LAST WEEK. SO I JUST WANTED TO BRING ATTENTION TO THAT. WE RECEIVED THE PROCLAMATION FROM THE CITY THIS MONTH AS WELL. I BELIEVE THE REMARKS ARE MADE THAT THAT MORNING ARE WORTH REPEATING, AS IT'S PART OF A BROADER CAMPAIGN OF AWARENESS I'M TRYING TO BRING TO THE COMMUNITY HERE IN EL PASO. WE OFTEN QUOTE FOOD INSECURITY RATE IN EL PASO 40%, WHICH IS UP 5% FROM LAST YEAR. IT'S DOUBLE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE AND DOUBLE THE RATE OF ANY CITY IN TEXAS. EVERYONE GASPED AT THE NUMBER, BUT I'M NOT SURE IT'S TRUE. MEANING REALLY HITS HOME. FOOD INSECURITY IS SUCH A CLINICAL TERM. IT'S SANITIZED FOR A BROAD AUDIENCE, A STERILE CLASSIFICATION USED TO DESCRIBE A VERY HUMAN CONDITION, ADMITTEDLY COINED THIS TERM OVER THE LAST YEAR IN THIS ROLE HAS GIVEN ME A FALSE SENSE OF CONFIDENCE. COMPETENCE, AS IT'S AS IF BY REGURGITATING A STATISTIC, I WAS SOMEHOW MORE QUALIFIED AT MY JOB OR MORE CLOSE TO MY NEIGHBORS WHO ARE DEALING WITH HUNGER, FOOD INSECURITY. BRIEFS. WELL, IT LOOKS GREAT IN AN EMAIL. LOOKS GREAT ON A SLIDE, BUT IT DOESN'T CAPTURE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR THE PEOPLE FACING IT. HERE'S WHAT I BELIEVE IT MEANS TO BE FOOD INSECURE. FOOD INSECURITY MEANS OPENING THE REFRIGERATOR AND WONDERING HOW YOU WILL MAKE WHAT IS LEFT LAST UNTIL PAYDAY. IT MEANS PARENTS SKIPPING DINNER AND JUST TELLING THE KIDS THAT THEY'RE NOT HUNGRY THAT NIGHT. IT MEANS A SENIOR CHOOSING BETWEEN GROCERIES OR UTILITY BILL, OR PRESCRIPTION OR FOOD. IT MEANS WORKING, TRYING, DOING EVERYTHING YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO DO AND STILL NOT HAVING ENOUGH FOOD FOR YOUR FAMILY. FOOD INSECURITY A BUREAUCRATIC TERM USED TO DILUTE A VERY HUMAN STRUGGLE. SO IT'S MORE PALPABLE FOR THOSE OF US NOT FACING IT. INSTEAD, LET'S CALL IT WHAT IT IS. PEOPLE ARE HURTING. PEOPLE ARE HURTING OUR PEOPLE. OUR PEOPLE HERE ARE HURTING. AT EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER, WE OFTEN MEET PEOPLE IN ONE OF THE HARDEST DAYS OF THEIR LIVES. THEY MAY HAVE LOST A JOB, FACED AN UNEXPECTED MEDICAL BILL, OR SIMPLY REACHED THE END OF A MONTH WHEN THE MONEY RAN OUT BEFORE THE FOOD DID. THEY ARE NOT STATISTICS. THEY ARE NOT STRANGERS. THEY ARE OUR NEIGHBORS. BY RECOGNIZING HUNGER ACTION MONTH, THE COUNTY OF EL PASO IS HELPING TO SHINE A LIGHT ON THE STRUGGLE THAT EXISTS IN THE SHADOWS. YOU ARE TELLING OUR NEIGHBORS THAT WE SEE THEM, AND WE DO, JUST LIKE WE DID AT OUR GALA LAST WEEK. WE SAW THEM AND WE GAVE THEM HOPE. AND BY RECOGNIZING WHAT WE DO TODAY, YOU ARE ALSO GIVING THE COMMUNITY HOPE. IT TELLS THEM THAT NEEDING HELP IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE ASHAMED OF. IT ALSO REMINDS THE REST OF US THAT HUNGER IS NOT SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM. THESE ARE OUR PEOPLE. IT IS OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY AS A COMMUNITY. IF 40% OF OUR COMMUNITY IS FACING FOOD INSECURITY, THEN ALL OF US KNOW SOMEONE AFFECTED BY IT. I GUARANTEE EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM DOES, EVEN IF WE DON'T REALIZE IT. I'M GOING TO TAKE A MOMENT FOR AN ASIDE. [00:40:02] THIS IS WHERE I MAKE MY PR DIRECTOR A LITTLE NERVOUS, BUT WE MAKE THE MEDIA QUITE A BIT, ESPECIALLY THIS PAST WEEK, ESPECIALLY WITH THE DAMAGE. THERE ARE A LOT OF COMMENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ABOUT US. I KNOW I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO READ THOSE, BUT I DO. MANY ARE KIND AND SUPPORTIVE. MOST ARE, SOME ARE SILLY, SOME ARE ABSURD, AND SOME ARE DOWNRIGHT MEAN. COMMENTS ABOUT US. MY TEAM, THE FOOD BANK, ARE ONE THING, BUT I ASK THAT AS A COMMUNITY, WE STOP JUDGING OUR NEIGHBORS THAT ARE HURTING. I'M REALLY TIRED ABOUT HEARING HOW WE HAVE NICE CARS IN OUR FOOD LINE, AND THAT PEOPLE NEED TO GO OUT AND WORK. YOU KNOW, A LOT OF OUR NEIGHBORS THAT COME GET FOOD, HAVE MULTIPLE JOBS. THEY'RE JUST NOT MEETING THE LIVING WAGE, BUT THEY'RE DOING THEIR BEST. LIKE I MENTIONED EARLIER, THEY'RE DOING EVERYTHING THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO DO. METAPHORICALLY. AS SURELY AS YOU TRAVEL DOWN THE HIGHWAY OF LIFE, THE DITCH IS ALWAYS RIGHT BESIDE YOU, A COUPLE FEET AWAY, CLOSER FOR ALL OF US THAN WE PROBABLY REALIZE. IT'S JUST RIGHT THERE AND WE'RE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OF LIFE. IT'S THERE. THE STORMS OF LIFE AFFECT US ALL. AND BY THE WAY, IT TAKES LITERALLY ZERO COURAGE TO PONTIFICATE FROM A KEYBOARD. COME VOLUNTEER AT THE FOOD BANK SO YOU CAN MEET THE PEOPLE WHO NEED US, WHO NEED YOU, THE COMMUNITY, THE ONES WHO COMMENT. THEY NEED YOU TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION IS WHAT I ASK. IN THE MEANTIME, CONTINUE TO DIRECT YOUR CRITICISM TO ME. I CAN TAKE IT. FOOD IS MORE THAN SOMETHING WE EAT. FOOD PROVIDES STABILITY. IT PRESERVES DIGNITY. IT GIVES A FAMILY HOPE THAT TOMORROW CAN BE BETTER THAN TODAY. HOPE IS WHAT WE'RE DEALERS IN GIVEN. FOOD IS ONE THING. IT'S VERY PRACTICAL. IT'S VERY MUCH A NEED. BUT WE'RE DEALERS IN HOPE. ALL OF US ARE AS A COMMUNITY. IF WE COMBINE OUR EFFORTS, WE CAN GIVE MORE HOPE THAN THIS COMMUNITY KNOWS WHAT TO DO WITH. AND I REALLY THINK WE CAN DO THAT. THIS RESOLUTION IS MORE THAN WORDS ON PAPER. IT IS A PROMISE THAT OUR COUNTY LEADERS SEE THIS NEED. THEY RECOGNIZE THE PEOPLE EXPERIENCING IT, AND THEY'RE WILLING TO STAND BESIDE THEM. SO THANK YOU FOR THAT. AND THE PEOPLE STANDING WITH ME TODAY BEHIND ME ARE PART OF THE TEAM THAT TURNS THAT PROMISE INTO ACTION. EVERY DAY. THEY RAISE THE RESOURCES, THEY BUILD THE RELATIONSHIPS THEY LEAD, THE HANDS ON WORK AND THE OTHER TYPES OF WORK. ALL TYPES OF WHAT WE DO. THEY SOLVE THE PROBLEMS THAT MAKE OUR MISSION POSSIBLE. I'M PROUD OF THEM. THEY ARE LEADERS WHO SHOW UP. MY TEAM IS NOT ALONE. THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO DONATE TO THE FOOD BANK, TO THE ONES WHO SHOW UP AND VOLUNTEER, AND TO THOSE WHO TELL OUR STORY. THE STORY OF PEOPLE HURTING AND THE ONES WHO SHOWED UP ON THE FRONT LINES TO HELP THEM. FOR THOSE YET TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER, THIS IS YOUR CALL TO ARMS. THAT IS THE SPIRIT OF HUNGER ACTION MONTH, AND THAT IS THE SPIRIT OF EL PASO. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. YOU KNOW, SINCE THE FIRST, FIRST DAY THAT I GOT TO MEET YOU, I SAW THAT ENTHUSIASM AND THAT PASSION. SO WE THANK YOU BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S A LOT OF CHALLENGES, BUT YOU ALWAYS GIVE THE IT'S OBVIOUS YOU'RE GOING TO BE RELENTLESS. AND IT'S OBVIOUS THAT YOU'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO DO THE BEST THAT THAT YOU CAN. SO I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM BISHOP SITES IN SUPPORT OF YOUR ORGANIZATION. ABSOLUTELY. THANK YOU. BISHOP SIDES. THANK YOU JUDGE. THANK YOU. IT'S VERY GOOD TO BE WITH YOU ALL THIS MORNING. I'LL BE VERY BRIEF. IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT WE IN THE CHURCH ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT OUR PEOPLE WHO ARE HUNGRY. AND SO THAT IS ENOUGH REASON FOR ME TO WANT TO BE INVOLVED. BUT THERE'S ANOTHER REASON, PERHAPS EVEN GREATER, THAT I'VE FOUND THIS SUCH A GOOD WORK IS THAT IN THIS TIME WHEN WE'RE SO WE TEND TO BE SO POLARIZED, YOU KNOW, IN DIFFERENT POLITICAL PLACES ON THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM, THIS WORK IS ONE THAT CAN BRING US ALL TOGETHER. WE CAN FIND HERE SOMETHING WE CAN ALL COOPERATE IN FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COMMUNITY, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS HERE IN EL PASO COUNTY. AND SO I LOVE THIS WORK. I LOVE THE WORK THAT EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER DOES DAY IN AND DAY OUT. IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT, GO SEE IT. YOU'LL BE AMAZED. AND YOU'LL ALSO GET A PULSE OF WHAT CHRIS IS SPEAKING ABOUT, THE TREMENDOUS NEED WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU. BISHOP, YOU WANT TO PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELVES, INTRODUCE YOURSELVES. PLEASE. GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. MY NAME IS KEN AND I'M AN HR. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. I'M CARMELA GALICIA, I'M DIRECTOR OF [00:45:06] PROGRAMS. WELCOME. GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS CANDICE MCLAIN AND I'M THE CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER. WELCOME. GOOD MORNING, AND THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING US. I'M THE DIRECTOR OF DONOR AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND I'M ANNA, BY THE WAY. THANK YOU. HELLO, EVERYONE. MY NAME IS RUDY VASQUEZ, DIRECTOR OF SIGNATURE GIVING. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WELCOME BACK, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS ERIC ORTEGA. I'M THE DIRECTOR OF GRANTS ADMINISTRATION, AND I ALSO MANAGE SOME OF THE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS. SO GREAT TO BE HERE. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU AND ESPECIALLY COMMISSIONER HOLGUIN. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I KNEW HE'D DO THIS. WE HAVE ANOTHER TEAM MEMBER HIDING BEHIND THAT PILLAR OVER THERE. LONNIE, WOULD YOU STEP OUT? HE IS OUR DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS, LONNIE VALENCIA. GREAT GUY. YEAH, THAT WAS GOOD. THAT WAS GOOD. THE PILLAR. NICE TOUCH. WE ALSO HAVE ANOTHER BOARD MEMBER IN THE ROOM I'D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE. JUDGE ANABEL PEREZ IS ALSO ON OUR BOARD AND HERE IN SUPPORT. SO MANY THANKS TO OUR FULL TEAM. JOIN US. COME ON. I MIGHT BE IN TROUBLE FOR THIS. YOU'RE VERY, VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE HER ON YOUR TEAM. WELCOME, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I STAND IN FRONT OF YOU OFTEN ENOUGH, BUT THIS IS SUCH AN AMAZING ORGANIZATION. AND THE BOARD AS AS THE BISHOP DESCRIBED, ARE AMAZING PEOPLE. BUT REALLY THE LEADERS ARE THESE PEOPLE AROUND US. AND TO, TO SAY THAT THAT THE THAT THE WORDS GIVEN TO YOU ARE INSPIRING AND MOTIVATING IS, IS, YOU KNOW, IT DOESN'T CHARACTERIZE AT ALL THE GREAT WORK THAT THEY DO. SO I WANT TO THANK YOU, AND I'M VERY HUMBLED TO BE A PART OF IT IN SUCH A SMALL WAY. BUT THE ENDEAVOR IS, IS, IS SO GRAND IN THIS COMMUNITY, BUT IT DOESN'T TOUCH ON, ON THE TREMENDOUS NEED. SO YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IS IS CERTAINLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE AND KNOWING THAT SHE'S ON YOUR TEAM, BECAUSE WE KNOW WHEN SHE WANTS TO GET THINGS DONE, IT HAPPENS. SO I JUST WANT THE COMMUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S THERE'S SO MANY HIDDEN THINGS. IF THERE'S A IF THERE'S A FEDERAL SHUTDOWN, WHAT HAPPENS? EVERYTHING IS SHIFTED TO, TO, YOU KNOW, WANTING TO, TO BE ABLE TO REACH OUT TO YOUR ORGANIZATION DURING THE PANDEMIC, DURING EVERY SITUATION THAT YOU COULD THINK OF. THE COMMUNITY DOESN'T REALIZE THAT THE BURDEN SHIFTS TO, YOU KNOW, EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER. IT SHIFTS THERE AND THEN IT ALSO SHIFTS TO THE COUNTY, RIGHT? BECAUSE THEN WE, WE GET MORE REQUESTS FOR THINGS. WE HAVE TO SHIFT MONEY FROM ONE THING TO THE OTHER TO MAKE SURE. SO I HOPE THE COMMUNITY REALIZES THAT BY SUPPORTING THAT, BECAUSE A LOT OF TIMES THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WE MIGHT NEED TO RAISE THE BUDGET OR THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS CERTAIN THINGS. BUT IF THE COMMUNITY STEPPED FORWARD AND ALSO HELPED OUT, IT WOULD IT WOULD TAKE SOME OF THAT PRESSURE OFF OF YOUR ORGANIZATION AND OFF THE COUNTY AND OFF THE DIOCESE AND OFF THE BECAUSE WE WOULD SPREAD, YOU KNOW, THAT THAT, YOU KNOW, THE THE FUNDING FOR THAT. SO I THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. I MEAN, WE'RE IF ANYBODY UNDERSTANDS AS A COUNTY AND AND I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM BETSY BECAUSE IF SOMEONE HAS TO BE AT THE FRONT END OF THAT SITUATION, IT'S. BETSY. SO, BETSY, ANY WORDS FROM. THANK YOU, JUDGE. OF COURSE. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE FOOD BANK FOR WHAT THEY DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY. I REALLY, TRULY BELIEVE IT'S PART OF A PARTNERSHIP BECAUSE THE COUNTY IS ALSO STATUTORILY CHARGED WITH MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. IT'S DIFFERENT FROM CITY GOVERNMENT AND THE FACT THAT WE ARE STATUTORILY GIVEN THAT RESPONSIBILITY. AND THERE'S SO MANY THINGS THAT WE DO WHERE WE REFER PEOPLE OR VICE VERSA, FROM PROGRAMS THAT WE OPERATE, IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND THE WORK THAT YOU ALL DO IS SO IMPACTFUL AND SO IMPORTANT, AND I JUST CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH. AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE THAT CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP AND KNOWING THAT YOU ALL ARE THERE, AND NOT JUST ONLY FOR YOUR OWN FOOD BANK. I KNOW YOU ALL ALSO DISTRIBUTE FOOD TO OTHER FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITES IN THE COMMUNITY. IT JUST IT MAKES AN IMPACT ACROSS FROM FROM COUNTY LINE TO COUNTY LINE. AND, AND WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. WELL, THANK YOU AND COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE RESOLUTION AND AND YOUR PASSION ALSO OF, YOU KNOW, ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE. SO I'LL SEND IT BACK TO YOU. THANK YOU. JUDGE. WELL, THANK YOU, CHRIS, FOR YOUR WORDS AND YOUR MESSAGE. IT'S DIFFICULT TO HEAR, BUT IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE THAT WE ALL NEED TO HEAR AND BE REMINDED OF. AND THANK YOU, ERICA, FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON THIS RESOLUTION AND TO HIGHLIGHT THE INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT WORK OF EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER. AND [00:50:03] THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE STAFF FOR LITERALLY THE MIRACLES THAT YOU PERFORM EVERY SINGLE DAY. AND I WANT TO PARTICULARLY THANK THE VOLUNTEERS OF EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER. I'VE BEEN THERE DURING FOOD DISTRIBUTION DAYS AND SEEING ALL OF THOSE VOLUNTEERS. ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE SHOW UP TO HELP THEIR FELLOW EL PASOANS IS REALLY, I THINK, THE MOST INSPIRING THING OF ALL. SO I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOUR INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY WITH US, AND THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO RECOGNIZE YOUR INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT WORK. IF WE COULD HAVE YOU ALL COME UP, WE'D LOVE TO TAKE A PHOTO WITH YOU. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. TONIGHT. SO GOOD TO SEE YOU ALL. ALL RIGHT. GOOD TO SEE YOU. I SAW YOU DID. YOU DID. THANK YOU. THANK. ITEM SIX IS PUBLIC COMMENT. WE DO HAVE FOUR SPEAKERS SIGNED UP THIS MORNING. DO WE HAVE ANDREAS ACOSTA HERE WITH US? DO WE HAVE JUAN PABLO ACOSTA HERE WITH US? BARBARA PARKER. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS. BARBARA PARKER, YOUR COUNTY [PUBLIC COMMENT] AUDITOR THIS MORNING. I JUST WANTED TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC COMMENT TO RECOGNIZE THE COUNTY FOR RECEIVING LAST WEEK THE TRIPLE CROWN AWARD FROM GFOA. THIS AWARD IS AN ELITE DISTINCTION AWARDED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THAT RECEIVE ALL THREE OF THE ASSOCIATION'S MAJOR TRANSPARENCY RECOGNITIONS, THE THREE REQUIRED, AND THEY HAVE TO RECEIVE THEM. IN THE SAME YEAR. THE THREE REQUIRED AWARDS ARE THE CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT AND EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING. IT RECOGNIZES TRANSPARENT AND COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORTS, WHICH MY OFFICE DOES. IT RECOGNIZES THE DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD. THIS HONORS EXCEPTIONAL POLICY DOCUMENTATION AND FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION IN A BUDGET. DOCUMENT YOUR BUDGET AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT WITH CARMEN DOES THIS ONE AND THEN THE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTING. THIS IS THE PAPER. THIS RECOGNIZES CITIZEN FRIENDLY REPORTS THAT MAKE COMPLEX FINANCIAL DATA ACCESSIBLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND BUDGET. AND FINANCE PUTS THAT TOGETHER IN. MY DEPARTMENT. REVIEWS IT. SO THE COUNTY HAS RECEIVED THIS AWARD FOR FIVE YEARS, FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS AS OF 2024. THAT'S THE MOST RECENT AWARD THEY'VE GIVEN. AND IT MATTERS BECAUSE IT REPRESENTS THE [00:55:05] PINNACLE OF PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND OPENNESS IN FINANCIAL GOVERNMENT, AND IT ALSO IS A RARITY. FEWER THAN 3% OF ALL FINANCIAL OF ALL GOVERNMENTS RECEIVE THIS AWARD. SO I JUST WANTED TO CONGRATULATE THE COUNTY ON THAT. IT TAKES EVERYONE IN THE COUNTY TO HELP US GET THIS. IN ORDER FOR US TO GET THE FINANCIAL REPORTING, WE NEED ALL OF THE DEPARTMENTS TO TURN THINGS IN THE WAY THEY NEED TO SO WE CAN PAY THEM APPROPRIATELY FOR BUDGET. WE NEED THEM TO WORK WITH THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT SO THEY CAN GET THEIR BOOKS PUT TOGETHER. SO IT REALLY IS A COUNTY EFFORT AND WE APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU. YOUR TEAM. BUT I'LL GO BACK TO BETSY BECAUSE SHE'S GOT ALL THE TOUCH POINTS WITH YOUR TEAM MUCH MORE THAN WE DO. I JUDGE I JUST UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT ALSO WANT TO SAY I'M VERY PROUD. THIS IS A LOT OF WORK. AND IT'S NOT IT'S NOT SOMETHING WE'RE REQUIRED TO DO, BUT IT REALLY DOES MAKE OUR TRANSPARENCY BETTER. IF YOU EVER LOOK THROUGH THE THE PAPER OR THE GFOA BUDGET DOCUMENTS, IT TELLS A BETTER STORY THAN NUMBERS. AND THE THE INFORMATION THAT WE GET FROM THESE IS REALLY. I USE IT A LOT. I GO BACK TO THESE A LOT. AND THE WORK THAT IT TAKES OF OUR TEAM AND OF EVERYONE, BUT OF OUR TEAMS, IT'S REALLY A LOT THAT THEY PUT IN A LOT OF TIME, A LOT OF ENERGY, A LOT OF COMPILING. AND IT MAKES US A BETTER, MORE TRANSPARENT ENTITY. AND SO I'M VERY PROUD OF THE WORK THAT'S DONE TO, TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE. THE AWARD IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE, BUT THE INFORMATION IS SO VALUABLE TO ALL OF US. SO THANK YOU TO BARBARA, TO OUR TEAMS THAT MAKE THIS POSSIBLE. IT'S DEEPLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. WE'RE ALL VERY PROUD OF YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. THE LAST PUBLIC COMMENT IS SUBMITTED FROM BY ELIZABETH CRAWFORD. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE SAMANIEGO AND COMMISSIONERS. THIS MONTH, WE AS PRO-LIFERS HONOR THE NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF ABORTED CHILDREN. WE ARE TOLD THAT 73 MILLION ABORTIONS ARE INDUCED WORLDWIDE EVERY YEAR, AND THE TRUE NUMBER MAY BE EVEN DOUBLE THIS, AS WE CONSIDER UNREPORTED ABORTIONS AND VERY EARLY ABORTIONS THAT MAY OCCUR BECAUSE OF THE MORNING AFTER PILL, WHEN AT TIMES A NEWLY FERTILIZED EGG IS UNABLE TO IMPLANT IN THE WOMB. I RECENTLY READ THE FOLLOWING REPORT FROM THE SOUTHWEST COALITION, WHICH RUNS A FREE ULTRASOUND VAN OUTSIDE OF THE ABORTION CENTERS IN NEW MEXICO, 75 WOMEN. ONE WEEK, 71 TEXAS PLATES. OUR SIDEWALK TEAMS RECENTLY COUNTED 75 WOMEN ENTERING ABORTION FACILITIES IN SANTA TERESA AND LAS CRUCES IN ONE WEEK. OF THOSE, 71 ARRIVED IN VEHICLES WITH TEXAS PLATES. IT IS A SOBERING REMINDER THAT NEW MEXICO'S ABORTION INDUSTRY IS DIRECTLY AFFECTING WOMEN AND FAMILIES ON BOTH SIDES OF OUR BORDER. IN GOD'S WORD, WE READ ABOUT KING DAVID'S SIN OF HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE WIFE OF HIS LOYAL WARRIOR URIAH, AND THEN MURDERING URIAH TO COVER UP THE AFFAIR BY PLACING HIM ON THE FRONT BATTLE LINE. AFTER GOD'S PROPHET CONFRONTED THE KING, HE WROTE PSALM 51 HIDE THY FACE FROM MY SINS AND BLOT OUT ALL MY INIQUITIES. CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD, AND RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITHIN ME. DELIVER ME FROM BLOODGUILTINESS. O GOD, THOU GOD OF MY SALVATION, AND MY TONGUE SHALL SING ALOUD OF THY RIGHTEOUSNESS. GOD MERCIFULLY SPARED KING DAVID FROM THE DEATH PENALTY. AND THE LORD HAS USED THIS PSALM IN THE LIVES OF COUNTLESS PEOPLE THROUGH SUBSEQUENT AGES WHO HAVE CRIED OUT TO GOD FOR MERCY. WE CAN'T GO BACK IN TIME TO UNDO MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS OF ABORTIONS SINCE 1973, BUT WE PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL TURN HEARTS OF PEOPLE TOWARD HIM TO REALIZE THE SEVERITY OF WHAT HAS TAKEN PLACE IN OUR NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD IN THE PAST 53 PLUS YEARS. THANK YOU AND I HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY. THESE ARE ALL THE SPEAKERS THAT WE HAVE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. MOVING ON TO ITEM SEVEN A DISCUSS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 81.005 TERMS OF COURT MEETINGS. A AT THE LAST REGULAR TERM OF EACH FISCAL YEAR OF THE COUNTY, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT, BY ORDER, SHALL DESIGNATE A DAY OF THE WEEK ON WHICH THE COURT SHALL CONVENE IN A REGULAR TERM [A. Discuss and take appropriate action per Local Government Code 81.005, Terms of Court, Meetings (a). "At the last regular term of each fiscal year of the County, the Commissioners Court, by order, shall designate a day of the week on which the court shall convene in a regular term each month during the next fiscal year." Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-546-2215] EACH MONTH DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR, BITSY JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS NORMALLY, THE COURT HAS ESTABLISHED MONDAYS FOR ITS REGULAR MEETINGS. WE WOULD PROPOSE THE SAME. UNLESS THE COURT HAS ANY ITEMS TO DISCUSS UNDER THIS. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER LOGAN, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. I. FOR ME, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER STOUT. THANK YOU. AND COMMISSIONER BUTLER STEPPED UP. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 8AA PROVEN AUTHORIZED STAFF TO [01:00:07] APPROPRIATE AVAILABLE BOND CAPITAL BOND FUNDS FOR RECOMMENDING CAPITAL PROJECT NEEDS AS DETAILED IN THE AGENDA ITEM BACKUP PENDING FINAL LEGAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL. CHRISTIAN. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ WITH THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT. WE BROUGHT AN ITEM TO YOU THIS MORNING TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FUNDING OF SOME PRETTY, PRETTY CRITICAL CAPITAL NEEDS THAT THE COUNTY HAS IDENTIFIED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS, SOME OF WHICH WERE FLAGGED BY THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT THROUGH SEVERAL ITEMS IN OUR REGULAR KIND OF GO GO BOND MONTHLY UPDATES, BUT ALSO JUST SOME THAT HAVE BEEN KIND OF FLAGGED AS CRITICAL NEEDS FROM FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. AND SO WE'VE PREPARED A PRESENTATION TODAY FOR THE COURT AS FAR AS CONSIDERING CONSIDERATION OF [A. Approve and authorize staff to appropriate available bond capital bond funds for recommended capital project needs, as detailed in the agenda item backup, pending final legal review and approval. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600] FUNDING, FUNDING THESE PROGRAM NEEDS. AND SO I'D LIKE TO JUST GO AHEAD AND START WITH LISTING OUT WHAT THOSE NEEDS ARE. CHRISTIAN. YES, I'M SORRY. BEFORE YOU BEGIN. AND WHEN WE TALK ABOUT FUNDING THESE PROGRAM NEEDS, I DO WANT TO CLARIFY THIS IS FROM EXISTING FUNDING THAT WE HAVE THAT WE'VE EITHER HAD SAVINGS OR THE PROJECT SCOPES CHANGED THAT PROVIDED LESS LESS EXPENSE. SO THAT'S WE'RE NOT PROPOSING ANY NEW DEBT ISSUANCE AT ALL. WE'RE PROPOSING USING EXISTING FUNDS FOR SOME OF THESE VERY CRITICAL OR STRATEGIC NEEDS. THANK YOU. BETSY. THAT'S THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT IT'S PREVIOUS DEBT THAT WE'RE UTILIZING THE FUNDS. SO THANK YOU, CHRISTINE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I HAVE A QUESTION, JUDGE AND BETSY, ARE WE TALKING ABOUT ALSO THE BOND FUNDS THAT THE VOTERS APPROVED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO? NO, SIR. OKAY. GOOD. BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE SURE BECAUSE THOSE SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO THOSE AREAS. RESTRICTED. YEAH. YES, SIR. THOSE ARE VERY RESTRICTED. AND CHRISTIAN WILL BREAK THIS DOWN. BUT EVEN DETERMINING HOW WHICH FUNDING SOURCE FOR THESE EACH FUNDING SOURCE IS VERY RESTRICTED. AND SO WE HAD TO MAKE SURE IT MET THE BOND ORDER AND THAT IT ALSO MET THE TYPE OF FUNDING THAT WAS AVAILABLE, WHETHER IT'S TAXABLE OR NONTAXABLE. AND WE'LL BREAK THAT DOWN AS WE GO THROUGH THE FUNDING SOURCES. WE DO HAVE A SLIDE HERE, COMMISSIONERS, THAT THAT LIST, WHICH SPECIFIC BOND PROGRAMS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, AND I KNOW THIS ISN'T PART OF THE, YOU KNOW, VOTER APPROVED BONDS ON THE PART, BUT I, I WANT TO SEE THAT WHATEVER SAVINGS ARE FROM THOSE THAT THEY BE DIRECTED TO SPECIFIC AREAS WHERE THOSE WERE INTENDED AND NOT TO BE SHIFTED OVER TO OTHER AREAS. AND THEY CANNOT BE BY THE BOND ORDER FOR THE GEO BOND. WE CANNOT, FOR EXAMPLE, IF WE HAVE A SAVINGS IN THE MEDICAL EXAMINER, WE CANNOT SHIFT IT TO ANIMAL WELFARE BY LAW, AND WE CAN'T SHIFT SAVINGS FROM ANIMAL WELFARE TO PARKS. IT'S VERY SPECIFIC TO EACH VOTER APPROVED AREA. SO THAT'S I'M TALKING ABOUT WITHIN EACH ONE OF THE REFERENDUMS, RIGHT? FOR EXAMPLE, THE PARK ONES, IF IT WAS DEDICATED TO A SPECIFIC AREA OF THEIR SAVINGS, IT SHOULD GO BACK INTO THAT AREA, EACH OF THE PRECINCT PARKS OR WHATEVER THEY ARE. OKAY. THE PARKS IS ALL ONE, ONE AMOUNT. SO WE, WE DEFINITELY WILL BE ABLE TO BREAK THAT DOWN IF THERE'S SAVINGS OR OVERRUNS. I SEE YES, THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU JUDGE. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER BUTLER, DID YOU HAVE SOME. I DIDN'T KNOW IF YOU HAD A PIECE OF. OKAY. JUST TO KIND OF LIST OUT THE THOSE CAPITAL NEEDS FIRST BEFORE I GO INTO THE PROPOSED FUNDING SOURCES, YOU CAN SEE THEM ON THE SLIDE, STARTING WITH THE COURTHOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, THE THE, THE ROOF HAS HAS REALLY REACHED KIND OF A NEED FOR A CRITICAL REPLACEMENT WITH A LOT OF THE RECENT WEATHER EVENTS THAT HAVE TRANSPIRED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. OVER THE LAST YEAR, WE'VE SEEN SIGNIFICANT WATER INTRUSION OCCURRING NOT ONLY ON THE UPPER FLOORS, IN THE ADJACENT LOBBIES, BUT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO EVEN SOME OF THE LOWER FLOORS OF THE BUILDING AS WELL. AND SO THE FACILITIES DEPARTMENT HAS WORKED TO PROVIDE A COST ESTIMATE FOR COMPREHENSIVE REPLACEMENT OF THAT OF THE ROOF TO PREVENT ANY ADDITIONAL KIND OF WATER INTRUSION AND WATER LEAKS. THAT INCLUDES REPLACING ALL OF THE THERMOPLASTIC POLYOLEFIN ROOFING SYSTEM ON THE COURTHOUSE ROOF LEVELS, REPAIRING ALL OF THE METAL ROOFING SURFACES, ADDRESSING ANY MAJOR LEAK ISSUES IMPACTING ANY OF THE UPPER FLOORS, AND PROVIDING A LONG TERM, COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION FOR REPLACEMENT. THIS IS FOLLOWED REALLY BY A REPLACEMENT NEED IDENTIFIED FOR THE JAIL ANNEX. UNINTERRUPTED UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY OR UPS SYSTEM. THIS IS A BRIDGE POWER SYSTEM THAT IS USED AT THE FACILITY. IN THE CASE OF ANY FACILITY. POWER OUTAGE THAT ALLOWS FOR TRANSITION FROM THE MAIN SYSTEM TO A BACKUP GENERATOR. THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS A LEGACY SYSTEM AND COULD USE A SIGNIFICANT UPGRADE OR [01:05:03] REPLACEMENT, I SHOULD SAY AS WELL. NEXT IS THE JAIL ANNEX SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM UPGRADE, WHICH HAS ALSO REACHED END OF LIFE, FOLLOWED BY SECURITY SYSTEM SECURITY EQUIPMENT UPGRADES NEEDED AT THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT FOR EQUIPMENT THAT HAS ALSO REACHED END OF LIFE AS WELL AND HAS AGED, AND THEN ALSO AT THE JPD FACILITY. WE FLAGGED THIS FOR FOR THE COURT THROUGH PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS IN OUR CAPITAL NEEDS BEFORE. BUT THERE IS THE. THE NEED FOR A. HAS BEEN LONG IDENTIFIED. A NEED FOR THE JPD WELDING CLASS AND FACILITY TO BE BUILT ON THE PROPERTY. A NEW CLASSROOM AND WORKSHOP THAT WOULD MEET ALL APPLICABLE CODE REQUIREMENTS. IN ORDER TO HELP PARTICIPANTS THERE IN THE FACILITY OBTAIN THE WELDING CERTIFICATION DURING THEIR STAY AT THE FACILITY. AND THEN LASTLY, IS THE COUNTY PARK RESTROOMS FUNDING, WHICH HAS BEEN FLAGGED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT THROUGH SOME OF OUR PREVIOUS GO BOND MONTHLY UPDATES TO THE COURT AS WELL. WE'LL GET INTO A BREAKDOWN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT THE PROPOSAL IS AS FAR AS THE FUNDING FOR THAT AND WHAT'S BEEN IDENTIFIED. BUT BUT WE'RE ALSO OPEN TO HEARING SOME FEEDBACK AND INPUT FROM THE COURT AS FAR AS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS THAT WE'VE IDENTIFIED FOR THIS. SO BEFORE I ACTUALLY GET INTO THE PROPOSED FUNDING, I DID WANT TO JUST BRIEFLY PROVIDE A VERY HIGH LEVEL FUNDING OVERVIEW AS FAR AS THE COUNTY'S CAPITAL FUNDS. AS MISS KELLER INDICATED EARLIER, THE FUNDING PROPOSAL THAT THAT IS BEFORE THE COURT TODAY DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ISSUANCE OF ANY NEW MONEY OR ANY NEW BOND ISSUANCES. THIS WOULD BE FUNDING STRICTLY THROUGH ANY PREVIOUSLY ISSUED DEBTS, THE LIST OF WHICH IS ON THE TABLE THERE FROM A VARIETY OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED TAX NOTES AND CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION. UNDER EACH OF THESE, YOU CAN SEE THE INITIAL BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THOSE. HOW MUCH HAS BEEN SPENT AS OF AUGUST 31ST, 2026? WHAT IS STILL ENCUMBERED OR REQUISITIONED IN THOSE, AND THEN WHAT IS AVAILABLE SLASH UNPROGRAMED? AND REALLY WHAT WE'RE WE'RE REFERRING TO WHEN WE SAY AVAILABLE SLASH UNPROGRAMED, IT REALLY IS TRULY FUNDS THAT ARE IN. WE'RE IN THE CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT OR SWEPT BECAUSE THERE WAS PROJECT COST SAVINGS WITHIN ANY OF THOSE BOND PORTFOLIOS AND STRICTLY USING POTENTIALLY USING THOSE FUNDS FOR THOSE CAPITAL NEEDS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED. ON THE PREVIOUS SLIDE, WE DID HAVE TO GO THROUGH A VERY EXTENSIVE REVIEW PROCESS WITH A LOT OF INTERNAL DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING OUR COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE, OUR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, AND OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, WHICH I'LL WHICH I'LL GET INTO IN JUST A BIT MORE BEFORE YOU MOVE ON, BEFORE YOU MOVE ON FROM THIS SLIDE. SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND WHAT AVAILABLE MEANS. SO FOR EXAMPLE, IF WE'RE LOOKING AT THE CERTIFICATE OF OBLIGATION 2023 C, THE BUDGET IS 1.9. WE'VE ACTUALLY ONLY SPENT 210,000. IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THERE'S ANYTHING ENCUMBERED OR REQUISITIONED RIGHT NOW, BUT THERE'S ONLY 153,000 AVAILABLE. SO IS THAT BECAUSE THAT REMAINING AMOUNT IS WE ANTICIPATE TO ENCUMBER IN THE FUTURE? SO WE KNOW WHAT THAT AMOUNT WE JUST WE THINK THE 153 THAT'S THE CONTINGENCY OR WE THINK THAT THAT'S THE AMOUNT THAT'S NOT ACTUALLY GOING TO BE NEEDED. THAT'S CORRECT. WE DID HAVE TO MEET PRETTY CLOSELY WITH WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS TEAM TO CONFIRM THAT THESE FUNDS WOULDN'T BE UTILIZED, OR THERE WAS PROJECT COST SAVINGS. SO THAT WE'RE NOT WE'RE NOT ACCIDENTALLY REAPPROPRIATING FUNDS THAT ARE STILL INTENDED TO BE USED FOR A PURPOSE. SO WE'RE PRETTY CONFIDENT THAT THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, AGAIN, THE 153 THAT THAT IS WHAT'S GOING TO BE LEFT OVER FROM THAT PARTICULAR. WE DID HAVE TO COORDINATE OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS OVER THE SUMMER TO REALLY KIND OF ZERO IN ON THESE NUMBERS. OKAY. THANK YOU. I HAD A QUESTION AND, AND MAYBE JUST EMPHASIZING THAT THAT POINT THAT COMMISSIONER IS MAKING. SO FOR EXAMPLE, I DON'T KNOW WHICH OF THESE ASCENSION IS FUNDED THROUGH, BUT WE KNOW THAT THE CONTINGENCIES NEEDED FOR THAT PROJECT AREN'T GOING TO BE TOUCHED. THAT'S CORRECT. AND I BELIEVE THAT'S ACTUALLY OUT OF 24, WHICH ISN'T EVEN BEING PROPOSED HERE. I ONLY I ONLY INCLUDED THE LIST OF BOND PROGRAMS THAT WOULD BE IMPACTED BY THIS FUNDING PROPOSAL. SO THIS DOESN'T ACTUALLY REPRESENT ALL OF THE DEBT PORTFOLIOS, THE DEBT PROGRAMS THAT THE COUNTY HAS. AND SO SOME OF THOSE 2024, I BELIEVE IN RECOMMEND, IT'S TOO EARLY TO CONSIDER REAPPROPRIATING THOSE FUNDS. AND SO THIS IS REALLY OUR OLDER DEBT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ALSO SPEND THESE FUNDS DOWN. OKAY, GREAT. THANK YOU. AND I HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION. DO ANY OF THESE DO WE KNOW FOR SURE THAT? DOES IT INCLUDE ANY PROJECTS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN 100% COMPLETED? SO WE KNOW FOR A FACT, YES, THAT THAT MONEY IS AVAILABLE AS OPPOSED TO THE ONES WHERE THE PROJECT IS NOT COMPLETED AND WE'RE ESTIMATING THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS AVAILABLE. COULD WE DIFFERENTIATE? WE DO HAVE A LIST OF PROJECTS, AND I DON'T HAVE THAT PREPARED ON THE SLIDE TODAY IN THE PRESENTATION TODAY, COMMISSIONER. BUT WE DO HAVE A LIST OF PROJECTS WITHIN EACH OF THESE THAT HAVE 100% BEEN COMPLETED. AND WE'RE ACTUALLY WORKING. I KNOW I'VE MENTIONED THIS BEFORE, BUT WE'RE ACTUALLY WORKING ON BRINGING IN A SPECIAL SESSION TO THE COURT, A COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE ON ALL OF THE PROJECTS WITHIN EACH OF THESE THAT WOULD SHOW WHICH ONES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, WHICH ARE NEAR COMPLETION, AND ALL OF THOSE [01:10:03] UPDATES AND THOSE. BUT I'M HAPPY TO IN THE MEANTIME, AHEAD OF THAT PRESENTATION, ALSO PROVIDE THAT LIST TO THE COURT AS AS WE HAVE IT RIGHT NOW VIA A HIGHLIGHT OR WHATEVER IS MOST APPROPRIATE. AND THE REASON I'M ASKING IS WE DO HAVE A SENSE OF WHAT THEY ARE WITHIN. WE DO KNOW WITH CERTAINTY WHAT THEY ARE WITH WITHIN EACH PORTFOLIO. OKAY. I JUST, I WORRY ABOUT FOR PROJECTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN COMPLETED RE-APPROPRIATING MONEY THAT WE'RE I UNDERSTAND WE'RE CONFIDENT IT'S NOT GOING TO BE NEEDED. RIGHT? BUT WITH THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING GOING UP, I JUST, I'D RATHER I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHICH PROJECTS HAVE 100% BEEN COMPLETED WHERE WE KNOW THAT THAT'S NOT GOING TO BE A WORRY AT ALL. NO, ABSOLUTELY. COMMISSIONER. AND THAT'S PART OF WHAT THAT COORDINATION EFFORT INVOLVED WITH A LOT OF PUBLIC WORKS IS REALLY TO KIND OF DOUBLE, TRIPLE, QUADRUPLE CHECK THAT THESE FUNDS WERE AVAILABLE FOR USE BEFORE POTENTIALLY REPROGRAMING REPROGRAMING THEM FOR ANYTHING. AND ALSO THESE THESE PORTFOLIOS WERE ALSO IDENTIFIED AS OPPOSED TO SOME OF THE MORE RECENT DEBT ISSUANCES. JUST IN AN EFFORT TO KIND OF ALSO ENSURE THAT WE'RE MEETING OUR OBLIGATIONS OF SPEND DOWN ON THESE. AND SO THAT IS ALSO A PRIORITY THAT WE'RE THAT IS KIND OF IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS AS WELL. SO TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE NOT ONLY MEETING SOME CRITICAL CAPITAL NEEDS, BUT THAT WE'RE SPENDING ALL THESE FUNDS THAT HAVE BEEN ISSUED AS WELL. I THINK FOR TAX NOTES, IT'S WHAT, SEVEN YEARS THAT IT DEPENDS ON THE TAX STATUS OF THE TAX NOTES. SO SOME OF THEM MAY BE TAXABLE AND SOME OF THEM MAY BE TAX EXEMPT. OKAY. THANK YOU. I'M JUDGE AND BETSY DO WE HAVE CERTAIN GUIDELINES OF HOW WE'RE GOING TO BE DISTRIBUTING THESE FUNDS, ESPECIALLY, FOR EXAMPLE, ON THE TAX NOTES AND THE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION. WHAT'S LEFT OVER TO SEE, IN OTHER WORDS, GUIDELINES, HOW WE ARE GOING TO DIRECT THOSE FUNDS IN TERMS OF PRIORITIES AND WHETHER OR NOT IF THEY'RE GOING TO INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENT PRECINCTS, WHETHER OR NOT THAT PARTICULAR COMMISSIONER SUPPORTED THESE FUNDS OR NOT. SO THESE FUNDS THAT ARE AVAILABLE ARE UNPROGRAMED. WHAT WE'VE DONE IS WE'VE IDENTIFIED SOME THINGS THAT ARE CRITICAL. I MEAN, THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT WE NEED FUNDING FOR, WHETHER YOU ALL USE THIS OR NOT. THE ROOF OF THE COURTHOUSE IS A HUGE ISSUE. THOSE ARE PRETTY MUCH LIKE, BUT COUNTYWIDE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE. AND SO WHEN YOU GO BACK TO CHRISTIAN'S LIST, THE LIST THAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON, THE JAIL ANNEX, UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY CRITICAL. AND IT'S A COUNTY WIDE USE. SAME WITH THE JAIL ANNEX, SAME WITH JUVENILE PROBATION AND THEN THE RESTROOMS. WE HAVE NOT IDENTIFIED WHERE THESE WILL GO. WE'RE JUST IDENTIFYING THE WE THERE'S NOT ENOUGH FUNDING AVAILABLE IN WHAT WE'RE SHOWING YOU. THERE'S NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO DO ALL THE RESTROOMS. SO WHAT WE'RE IDENTIFYING IS LET US SET ASIDE THE MONEY FOR IT. WE'LL BRING BACK A PRESENTATION WITH A DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESTROOMS THAT ARE OPTIONS THAT WE HAVE AND THE LOCATIONS THAT NEED THEM. AND THE COURT WILL DECIDE. AND MISS KELLY, THAT'S EXACTLY RIGHT. BUT WE DO HAVE A SLIDE ON THE PARK'S RESTROOMS THAT SHOWS I SAW THAT. RIGHT. BUT BUT IT IT IS NOT FINALIZED. AND WE WANTED TO GET THE COURT'S INPUT AND FEEDBACK ON THAT. AFTER WHICH, LIKE MISS KELLER SAID, WE WOULD BRING BACK A FINAL LIST FOR THE COURT FOR FUNDING. I DO SEE ON THE SLIDES, THOUGH, THAT THEY ARE DEDICATED OR PROPOSED TO BE DEDICATED TO CERTAIN OF THOSE FUNDS IN THE PARKS. NO, SIR. SO IT MIGHT BE IN THE SLIDES, BUT WE STILL HAVE TO BRING THAT BACK. WE HAD A CONVERSATION ABOUT THIS THAT THIS STILL HAS TO COME BACK. WE ARE NOT READY TO SAY FOR SURE WHERE THEY GO, BECAUSE THERE'S DIFFERENT SIZES THAT MIGHT BE NEEDED DEPENDING ON THE PARK. SOME PARKS DON'T CAN'T HOUSE A FULL. WE'RE RECOMMENDING THE FULLY BUILT OUT TYPE OF BATHROOM, AND SO WE'LL NEED TO GET QUOTES ON A SMALLER BUILDS. BUT DEPENDING ON THE SITES AND THE COST. SO WE STILL HAVE MORE INFORMATION TO BRING BACK ON THE PARK BATHROOMS. THE INTENT OF THAT SLIDE, COMMISSIONER, IS INTENDED TO BE PRESENTED AS A PRELIMINARY CONCEPT JUST FOR THE COURT'S FEEDBACK TODAY, BUT IT'S NOT THE FINAL APPLICATION. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU JUDGE. SO MOVING ON FROM FROM THIS STATUS OVERVIEW, THIS THIS REVIEW OF WHAT WAS UNAVAILABLE, WHAT WAS AVAILABLE SLASH UNPROGRAMED IN CONCERT WITH THE DEPARTMENTS I MENTIONED EARLIER, WAS USED TO DEVELOP A FUNDING RECOMMENDATION FOR THESE PROJECTS. AND SO YOU CAN SEE HERE ON THE SLIDE THOSE THE LIST OF THE CAPITAL NEEDS THAT HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED, HOW MUCH FUNDING CAN BE POTENTIALLY ALLOCATED, AS WELL AS THE RECOMMENDED FUNDING SOURCES FOR THOSE TO MAKE TO MAKE THOSE PROJECTS WHOLE. AS FAR AS THE FUNDING, I WILL NOTE, THOUGH, THAT FOR ALL OF THESE PROJECTS, EXCEPT FOR THE COUNTY PARK RESTROOMS, IF THIS FUNDING RECOMMENDATION WERE WERE APPROVED BY THE COURT, IT WOULD COMPLETELY FULFILL THE FUNDING GAP THAT IS NEEDED FOR ALL OF THOSE PROJECTS EXCEPT THE COUNTY PARK PARK RESTROOMS. WE KNOW THAT THE FUNDING GAP IS GREATER THAN WHAT'S BEING ALLOCATED, BUT THIS IS JUST WHAT'S BEEN IDENTIFIED AS FAR AS WHAT CAN BE FUNDED AT THE MOMENT WITH THE AVAILABLE DEBT PROCEEDS. ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS SLIDE BEFORE I MOVE TO THE NEXT COMMISSIONERS? SO AS I JUST MENTIONED JUST NOW, THIS IS THE PRELIMINARY CONCEPT, WHICH I WANTED TO KIND OF PUT BEFORE [01:15:02] THE COURT AND GET SOME POTENTIAL FEEDBACK ON. THIS IS NOT A FINAL ALLOCATION OF WHAT, WHERE, WHICH PARKS WOULD BE FUNDED. WE WOULD HAVE TO BRING THAT BACK TO THE COURT. BUT WITH THE $1.7 MILLION THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED IN FUNDING, DID COORDINATE WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. AND MISS ARIAS, WHO I BELIEVE IS IS OUT OF THE OFFICE TODAY, BUT HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THE COURT MAY HAVE. I GUESS THE INITIAL PROPOSAL OR PRELIMINARY CONCEPT THAT MISS HAS PROPOSED FOR THE FOUR PARKS OF THESE COULD BE COULD INCLUDE WESTWAY, RISINGER, SPARKS AND REUBEN ESTRELLA. ALL OF WHICH WOULD INCLUDE. COULD INCLUDE TWO ADA ACCESSIBLE SINGLE USER RESTROOMS EXCEPT FOR REUBEN ESTRELLA, WHICH WOULD BE TWO ADA ACCESSIBLE WITH FOUR TOTAL STALLS. THERE ARE SOME ALTERNATES THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED INSTEAD, INCLUDING VETERANS PARK AND COYOTE. I'M SURE THERE'S. THERE'S MORE THAT THE COURT MAY HAVE FEEDBACK ON ACTUALLY TODAY, BUT THE $1.7 MILLION ALLOCATION COULD POTENTIALLY FUND THAT. THOSE FOUR PROJECTS AT THAT AMOUNT, WE COULD STILL REWORK THAT WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO BRING BACK A FINAL ALLOCATION. SO AT THIS AT THIS POINT, I'M HAPPY TO HEAR ANY ANY FEEDBACK OR INPUT ON THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR PARKS FROM THE COURT FOR, FOR THIS COMPONENT. AND I KNOW THAT AT ONE POINT, PARKS STAFF HAD. QUESTIONED THE SAFETY MAYBE HAVING RESTROOMS IN PARKS. HAVE WE THOUGHT THROUGH THAT? I MEAN, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE NO LONGER ANY CONCERNS THAT OUR PARKS DEPARTMENT HAS ABOUT RESTROOMS IN PARKS. THERE'S ALWAYS CONCERNS, COMMISSIONER, ABOUT ANY ANY TIME YOU HAVE ANY TYPE OF BUILDING THAT'S ENCLOSED IN A IN A PARK FACILITY, BECAUSE THERE'S NOT 24 OVER SEVEN PRESENCE. BUT I DO THINK YOU HAVE TO WEIGH THAT OUT WITH THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING RESTROOMS AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT AREAS. AND THE THERE ARE THINGS THAT CAN BE DONE IN THE DESIGN TO TRY TO HELP WITH SAFETY, I DON'T KNOW. I HAVE NOT SIT DOWN WITH THE ARCHITECT SPECIFICALLY ON THE DESIGN THAT THEY'VE PRESENTED TO US, BUT SOME OF THE THINGS YOU CAN DO ARE, FOR EXAMPLE, LEAVE A AIR GAP AT THE BEGINNING, AT THE TOP OF THE FACILITY SO THAT IF THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON, SOMEONE COULD HEAR OF CONCERNS OR. BUT ANYTIME YOU HAVE FACILITIES LIKE THAT, YOU WILL. WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE SOME KIND OF RISK. WE WOULD HAVE TO MONITOR AND THEN WORK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT TO TRY TO INCREASE PATROLS. IF WE SEE SIGNS OF SOME KIND OF UNSAFE CONDUCT HAPPENING IN THOSE BATHROOMS, WELL. I, I HAVE I HAVE BEEN PUSHING VERY, VERY CONSISTENTLY FOR, FOR RESTROOMS AT REUBEN PARK. THERE, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S THE CASE IN IN OTHER PARKS ACROSS THE COUNTY, BUT IN REUBEN ESTRELLA PARK ESPECIALLY, THERE ARE NO NEARBY BUSINESSES OR FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE TO USE IN THE VICINITY OF THE PARK. YOU KNOW, WE, WE OFTEN HAVE PROGRAMING FOR FAMILIES AND SMALL CHILDREN. AND THEY'RE, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE NOT NEAR THEIR HOMES BECAUSE IT'S THE ONLY PARK IN MONTANA VISTA. AND SO, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO, YOU KNOW, HAVE TO, TO LEAVE THE FUNCTIONS IN ORDER TO TAKE THEIR CHILDREN TO THE RESTROOM OR CHANGE A DIAPER. AND SO I, I SEE THE NEED AND I THINK THAT THAT NEED IS SO SEVERE THAT, THAT WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO, YOU KNOW, OTHER COMMUNITIES HAVE RESTROOMS IN THEIR PARKS. AND SO HOW DO WE FIGURE OUT A SOLUTION TO THAT TO MAKE THE PARK MORE ACCESSIBLE, ESPECIALLY TO YOUNG FAMILIES AND TO OUR OLDER RESIDENTS? SO I REALLY APPRECIATE THE EFFORT TO, TO BRING THE RESTROOMS TO THE PARKS. I THINK REUBEN ESTRELLA, BECAUSE IT IS A, A LARGER PARK SERVING ONE OF THE LARGEST POPULATIONS THAT DOESN'T HAVE ANOTHER PARK WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES. IT'S ESPECIALLY NECESSARY TO HAVE MORE STALLS THERE. AND, AND I APPRECIATE THAT EFFORT. AND IF AND IF AND IF THIS MEANS WE GET MORE RESTROOMS AT OTHER PARKS ACROSS THE COUNTY. I THINK THAT'S A WIN, TOO. AND, AND TO BE VERY CLEAR AND MAKE SURE IT'S COMMITTED, WE WILL NOT THESE ARE NOT THE RESTROOMS FOR SURE THAT WE WILL BE FUNDING. WE WILL BRING BACK. IF THE COURT SAYS, YES, THIS $1.7 MILLION DEDICATED TO BATHROOMS, WE WILL BRING, BRING, BRING BACK A PRESENTATION ON THE STYLES. WE HAVE THREE DIFFERENT STYLES OF BATHROOMS. WE'VE LOOKED AT SOME, I THINK ARE LONGER TERM STABILITY FOR CONSTRUCTION, SOME WILL. AND ALSO DIFFERENT PARKS WILL HAVE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS. SOME WILL BE ABLE TO BE CONNECTED TO WASTEWATER, SOME WILL NOT, WHICH WILL BRING AN OPERATIONAL COST THAT THEY'LL PERIODICALLY HAVE TO BE PUMPED. AND SO THOSE [01:20:05] ARE ALL THINGS THAT WE NEED TO BRING BACK. WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE FUNDING DEDICATED TO DOING THIS, SO THAT WE CAN BRING BACK WHAT THOSE COSTS WOULD BE. YEAH, NO, AND I UNDERSTAND CERTAINLY THE IMPORTANCE OF RESTROOMS. I MEAN, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT THE COMMUNITY ALWAYS BRINGS UP. BUT I DO REMEMBER SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN THE HORIZON VIEW ESTATES PARK, WHICH WAS FUNDED THROUGH THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE GRANT, WHEN WE WERE HAVING THE THE DESIGN MEETING WITH THE COMMUNITY, THAT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS STRESSED TO THE COMMUNITY, THAT THERE ARE RISKS WITH HAVING RESTROOMS, ANY TYPE OF ENCLOSED AREA. SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT THE BEST PRACTICES, WHAT WE CAN DO TO MINIMIZE THAT RISK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. AND DEPENDING ON THE THE TYPE OF RESTROOM, ONE OF THE THINGS I'VE SEEN IN SOME RESTROOM DEMOS, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IS THEY HAVE SOME THAT WILL HAVE A TIMER ON THE DOOR LOCKS SO THAT AFTER 10 P.M. YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE BATHROOMS OR YOU SET THE TIME. BUT IF YOU WANT TO LOCK THEM DOWN AT A CERTAIN TIME SO THAT THEY CAN'T BE USED OR ACCESSED OVERNIGHT, THAT MAY BE SOMETHING. I DON'T KNOW IF WE WILL NEED TO HAVE. I DON'T KNOW IF IT CAN JUST BE PROGRAMED AT THE DOOR LEVEL BY SOME, SOME TYPE OF LOCK THAT'S AT THE DOOR LEVEL, OR IF THAT WOULD REQUIRE INTERNET. SO THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE WE'D HAVE TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WI FI. OR DO THEY CAN THEY BE PROGRAMED AT A DOOR LEVEL TO MAKE THEM NOT ACCESSIBLE AFTER A CERTAIN TIME? IF THAT IF THAT'S WHERE WE FEEL LIKE UNSAFE TIMES ARE, WE WOULD HAVE TO ASSESS THAT IN EACH PARTICULAR INSTANCE AND LOCATION. JUDGE. COMMISSIONER CORONADO, I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER BUTLER. YOU KNOW, I THINK WE'RE AT THE POINT WHERE WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE AND DO THE BEST WE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT WE MAKE THESE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION. BUT I THINK THE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AT PARKS OF HAVING RESTROOMS OUTWEIGHS ALL THE OTHER RISKS AS LONG AS WE ARE, YOU KNOW, I THINK WE'RE AT A POINT IN TIME THAT WE WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIGURE THIS OUT, YOU KNOW, AND THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY. AND I KNOW IN SOME OF THE PARKS, WE'RE ALSO SPENDING MONEY RIGHT NOW ON PORTABLES. AND SO IF WE INVEST IN THOSE, WE GET RID OF THAT COST AS WELL. SO I THINK GOING FORWARD, THIS IS, YOU KNOW, I THINK THE BEST WAY TO DO AND IT'S WE'RE NOT WE'RE NOT THE ONLY ONES THAT HAVE DONE THIS. OTHER PLACES DO IT. OTHER GOVERNMENTS DO IT. WHY NOT US? SO THAT'S, THAT'S MY TAKE. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. MOVING ON TO THE NEXT SLIDE. I THINK IT'S THE LAST SLIDE. COMMISSIONERS. THIS REALLY JUST ILLUSTRATES WHAT THE IMPACT WOULD BE SHOULD THE COURT APPROVE THESE ALLOCATIONS OF FUNDS. TODAY. THE EACH OF THOSE DEBT ISSUANCES WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED ARE LISTED STILL WITH THAT AMOUNT AVAILABLE SLASH UNPROGRAMED. HOW MUCH THAT IMPACT WOULD BE AT THE ALLOCATION AMOUNT, LEAVING THE NEW BALANCES THAT YOU SEE LISTED ON THE RIGHT HAND MOST RIGHT HAND COLUMN OF THE TABLE AS WELL. I THINK IN CONSIDERATION OF SOME OF THE COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS AS WELL, JUST GIVEN THE GIVEN THE THE AGE OF OF THESE DEBT ISSUANCES AND PORTFOLIOS, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT WE THAT WHILE THERE IS STILL WILL STILL BE SMALL CONTINGENCY AVAILABLE, THAT WE PROGRAM THESE FUNDS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO GET THEM FULLY SPENT. ANY QUESTIONS FROM THE COURT ON THIS SLIDE? THEN? THE LAST THING, THE LAST THING I'LL NOTE HERE, COMMISSIONERS, IS I KNOW THAT THE ITEM WAS READ AS PENDING FINAL LEGAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL. HOWEVER, I RECEIVED GOOD NEWS FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE LAST WEEK AND HUGE KUDOS TO THEM AS THEY BROUGHT ON. JUST BROUGHT ON A NEW BOND COUNSEL. THEY WERE ABLE TO PUT THIS AS THE FIRST PRIORITY FOR BOND COUNSEL'S REVIEW. AND SO BOND COUNSEL HAS ALREADY THOROUGHLY REVIEWED ALL OF THE LANGUAGE IN THE ORDERS. TO YOUR POINT, COMMISSIONER, ABOUT THE ELIGIBLE USES AND ENSURE THAT THE REPROGRAM THE PROGRAMING OF THESE FUNDS AND THESE CAPITAL NEEDS IS IN ALIGNMENT WITH THOSE STRICT STATUTES THAT WERE WRITTEN WITH EACH OF THOSE BOND PORTFOLIOS. AND SO THE ONLY ADJUSTMENT I WOULD MAKE TO THE MOTION IS THAT IT NOT BE PENDING FINAL LEGAL REVIEW, THAT IT BE APPROVE AN AUTHORIZED STAFF TO APPROPRIATE AVAILABLE CAPITAL FUNDS FOR RECOMMENDED CAPITAL PROJECT NEEDS AS PRESENTED. THANK YOU. CHRISTIAN. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FROM THE COURT. I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. COMMISSIONER STOUT. THANK YOU. JUDGE YOUR VOTE, SIR. MOTION CARRIES. [01:25:11] THANK YOU. AND I CAN TELL YOU I KNOW, JUDGE, WHO'S IN THE AUDIENCE. I MET WITH JUDGE KURITA THIS MORNING. THEY THANK YOU, TOO, BECAUSE THE ROOF IS REALLY CAUSING A LOT OF ISSUES. FOR MANY, IT'S LEAKING DOWN TO THE THIRD FLOOR. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW IT'S IMPACTING OTHER FLOORS. AND OUR FACILITIES CREW IS CONSTANTLY RESPONDING, AND I KNOW ALL OF THESE ARE PRIORITY PROJECTS, BUT I FEEL LIKE THAT'S THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY THAT WE NEED TO REALLY THAT IN THE JAIL. I THINK THAT IN THE JAIL, I THINK YES, SIR. YES, MA'AM. GOOD ON THOSE THOSE ISSUES. AND THANK YOU KNOW, THE LIBRARY HAS PERENNIALLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING. SO I WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THAT. THANK YOU. JUDGE. COMMISSIONER, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONERS ON THE ON THE ON THE COURT WHO ACTUALLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE FUNDING FOR THESE FOR THESE ITEMS AND UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF NEEDS IN THE COMMUNITY AND TAX NOTES AND SEALS ARE A VIABLE WAY TO TAKE CARE OF ISSUES THAT THAT WE HAVE, AND NOT JUST EMERGENCY ISSUES, THINGS LIKE BATHROOMS AND PARKS. SO THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY WHO ACTUALLY VOTED FOR THIS AND STUCK THEIR NECK OUT THERE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. ITEM ITEM EIGHT BE APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED STAFF TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION IN THE LETTER OF SUPPORT ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY TO ATTEND A DATA CENTER PEER EXCHANGE BEING HELD BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES. FURTHER, DESIGNATE A MEMBER OF THE CORRIDOR COUNTY STAFF TO ATTEND THE LEARNING EVENT. MORNING. JUDGE COMMISSIONERS CHRISTINE MARTINEZ WITH THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION [B. Approve and authorize staff to submit an application and letter of support on behalf of the County to attend a Data Center Peer Exchange being held by the National Association of Counties (NACo). Further, designate a member of the Court, or County staff, to attend the learning event. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600] DEPARTMENT. COUNTY ADMINISTRATION REALLY JUST PLACED THIS ITEM BEFORE THE COURT SO THAT THE COURT WAS AWARE IT REALLY BECAUSE WE FOUND THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES DATA CENTER PEER EXCHANGE. HOWEVER, WE HAVE ALSO LEARNED THAT COMMISSIONER BUTLER HAS APPLIED FOR THE PROGRAM AND REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATION OF THE COUNTY. AND SO NO ACTION IS NECESSARILY NEEDED FROM THE COURT. BUT JUST AS A BRIEF OVERVIEW FOR THE COURT'S AWARENESS, THIS IS A. THIS EVENT IS A ONE AND A HALF DAY EVENT SCHEDULED FOR MID DECEMBER. DECEMBER 14TH TO 16TH TO BE EXACT IN SOUTH CAROLINA, WHERE SELECTED MEMBERS OF THE PEER EXCHANGE WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN MOBILE TOURS OF LOCAL DATA CENTER FACILITIES IN THE AREA, PARTICIPATE IN EXPERT LED SESSIONS AND PEER DISCUSSIONS TO ADDRESS SHARED INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES AND PLANNING CHALLENGES. CORE TOPICS INCLUDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL RESOURCE RESOURCE USAGE, SPECIFICALLY AS IT PERTAINS TO ENERGY AND WATER, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. REGARDING DATA CENTERS, THERE IS AN APPLICATION DEADLINE SET FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, BUT I THINK PRETTY MUCH SUMMARIZES THE ITEM. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S ANY OTHER FEEDBACK FROM THE COURT. WE JUST DIDN'T WANT TO MISS THE OPPORTUNITY. WE THINK, THANKFULLY, COMMISSIONER BUTLER HAS APPLIED AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE INFORMATION THAT COMES OUT OF THIS. WE JUST RECENTLY ATTENDED AN ENERGY SUMMIT, WHICH WAS REALLY FOCUSED AROUND DATA CENTERS, AND I TOOK AWAY SO MANY LEARNING POINTS AND THINGS THAT WILL HELP GUIDE US GOING FORWARD AS WE SEE ADDITIONAL LARGE LOAD OR LARGE IMPACT DEVELOPMENTS. SO WE'RE JUST THANKFUL THAT THE OPPORTUNITY IS GOING TO BE TAKEN. WE DON'T KNOW WHETHER WE'LL BE SELECTED, BUT WE'RE WE'RE THANKFUL THAT WE'VE APPLIED. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER. NO ACTION FOR ITEM EIGHT B. THANK YOU. ITEM EIGHT C DISCUSS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO ADOPT THE EL PASO COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 TO 2031. WE'RE ASKING TO DELETE THIS ITEM WE'VE PLACED IT ON FOR JUST DISCUSSION FOR THURSDAY'S SPECIAL SESSION. TO GO THROUGH IT WITH THE COURT, GIVE AN UPDATE, RECEIVE ANY FEEDBACK, AND THEN WE'LL PLACE IT ON FOR ADOPTION EITHER THE FOLLOWING MONDAY OR THE MONDAY AFTER THAT. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER TO DELETE. DO I HAVE A SECOND? A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU, JUDGE SAMANIEGO, COMMISSIONER STOUT. I MOTION CARRIES. ITEM NINE A PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, [C. Discuss and take appropriate action to adopt the El Paso County Strategic Plan for FY2027-2031. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600] SECTION 114.023114.024 AND 114.026. RECEIVE THE ATTACHED PRESENTATION AND THE INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED AUGUST 2026. WELCOME, MICHAEL. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. MICHAEL ALMAS, FIRST ASSISTANT COUNTY AUDITOR, AND TODAY'S PRESENTATION IS ON THE AUGUST 2026 INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT. THIS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SHOWS [A. Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §114.023 114.024, 114.026, receive the attached presentation and the interim financial report for the month ended August 2026. Barbara Parker, County Auditor, County Auditor's Office, 915-273-3262] [01:30:08] INFORMATION ABOUT REVENUES AND EXPENSES FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. PLEASE NOTE THAT THROUGHOUT THIS PRESENTATION, WE'LL BE ROUNDING TO THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS WHENEVER NECESSARY. ON THIS SLIDE, YOU CAN SEE THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL REPORT, WHICH WAS ALREADY PUBLISHED IN THE LOCAL SUNDAY NEWSPAPER. AND OUR FIRST SECTION IS REVENUES. THIS SLIDE REPRESENTS ALL OF THE REVENUE COLLECTED BY THE COUNTY BY FUND TYPE. THE FOCUS THROUGHOUT THE PRESENTATION WILL BE ON THE GENERAL FUND, WHICH IS OUR MAIN OPERATING FUND. DURING THE. THE CURRENT MONTH, THE GENERAL FUND COLLECTED APPROXIMATELY $15.3 MILLION WITH YEAR TO DATE COLLECTIONS OF $414.8 MILLION. ON THIS NEXT SLIDE, YOU CAN SEE TOTAL YEAR TO DATE PROPERTY TAXES COLLECTED AS OF AUGUST 2026, WHICH SHOWS AN INCREASE OF 41.5 MILLION COMPARED TO FY 25. HOWEVER, WHEN WE FOCUS ON THE GENERAL FUND, WE SEE THAT INCREASE IS STILL FOR $29.6 MILLION IN TOTAL. AND THAT'S ON THIS NEXT SLIDE. YOU CAN SEE YEAR TO DATE GENERAL FUND REVENUES COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST FISCAL YEAR. TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTIONS HAVE INCREASED COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD PRIOR YEAR. OUR TOP AREAS OF INCREASING COLLECTIONS ARE PROPERTY TAXES, AND THIS IS AGAIN DUE TO AN INCREASE IN OVERALL COLLECTIONS. WE ALSO HAVE AN INCREASE IN CHARGES FOR SERVICES OF $8.8 MILLION, AND THIS IS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN FEDERAL PRISONER REVENUE FOR $7.9 MILLION AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS FEES. WE ALSO HAVE DECREASING COLLECTIONS IN INTEREST OF $2 MILLION, AND THIS IS DUE TO LOWER INVESTABLE BALANCES AND LOWER RATES AS COMPARED TO LAST YEAR. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE ALSO SHOWED A DECREASE OF $1.3 MILLION, AND THIS IS MAINLY DUE TO DECREASES IN REIMBURSEMENTS FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE AND JUDICIARY SUPPORT. ON THIS NEXT SLIDE, YOU CAN SEE AN OVERVIEW OF ACTUAL REVENUE COMPARED TO THE BUDGET. FOR YOUR INFORMATION, WE ARE AT THE SECOND TO LAST MONTH OF THE FISCAL YEAR, AND THE GENERAL FUND HAS COLLECTED 99.8 OF TOTAL BUDGETED REVENUES. LARGEST REVENUE COLLECTIONS COMPARED TO BUDGET INCLUDE PROPERTY TAXES, WHICH IS AT 100% OF THE BUDGET, SALES AND USE TAXES, WHICH IS AT 84 84.1% OF THE BUDGET CHARGES FOR SERVICES, WHICH HAS EXCEEDED THE BUDGET AND IS AT 147.8% OF THE BUDGET. INTERGOVERNMENTAL, WHICH HAS ALSO EXCEEDED THE BUDGET AND IS CURRENTLY AT 146.6% OF THE BUDGET. AND LASTLY, WE HAVE INTEREST, WHICH IS AT 82.2% OF THE BUDGET. ON THIS NEXT CHART, YOU CAN SEE A PIE CHART, WHICH SHOWS YOU THE YEAR TO DATE COLLECTIONS ON REVENUE FOR YOUR INFORMATION, TAXES COMPRISED 87% OF TOTAL REVENUES RECEIVED, WITH PROPERTY TAXES COMPRISING 68.7%. THIS NEXT SLIDE ILLUSTRATES TRENDS IN TOTAL REVENUES AND THE COUNTY'S TWO LARGEST REVENUE SOURCES, WHICH ARE PROPERTY TAXES AND SALES TAXES. THE BAR GROUPINGS DISPLAY ACTUAL VERSUS AMOUNTS REMAINING TO BE COLLECTED FOR BOTH TAXES AS A PERCENTAGE OF BUDGET. THE CURRENT YEAR'S GENERAL FUND TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTIONS DECREASED 2.9% COMPARED TO LAST YEAR. TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTION AS A PERCENTAGE OF BUDGET FOR YOUR INFORMATION, AS OF FY 24 WAS 96.3%, FY 25 WAS 98.6% AND CURRENT YEAR IS AT 96.3%. ON THIS NEXT SLIDE, YOU CAN SEE TOTAL SALES AND USE TAX RECEIPTS BY MONTH, AS WELL AS THE MONTH TO MONTH PERCENT CHANGE ON THOSE COLLECTIONS. PLEASE NOTE THAT SALES TAX RECEIPTS FOR THE CURRENT MONTH ARE APPLICABLE TO SALES FROM TWO MONTHS AGO. SO FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THIS MONTH, AUGUST. THESE SALES TAXES RELATE TO JUNE 2026 FOR A TOTAL COLLECTION OF ALMOST $8 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 18.63% WHEN COMPARED TO PRIOR MONTH. PRIOR YEAR'S MONTH. YEAR TO DATE COLLECTIONS SHOW AN INCREASE OF 11.44%. ON THIS NEXT SLIDE, YOU CAN SEE A LITTLE BIT MORE DETAIL ON OUR SALES AND SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTIONS. AND WE HAVE THE [01:35:03] FOUR TOP CATEGORIES CONTRIBUTING TO THOSE COLLECTIONS. FIRST OFF, WE HAVE RETAIL TRADE, WHICH POSTED THE LARGEST YEAR TO YEAR INCREASE, RISING $460.6 THOUSAND. WE ALSO HAVE ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD SERVICES, WHICH SHOW A YEAR TO YEAR INCREASE OF $139.8 THOUSAND. WHOLESALE TRADE POSTED AN INCREASE OF $126.2 THOUSAND, AND MANUFACTURING ALSO SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 170 $179,000. FOR YOUR INFORMATION, WE TOOK A LOOK AT CONSTRUCTION. SALES TAX REVENUES OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, AND FOR CURRENT YEAR, WE DO SEE AN INCREASE YEAR OVER YEAR OF $57,000, HOWEVER, MONTHLY CHANGES ARE VERY SPORADIC. SO FOR EXAMPLE, LAST MONTH WE ACTUALLY SAW A DECREASE OF 8%, WHEREAS THIS MONTH WE SAW THAT INCREASE OF 21%. SO THERE HASN'T BEEN A CONSISTENT, MEASURABLE INCREASE IN SALES TAX COLLECTIONS DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. AND THIS IS AGAIN, LOOKING INTO THE METADATA CENTER CONSTRUCTION THAT STARTED LAST YEAR IN OCTOBER 2025. IF WE DO SEE A CHANGE IN THESE COLLECTIONS, WE WILL BRING IT UP AND NOTIFY YOU OF THE OF THE LARGE, NOTICEABLE CHANGE. ANY QUESTIONS WITH REVENUES? I HAVE A QUESTION, MICHAEL. YES. ON THE REVENUE, ON PROPERTY TAX AND ON THE DELINQUENT VERSUS CURRENT. THIS YEAR, I WAS TRYING TO PULL UP A PAST REPORT TO COMPARE IS. SO IT SEEMS LIKE PEOPLE ARE PAYING MORE CURRENT, STAYING MORE CURRENT. BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE DELINQUENT COLLECTIONS ARE DOWN. SO ARE THERE LESS? IS THERE LESS DELINQUENT COLLECTIONS TO BE HAD? THE DELINQUENT COLLECTIONS ARE RELATED TO AMOUNTS THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE PAID IN PRIOR YEARS. SO YES, THERE REALLY ISN'T A CORRELATION IN BETWEEN THEM. JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE PAYING YOUR CURRENT YEAR'S TAXES DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU'VE ALREADY PAID YOUR PRIOR YEAR'S TAXES. SO WE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GIVE YOU A A MEANINGFUL TREND AS OF LIKE, IF ONE OF THEM'S PAYING MORE, THE OTHER ONE SHOULD BE PAYING MORE. OKAY. IS THERE A WAY WE CAN GET THAT TO ANALYZE THAT? AND THE REASON I ASK IS I THINK THAT'S A REAL CLEAR ECONOMIC INDICATOR. AND MAYBE IT'S SOMETHING WE MAY NEED TO WORK WITH. LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING AT LIKE WHAT AMOUNT OF THE CURRENT BUILD WAS ACTUALLY PAID? YES. IF YOU SO DESIRE, WE COULD RUN THAT THAT ANALYSIS TO SEE WHETHER PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY FALLING BEHIND OR IF THEY'RE TRYING TO GET CURRENT OR JUST RELATED TO THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS TO SEE HOW MUCH MONEY PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY HAVING TO, TO PAY THESE TAXES ON. WELL, WE'LL FOLLOW UP WITH YOU ALL SEPARATELY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. I AGREE BECAUSE WE SHOW ON HERE FOR AUGUST WITH TWO MONTHS LEFT, RIGHT OR ONE MONTH LEFT RIGHT THAT WE'VE ALREADY COLLECTED OVER 100% IN TEXAS. I KNOW PART OF THAT'S GOT TO BE FROM PRIOR YEARS COLLECTIONS. WELL, I THINK THAT'S ALSO TO WHAT OUR ESTIMATE WAS, BECAUSE IT ALWAYS ENDS UP COMING IN A LITTLE HIGHER THAN OUR FINAL ESTIMATE. AND SO THAT'S PART OF IT. BUT THAT DOES MAKE ME CURIOUS IF PEOPLE ARE STAYING MORE CAUGHT UP, WHICH IS A GOOD ECONOMIC INDICATOR. AND THEN YOU COMBINE THAT WITH WHAT WE SAW ON SALES TAX, WHICH ALSO SEEMS LIKE A POSITIVE ECONOMIC INDICATOR. SO IT'S SOMETHING I THINK WE WANT TO WATCH. BARBARA PARKER, YOUR COUNTY AUDITOR, ANOTHER REASON WHY WE SOMETIMES COLLECT MORE. WE SHOW MORE IN COLLECTIONS THAN WHAT WE BUDGETED IS BECAUSE OFTEN WE BUDGET BASED ON THE CERTIFIED VALUES IN JULY. AND THEN THEY DON'T THEY BILL ON THE VALUES IN OCTOBER. SO IF VALUES GO UP IN OCTOBER, WE'RE BUILDING MORE THAN WHAT WE ACTUALLY BUDGETED. AND THAT'S TYPICALLY THE CASE. I DON'T QUOTE ME, BUT I DON'T REMEMBER A TIME WHEN THEY WENT UNDER WHAT WE WHAT THE CERTIFIED VALUES WERE. IT FLUCTUATES ON HOW MUCH IT GOES UP, BUT IT'S, IT'S USUALLY GOES UP HIGHER THAN WHAT WE ACTUALLY CERTIFIED. DO. WE HAVE A HISTORICAL PERCENTAGE OF WHAT THAT IS? BARBARA. NO, BUT WE CAN GET IT FOR YOU. THANK YOU. I THINK BUDGET DOES TRACK IT. I'VE SEEN IT IN THEIR SLIDES BEFORE WHERE IT SHOWS LIKE CERTIFIED AND THEN ACTUAL BUILD. IT SHOWS LIKE PRELIMINARY VALUES, CERTIFIED VALUES, ACTUAL BUILD ON SOME OF THE CHARTS THAT BUDGET HAS. SO WE CAN PROBABLY PULL IT PRETTY EASILY. YEAH. IN ADDITION, I KNOW WE MENTIONED [01:40:01] SALES TAX SALES AND USE TAXES AS, AS YOU'RE ALL AWARE, THERE IS A LOT OF INFLATIONARY PRESSURE ON, ON THOSE COLLECTIONS. SO JUST BECAUSE WE'RE SEEING AN INCREASE DOESN'T MEAN THAT IT'S PEOPLE BUYING MORE. IT COULD BE PEOPLE BUYING THE SAME AMOUNT OF OF ITEMS. THEY'RE JUST COSTING MORE THAN LAST YEAR. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON REVENUE? OKAY. MOVING ON TO EXPENDITURES. ON THIS SLIDE, YOU CAN SEE ALL EXPENDITURES FOR THE COUNTY BY FUND TYPE. FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST, GENERAL FUND REPORTED TOTAL EXPENDITURES OF $30.3 MILLION AND A YEAR TO DATE TOTAL OF $359.1 MILLION. IN THE FOLLOWING SLIDES, YOU CAN SEE A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES. THIS CHART GIVES YOU AN OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTY'S GENERAL FUND BUDGET EXPENDITURES DOWN BY FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT. THIS BREAKDOWN OFFERS A CLEAR VIEW OF HOW RESOURCES ARE ALLOCATED ACROSS KEY SERVICE AREAS. 78.9% OF THE BUDGET HAS BEEN EXPENDED, AND OF THAT, PUBLIC SAFETY ACCOUNTS FOR 43.2%. GENERAL GOVERNMENT 27.6%, ADMIN OF JUSTICE, 22.7% AND ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT MAKE UP THAT REMAINING 6.4%. THE TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY FUNCTION ARE SHOWN ON THIS SLIDE. THE PERCENTAGE OF BUDGET EXPENDED IS 78.9%. WHERE WE COMPARE IT TO LAST YEAR, WE WERE AT 77.2%. SO AGAIN, WE'RE STILL WITHIN THAT, A BENCHMARK FOR LAST YEAR FOR GENERAL GOVERNMENT. WE'VE EXPENDED 68.9% OF THE BUDGET ADMIN OF JUSTICE, 83.7, AND PUBLIC SAFETY, 88.2% OF THE BUDGET HAS BEEN EXPENDED. ON THIS NEXT SLIDE, YOU CAN SEE GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES AS OF AUGUST, WHICH SHOW AN INCREASE IN COMPARISON TO PRIOR YEAR BY 3%. PERSONNEL OPERATING TRANSFERS OUT CATEGORIES HAVE INCREASED, WHILE CAPITAL OUTLAYS SHOW A DECREASE FOR PERSONNEL. WE SHOW AN INCREASE OF $3.8 MILLION, AND THIS IS PRIMARILY DUE TO SHERIFF'S OVERTIME OPERATING. WE SEE AN INCREASE OF $6.3 MILLION. THIS IS PRIMARILY DUE TO INCREASES IN ELECTIONS COST OF $3.5 MILLION, INCREASES IN LEGAL SETTLEMENTS OF $2.3 MILLION. CONTRACTUAL INCREASES WITH THE CAT OF $553,000 AND AN INCREASE IN THE TRAVEL EXPENDITURES OF $422,000. JUST WANT TO POINT OUT ONE NOTE JUDGE, FOR. THANKFULLY, WE WERE ABLE TO AVOID. FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT BOARD VACANCIES THAT NOW HAVE TO BE ELECTED. THREE OF THOSE ARE ELECTED COUNTY WIDE. WE'RE STILL WORKING WITH OUR DELEGATION TO MAKE SURE WE CHANGE THE LAW SOMEWHAT SO THAT BECAUSE IT WOULD, IT COST QUITE A PENNY, AND ALL TAXING ENTITIES HAVE TO PUT THEIR FAIR SHARE OF FUNDING. THIS. BUT FOR THIS YEAR THERE WAS ONLY. WE TRIED TO DIRECT PEOPLE TO APPLY FOR ONLY. NOT ONE PARTICULAR SPOT IF THE OTHER TWO ARE OPEN. SO THANKFULLY WE ONLY HAD THREE INDIVIDUALS FOR THE THREE DIFFERENT SPOTS, SO THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANY EXPENSE. SO WE WON'T BE ASKED. THE CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT BOARD WON'T BE ASKING FOR ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDS, BUT WE'RE JUST GOING TO KEEP THAT THOSE FUNDS FOR THE NEXT ELECTION. THAT WAY WE DON'T HAVE TO PUT. AND IT'S STILL IN RESERVE, THEREFORE, FOR THE FUTURE ELECTION. BUT WE WON'T HAVE TO PUT UP ANY MORE MONEY FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT ELECTION. WE HAVE ACTUALLY HAD TO AVOID IT THE LAST COUPLE OF COUPLE THE LAST TWO ELECTIONS. SO JUST JUST TO MAKE A NOTE, THANK YOU FOR THAT DETAIL, COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THANK YOU. AS I WAS SAYING, TRANSFERS OUT SHOWED AN INCREASE OF $215,000 AND CAPITAL OUTLAY SHOWED A DECREASE OF $74,000. ON THIS NEXT SLIDE, YOU CAN SEE GENERAL FUND CHANGES BY GOVERNMENT FUNCTION IN COMPARISON WITH THE SAME PERIOD PREVIOUS YEAR. OUR TOP AREAS OF CHANGE ARE GENERAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH SHOWS AN INCREASE OF 9%. ADMIN OF JUSTICE, WHICH SHOWS AN INCREASE OF 2.3% FROM LAST YEAR, AND PUBLIC SAFETY, WHICH SHOWS THAT INCREASE OF 2.1%. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS RELATED TO EXPENDITURES? OKAY, IF NOT, I'LL MOVE ON TO FUND BALANCE. OUR LAST SECTION FOR THE PRESENTATION, FY 26 PROJECTED FUND BALANCES BASED ON PROJECTED REVENUES OF $442.3 MILLION AND PROJECTED EXPENDITURES OF $428.4 MILLION. COMBINED WITH OUR LAST YEAR'S FUND BALANCE, THIS RESULTS IN A PROJECTED FY 26 FUND BALANCE OF [01:45:01] $119.7 MILLION. FEDERAL PRISONER REVENUE PROJECTIONS ARE CURRENTLY AT $15.9 MILLION, AND THESE ARE BASED ON ACTUALS AND AN AVERAGE OF 220 INMATES FOR THE REMAINING MONTH OF THE FISCAL YEAR, REVENUES INCREASED 1 MILLION THIS MONTH BECAUSE OF ACTUAL SALES TAX REVENUES WERE HIGHER THAN ESTIMATED, AND PROJECTED EXPENDITURES ALSO SHOWED AN INCREASE OF $558,000, AND THIS WAS PRIMARILY TO COVER. THAT REQUIRED THE REQUIRED EXCESS SALES TAX TRANSFER RELATED TO OUR INCREASES IN SALES TAX REVENUE FOR FY 27. OUR PROJECTION INCLUDES THE ADOPTED TAX RATE. REVENUES ARE PROJECTED OF $438 MILLION. THIS INCLUDES A $3.9 MILLION REDUCTION FROM CERTIFIED REVENUES, DRIVEN BY A DECREASE IN FEDERAL PRISONER REVENUE. WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING. EXPENDITURES REFLECT $473.5 MILLION, BASED ON THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET, SHOWING A DECREASE IN FUND BALANCE YEARS AFTER FY 27 ARE BASED ON A 2% INCREASE IN PROPERTY VALUE AND A 5% INCREASE IN EXPENDITURES. GIVEN THE UNCERTAINTY ON FUTURE VARIABLES, ESPECIALLY THE INFLATIONARY PRESSURE WE'RE FEELING RIGHT NOW, IT IS PRUDENT NOT TO PLACE SIGNIFICANCE, RELIANCE, SIGNIFICANT RELIANCE ON FINANCIAL TRENDS BEYOND 2027. ANY QUESTIONS ON FUND BALANCE? IF NOT, WE CAN MOVE OVER TO TABLE OF CONTENTS, WHICH IS AVAILABLE ON OUR FULL REPORT ONLINE AND ANY REMAINING QUESTIONS. THANK YOU. THANK YOU MICHAEL. THANK YOU MICHAEL. ITEM TEN A DISCUSS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED CREATION OF THREE NEW HERITAGE TOURISM EMPLOYEE POSITIONS FUNDED BY HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX FUNDS AND TRANSITIONING THE LOS PORTALES MUSEUM AND INFORMATION CENTER AND THE OLD EL PASO COUNTY JAIL OPERATIONS TO A COUNTY MANAGED [A. Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the proposed creation of three new Heritage Tourism employee positions funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds and transitioning the Los Portales Museum and Information Center and the Old El Paso County Jail operations to a County managed operational structure under the Economic Development Department’s Heritage Tourism Division. (12539-OP) Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development Department, 915-273-3583] OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE UNDER THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT'S HERITAGE TOURISM DIVISION. OPINION NUMBER 12539. I'M SORRY, I JUST WANTED TO RECOGNIZE THE MAYOR FROM CINELLI. MAYOR CHACON, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY. AND WE ALSO HAVE LORENZO LUEVANOS FROM THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO JOINING US THIS MORNING. THANK YOU. I'M GOING TO GO THROUGH THE PRESENTATION, AND THEN I WILL TURN IT OVER TO THE MAYOR TO SHARE A FEW WORDS AS WELL. THANK YOU SO. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. DOCTOR CYNTHIA RENTERIA WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. FOR THE RECORD, WE'RE BACK WITH OUR ITEM PREVIOUSLY PRESENTED ON SEPTEMBER 14TH ABOUT OUR PROPOSAL TO TRANSITION THE STAFF AND OPERATIONS OF THE LOS PORTALES MUSEUM, THE OLD COUNTY JAIL, HISTORIC SITES FROM THIRD PARTY TO IN-HOUSE HERE UNDER THE COUNTY AND UNDER THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. SO TODAY WE'RE FOLLOWING UP ON OUR PRESENTATION, AS WE PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED. CURRENTLY, EL PASO COUNTY IS THE ONLY PUBLIC ENTITY OUTSOURCING MUSEUM OPERATIONS. WE TALKED ABOUT THE CITY, EXCUSE ME. WE TALKED ABOUT THE CITY OF EL PASO MUSEUMS BEING RUN BY CITY EMPLOYEES. WE TALKED ABOUT THE UTEP CENTENNIAL MUSEUM BEING RUN BY UTEP EMPLOYEES. AND WE ALSO DISCUSSED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A HISTORIC SITE MUSEUM. RIGHT. SO LOS PUERTOS OLD COUNTY JAIL, CASA RONQUILLO, ARE AMONG THE FEW HISTORIC SITE MUSEUMS, AND THEY BELONG TO THE COUNTY. BACK ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, WE SHOWED YOU THIS TABLE THAT INCLUDED OR THAT INCLUDES TWO FULL TIME POSITIONS AND ONE PART TIME POSITION. SO WE ORIGINALLY WERE THIS WAS OUR ORIGINAL REQUEST. AND SO SINCE OUR LAST PRESENTATION, WE REVISED THE REQUEST AND ARE NOW ONLY REQUESTING THE TWO TWO FULL TIME POSITIONS AT THE RATE INDICATED IN THE CHART. AND THAT'S WHY YOU'LL SEE THE BOTTOM ROW KIND OF STRUCK THROUGH. RIGHT. SO WE'RE NO LONGER REQUESTING THE PART TIME POSITION UNDER COUNTY STAFF. AND AGAIN THESE POSITIONS ARE ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS. WE ARE ALSO BRINGING TO YOU THIS MORNING AN OPERATIONS BUDGET AS REQUESTED. SO THIS IS THE BREAKDOWN OF THE BUDGET. THAT INCLUDES START UP COSTS. AND WE ALSO INCLUDED A PROPOSED A PROPOSAL AND BUDGET NARRATIVE FOR MORE DETAIL AS PART OF THE ITEM, IT IS ATTACHED TO THE ITEM AND POSTED WITH THE AGENDA. SO THE BUDGET INCLUDES A ONE TIME START UP COSTS AND A STARTING POINT, WHICH WE WILL CONTINUE TO EVALUATE. SO THIS IS WHAT WE'RE PROJECTING WE COULD USE. OR WE WOULD NEED TO START THIS TRANSITION. THIS DOESN'T MEAN THAT THIS WILL BE THE BUDGET EVERY YEAR. IT MAY DECREASE. OF COURSE, THE BUDGET ALSO INCLUDES A PART TIME HERITAGE TOURISM AMBASSADOR, WHICH WOULD BE A CONTRACTUAL POSITION WHICH WILL BE FILLED BY THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO EMPLOYEE, FURTHER STRENGTHENING OUR COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY. [01:50:04] WE ARE WORKING ON A FULL SCOPE OF WORK AND WILL OF COURSE, REQUEST A LEGAL REVIEW AND ANY REVIEWS NECESSARY ONCE THE DETAILS OF AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT ARE FINALIZED, WE WILL BRING BACK. WE WILL BRING THAT ITEM BACK TO THE COURT AS A SEPARATE ITEM AND A SEPARATE PRESENTATION. BUT FOR NOW, WE ARE INCLUDING THAT 3000 AS PART OF OUR OPERATIONS BUDGET. THIS BALANCES OUT WITH THE STAFF, THE PART TIME STAFFER THAT WE'VE ELIMINATED FROM OUR STAFF SIDE. SO HERE'S THE BUDGET OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED TRANSITION. SO WE NOW HAVE THE NUMBER FOR BOTH STAFF AND OPERATIONS. WE PREVIOUSLY CAME TO YOU WITH JUST THE NUMBERS FOR STAFF. THIS ALSO INCLUDES THE ORIGINAL SAN ELIZARIO GENEALOGY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY CONTRACT, WHICH IS THE 118438. AND AGAIN, THESE WERE SALARIES AND STAFF WITHOUT FRINGE PART TIME SALARIES, WHICH IS WHAT WE HAVE RIGHT NOW AT THE MUSEUM WE BROUGHT YOU. WE HAVE THE DIFFERENCE OF 114,318 FOR BOTH OPERATIONS AND STAFF. WE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THE 90,318 THAT WAS ONLY FOR STAFF. SO NOW WE HAVE A MORE COMPLETE NUMBER TO SHARE WITH THE COURT FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. OKAY. AND THIS SLIDE IS FAMILIAR. THIS IS THE SAME AS LAST TIME. SO WE'RE AGAIN PROPOSING THAT WE TAKE THE SALARIES FROM CONTINGENCIES AND THAT WE LEAVE THE ACCOUNT THAT IS CURRENTLY USED FOR THE LOS PORTALES CONTRACT, WHICH WILL HAVE A REMAINDER OF 88,828 50. AFTER WE'VE FUNDED THE SIEGES FOR THESE LAST THREE MONTHS. OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER. DECEMBER, RIGHT. AND SO THE BUDGET FOR OPERATIONS LET ME GO BACK REALLY QUICK. THIS BUDGET, THE 78,000 TOTAL WILL COME OUT OF THAT 88,000 BALANCE. SO WE STILL HAVE A LITTLE OVER 10,000 IN THAT ACCOUNT LEFT. AND OF COURSE, ANY UNUSED BUDGET GOES BACK TO THE TO THE MAIN POT OF HOT FUNDS. RIGHT. AND EVERYTHING THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT WHEN WE COME UP, WHEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMES UP TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT HOT FUNDS, THIS IS THE ACCOUNT SEPARATE FROM THE COLISEUM. SO WE ALSO HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT. SO WE'RE BRINGING TO YOU TODAY OUR PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL FOR PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT. AND WE IT IS OUR INTENT TO DEVELOP THIS FURTHER, ESPECIALLY AS STAFF COMES ON BOARD, BECAUSE WE NEED TO WORK THIS THROUGH WITH THE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO BE OPERATING THE SITES. SO WHILE A PERMANENT EXHIBIT IS IMPORTANT, THE MUSEUM SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE ROTATING EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS TO CONTINUE TO ATTRACT VISITORS BACK TO THE MUSEUM. SO WE'RE IN THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM, RIGHT? IF SOMEONE COMES IN AND SEES AN EXHIBIT THAT HASN'T CHANGED FOR YEARS, THEN THE WORD KIND OF IS WE'VE BEEN THERE, WE'VE SEEN THAT. BUT THIS IS WHY, IN ADDITION TO OUR PERMANENT EXHIBIT, WE NEED ROTATING EXHIBITS TO CONTINUE TO BRING PEOPLE BACK VISITORS BACK TO THE MUSEUM. THIS ALSO COUPLED WITH PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS, GUEST SPEAKERS, TOURS, COLLABORATIONS WITH ARTISTS AND BUSINESSES IN SAN ELIZARIO, BUT ALSO THROUGHOUT THE MISSION TRAIL. WE ALSO MENTIONED THAT ALTHOUGH THE HISTORIC SITES ARE LOCATED ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL, THEY ARE THE COUNTY'S HISTORIC SITE MUSEUMS. ANOTHER ENHANCEMENT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AT OUR HISTORIC SITE MUSEUMS IS A BROADER HISTORY OF THE COUNTY. SO AT THIS POINT, THE CJS ROTATES THE FRONT GALLERY QUARTERLY AND WE HAVE A DIFFERENT EXHIBIT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ANNUALLY OR BIANNUALLY, A STORY OF ANOTHER PART OF EL PASO COUNTY. WE DO A GOOD JOB AND I THINK WE WILL, IN OUR PERMANENT EXHIBIT OF TELLING THE HISTORY OF SAN ELIZARIO OF THE MISSION TRAIL. BUT WE HAVE SO MUCH MORE HISTORY TO TELL. SO I SEE A ROTATING HISTORY ABOUT NEIGHBORHOODS AND DIFFERENT PRECINCTS, ABOUT OTHER HISTORIC ASSETS COUNTY WIDE. FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE WACO TANKS, OUR OLDEST HISTORIC SITE. IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL TO SEE A COLLABORATION WITH THE STATE PARK, TO HAVE AN EXHIBIT AND DO SOME PROGRAMING THAT MOVES PEOPLE IN BOTH THESE AREAS ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL AND IN IN THE MONTANA VISTA PRECINCT. ONE AREA WE COULD DO A HISTORY OF THE STEEL INDUSTRY IN VINTON AND HOW THAT DEVELOPED, BRING IN THAT COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS LOOK AT THINGS LIKE OUR HISTORIC CEMETERIES COUNTYWIDE, THE BUTTERFIELD TRAIL. THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF INFORMATION TO KEEP US BUSY IN ROTATING THESE EXHIBITS AND PRESENTING DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES. AND ALSO, THE FOLKS LIVING IN THESE COMMUNITIES ARE GOING TO BE OUR BEST AMBASSADORS, RIGHT? THEY'RE GOING TO CALL PEOPLE THAT MAYBE DON'T LIVE IN EL PASO TO COME SEE THIS EXHIBIT, BECAUSE THESE STORIES AREN'T TOLD OFTEN ANYWHERE, AND WE HAVE A PLACE TO TELL THEM. THIS [01:55:06] IS A LITTLE BIT OF A PREVIEW OF WHAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON IN A SEPARATE PROJECT THROUGH OUR ARPA CONTRACT. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE INTERPRETATION OF OUR HISTORIC SITES, IT IS VERY NARROW AT THIS POINT. AND SO THIS IS AN UPDATE THAT WE'LL BRING BACK SEPARATELY FROM THE COURT. BUT RIGHT NOW THE IDEA IS THAT WE THAT WE KEEP LOS PORTALES AS KIND OF THE MISSION TRAIL ORIGINS WELCOME CENTER, THAT IT IS STILL THE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER FOR FOR THE COUNTY AND THAT AT THE OLD COUNTY JAIL, WE START TO SHIFT THE EXHIBITS FROM BEING VERY BROAD. RIGHT NOW. IT TALKS ABOUT THE US MEXICO WAR AND A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE VERY RELEVANT, BUT THAT WE BRING THAT HISTORY DOWN A LITTLE BIT. AND WE LOOK AT THE FOLKLORE OF THE WILD WEST WITH BILLY THE KID, BUT THAT WE ALSO TELL THE COUNTY STORY, RIGHT? THIS WAS THE FIRST COUNTY SEAT. THAT JAIL IS THERE BECAUSE EL PASO COUNTY WAS CREATED IN 1850. AND WE'RE NOT TELLING THAT AS WELL AS WE COULD. SO THAT'S PART OF THE INTERPRETATION THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AT THIS SITE AND AT CASA RONQUILLO. ONCE IT'S DONE AND ACTIVATED, WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT AGRICULTURE AND WATER, WHICH IS A BIG DEAL, NOT JUST FOR THIS AREA OF THE COUNTY BUT FOR THE COUNTY. SO WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REFRAME THE WAY WE'RE TELLING OUR STORY, NOT JUST OF THE SPECIFIC SITES, BUT ALSO COUNTY WIDE. AND THIS IS THROUGH THIS PROJECT. WE'LL HAVE AN EXHIBIT PLAN. THE NEXT STEP WILL BE TO FLESH OUT THE CONTENT, DO SOME RESEARCH, PUT THAT TOGETHER, AND THEN LATER ON THE NEXT STEP FOLLOWING THAT WILL BE TO IDENTIFY FUNDING AND BUILD OUT THE EXHIBITS, SEND THEM TO PRODUCTION. AND WE CAN DO THIS IN PHASES. WE CAN DO THIS IN PHASES THAT LINE UP WITH THE TIMELINE FOR OUR HISTORIC RESTORATION PROJECTS. SO IF WE'RE GOING TO CLOSE THE JAIL FOR RESTORATION, MAYBE WE CAN OPEN IT WITH A NEW EXHIBIT FEATURE. AND THEN THAT WILL ALSO START TO GENERATE MORE INTEREST. THIS IS SOMETHING WE CAN PROMOTE OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTY TO START TO DRAW THOSE VISITORS THAT WE KNOW WANT AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES. AND I THINK WE ARE POISED TO PROVIDE THAT AT OUR HISTORIC SITES. LAST TIME YOU ALSO ASKED ABOUT ABOUT OUR NUMBERS. RIGHT. AND SO I SAID I COULD COME BACK WITH THE REVIEW OF OUR MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET NUMBERS. AND I POINT TO THESE COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, BECAUSE THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHEN THE COUNTY WAS DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH HELPING TO GUIDE THE DIRECTION OF EXHIBITS, THE DIRECTION OF THIS PROJECT THAT WE SAW NUMBERS GO UP. AND SO THIS WAS AN ESTIMATE, AN ESTIMATE PROVIDED BY OUR DATA PROVIDED FROM F O MEDIA, THAT WE SAW 61 MORE FOOT TRAFFIC THAN THE YEAR BEFORE FOR THE DATES THAT WE HAD EVENTS AND WE HAD SIX WEEKS EVENTS OF EVENTS, SOMETHING LIKE 27 EVENTS WITHIN SIX WEEKS. IT WAS REALLY, REALLY COMPRESSED. RIGHT. SO WHAT I'D LIKE TO SEE WITH THIS NEW TEAM IS THAT SAME STRATEGY, BUT APPLIED FOR ALL YEAR ROUND. THIS ONE IS JUST SOME MORE NUMBERS AND YOU SEE KIND OF WHERE FOLKS ARE COMING FROM OR WE'RE COMING FROM BACK IN MAY. THIS IS STILL F O MEDIA'S DATA. THIS WAS THE DATA PROVIDED BY THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION. THIS WAS VIA DATA FI. SO F O MEDIA USES PLACER AI. IT'S ONE AI TOOL MODIFIES A DIFFERENT ONE, BUT IT ALSO MEASURED A 15% INCREASE. SO THIS TELLS ME WE BROUGHT IN A NEW EXHIBIT. WE DID NEW PROGRAMS. WE PARTNERED WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES, ARTISTS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS ACROSS THE MISSION TRAIL. SO THIS WASN'T JUST HAPPENING IN SAN ELIZARIO AND AT LOS PORTALES. SOME OF IT WAS DRIVEN BY THE COUNTY AND THE MUSEUM, BUT SOME OF IT WAS OTHER FOLKS SAYING, WE'RE GOING TO PUT ON A PLAY IN SOCORRO, OR WE'RE GOING TO DO A WORKSHOP IN YSLETA. AND IT'S THOSE TYPE OF PARTNERSHIPS THAT WE MEASURED THROUGH THIS DATA. SO THE ACTIVE PROGRAMING SHOWS THAT WE'RE GETTING RESULTS OR THAT WE DID AT LEAST IN MAY. AND HERE'S THE LAST NUMBER PROVIDED BY THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION. AGAIN, YOU SEE THOSE NUMBERS INCREASING. AND SO FINALLY, COMMISSIONERS, TO CONTINUE WITH THAT TRACKING, WE WOULD LIKE TO WRAP UP WITH CJ'S. ASK THEM TO PROVIDE A FINAL REPORT FOR 2026 WITH ALL THEIR NUMBERS. OF COURSE, THEY DON'T HAVE THESE AI TOOLS. THEY'LL PROVIDE US NUMBERS FOR THEIR EVENTS, ZIP CODES. THAT IS WHAT WE CONTRACTUALLY ASK THEM TO PROVIDE. WE WILL. THAT WILL SERVE AS OUR BENCHMARK GOING INTO 2027. WE CAN ALSO GO BACK AND COMPARE NUMBERS FROM 2024 AND 2025, BUT THIS WILL SET OUR BENCHMARK TO CONTINUE TRACKING THROUGH NEXT YEAR. TO MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF THIS TRANSITION. AND OF COURSE, WE'LL COME BACK AND CONTINUE TO REPORT BACK TO THE COURT. WE CAN ALSO SEPARATELY EXPLORE CONTINUING TO CONTRACT FOR SERVICES FOR [02:00:01] PLACER AI OR ANOTHER SOFTWARE WHICH COULD TRACK EVENTS FOR HERITAGE TOURISM, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE USED COUNTYWIDE FOR OTHER EVENTS AS WELL. IF THE COURT WOULD LIKE US TO EXPLORE THAT, WE'RE HAPPY TO BRING THAT BACK AS A SEPARATE ITEM. IT'S ALSO PART OF THE EVALUATION WE'LL DO WITH OUR CURRENT ARPA CONTRACTOR WHO IS PROVIDING THIS. AT THIS POINT. AND I THINK THAT'S IT. DO WE HAVE OH, I'D LIKE TO ACTUALLY FIRST TURN IT OVER TO MAYOR CHACON REALLY QUICK FOR HIS COMMENTS, IF THAT'S OKAY. ABSOLUTELY. WELCOME, MAYOR. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. BUENOS DIAS. WE'RE HERE. I'M MAYOR FROM SAN ELIZARIO. I'M HERE PROUDLY SUPPORTING THIS ITEM. AND AND TO CONGRATULATE YOU AND ALSO GIVE YOU THANKS, THANKS TO YOU ALL TO ALLOW US TO BE PART OF THESE NEGOTIATIONS. WHEN COMMISSIONER OLGUIN APPROACHED US TO BE PART OF THESE NEGOTIATIONS, WE THINK THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE THIS IS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT WHAT THE THE, THE THE CORE OF SAN ELIZARIO AND THE SOUL OF SAN ELIZARIO HERE. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR MY MY CONSTITUENTS AND FOR OUR HISTORY FOR THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO. SO WE'RE VERY THANKFUL TO BE PART OF THESE NEGOTIATIONS. WE'RE THANKFUL FOR DOCTOR RENTERIA. THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION. I THINK THERE'S NO MORE QUESTIONS OR NOTHING TO ADD TO IT, OTHER THAN BEING GRATEFUL TO BE HERE AND FOR YOU ALL TO ALLOW US TO, TO BE PART OF THESE NEGOTIATIONS. WE HAVE BEEN ALREADY PARTICIPATING IN SEVERAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, AND WE HAVE SEEN THE DIFFERENCE THAT IT MAKES WHEN THE CITY AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORK TOGETHER. WE HAVE HAD BEAUTIFUL ALREADY PRESENTATIONS AND ACTIVITIES WITH BIG TURNOUT. SO WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT YOU ALL CONSIDER THIS ITEM SO WE CAN SEE THIS HAPPENING MORE AND AND WE CAN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL PRESENTATION IN OUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. BUENOS DIAS. WELL, MAYOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH BECAUSE I KNOW I'VE WE'VE TALKED ABOUT YOUR VISION AND I FEEL LIKE THESE ARE SOME OF THE BUILDING BLOCKS TOWARDS THE BIG PICTURE OF WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE. YES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PASSION. I MEAN, IT'S SOMEONE HAS TO BE DRIVING IT. AND I THINK YOU'RE THE RIGHT PERSON. AND I'M HOPING THIS SORT OF FITS INTO THAT PUZZLE THAT YOU'RE TRYING TO PUT TOGETHER. SO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS. THANK YOU. AND THANK YOU ALL AGAIN, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN. MUCHAS MUCHAS GRACIAS. WITHOUT YOU AND NOTHING OF THIS WILL BE ABLE TO TO BE HERE IN BEHALF OF SAN ELIZARIO, WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO YOU TO ALLOW US TO HAVE A VOICE IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS. MUCHAS GRACIAS. COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU. JUDGE. THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION AND FOR BEING ABLE TO WORK WITH THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO. WE'VE HAD VERY RECENTLY SOME EVENTS THAT HAVE BEEN VERY, VERY SUCCESSFUL WITH MUCH HIGHER TURNOUT THAN ANYONE EXPECTED OR ANTICIPATED. AND I THINK THAT THAT'S DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE CITY, THE COUNTY COMMUNITY GROUPS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE ALL COMING TOGETHER TO WORK TOWARDS THESE INITIATIVES AND THESE GOALS OF INCREASING TOURISM, NOT JUST TO YOU, BUT TO THE ENTIRE MISSION TRAIL. SO I THINK THIS IS A VERY GOOD SOLUTION TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE SIEGE'S CONTRACT. NOW, YOUR RECOMMENDATION HERE SAYS APPROVE THE CREATION OF THREE NEW EMPLOYEES, BUT I THINK IT SHOULD NOW BE TWO, RIGHT? YES, MA'AM. AND THAT THAT WOULD BE A SLIGHT CORRECTION TO MY SLIDE. MY APOLOGIES. SO THE RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE APPROVE THE CREATION OF TWO NEW HERITAGE TOURISM EMPLOYEE POSITIONS FUNDED BY HOT FUNDS AND BRING OPERATIONS IN-HOUSE. AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROPOSED AMBASSADOR WOULD BE MR. LUEVANOS, WHO I KNOW IS VERY, VERY ACTIVE IN THE SAN ELIZARIO COMMUNITY AND WORKS TIRELESSLY EVERY DAY TO PROMOTE EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENING IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT. SO THANK YOU FOR THAT, MR. LUEVANOS. I, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU, CYNTHIA, FOR PUTTING ALL OF THIS INFORMATION TOGETHER AND ADDRESSING THE QUESTIONS THAT I HAD LAST TIME. I, I APPRECIATE THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND THE THOROUGHNESS OF THE INFORMATION. I THINK IT'S A GREAT PLAN. AND ONE OF THE QUESTIONS I HAVE IS YOU'RE GOING TO BE NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS FUNCTION, CORRECT? YES, MA'AM. WELL, I HOPE THAT THE BUDGET ALSO INCLUDES ELEVATION IN IN TITLE AND PAY FOR YOU AS WELL. SO I'D LIKE TO SEE THAT THAT PROPORTIONAL INCREASE, SINCE YOU'RE TAKING ON BASICALLY A NEW DEPARTMENT FOR THE COUNTY, WHICH IS WHICH IS A BIG DEAL. AND I FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE WITH YOU LEADING THAT CHARGE. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, FOR THAT SUPPORT. OTHER QUESTIONS COMMISSIONERS. ASK FOR YOUR FOR THE COURT'S DIRECTION. [02:05:07] COMMISSIONER, DO YOU WANT TO MAKE THE MOTION? I WAS WAITING FOR THE BOX TO POP UP, BUT I'LL GO AHEAD AND MAKE THE MOTION TO APPROVE, AND I'LL SECOND HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER GENE AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THIS IS TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF TWO NEW HERITAGE TOURISM EMPLOYEES. IS IT POPPING UP ON YOUR END? OKAY. NO. NOT MINE. I VOTE. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER STOUT. I THANK YOU, THANK YOU. AND JUDGE DOMENICO, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. THANK YOU MAYOR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER. MUCHAS GRACIAS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU MAYOR. THANK YOU. ITEM 11 A APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE REVISIONS TO THE EL PASO COUNTY HOLIDAY LEAVE POLICY AND FISCAL YEAR 27 HOLIDAY LEAVE CALENDAR. OPINION NUMBER 12417. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS VANESSA COSTA WITH THE HUMAN RESOURCES [A. Approve and authorize the revisions to the El Paso County Holiday Leave Policy and FY27 Holiday Leave calendar. (OP-12417) Sam Trujillo, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department, 915-273-3520] DEPARTMENT. DURING THE AUGUST 24TH COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING, STAFF PRESENTED THE COURT WITH DIFFERENT OPTIONS TO CONSIDER FOR EXPANDING THE COUNTY'S HOLIDAY LEAVE. IT ALSO INCLUDED RESEARCH ON HOLIDAY LEAVE PRACTICES AMONGST TEXAS COUNTIES AND ALSO COUNTY EMPLOYEE LEAVE USAGE TRENDS. FOLLOWING THE COURT'S DIRECTIONS, STAFF IS NOW PREPARED TO PRESENT THE COURT WITH THREE OPTIONS FOR THE COURT'S CONSIDERATION AND POTENTIAL INCLUSION INTO THE FISCAL YEAR 27 HOLIDAY LEAVE CALENDAR. HOWEVER, BEFORE PRESENTING THOSE OPTIONS, STAFF DID TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE POLICY TO ENSURE IT SUPPORTS A FAIR, COMPLIANT AND FORWARD THINKING WORKPLACE ONE THAT PROMOTES EFFICIENCY, EQUITY AND EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING WHILE BEST SERVING THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND THE CITIZENS OF EL PASO COUNTY. A FEW KEY UPDATES TO THE POLICY INCLUDE CLARIFYING HOLIDAY LEAVE TYPE UNDER SECTION TWO. ADDED LANGUAGE CONFIRMING THAT COMMISSIONERS COURT MAY AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL HOLIDAYS AT ITS DISCRETION, ALONG WITH A LINK IDENTIFYING WHERE THE APPROVED HOLIDAY LEAVE CALENDAR WILL BE AVAILABLE. ALSO CLARIFYING THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE WHEN HOLIDAY LEAVE CANNOT FEASIBLY BE GRANTED. ADDED LANGUAGE ADDRESSING WHEN A HOLIDAY IS TAKEN ON ANOTHER DATE, AND CLARIFYING WHEN A HOLIDAY IS ELIGIBLE FOR PAYMENT. IF IT FALLS ON AN EMPLOYEE'S LAST DAY OF EMPLOYMENT. SO WITH THOSE POLICY UPDATES IN PLACE, WE WILL NOW PRESENT THE THREE OPTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY LEAVE FOR FISCAL YEAR 27. FOR THE COURT'S CONSIDERATION. SO OPTION ONE, WE HAVE THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVE. THEN WE HAVE THREE DAYS IN BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S EVE. THAT'S OPTION ONE. UNDER OPTION TWO, AND THE ADDITIONAL HOLIDAYS ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN BLUE. OPTION TWO IS COVERING THE THREE DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVE AND THE THREE DAYS BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S EVE. THAT'S OPTION TWO, AND THE LAST OPTION WE HAVE FOR THE COURT'S CONSIDERATION IS THE. THE SIX DAYS UNDER OPTION TWO, PLUS AN ADDITIONAL DAY DURING THE JULY 4TH HOLIDAY, WHICH IS THAT FRIDAY, JULY 2ND. THAT ANY SAY? YES, MA'AM. SO TO CLARIFY, OPTION TWO IS SIMILAR TO WHAT THE COURT HAS DONE PREVIOUSLY, WHERE THE COUNTY IS CLOSED FOR THE TWO FULL WEEK PERIOD DURING THE HOLIDAYS AT THE END OF THE YEAR. YES, MA'AM. AND THEN OPTION THREE. THIS WAS AT THE REQUEST OF THE COURT THAT WE LEAVE FLEXIBILITY AROUND AND IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED ON A. THIS WILL BE CONSIDERED ON A YEAR BY YEAR BASIS. IN THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, THE COURT WILL. THE COUNTY, BY POLICY, WILL RECOGNIZE THAT HOLIDAY ON A MONDAY BECAUSE IT FALLS ON A SUNDAY. BUT THIS WOULD ALSO RECOGNIZE THE FRIDAY BEFORE. CORRECT? OKAY. YES. AND EVERY YEAR DURING THE BUDGET TIME, WE'LL BRING THE CALENDAR FOR OPTIONS FOR THE COURT TO CONSIDER FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR. SO THIS ONE IS WILL BE FOR FISCAL YEAR 27. AND THIS WAS ORIGINALLY THE COURT ORIGINALLY ASKED US TO CONSIDER THIS BECAUSE WE HAD CONSIDERED AN ALTERNATE WORK WEEK, WHICH WOULD HAVE REDUCED WORK HOURS BY APPROXIMATELY 460 HOURS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN A YEAR. JUDGE, COMMISSIONER, I JUST I'VE HEARD FROM A LOT OF DEPARTMENT HEADS AND EMPLOYEES OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS ABOUT WANTING TO PRESERVE THE [02:10:06] THE, THE BREAK, THE TWO WEEK CLOSURE BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S. AND SO, AND I ALSO I ALSO I ALSO THINK THAT HAVING ONE DAY IN THE SUMMER AS A HOLIDAY IS IS APPROPRIATE. OUR COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND STAFF WORK VERY, VERY HARD. AND WE, WE, WE ASK A LOT OF THEM EVERY, EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR. AND, AND I KNOW THAT EVEN DURING THE HOLIDAY BREAKS, WE HAVE A LOT OF FUNCTIONS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT THAT STILL HAVE TO WORK AND, AND PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES TO OUR EMPLOYEES. SO I AM IN FAVOR OF OPTION THREE. JUDGE. BETSY, BASED ON OPTION TWO, IS THE COURT NOT MEETING ON THAT MONDAY THE 21ST. SO WE NORMALLY BRING THAT ITEM BACK AND ASK THE COURT, DEPENDING ON IF YOU ALL MAKE IT A HOLIDAY, YOU WOULD NOT MEET, YOU WOULD MEET THE THURSDAY BEFORE WOULD BE YOUR FINAL MEETING. AND ON THAT AGENDA, WE NORMALLY ASK YOU TO PAY YOUR BILLS SO THAT WE WOULD BE COVERED FOR THAT PERIOD. SO THAT'S WORKABLE. YES, SIR. OKAY. I'M KIND OF FAVORING OPTION TWO. I THINK FOR THOSE TWO WEEKS. WHAT WE'VE DONE BEFORE I THINK IS VERY DOABLE. NOT ONLY THAT, APART FROM THAT, WE'RE ABLE TO CLOSE DOWN THE BUILDING AND IT ALSO SAVES. YOU KNOW, CERTAIN OPERATIONAL COSTS FOR THE COUNTY. SO I THINK THAT TO ME, IF WE'RE GOING TO INCREASE ONE OF THOSE DAYS AND NOT MEET ON THE 21ST, I'D BE FAVORABLE TO OPTION TWO. I THINK THE ONE IN JULY IS JUST EVERY YEAR KIND OF WILL CHANGE. AND I THINK PEOPLE CAN STILL USE THEIR LEAVE DAYS TO TAKE OFF WHATEVER. IF IT DOES FALL WITHIN THAT, I REALLY THINK I THINK WE'RE GOOD THERE. AND SO MY, MY POSITION WOULD BE TO GO WITH OPTION TWO. I AGREE, JUDGE, I THINK OPTION TWO IS THE OPTION THAT I PREFER. I THINK WHEN WE WERE HAVING THE DISCUSSION ABOUT AROUND THE JULY 4TH HOLIDAY, IT WAS REALLY MORE LOOKING AT, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN THE FOURTH FALLS ON A THURSDAY, THEN CONSIDERING FRIDAY AS A HOLIDAY SO THAT PEOPLE AREN'T EXPECTED TO COME BACK FOR THAT ONE DAY FOR THIS COMING YEAR, WE WOULD BE OBSERVING IT ON A MONDAY ANYWAY BECAUSE IT FALLS ON A WEEKEND. SO I DON'T THINK THAT'S THE SITUATION WE WERE KIND OF TALKING ABOUT THE LAST TIME WE TALKED ABOUT THIS, BUT I DO AGREE WITH OPTION TWO. I THINK IT ALLOWS STAFF TO PLAN BETTER. AND ESPECIALLY SINCE WE'RE GOING TO BE MEETING, I THINK THAT WOULD BE THE 17TH. SO THAT WOULD BE THE LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR. SO I AGREE. I THINK OPTION TWO IS THE BEST OPTION AS WELL. SO WE WOULD NEED A MOTION DEPENDING ON THE OPTION THE COURT WANTS TO SELECT. AND. IT'D BE BOTH THE OPTION AND TO APPROVE THE POLICY. CORRECT. ANY SAY YES PLEASE. BASED ON THE DISCUSSION I DID PUT APPROVING THE REVISIONS TO THE POLICY AND OPTION TWO AS THE MOTION ON THE SCREEN. I HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER. EXCUSE ME, JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. COMMISSIONER STOUT, ARE YOU THERE? COMMISSIONER STOUT IS ABSENT. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I KNOW OUR EMPLOYEES REALLY APPRECIATE THAT ADDITIONAL TIME. WE REALLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN DOING THAT MANY YEARS AGO. ITEM 11 B APPROVE AN AUTHORIZED THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE NOTICE OF TERMINATION LETTER FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THREE PARTY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. WE'RE ASKING FOR THIS ITEM TO BE DELETED. YES, MA'AM. MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. JUDGE SAMANIEGO AND COMMISSIONER STOUT, ARE YOU THERE? JUDGE SAMANIEGO, COMMISSIONER SUTTER, ABSENT MOTION. OH. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER. EXCUSE ME. JUDGE IS ABSENT. MOTION CARRIES. THIS TIME WE'RE GOING TO MOVE ON TO ITEMS 13. BUDGET AND FINANCE. 13 A RECEIVE A PRESENTATION AND UPDATE REGARDING THE EL PASO COUNTY FISCAL YEAR 26 BUDGET. [BUDGET AND FINANCE] [A. Receive a presentation and update regarding the El Paso County FY26 budget. Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-273-3726] [02:15:27] GOOD MORNING. COMMISSIONERS. CARMEN CANDELARIA, BUDGET AND FINANCE DIRECTOR. THIS ITEM CAME UP QUICKLY, WASN'T QUITE READY. SO GOOD MORNING. I'M HERE TO PRESENT THE FISCAL YEAR 26 BUDGET UPDATE. IT'S VERY APPROPRIATE THAT I JUST FOLLOW RIGHT FROM THE AUDITOR. MR. LLAMAS GAVE YOU QUITE A BIT OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE WHERE WE STAND RIGHT NOW AS OF THE END OF AUGUST. AND THAT'S WHERE THIS PRESENTATION IS ALSO BASED ON. SO HERE WE HAVE OUR OVERVIEW OF THE BUDGET 635,665,000. SO WE'RE GOING TO START WITH THE REVENUES FOR THE YEAR. AGAIN THIS IS THROUGH AUGUST 31ST. WE HAVE ONE MORE MONTH LEFT IN THE FISCAL YEAR. SO HERE WE CAN SEE THAT AUGUST REVENUES FOR THE MONTH, WE COLLECTED 15,369,333. SO YEAR TO DATE REVENUES IS 414,000,007 65679 OR AN IMPROVEMENT OF, EXCUSE ME, AN AMOUNT REMAINING OF 813,597, COMPARED TO THE BUDGET OF 415,000,005 79 TO 76. SO THAT REPRESENTS 99.8% OF OUR BUDGET THAT'S BEEN COLLECTED. YOU SEE SOME OF THE REVENUES REFLECTED IN UNDER THE REMAINING BUDGET IN A NEGATIVE AMOUNT, BUT THAT'S ACTUALLY A POSITIVE. THOSE BUDGETS HAVE BEEN EXCEEDED FIRST FOR PROPERTY TAXES OF 372652 THE VEHICLE INVENTORY TAXES IS 77,247. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUES OF 2,000,673 AND THEN CHARGE FOR SERVICES 9 MILLION 974. AND THEN OUR MISCELLANEOUS OF 339,000 AND OTHER FINANCING SOURCES OF $715,000. SO WE ARE ABOVE THE THE TARGET OF 91.67% AS AS EXPECTED. AND AGAIN, THIS IS OUR LAST MONTH INTO THE FISCAL YEAR. SO LOOKING HERE AT OUR PROJECTIONS, WE DID HAVE HERE, LOOKING AT OUR PROJECTION OF 440,000,006 523 40 AS COMPARED TO THE 415 MILLION 579 A BUDGET. WE DID INCREASE OUR PROJECTION FROM THE PRIOR MONTH OF ABOUT $2 MILLION IN TWO CATEGORIES. ONE IS IN THE SALES AND USE TAXES, ABOUT $1 MILLION THERE. WE THINK THERE'S GOING TO BE A VARIANCE OF $6,867,000 THERE, AS SALES TAX HAVE BEEN COMING IN HIGHER THAN ANTICIPATED. AND THEN UNDER OTHER FINANCING SOURCES OF 1,029,765, THERE, ANOTHER MILLION THERE FOR THE GRANT MATCHES THAT ARE BEING TRANSFERRED IN THERE. SO OVERALL, WE THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE BETTER AGAINST THE BUDGET OF 20 TO THE TUNE OF $25,073,064. SO IF WE LOOK HERE AT REVENUES YEAR OVER YEAR, AS I HAVE BEEN REPORTING OUT, HAS BEEN REPORTED OUT. WE HAVE OUR WE'VE COLLECTED 83.71%. WHEN YOU INCLUDE THE FUND BALANCE AMOUNT IN THERE. SO ACTUALS YEAR TO DATE IS THE 414 MILLION 765 AGAINST THAT BUDGET OF 495 MILLION 486 FISCAL YEAR 25 YEAR TO DATE WAS 378,757,000, AGAINST A BUDGET OF 467, 069576, 81% HAD BEEN COLLECTED AT THAT TIME. AGAIN, WE'RE SEEING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROPERTY TAXES. SO YOU CAN SEE A DOLLAR VARIANCE THERE OF $29,597,000. WE HAVE, BECAUSE OF OUR PROPERTY TAXES AND THE AMOUNT THAT WE'VE COLLECTED, PLUS THE RATE THAT WAS INCREASED LAST YEAR, THAT WAS AS ANTICIPATED. WE SHOULD HAVE SEEN THAT INCREASE THERE. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUES. THERE. WE SEE A DECREASE OF 1 MILLION. 423 WHEN YOU COMPARE YEAR OVER YEAR. SO WHAT HAPPENED IN FISCAL YEAR 25 IS THAT WE DID RECEIVE SOME REIMBURSEMENT SALARIES FROM PRIMARILY DUE TO THE ESSOS THAT WE THAT WE CONTRACTED WITH CLINT ISD THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN IN FISCAL YEAR 26. AND THEN THE LONE STAR REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT WAS LOWER IN FISCAL YEAR 26 AS COMPARED TO 25. AND THEN WE HAD AN INCREASE OFFSET BY AN INCREASE IN THE STATE FUNDS THAT WE RECEIVED IN FROM JPD4JPD IN 2026 AS COMPARED TO 25. WE DIDN'T HAVE THAT IN. 25. [02:20:07] OUR CHARGES FOR SERVICES $8.8 MILLION DIFFERENCE THERE. AGAIN, THAT'S DUE TO THE INMATE REVENUE. AND WE EXPECTED THAT INCREASE THERE 8,818,000. AND THEN THE CHANGE YEAR OVER YEAR IN INTEREST OF 2,022,000. WHEN YOU COMPARE THAT YEAR TO YEAR, YEAR OVER YEAR, PRIMARILY DUE TO INVESTMENT IN RATES THERE. SO OVERALL, WE DID HAVE A ACTUAL DOLLAR VARIANCE OF 36,007,916, OR 2.53% BETTER THAN IN THE PRIOR YEAR. GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES. SO GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES, WE SPENT $30,315,699 IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST, BRINGING OUR ACTUALS YEAR TO DATE 359,000,001 $43,177 AND OUR ENCUMBRANCES 16,000,007 346 20. THAT IS HAS BEEN DOWN FROM THE PRIOR YEAR AS AS WE ALMOST FINISH OUT THE YEAR. SO THAT'S AS EXPECTED. SO TOTAL OF THOSE TWO AMOUNTS OFFSETTING AGAINST THE REVISED BUDGET OF 501 MILLION 524, WE HAVE $125,647,000 LEFT. AGAIN, WE'RE LOOKING AT THE AMOUNT THAT'S BEEN ELAPSED YEAR OVER YEAR. SO WE'VE SPENT 74.95% OF OUR BUDGET. AND IF YOU LOOK AT REALLY, WE SHOULD BE WHERE WE ARE AT THIS POINT IN TIME. THE ONLY ONE THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY TRACKING IS THE PUBLIC SAFETY DUE TO THE AMOUNT THAT HAD BEEN EXPENDED. SO THAT DROPPED A LITTLE BIT. AS WE ARE, AS WE ARE MOVING FORWARD TO THE END OF THE YEAR. SO PERCENT COMMITTED, THERE IS 91.17 OR 0.5% LESS THAN OUR TARGET. BUT IF YOU LOOK AT IT WHEN YOU COMPARE WITHOUT ENCUMBRANCES OR AT 88.09% OR 3% BELOW THE TARGET SPEND. NOW, IF YOU LOOK AT YEAR OVER YEAR COMPARISON, HERE WE HAVE OUR ACTUALS THAT WE SPENT AGAIN THROUGH AUGUST 31ST. THIS IS NOT TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. ENCUMBRANCES, JUST WHAT WE SPENT TO DATE. WE SPENT $359,143,000, OR 71.61% OF OUR BUDGET OF 501,524,025. WE SPENT, AT THIS POINT IN TIME, 348,008, 348,823,000, AGAINST A BUDGET OF 4.7 2,267,000, OR 73.86%. SO OVERALL WE ARE 2.25% BETTER THAN WE WERE AT THIS POINT IN THE PRIOR YEAR. BUT IF YOU LOOK AT IT FROM AN ACTUAL DOLLAR VARIANCE, WE'VE SPENT 10,319,586 NOW LOOKING AT INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES. FIRST, IF YOU LOOK AT THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE, WE HAVE, WE SPENT LESS 1,855,661 LESS THAN WE DID IN THE PRIOR YEAR. AND THAT WAS PRIMARILY DUE TO A DECREASE IN OVERALL EXPENDITURES AND SALARIES. AT THIS POINT IN TIME, $408,000, AND THEN A DECREASE IN OUR OPS EXPENSES OF $1.4 MILLION. AND THAT OFFICE EXPENSES IS PRIMARILY DUE TO WHERE WE WE HAVE EXPENDED INDIGENT DEFENSE COSTS OF ABOUT $1.6 MILLION LESS IN FISCAL YEAR 26 THAN WE HAVE IN FISCAL YEAR 27. NOW, LOOKING AT GENERAL GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE SPENT MORE. WE'VE SPENT $8,341,000 MORE IN. WHEN YOU COMPARE IT TO OVER YEAR OVER YEAR, WE SPENT $500,000 MORE IN SALARIES OVERALL FOR APPROVED POSITIONS. AND THEN OVERALL, WE'VE SPENT $7.8 MILLION IN OPERATING EXPENSES, AGAIN, PRIMARILY DUE TO THE INCREASE IN CAPITAL COSTS. WE WE BUDGETED 3 MILLION IN THIS YEAR VERSUS 1 MILLION LAST YEAR. SO WE SPENT $2 MILLION LESS, EXCUSE ME, MORE. OUR INCREASE IN OUR TRANSFERS OUT FOR GRANTS, $1 MILLION, AND THEN AN INCREASE IN LEGAL SETTLEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE COURT, ABOUT $2.3 MILLION. LOOKING AT PUBLIC SAFETY, THAT IS PRIMARILY DUE TO THE COSTS AND THE SALARY INCREASES FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, AS WELL AS THE INCREASE IN DUE TO THE MAINTENANCE DIVISION TRANSFERS FROM FISCAL YEAR THAT WE TRANSFERRED DURING THE FISCAL YEAR. SO THERE YOU SEE A $4,900,000 EXPENDITURE IN THAT CATEGORY. FINALLY, IN PUBLIC WORKS, WE HAVE A DECREASE OF 1,252,000. AGAIN, THAT IS PRIMARILY DUE TO $1.3 MILLION TRANSFER. AGAIN, TO THE MAINTENANCE DIVISIONS THAT WE TRANSFERRED DURING THE YEAR FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION OVER TO THE SHERIFF'S DIVISION. [02:25:04] SO OVERALL, THOSE ARE THE EXPLANATIONS WITH REGARDS TO THE CATEGORIES THAT WE WERE AT THAT WE'RE AT NOW SHIFTING OVER TO THE BOND UPDATE JUST REALLY QUICKLY HERE, WE HAVE SOME MOVEMENT WITH REGARDS TO INCUMBENT ENCUMBRANCES OF OF OUR GEO BOND. SO LOOKING AT THAT MIDDLE AREA UNDER ISSUANCE A, SO FAR WE SPENT 4,049,876. WE'VE ENCUMBERED $6.3 MILLION FROM ISSUANCE. A. AND WE HAVE $1.6 MILLION LEFT IN THAT BUDGET IN ORDER TO BE EITHER SPENT OR COMMITTED. BUT NOW WE'RE SEEING SOME ACTIVITIES IN ISSUANCE B AND ISSUANCE C AGAIN, WE ISSUED ISSUANCE B IN DURING THE SUMMER, AND WE HAVE THEIR $24,927,000 WORTH OF ENCUMBRANCES IN THAT IN THAT ISSUANCE AND THEN IN ISSUANCE. C YOU'RE STARTING TO SEE THAT. AND I APOLOGIZE, I DIDN'T CARRY OVER THE THE ADDITIONS THERE, BUT YOU HAVE 950 000 IN PROP A AND THEN $8.2 MILLION IN THE PROP B, SO THAT NUMBER SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE ADDITION OF THOSE TWO NUMBERS. I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT. WE HAVE SEEN AN AMOUNT OF 4290 2000 HAVE BEEN SPENT IN THOSE ISSUANCE. THAT WILL LIKELY BE TRANSFERRED UP TO ISSUANCE A, AND SO I'LL HAVE THAT ADJUSTMENT FOR THE NEXT THE NEXT GO AROUND. BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, THERE IS SOME QUITE A BIT OF ACTIVITIES WITH REGARDS TO ENCUMBRANCES IN OUR BOND UPDATE, IN OUR BOND 2024 BOND PROGRAM. OKAY. AND THEN JUST VERY QUICKLY ON YOUR ADOPTED BUDGET BOOK, WE ACTUALLY GOT HIM TODAY FROM THE PRINTER, WHICH WAS SURPRISING BECAUSE THEY'RE DUE TOMORROW. BUT WE'LL CERTAINLY WE'RE GOING TO FOLLOW THAT WITH THE COUNTY CLARK COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE, AND THEN WE'LL GIVE YOU ALL YOUR COPY. HOPEFULLY IT MIGHT EVEN BE DELIVERED TODAY. BUT I'M VERY PROUD OF THE BOOK AGAIN. AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR THAT. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS WITH REGARDS TO THE 26 BUDGET UPDATE? THANK YOU. CARMEN, ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS? I JUST HAVE CARMEN, I KNOW OUR WE HAD MORE IN OUR FUNDS IN OUR BUDGET THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. YET OUR INTEREST IS THAT BECAUSE THE INTEREST RATES WENT DOWN DURING OUR BUDGET YEAR IS THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME OF THE INTEREST. DID IT GO. IT WENT DOWN AND. AND THAT WAS DUE TO JUST THE MARKET. SO YEAH. AND I'M HOPING THAT MAYBE THIS COMING YEAR WILL MAKE IT UP SINCE INTEREST RATE JUST BUMPED UP A LITTLE BIT. SO I'M HOPING THAT KIND OF BALANCES OUT A LITTLE BIT. OF COURSE, WE'D RATHER SEE THE INTEREST RATE DOWN BECAUSE THEN THERE'S MORE INVESTMENT. BUT COMMISSIONER CORONADO, YES. BARBARA PARKER, YOUR COUNTY AUDITOR, THE INTEREST RATES WENT DOWN, BUT ALSO WE HAD LESS MONEY TO INVEST BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW, WE'RE SPENDING DOWN THE ARPA FUNDS THAT WE HAD. YES. AND SO OUR ACTUAL INVESTMENTS DECREASED ALSO. OKAY. AND IS THIS ALSO INCLUDED OR IS THAT SEPARATE FROM THE BONDS? THAT'S SEPARATE. RIGHT. THE INTEREST ON THE GO BONDS. YES. THOSE ARE SEPARATE. THE INTEREST ON THE BONDS IS SEPARATE. THIS IS JUST THE AMOUNT THAT'S IN THE GENERAL FUND. GENERAL FUND. ONLY WHEN WE EARN INTEREST ON THE BONDS, THOSE GO ACTUALLY INTO THE BOND ACCOUNT THAT WE HAVE THE PROJECT ACCOUNTS. AND SOME OF THAT IS MONEY THAT GETS REALLOCATED TO OTHER PROJECTS WITHIN THAT BOND. WE CAN SPEND THAT MONEY ON THE BOND PROJECTS. YES. AND I'M GLAD THAT YOU BROUGHT THAT UP BECAUSE TRADITIONALLY WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR SAVINGS, YOU, YOU, YOU CAN USE THOSE INTEREST REVENUES TO, I GUESS, FILL OUT THE EQUIPMENT THAT'S NEEDED FOR THOSE, LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE AND THE ANIMAL SHELTER. WE DID THAT AT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. WE WERE ABLE TO BUY THE FURNITURE WITH THOSE INTERESTS THAT'S MADE ON THE BONDS BACK TO THE SCHOOL. SO THE RIGHT AND IF I MAY, WITH REGARDS TO THE INTEREST THAT WOULD THAT WOULD REQUIRE AN INCREASE TO THE PROJECT BUDGET. SO THOSE TRANSFER WOULD HAVE TO COME BACK TO THE COURT FOR APPROVAL, NUMBER ONE. NUMBER TWO, ANY INTEREST THAT'S EARNED WITHIN THAT PROPOSITION HAS TO STAY WITHIN WITHIN PROPOSITION. ABSOLUTELY. SO AND AGAIN, THAT WOULD HAVE TO COME BACK TO THE COURT FOR THAT REALLOCATION. BUT WE HAVEN'T DONE THAT YET. WE HAVE EARNED SOME INTEREST, BUT WE HAVEN'T DONE THAT YET. AND IF I COULD ADD PART OF ALSO, WHEN THE COURT DECIDED TO ADD THE ART AND THE LIKE GREEN LANDSCAPING TO THE BUDGETS, WE ALREADY HAD ESTABLISHED THE BUDGETS. I BELIEVE WE THEN OFFSET THE EXISTING BUDGET. SO WE DID THINK THE INTEREST WOULD ALSO HELP COVER SOME OF THOSE COSTS. GOOD. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, CARMEN. THANK YOU SO MUCH. ITEM 13 B RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ON THE FISCAL [02:30:08] YEAR 2026 SHERIFF'S OFFICE BUDGET. AGAIN. GOOD MORNING. CARMEN CANDELARIA, BUDGET FINANCE COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE UPDATE AS OF 921, 2026. SO THIS IS AS OF [B. Receive a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2026 Sheriff's Office Budget Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-273-3726] LAST WEEK. SO HERE WE SEE THE THE BUDGET AMOUNT OF 136 MILLION FOR 23, THE BUDGET, THE REVISED BUDGET OF 144 MILLION 128 OUR SALARIES AS OF THIS TIME 115 MILLION 628 OPERATING EXPENSES OF 25,071,000. SO TOTAL ACTUAL YEAR TO DATE OF 140,699,000. AND THEN ENCUMBRANCES YEAR TO DATE $3,363,000. SO OUR TOTAL SPENT AND COMMITTED YEAR TO DATE IS 144,063,000, LEAVING A BUDGET OF $64,950. SO UNPACKING EACH ONE OF THOSE ITEMS FIRST, WE HAVE OUR BUDGET TRANSFERS TO DATE. SO HERE WE HAD A BUDGET DECREASE OVERALL FROM THE LAST PRESENTATION OF 18,459. IF YOU RECALL, THIS WAS A BUDGET AMENDMENT THAT WAS APPROVED BY THE COURT FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE JAIL FROM THE JAIL MAINTENANCE DIVISION OVER TO THE FACILITIES DEPARTMENT FOR THE ELEVATOR CONTRACT. SO THAT INCREASED. AND SO YOUR NET CHANGE, EXCUSE ME, THAT DECREASED. SO YOUR NET CHANGE, YOUR YEAR TO DATE IS $7,705,767. AND AGAIN AT THE AT THE RIGHT OF THIS SLIDE IS ALL THE DETAIL WITH REGARDS TO EACH OF THOSE TRANSFERS. OUR EXPENDITURES TO DATE. AGAIN WE HAD ANOTHER PAYROLL. SO WE'VE EXPENDITURE YEAR TO DATE. HERE IS FOUR. AND CHANGE WAS $4,792,618. AGAIN PRIMARILY DUE TO SALARIES. SO HERE YOU CAN SEE THAT OUR REVISED BUDGET IS 144,128,000. AND AGAIN THE SALARIES AND FRINGE IS YEAR TO DATE 115,628,000. AND OUR OPERATING EXPENSES 25,071,000. FOR A COMBINED AMOUNT OF $140,699,000. SO 97.77% OF THE TOTAL BUDGET HAD BEEN SPENT AS OF 921 80.64 SALARY 17.13% IS OPERATING EXPENSES, SO 102% 102.77% OF THE SALARY AND BUDGETS HAVE BEEN SPENT. AND SO AT THIS POINT IN TIME, IF WE JUST LOOK AT THE AMOUNT OF PAYROLLS THAT HAVE BEEN EXPENDED TO DATE, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN AT 96.15%. AND AGAIN, ALL OF THE OVERTIME, BUT ONE HAS BEEN EXCEEDED AS OF THIS DATE. IF WE LOOK AT THE ENCUMBRANCES, THERE WAS A DECREASE HERE AS AS ENCUMBRANCES. SOME ENCUMBRANCES WERE PAID IN THE JAIL, ANNEX JAIL, DOWNTOWN DETENTION, AND THE HEADQUARTERS OF MAINTENANCE AND THE JAIL ANNEX MAINTENANCE. SOME OF THOSE WERE PAID. SO WE SEE A REDUCTION HERE OF 35,354. BUT AGAIN, OUR MEDICAL AND JAIL DETENTION CONTRACTS HERE MAKE UP 2.788%. AND WE STILL ANTICIPATE THAT ALL OF THAT WILL BE EXPENDED BY THE END OF THE YEAR. LOOKING AT OUR PROJECTION AT YEAR END, OUR PROJECTION DID NOT CHANGE OF A PROJECTED DEFICIT FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR. THAT'S STILL $5,903,000. YOU CAN SEE HERE. OVERALL, HIS REMAINING BUDGET HAS ALREADY BEEN EXCEEDED. JUST LOOKING AT THE OPERATING BUDGET, 38,000 854,000. AT THIS POINT IN TIME. YOU CAN SEE HERE WE STILL HAVE SALARIES REMAINING FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. JUST A COUPLE MORE WEEKS AND THEN OVERTIME EXPENSES AND THEN OUR ESTIMATED OPERATING EXPENSES. YOU CAN SEE THERE. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS WITH REGARDS TO THIS PRESENTATION? ANY QUESTIONS FOR CARMEN BEFORE WE RECOGNIZE SHERIFF? NO THANK YOU. CARMEN. SHERIFF. GOOD MORNING, COURT SHERIFF. I'M HERE TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE TO THE COURT. WE CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR EFFICIENCIES. LAST WEEK, WE REASSIGNED PERSONNEL FROM DETENTION TO HELP WITH THE OVERTIME AND THE SHIFTS. SO THAT IS HAPPENING. THEY ACTUALLY STARTED THEIR NEW ASSIGNMENTS THIS WEEK. SO IT WILL REFLECT ON THE NEXT PAY PERIOD. I MET WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. WE HAD A PRODUCTIVE MEETING AS A COURT REQUESTED. SO I'M FOLLOWING UP WITH ALL THE REQUESTS FROM THE COURT. WE ALSO ARE COLLECTING ALL THE DATA THAT THE COURT HAD [02:35:06] REQUESTED BY BOTH JAIL TEAMS ARE ARE COLLECTING ALL THAT DATA. WE'RE ALMOST DONE. SO WE'LL PRESENT THAT THAT INFORMATION TO THE COURT AS WELL. THIS WEEK, TCGS HAD AN UNANNOUNCED INSPECTION OF BOTH FACILITIES, AND I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT THEY FOUND NO NO ERRORS ON BOTH FACILITIES. THE THE TEAM OF THREE INSPECTORS WAS PLANNING TO BE HERE 3 TO 4 DAYS TO DO THE INSPECTIONS. BUT SINCE THERE WAS NO ISSUES WITH BOTH JAILS, THEY ACTUALLY LEFT IN A. IN A DAY AND A HALF. I DO WANT TO PUBLICLY THANK MY STAFF. YOU KNOW, THE DETENTION STAFF, THE FACILITIES, ALSO UMC, THE MEDICAL THEY PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS AS WELL. THERE WAS NO ISSUES WITH OUR MEDICAL TEAM. SO WE CONTINUE TO WORK ON THE JAILS NOW TRANSITIONING OVER TO TO THE PATROL SIDE. I KNOW THE COURT HAD ASKED FOR LARGE CONCERTS SUCH AS TTS TO HAVE EXTRA PATROLS IN OUR COMMUNITY. THIS WEEKEND. WE ARE HAVING A LARGE CONCERT IN OUR COMMUNITY. THE COURT HAD REQUESTED TO GET PREAPPROVAL FOR ANY TYPE OF OPERATIONS, SO IF THE COURT STILL WANTS THAT, IT WILL APPROXIMATELY BE ABOUT $7,000 FOR ADDITIONAL DEPUTIES TO BE OUT IN THE STREET. AND IF THE COURT DOES AGREE, I WOULD ASK THOSE $7,000 TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE OVERTIME CONTINGENCY INTO PATROL. SO OUR REGULAR PATROL OVERTIME DOES NOT GET AFFECTED NEXT WEEK. I DO PLAN TO COME WITH ALL THE PLANNED OPERATIONS THAT WE HAVE FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR, SUCH AS THE THANKSGIVING OPERATION, THE 4TH OF JULY OPERATION, AND THE PLANNED DWI OPERATIONS THAT WE HAVE. I'LL DO A PRESENTATION ON THAT, AND IF THE COURT WANTS TO APPROVE THEM, ALSO TO REQUEST THE BUDGET TRANSFERS TO PROPERLY FUND THOSE OPERATIONS. I'M HERE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE BUDGET. AND IF NOT, THEN DANIELLE ALSO HAS SOME FOLLOW UP INFORMATION. AND I'M SORRY, THE REQUEST FOR THE 7000 FROM OVERTIME CONTINGENCIES. YES. IS THAT CORRECT? YES. AND I WOULD RATHER SEPARATE IT NOW. SO WE DON'T PULL FROM OUR REGULAR OVERTIME BUDGET. AND AT THE END WE END UP HERE. SO IF THESE OPERATIONS, LIKE THE COURT REQUESTED TO GET PREAPPROVAL FOR ANY TYPE OF, OF PRE-PLANNED OVERTIME OPERATION TO BRING THEM BEFORE THE COURT, AND IF I MAY, SHERIFF, THAT THAT IS EXACTLY THE WAY THIS SHOULD WORK. SO THIS WILL BE IN THE NEW FISCAL YEAR, THIS THIS COMING WEEK, AND WILL BE IN THE NEW FISCAL YEAR. AND THIS IS GETTING APPROVAL IN ADVANCE FOR THOSE OVERTIME HOURS BEFORE THEY'RE WORKED. SO BEFORE BUDGET'S OVEREXTENDED, EVEN THOUGH IT'LL BE THE BEGINNING OF THE FISCAL YEAR, IF THAT WASN'T PLANNED OVERTIME, AND IT'S AN ADDITIONAL OVERTIME THAT THIS IS THE WAY WE WOULD LIKE FOR IT TO WORK, WHERE THE COURT HAS THIS OPPORTUNITY AND THIS IS THE WAY UNDER YOUR AUTHORITY, IT SHOULD WORK WHERE THEY REQUEST OVERTIME NOW. YES. THANK YOU. YES. JUST TO FOLLOW UP WITH ADMINISTRATOR CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR KELLER. SO WE HAD WE'RE GOING TO ESTABLISH A CADENCE. WE TALKED ABOUT ESTABLISHING A CADENCE WHERE THE SHERIFF WOULD COME TO THE COURT, REQUEST THESE IN ADVANCE, AND THEN WE WOULD FOLLOW UP WITH A BUDGET AMENDMENT ON THE FOLLOWING MEETING. SO WE ESTABLISH A CADENCE WHERE. AND SO WE POSTED APPROPRIATELY WHERE HE WOULD ASK FOR CONSENSUS. AND THEN AGAIN, WE WOULD CALCULATE, I WOULD WORK WITH THE STAFF TO CALCULATE THAT AMOUNT. AND THEN THAT AMOUNT WOULD COME ON THE NEXT BUDGET AMENDMENT. AND THEN YOU WOULD SEE IT ON THE ON THE COURT'S AGENDA. AND IT WOULDN'T BE FOR ALL OVERTIME. OBVIOUSLY, THE COURT, THE THE SHERIFF HAS AUTHORITY TO WITHIN HIS BUDGET TO AUTHORIZE OVERTIME FOR NORMAL OPERATIONS. IT'S WHEN THERE'S THESE ADDITIONAL SPECIAL OPERATIONS THAT WERE NOT PLANNED FOR THAT, WE WOULD NEED THESE TYPES OF REQUESTS. YES. OUR NORMAL DAY TO DAY OVERTIME THAT HAPPENS IN PATROL THAT WOULD STAY THE SAME. THIS IS JUST FOR THE PRE-PLANNED OVERTIME OPERATIONS. AND THIS OPERATION THAT YOU'RE REQUESTING IS IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR'S BUDGET. SO THAT'S WHERE THAT TRANSFER WOULD ACTUALLY THIS SATURDAY. THAT'S WHY I MEAN, WE'RE NOT PUTTING IT WITH THE OTHER PRESENTATION. IT'S OCTOBER 3RD WHERE THERE'S A LARGE CONCERT IN OUR COMMUNITY. OKAY, GREAT. THANK YOU, SHERIFF, FOR THAT OPERATION. WHAT WOULD BE THE FUNCTION OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE? LIKE WHAT WE DID IN IN BTS, IT'S JUST EXTRA PATROLS IN OUR COMMUNITY, YOU KNOW? SO IT'S ABOUT TEN EXTRA UNITS, ONE SUPERVISOR, ONE LIEUTENANT, AND IT'S EXTRA PATROLS DEPENDING ON, ON WHERE, WHERE MOST TRAFFIC IS. WE JUST DEPLOY EXTRA TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT. I'M TRYING TO ANTICIPATE FUTURE NEEDS OF PATROL. FOR EXAMPLE, YOU MENTIONED THE THANKSGIVING AND 4TH OF JULY OPERATIONS AT RED SANDS, WHICH I WILL DEFINITELY SUPPORT, AND MAKE THE CASE THAT YOUR OPERATIONS OUT THERE SAVE [02:40:01] LIVES. AND WE'VE SEEN THAT IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. I DON'T KNOW THAT ADDING ADDITIONAL PATROL FOR A CONCERT IS RAISES TO THE SAME LEVEL OF URGENCY AS, AS OTHER OPERATIONS THAT YOU MIGHT NEED. SO I JUST THINK THAT WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL AND SELECTIVE ABOUT WHAT WE DO APPROVE, KNOWING THAT, YOU KNOW, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FUNDS FOR OVERTIME. AND THESE OPERATIONS, IT STARTED WITH THE BTS CONCERT. AT THE REQUEST OF THE COURT. WE HAD A RESOLUTION, YOU KNOW, ADVISING THE COMMUNITY THAT WE WOULD HAVE EXTRA PATROLS. SO ALL THE TOURISTS THAT CAME INTO TOWN WILL FEEL WOULD FEEL SAFE. BUT IT'S UP TO THE COURT. I MEAN, IF WE CAN CONTINUE THOSE OPERATIONS OR OR SEASON, AND WHAT OTHER COLLABORATION HAS OCCURRED WITH SOME OF THE OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTITIES REGARDING THIS PARTICULAR EVENT? YES. WHEN WE HAVE MAJOR CONCERTS IN OUR COMMUNITY, IT'S EL PASO PD WORKING, IT'S DPS, IT'S THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. SOMETIMES THE CONSTABLES ALSO PARTICIPATE AND HELP. SO IT IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN ALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. SO THERE IS PLENTY OF UNITS OUT THERE, YOU KNOW, AND, AND THE GOAL OF THESE OPERATIONS, IT'S NOT TO TAKE PEOPLE TO JAIL, RIGHT? IT'S FOR THE COMMUNITY TO SEE THESE UNITS OUT THERE. AND IT'S A DETERRENCE, YOU KNOW, EVEN BEFORE THEY GO INTO THE CONCERT, THEY SEE ALL THESE UNITS IN THE AREA. SO, YOU KNOW, THEY THINK TWICE, YOU KNOW, AT THE END OF THIS EVENT, THEY DON'T GET BEHIND THE WHEEL AND DRIVE INTOXICATED. COMMISSIONER. AND WHAT HOURS AND WHAT AREAS DO YOU REALLY FOCUS ON? LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THESE CONCERTS? WHAT'S THE TARGET? SO THIS CONCERT IS GOING TO BE IN THE UTEP AREA. SO WE TRY TO FOCUS IN THAT AREA. AND THEN AFTER THE CONCERT FINISHES, WE TRY TO WORK ON THE GATEWAYS, THE MAJOR INTERSECTIONS, MAJOR ROADWAYS. IT JUST DEPENDS ON WHAT TIME THE CONCERT FINISHES, WHAT TIME THE CONCERT ENDS. USUALLY IT'S 8 TO 10 HOUR SHIFTS. AND DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY UNITS YOU INDICATED THERE IS WITH THE $7,000 THAT WILL COVER TEN UNITS, TWO SERGEANTS AND ONE LIEUTENANT FOR AN EIGHT HOUR SHIFT. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY UNITS EL PASO POLICE IS DEDICATING TO THIS FUNCTION? I'M NOT SURE. OKAY. AND USUALLY THEY DO HAVE THEIR DWI TASK FORCE OUT, SO THEY FOCUS OUT THERE. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY'RE WORKING IT, BUT THEY DO HAVE A DEDICATED, I MEAN, TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT. THEY HAVE A DEDICATED DWI UNIT. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY WORK THESE OR HAVE EXTRA UNITS OR THEY JUST ADJUST THEIR SHIFTS. I'M NOT SURE. AND OF COURSE, UTEP HAS THEIR OWN POLICE DEPARTMENT AS WELL, RIGHT? YES. BUT THEY ONLY WORK INSIDE THE FACILITY. THEY DON'T WORK OUTSIDE. AND I NOTICED THIS ITEM IS TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION. SO I DON'T THINK WE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS REQUEST. WE WOULD JUST WE WOULD JUST WANT TO KNOW FROM THE COURT, DO YOU WANT US TO BRING BACK A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR THAT PURPOSE, OR DO YOU WANT US TO BRING BACK A SEPARATE ITEM TO DISCUSS IT? WELL, I THINK THAT THERE'S STILL THIS WEEKEND. YEAH. AND I THINK THAT THERE'S STILL SOME REMAINING QUESTIONS. I KNOW COMMISSIONER CORONADO WAS QUESTIONING MAYBE DO WE HAVE INFORMATION FROM EPPD REGARDING THE UNITS THAT THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE AVAILABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY I'M SURE THEY COULD ALWAYS USE MORE HELP, BUT DO THEY FIND THAT DO THEY FEEL THAT THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT UNITS AVAILABLE FOR THEIR FOR THIS OPERATION, SINCE IT IS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS? I THINK IT SOUNDS LIKE PERHAPS MORE INFORMATION. YEAH. SO AT THIS POINT IT WOULD NOT BE AUTHORIZED. RIGHT. THAT'S WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE. I'M NOT SURE THE JUDGE ISN'T HERE, BUT I DON'T I DON'T KNOW IF COMMISSIONER STOUT, BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE COURTS THAT ARE PRESENT AT THIS POINT AREN'T READY TO AUTHORIZE THAT ADDITIONAL. I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN ADD IT TO THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS OF THE COURT CAN WEIGH IN, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN ADD IT TO. IT'S PROBABLY TOO LATE TO ADD IT FOR THURSDAY, RIGHT? TOO LATE. LIKE I SAID, I YOU KNOW, I UNDERSTAND, SHERIFF, THAT THAT WE WANT TO BE AS PRESENT AND AND RESPONSIVE AS POSSIBLE TO THESE ESPECIALLY LARGE DEMAND NEEDS. BUT IF IT'S NOT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND THERE ARE OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT ARE ALREADY RESPONDING, I THINK THAT WE SHOULD JUST EXERCISE SOME JUDGMENT FOR CONCERTS. WAS THEY WERE STARTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE COURT. IT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. RIGHT. AND I DON'T THINK WE EVER TOOK A FORMAL VOTE ON IT ON THAT ANYWAYS. I THINK OTHER THAN FOR PTS WHEN THERE WAS A RESOLUTION MAYBE. RIGHT. YEAH. AND THE PROCESS THAT CARMEN HIGHLIGHTED AND BETSY MENTIONED IS THE PROCESS THAT WE DO WANT TO FOLLOW, BUT OUR ONLY REQUEST WOULD BE THEN TO GIVE US SUFFICIENT TIME TO BE ABLE TO REVIEW SOME OF THE DATA AND ANSWER SOME OF THE QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE. SO I'M THANKFUL THAT YOU'RE GOING TO BRING THE ENTIRE YEAR OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORWARD AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. SO THAT WAY, WE MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE ENOUGH TIME AND [02:45:03] ARE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE DATA SO THAT WE CAN REALLY DETERMINE THE NEED. YEAH. AND, AND I THINK WE NEED A LITTLE BIT MORE INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY REGARDING THE JAIL OPERATIONS IN TERMS OF THE OVERTIME AND, AND WHAT THOSE NECESSITIES ARE. I GUESS WE ALL WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR DEPARTMENTS OPERATE FULLY SAFE, BUT SOMETIMES THERE'S A TRADE OFF IN TERMS OF WHAT'S ALLOWABLE. YOU KNOW, WE DON'T HAVE JUST UNLIMITED FUNDS. AND SO I THINK WE NEED TO BE A LITTLE MORE CAREFUL IN TERMS OF HOW WE APPROPRIATE THOSE. AND THAT'S WHY I'M THINKING THAT'S WHY THE COURT'S WANTING THOSE THAT THAT DATA AND THAT INFORMATION. YES, YES. WE'LL BRING ALL THAT INFORMATION FOR NEXT WEEK'S PRESENTATION. SO I UNDERSTAND COMMANDER SORIA WAS THE PERSON FROM PATROL. YES. WHO WAS GOING TO BE LOOKING INTO EFFICIENCIES AT THE JAILS? YES. AND YOU SAID YOU'D HAVE AN UPDATE FROM HIS FINDINGS AT OUR NEXT MEETING. YES. WE'RE GOING TO SEE HOW IT ACTUALLY REFLECTS ON, ON, ON THE ON THE PAY, THE AMOUNT OF OVERTIME THAT WAS REDUCED BECAUSE OF THESE CHANGES THAT WE RECENTLY DID. OKAY, GREAT. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS. I DO JUST WANT TO ALSO THANK SHERIFF UGARTE. I KNOW OUR TEAMS MET. HE MET WITH COUNTY ATTORNEYS AND MELISSA CARRILLO ALSO LAST WEEK. AND I JUST WANT TO REALLY THE. I GOT A QUICK REPORT AFTER THE MEETING. JUST HOW COOPERATIVE AND HOW COLLABORATIVE THE TEAMS ARE AND REALLY, REALLY APPRECIATE THAT ONGOING WORK TOGETHER. THANK YOU. SHERIFF. I DID SPEAK TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, AND SHE MENTIONED THAT YOU WERE VERY AMENABLE TO THE THINGS THAT WE WANTED TO SEE GOING FORWARD IN TERMS OF THE COLLABORATION WITH THESE ISSUES. SO THANK YOU. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE A COMMENT AND THANK YOU, SHERIFF, FOR BEING HERE TODAY. AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE THE SUCCESSFUL. PASSING INSPECTION. RECENTLY, I'VE BEEN TO THE JAILS, BOTH JAILS SEVERAL TIMES. AND, AND I, I KNOW AND I'VE HEARD FROM YOU AND YOUR STAFF ABOUT THE EFFORTS YOU'RE TRYING TO MAKE TO, TO IMPROVE NOT JUST CONDITIONS FOR THE INMATES THERE, BUT ALSO THE WORKING CONDITIONS FOR OUR DETENTION OFFICERS. I ALSO JUST WANT TO POINT OUT THAT THAT WE, WE, THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES NOT HAVE THE OPTION TO NOT PAY FOR YOUR STAFF FOR OVERTIME OR FOR THE OPERATING EXPENSES THAT YOU INCUR. IT'S NOT LIKE WE CAN SAY, NO, WE'RE NOT PAYING THE BILL THIS MONTH BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE FUNDS, AND THAT IS ON US TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE MANAGING OUR OVERALL BUDGET CORRECTLY, THAT WE DO CONSERVATIVELY, BUDGET, THAT WE DON'T OVERSPEND. AND AND SO, YOU KNOW, LUCKILY WE'RE IN THAT POSITION TO WHERE WE HAVE THOSE AVAILABLE FUNDS, BUT WE ALSO DO NOT HAVE THE OPTION TO NOT PAY. AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT'S CLEAR, BECAUSE THAT IS OUR STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY. THAT IS OUR FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY. THAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY UNDER OUR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE JAILS. AND SO HOPEFULLY, WITH ALL OF THESE ACTIONS THAT WE'RE TAKING, THE THE COLLABORATION, THE COMMUNICATION. THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY ON, ON THIS ISSUE, MOVING FORWARD, THAT WE'RE NOT IN THIS POSITION, AGAIN, THAT WE'RE ABLE TO TO MITIGATE A. THE. THE DEFICIT GOING FORWARD. BUT, YOU KNOW, I THINK THE ONLY WAY THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT IS IF WE WORK COLLABORATIVELY TOGETHER AND WE MAKE THESE HARD DECISIONS, RIGHT? WHAT CAN WE WHAT CAN WE FOREGO PAYING FOR THAT? YOU KNOW, IN A IN A PERFECT WORLD, WE WOULD BE EVERYWHERE AND DOING EVERYTHING WE NEED TO DO. BUT UNTIL WE'RE ABLE TO GET MORE REVENUES INTO THE COUNTY, YOU KNOW, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE THOSE TOUGH DECISIONS. SO THANK YOU. AND OF COURSE, WE HAVE INDICATED THAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING A A REPORT IN A STUDY FROM OUR, YOU KNOW, PERSON THAT WE'VE. HAS THAT ALREADY BEEN DONE, BETSY? IT'S THE RFP IS WITH PURCHASING, BUT IT HAS NOT GONE OUT THAT I. I NEED TO DOUBLE CHECK HER LATEST REPORT, BUT I DON'T THINK IT'S GONE OUT ON THE STREET YET. AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING SURE THAT THAT GETS DONE SO THAT WE REALLY CAN GET A BETTER SENSE IN TERMS OF WHERE THE NEEDS ARE THAT YOU ARE REQUESTING. AND AND WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AT THAT. AND CARMEN, SO I KNOW WE'RE NOT POSTED FOR ANY ACTION. IT'S JUST A PRESENTATION TODAY. BUT EVENTUALLY WE WILL HAVE TO TAKE ACTION TO ADDRESS THE BUDGET. AND I KNOW IT'S DIFFICULT BECAUSE JUST, JUST BECAUSE THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR HAPPENS IN TWO DAYS DOESN'T MEAN WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE FINAL AMOUNT. BUT WHEN DO YOU FORESEE THAT WE'D ACTUALLY BE TAKING THE ACTION NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE DEFICIT IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE? SO WE WILL BE BRINGING FORWARD AN AMENDMENT AT CERTAINLY WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO, IF NOT EARLIER. SO I'LL BE WORKING [02:50:07] VERY CLOSELY WITH THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE TO SEE WHAT YEAR END AMENDMENTS ADJUSTMENTS NEED TO BE MADE, MADE. AND SHE HAS A HARD DEADLINE AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. AND SO WE WILL BE WORKING WITH HER TO BRING THAT FORWARD. IF WE CAN MAKE AN EARLIER DECISION, THEN WE'LL DEFINITELY BRING IT FORWARD AND I'LL SEND IT THROUGH AS A HIGHLIGHT JUST TO ADVISE THE COURT AND THAT IT IS COMING. AND OF COURSE, WE'LL POST IT SEPARATELY ON AS A BUDGET AMENDMENT ON THE AGENDA, ON THE REGULAR AGENDA. SO YOU'RE THINKING TOWARDS THE END OF OCTOBER OR THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER, I'M PROBABLY THINKING AT THE END OF THE END OF NOVEMBER, WE'D PROBABLY HAVE A BETTER END OF NOVEMBER. I THINK SALARIES, I CAN DEFINITELY BRING THAT FORWARD. AS FAR AS THE OPERATING EXPENSES, THAT MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIT LATER, BUT JUST DEPENDING ON THE ADJUSTMENTS THAT YOU'RE IN, ADJUSTMENTS, PARTICULARLY FOR ARPA OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT WE HAVE GRANT ADJUSTMENTS, WE PROBABLY WON'T HAVE THOSE UNTIL THE END OF NOVEMBER. OKAY. AND THE OTHER THING, I THINK THAT SHOULD BE COMING HERE PRETTY SOON BECAUSE OF THE ELECTION ISSUE THAT THE COURT TOOK UP LAST WEEK AND THAT WE JUST APPROVED THE ON CONSENT, AND THAT'S GOING TO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, AS MY UNDERSTANDING, FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, ACCORDING TO LISA. SO I'M HOPING THAT THAT COMES SOON TO US SO THAT WE CAN TAKE THAT UP BEFORE AS TO ESTABLISH NEW PROCEDURE FOR THAT, BECAUSE I KNOW THE EARLY VOTING IS STARTING 19TH. IS THAT RIGHT? YES. CORRECT. RIGHT. SO I'LL MAKE SURE THAT NEXT WEEK'S AGENDA ITEM, BASED ON WHAT THE SHERIFF JUST INDICATED, THAT I'LL SAY, RECEIVE A PRESENTATION, TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON THE BUDGET. I'LL MAKE SURE WE'LL POST THAT AND GIVE US GIVE YOU ALL SOME FLEXIBILITY TO TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION IF IF NEEDED. OKAY. THANK YOU CARMEN. THANK YOU. THANK YOU CHAIR. THANK YOU, SHERIFF DANIELLE. WELCOME. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. DANIELLE CHAVEZ, BUDGET OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. I JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT SOME THINGS BASED OFF OF CARMEN'S PRESENTATION. SO SOME EXPENSES THAT YOU WILL SEE CONTINUING TO GROW PROBABLY WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, WHICH ARE THE AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER INMATE MEDICAL FROM UMC THAT WE JUST SENT TO THE AUDITOR'S BACK ON THE 22ND OF SEPTEMBER. AND THAT WAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1.4 MILLION. SO I ASSUME PROBABLY SEPTEMBER'S WILL BE IN THE SAME AMOUNT. WE ALSO HAVE THE FUEL FOR SEPTEMBER THAT WILL BE RECEIVING. WE SHOULD BE GETTING THAT AMOUNT PROBABLY OCTOBER 6TH. SO AFTER THAT, WE CAN BRING YOU BACK THAT EXPENSE. WE ALSO HAVE REGULAR INMATE MEDICAL CLAIMS THAT MY OFFICE DOES PROCESS. AND SO THOSE DO TAKE A LITTLE BIT MORE TIME TO PROCESS BECAUSE WE HAVE TO WORK WITH THE VENDORS. THOSE ARE LIKE TEXAS TECH OR PROVIDENCE. SOMETIMES THEY THEY HAVE TO OUTSOURCE. AND SO IT IS A LENGTHY PROCESS WHERE WE HAVE TO DO A LETTER OF AGREEMENT TO THE VENDOR FOR THEM TO BE IN AGREEMENT TO PAY THOSE MEDICAID RATES. AND SO ONCE WE GET THAT BACK, SOMETIMES IT DOES TAKE A LONG TIME FOR US TO GET THOSE. BUT SHE DID. JUST RECENTLY, ONE OF MY STAFF MEMBERS SENT IN APPROXIMATELY LIKE $200,000 WORTH OF CLAIMS. I DON'T HAVE A LARGE STAFF TO BE ABLE TO TO WORK ON THOSE CLAIMS AS WELL. AND I DID REACH OUT TO CARMEN JUST TO SAY LIKE, HEY, IS THERE ANY CHANCE WE CAN GO TO A THIRD PARTY, POSSIBLY TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE BURDEN ON MY STAFF AS WELL? SO THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE'RE LOOKING INTO, AND MAYBE THAT'LL KIND OF QUICKEN, OR MAYBE WE'RE ABLE TO PAY THOSE OUT A LITTLE BIT SOONER OVER TIME. I, I KNOW IT'S AN ISSUE. I WAS GOING BACK AND DOING SOME OF MY OWN RESEARCH AND GOING BACK TO FY 20 UP UNTIL CURRENT, OUR BUDGET FOR OVERTIME IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS NOT CHANGED. AND SO I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING TO HIGHLIGHT BECAUSE YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THERE ARE STEP INCREASES. THERE ARE COLAS FOR THE UNIFORMED OFFICERS. AND WHILE THOSE INCREASES GO UP, OUR BUDGET UNFORTUNATELY ON THE OVERTIME PART DOES NOT. AND SO I REMEMBER BEING BACK WHEN I WAS IN THE BUDGET OFFICE AND WE EVERY YEAR WE WOULD HAVE TO TRANSFER BECAUSE THEY WERE ALWAYS GOING INTO A NEGATIVE BALANCE. AND SO WHILE YES, THIS YEAR IS MORE, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE. AND SO I'M GOING TO BE DOING MY OWN INTERNAL ANALYSIS TO KIND OF GO BACK AND SEE WHAT THE AVERAGE PER PAY PERIOD IS GOING BACK FROM FY 20 UP UNTIL NOW. AND SO HOPEFULLY WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, I CAN BRING THAT BACK TO YOU ALL TO TO KIND OF GIVE THAT PRESENTATION AS WELL. I ALSO WANTED TO TOUCH THAT MOVING FORWARD FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR, WE WILL BE COMING AFTER EVERY PAY PERIOD TO DO A PRESENTATION TO THE COURT. IN THIS WAY, KIND OF IT'S OUR WAY TO BE ABLE TO TELL OUR STORY FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO YOU ALL AS COMMISSIONERS, BUT ALSO TO THE PUBLIC AS WELL. SO JUST WANTED TO KIND OF ON A FEW [02:55:01] OF THOSE THINGS. AND THAT WILL BE EVERY TWO WEEKS. YOU SAID. YES. AFTER EVERY PAY PERIOD, AFTER EVERY. AND THEN WE ARE WE JUST SCHEDULED WITH CARMEN AND HER GROUP. AFTER EVERY PAY PERIOD, WE ARE GOING TO BE MEETING. SO EVERY OTHER WEEK AS WELL, KIND OF JUST TO COLLABORATE AND SEE WHERE WE'RE AT. AND BE ABLE TO, TO GROW FROM THERE. GREAT. THANK YOU. OKAY. AND COMMISSIONERS, I AGREE WITH DANIELLE ABOUT THE OVERTIME BUDGET. THAT'S SOMETHING THAT CARMEN WE WORKED ON THIS YEAR. ANY OF OUR LINE ITEMS THAT ARE TIED TO SOMETHING TO DO WITH WAGES SHOULD HAVE AN ESCALATOR BASED ON HOW MUCH THOSE WAGES ESCALATE EACH YEAR. AND SO WE'VE WORKED ON THAT TO START INCORPORATING THAT INTO THE BUDGET. WE NEED TO DO THAT FOR SURE WITH THESE OVERTIME COSTS. THANK YOU BETSY. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. ITEM 13 C APPROVED BUDGET AMENDMENT NUMBER 44 A TO THE EL PASO COUNTY'S 2025 2026 OPERATING BUDGET. THIS IS TO TRANSFER APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,676 WITHIN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL FUND TO COVER THE COST OF AN EMERGENCY REPAIR TO THE SPRINKLER LINE AT THE ESSO HEADQUARTERS. THIS BUDGETARY AMENDMENT WILL NOT INCREASE OR DECREASE THE COUNTY OF EL PASO'S 2025 2026 OVERALL OPERATING BUDGET OF [C. Approve budget amendment No.44(a) to the El Paso County’s 2025-2026 operating budget. This is to transfer appropriations in the amount of $2,676.00 within the Sheriff’s Office general fund to cover the cost of an emergency repair to the sprinkler line at the SO Headquarters. This budgetary amendment will not increase or decrease the County of El Paso's 2025-2026 overall operating budget of $687,230,552.76. Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-273-3726] $687,230,552.76. AGAIN, CARMEN CANDELARIA, DIRECTOR OF BUDGET AND FINANCE. SO THIS IS A BUDGET AMENDMENT THAT TRANSFERS $2,676 FROM THE DETENTION MAINTENANCE DIVISION OVER TO THE HEADQUARTERS SUBSTATION MAINTENANCE. AND MISS DAVIS DID REACH OUT TO ME WITH REGARDS TO THIS ITEM. AND SO WE COLLABORATE BRINGING THIS FORWARD. THIS IS FOR THE COST OF AN EMERGENCY REPAIR TO THE SPRINKLER LINE AT THE HEADQUARTERS. SO IT IS IT IS A NECESSARY EXPENSE FOR FOR THIS FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR. SO REQUESTING APPROVAL WITH, FOR THIS ITEM. AND SO JUST TO BE CLEAR, THIS IS FROM THE DETENTION ACCOUNT TO THE HEADQUARTERS ACCOUNT. YES. SO IT'S NOT ANY ADDITIONAL MONIES THAT IS OUTSIDE OF THE SHERIFF'S BUDGET. THIS IS MONEY THAT'S ALREADY WITHIN THE SHERIFF'S BUDGET. YES, COMMISSIONER, THAT IS CORRECT. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO A SECOND. I'LL SECOND. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER. VOTING IS OPEN. I, I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER BUTLER. COMMISSIONER IS ABSENT. COMMISSIONER STOUT, ARE YOU THERE? COMMISSIONER STOUT IS ABSENT. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MISS COCKRELL. THANK YOU ALL. MISS COCHRAN, COULD WE READ IN 12 A AND 12 B BEFORE WE BREAK TOGETHER? AND THEN I'LL READ IN THE MOTION TO MOVE THESE INTO EXECUTIVE. OF COURSE. THANK YOU. 12 A POSTPONE SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2026 AND SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2006. GRANT APPLICATION. APPROVE AND RATIFY THE SUBMISSION OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FY 27 SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM. APPLICATION FOR THE OFFICE OF CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR FROM OCTOBER 1ST, 2026 TO SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2027 IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,809.34 A COUNTY MATCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,150.32 IS REQUIRED AND WILL BE REQUESTED THROUGH FRINGE BENEFIT BENEFITS. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0643 AND ITEM 12 BE POSTPONED. SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2026. SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2006 GRANTS AWARD A PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO ACCEPT THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FISCAL YEAR 2027 SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT AWARD FOR THE OFFICE OF CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR FROM OCTOBER 1ST, 2026 TO SEPTEMBER 31ST, 2027 IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,777.79 A COUNTY MATCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,725.49 IS REQUIRED AND IS BEING REQUESTED FROM G F TRANSFER OUT GRANT MATCH. FURTHER, A PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE ACCOMPANYING SIGNATURE AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0644. THANK YOU AND GOOD AFTERNOON. WE ARE REQUESTING THIS THIS ITEM BE MOVED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION. ONCE WE TAKE THE ITEMS UP IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. AND THE MOTION FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION WOULD BE PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 551.071. DISCUSS THE COUNTY'S LEGAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES PERTAINING TO THE RATIFICATION AND SUBMISSION OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. FISCAL YEAR 27 SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM. STEP APPLICATION FOR THE OFFICE OF THE CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR, WHICH IS ITEM 12 A AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FISCAL YEAR 2027 SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT [03:00:04] PROGRAM. STEP GRANT AWARD FOR THE OFFICE OF THE CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR, WHICH IS ITEM 12 B. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION FOR A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. COMMISSIONER STOUT, ARE YOU THERE? THAT WAS I CORRECT, COMMISSIONER STOUT. THANK YOU, SIR. MOTION CARRIES WITH JUDGE SAMANIEGO ABSENT. COMMISSIONER LEVINE, SHALL WE BREAK? YES, PLEASE. FOR ONE HOUR. COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL NOW RECESS. IT IS 12:31 P.M. THANK YOU. 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 [03:05:05] TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR'S FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS CONTINUED GROWTH FURTHER ESTABLISHES THE BORDER REGION AS A STRATEGIC CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAINS. THE COURTHOUSE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING A CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY. ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, WHO SHOWCASES, WITH RESPECT AND REVERENCE THE FACES OF COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM MEXICO'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THROUGH EVERY FACE, EVERY GESTURE SUSPENDED IN TIME, THE ARTIST DRAWS AN EMOTIONAL MAP THAT REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HELPED FACILITATE THE FRAME STRUCTURES IN WHICH THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE DISPLAYED. THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON EXHIBIT THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER, ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE ENRIQUE MORENO COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN EL PASO. IT IS FREE AND NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. COME CHECK IT OUT. THAT DOES IT FOR THIS EDITION OF COUNTY CONNECTS. AS WE HEAD INTO FALL, MAKE SURE TO STAY TUNED AND STAY CONNECTED WITH EL PASO COUNTY. [03:11:04] EVERY DAY ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY, INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND NEWCOMERS FACE CHALLENGES THAT CAN MAKE LIFE MORE DIFFICULT. THAT'S WHY EL PASO COUNTY IS DEDICATED TO CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES THEY NEED TO BUILD STABILITY, IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND CREATE BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH COMPASSION, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKS TO STRENGTHEN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES. OUR WORK IS CARRIED OUT THROUGH FIVE DIVISIONS, EACH PLAYING A UNIQUE ROLE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS. GENERAL ASSISTANCE THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION HELPS ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS BURIAL ASSISTANCE, HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE ONE OF LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS WITH DIGNITY AND COMPASSION. FOR MANY COUNTY RESIDENTS, THIS SUPPORT BECOMES THE BRIDGE THAT HELPS THEM REGAIN STABILITY AND MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE. SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM HAS SUPPORTED OLDER ADULTS BY PROVIDING NUTRITIOUS MEALS AT COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING MEALS DIRECTLY TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. MORE THAN A MEAL, THESE SERVICES PROMOTE HEALTH INDEPENDENCE AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CONNECTION, ENSURING OUR OLDER ADULTS REMAIN SUPPORTED, VALUED AND CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY. OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS. ESTABLISHED IN 2020, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS ENSURE EVERY EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENT, WHETHER THEY'VE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS OR ARE NEW TO OUR COMMUNITY, HAS ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES THEY NEED. THROUGH OUTREACH, COLLABORATION, AND STRONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS RESIDENTS PURSUE CITIZENSHIP, LEARN ENGLISH, CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION, AND EXPAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. PROGRAMS LIKE PACE, WHICH SUPPORTS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ON THEIR PATHWAY TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP. AND. I SPEAK 915, OUR COUNTY WIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS INITIATIVE HELPS REMOVE BARRIERS AND MAKE COUNTY SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE. WORKING ALONGSIDE SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, VOLUNTEERS, FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS BRINGS RESOURCES DIRECTLY INTO NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INVESTS IN HOUSING, PUBLIC SERVICES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT RURAL AREAS OF EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH THE COLONIA SELF-HELP CENTER PROGRAM, RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO OWNER OCCUPIED HOME IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENTS, THE TOOL LENDING LIBRARY, AND THE SMALL BUSINESS CENTER RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES, AND GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. THE DIVISION ALSO OPERATES THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER, WHICH HAS SERVED RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. THE CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, MEETING SPACES, A HYGIENE CLOSET, AND SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS 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. [03:15:02] RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION, ILLUMINA ALSO OFFERS IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY CLASSES, PRINTING SERVICES, WI-FI HOTSPOTS, TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. BUT ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE. AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT ISN'T THE CITY EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY, AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIP TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HA HA HA. HEY. EVERY DAY, EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE [03:20:04] 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. [03:25:03] 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 EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS CONTINUED GROWTH FURTHER ESTABLISHES THE BORDER REGION AS A STRATEGIC CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAINS. THE COURTHOUSE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING A CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY. ROOTS THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, WHO SHOWCASES WITH RESPECT AND REVERENCE THE FACES OF COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM MEXICO'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THROUGH EVERY FACE, EVERY GESTURE SUSPENDED IN TIME. THE ARTIST DRAWS AN EMOTIONAL MAP THAT REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HELPED FACILITATE THE FRAME STRUCTURES IN WHICH THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE DISPLAYED. THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON EXHIBIT THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER, ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE ENRIQUE MORENO COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN EL PASO. IT IS FREE AND NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. COME CHECK IT OUT. THAT DOES IT FOR THIS EDITION OF COUNTY CONNECTS. AS WE HEAD INTO FALL, MAKE SURE TO STAY TUNED AND STAY CONNECTED WITH EL PASO COUNTY. [03:31:31] 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 [03:35:02] SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY. LOCATED AT THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER CAMPUS, ILLUMINA PUBLIC LIBRARY IS EL PASO COUNTY'S FIRST ALL DIGITAL PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH A FREE DIGITAL LIBRARY CARD. RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION, ILLUMINA ALSO OFFERS IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY CLASSES, PRINTING SERVICES, WI-FI HOTSPOTS, TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. WELL, ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE, AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT ISN'T THE CITY EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIPS TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF [03:40:03] THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HEY. 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. [03:45:31] 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 PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS CONTINUED GROWTH FURTHER ESTABLISHES THE BORDER REGION AS A STRATEGIC CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAINS. THE COURTHOUSE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING A CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY. ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, WHO SHOWCASES WITH RESPECT AND REVERENCE THE FACES OF COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM MEXICO'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THROUGH EVERY FACE, EVERY GESTURE SUSPENDED IN TIME. THE ARTIST DRAWS AN EMOTIONAL MAP THAT REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HELPED FACILITATE THE FRAME STRUCTURES IN WHICH THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE DISPLAYED. THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON EXHIBIT THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER, ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE ENRIQUE MORENO COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN EL PASO. IT IS FREE AND NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. COME CHECK IT OUT. THAT DOES IT FOR THIS EDITION OF COUNTY CONNECTS. AS WE HEAD INTO FALL, MAKE SURE TO STAY TUNED AND STAY CONNECTED WITH EL PASO COUNTY. [03:51:58] 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. 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 [03:55:05] 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. RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION, ILLUMINA ALSO OFFERS IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY CLASSES, PRINTING SERVICES, WI-FI HOTSPOTS, TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. BUT ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE, AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT IS IT THE CITY EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIPS TO THE [04:00:04] PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HEY. 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. [04:05:58] SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES. SEE WHAT EL PASO COUNTY HAD GOING ON IN AUGUST. EL PASO COUNTY CARES ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF ITS CONSTITUENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF THE ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE PARK PROJECT. EL PASO COUNTY WANTS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR'S FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION 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. [04:12:25] 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 [04:15:04] 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. GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS RECONVENED INTO REGULAR OPEN SESSION. IT IS 1:47 P.M. AT THIS TIME. WE'RE GOING TO GO TO THE ITEMS THAT WERE PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA. I HAVE QUITE A FEW THAT I NEED TO READ INTO THE RECORD. ITEM 4ACA PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY AND THE EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION, ESTABLISHING THE PROCESS FOR THE TRANSFER OF. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, TRANSIT ASSETS, FUNDING AND EXISTING AGREEMENTS FROM EL PASO COUNTY TO PATS PENDING FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0403. ITEM 4AD APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN A MASTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF EL PASO AND THE EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION FOR THE COUNTY TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO E PATS. FOLLOWING THE TRANSITION OF TRANSIT OPERATIONS, PENDING FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0434. ITEM 4AE APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO THE SERVICES AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS, EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION AND EAN HOLDINGS, LLC. DOING BUSINESS AS COMMUTE WITH ENTERPRISE FOR THE MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND MARKETING OF THE VANPOOL PROGRAM TO INCORPORATE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION CAPITAL COST OF CONTRACTING PROVISIONS PENDING FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0623. ITEM 4AF APPROVE AN AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE INTERLOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE TRANSIT AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF EL PASO AND EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION FOR THE PROVISION OF REGIONAL TRANSIT SERVICES AND A COUNTY CONTRIBUTION OF $2,000,011 $646. PENDING FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. FUNDING IS AVAILABLE IN GENERAL FUND G ADMIN OPS CONTINGENCIES CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0624. ITEM 4AG APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE DESIGN OF PASSENGER BUS SHELTERS WITH THE CAMINO REAL REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY TO ADD EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LGC AS A PARTY TO THE AGREEMENT AND UPDATE PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE TRANSITION OF TRANSIT OPERATIONS FROM THE COUNTY TO E PATS PENDING FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0628. ITEM 4AHA PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT FOUR TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY REAL REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY FOR CONTINUED DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE TRANSIT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FACILITY, ADDING $1,042,271.26 TO THE PROJECT BUDGET TO ADVANCE DESIGN FROM [04:20:02] 60% TO 100%. DEVELOP BIDDING DOCUMENTS AND COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION LENDING WITH NO COUNTY MATCH REQUIRED. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0676. ITEM 4AIA PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY AND THE EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. LGC FOR THE PROVISION OF TRANSIT FARES FOR SOME INSURERS AND PARTICIPANTS IN COUNTY ACCOUNTABILITY COURT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS. BEGINNING OCTOBER 1ST, 2026, PENDING FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0684. HELLO, JOHN. GOOD AFTERNOON. YES. TOP OF THE AFTERNOON. JUDGE AND HONORABLE COMMISSIONERS. JOHN ANDO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TRANSIT OPERATIONS. I DO JUST WANT TO PREFACE THAT WE ARE BASICALLY AT THE FINISH LINE, AND I WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, AS WELL AS THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, IN HELPING US GET TO THIS POINT WHERE THE EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LGC WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE ON THE FULL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL SIX MUNICIPALITIES IN EL PASO COUNTY. AS THE CITY OF SOCORRO IS THE SIXTH MEMBER TO JOIN, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST, 2026. SO STARTING WITH A C, THIS IS AN A, INNER A, A TRANSFER AGREEMENT THAT WOULD BASICALLY AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF ALL TRANSIT RELATED ASSETS THAT WERE FUNDED BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDS AND TRANSFER, ALL TRANSIT RELATED CONTRACTS THAT ARE TRANSIT ONLY SPECIFIC WITHIN EL PASO COUNTY, AND THEN ALL GRANTS THAT THE COUNTY HAD TO. IPADS. AS OF SEPTEMBER 24TH, THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION DID GRANT IPADS, THE RURAL TRANSIT DISTRICT STATUS AND. EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST, IPADS IS THE RURAL TRANSIT DISTRICT FOR EL PASO COUNTY. WE DID RECEIVE FOUR GRANTS WITH EL PASO COUNTY THROUGH NOVEMBER 14TH, 2026 TO ALLOW THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE TO PROCESS ALL OUTSTANDING INVOICES THAT RELATE TO THOSE GRANTS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30TH. AND THEN, ONCE THE REQUEST FOR [AC. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between El Paso County and the El Paso Area Transportation Services, Local Government Corporation (EPATS, LGC), establishing the process for the transfer of responsibility for the provision of public transportation services, transit assets, funding, and existing agreements from El Paso County to EPATS, pending final review and approval from the County Attorney‘s Office. (Contract No. 2026-0403) John Andoh, Executive Director, Transit Operations, 915-273-3838] REIMBURSEMENTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO TXDOT, WHICH IS DUE ON BY NOVEMBER 14TH, 2026, [AD. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign a Master Agreement between the County of El Paso and the El Paso Area Transportation Services, Local Government Corporation (EPATS, LGC), for the County to provide administrative and support services to EPATS following the transition of transit operations, pending final review and approval from the County Attorney‘s Office.  (Contract No. 2026-0434) John Andoh, Executive Director, Transit Operations, 915-273-3838] THOSE LAST FOUR GRANTS WILL TRANSFER OVER TO IPADS. IPADS WILL TAKE ON ALL TRANSIT [AE. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Amendment No. 1 to the Services Agreement by and between El Paso County, Texas, El Paso Area Transportation Services, Local Government Corporation (EPATS, LGC), and EAN Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Commute with Enterprise), for the management, operation, and marketing of the ETA Vanpool Program, to incorporate Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Capital Cost of Contracting provisions, pending final review and approval from the County Attorney‘s Office. (Contract No. 2026-0623) John Andoh, Executive Director, Transit Operations, 915-273-3838] [AF. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Interlocal Public Service Transit and Contribution Agreement for Fiscal Year 2027 between the County of El Paso and El Paso Area Transportation Services, Local Government Corporation (EPATS) for the provision of regional transit services and a County contribution of $2,011,646, pending final review and approval from the County Attorney‘s Office. Funding is available in GF-GADM-OPS CONTINGENCIES.  (Contract No. 2026-0624) John Andoh, Executive Director, Transit Operations, 915-273-3838] RELATED INVOICES AND RESPONSIBILITIES STARTING OCTOBER 1ST OF 2026. I AM [AG. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Fifth Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for Design of Passenger Bus Shelters with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) to add El Paso Area Transportation Services, LGC (EPATS) as a party to the Agreement and update provisions related to the transition of transit operations from the County to EPATS, pending final review and approval from the County Attorney‘s Office. (Contract No. 2026-0628) John Andoh, Executive Director, Transit Operations, 915-273-3838] [AH. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Amendment 4 to the Interlocal Agreement with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) for continued design and engineering services for the Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF), adding $1,042,271.26 to the project budget to advance design from 60% to 100%, develop bidding documents, and complete construction letting, with no County match required. (Contract No. 2026-0676) John Andoh, Executive Director, Transit Operations, 915-273-3838] [AI. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign an Interlocal Fares Agreement between El Paso County and the El Paso Area Transportation Services, LGC (EPATS) for the provision of ETA transit fares for summoned jurors and participants in County accountability court and community service programs beginning October 1, 2026, pending final review and approval from the County Attorney‘s Office. (Contract No. 2026-0684) John Andoh, Executive Director, Transit Operations, 915-273-3838] ASKING THAT THE COURT APPROVE THIS TRANSFER AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO LEGAL REVIEW. WE DO HAVE SOME FINAL MINOR CHANGES TO THE TRANSFER AGREEMENT THAT ARE BEING FINALIZED WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AS WE SPEAK, BUT THEY'RE VERY THEY'RE NOT SUBSTANTIAL. AND SO I REQUEST THE COURT'S APPROVAL FOR THIS SUBJECT TO LEGAL APPROVAL. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ON AC, IF THERE ARE ANY. COMMISSIONER BUTLER, DID YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS? I DO NOT I JUST WANTED TO REITERATE WHAT MR. ANDO MENTIONED, WHICH IS THAT THIS IS THE FINISH LINE FOR A VERY LONG AND COMPLEX PROCESS OF TRANSFERRING OWNERSHIP OF THE RURAL TRANSIT DISTRICT FROM EL PASO COUNTY TO TO IPADS. IT'S IT'S BEEN A LONG ROAD. AND AND SO THESE NEXT FEW ITEMS ARE, ARE, ARE GOING TO SHOW HOW MUCH IS INVOLVED IN THAT PROCESS. I WANT TO THANK JOHN, MR. ANDO FOR, FOR ALL OF HIS WORK. AND AS HE MENTIONED, IT TAKES IT'S TAKEN A LOT OF COOPERATION BETWEEN A LOT OF COUNTY DEPARTMENTS TO GET TO THIS POINT. AND AND I JUST WANT TO REMIND MOSTLY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE THE POINT OF THIS TRANSITION IS TO MAKE OUR RURAL TRANSIT DISTRICT MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE EFFECTIVE FOR EVERY, EVERY CORNER OF EL PASO COUNTY. SO HAVING BUY IN FROM THE OTHER MUNICIPALITIES AND AND HAVING MAKING SURE THAT THE COUNTY IS, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR UNINCORPORATED AREAS. BUT EVERYBODY HAS A SEAT AT THE TABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT TRANSIT IS WORKING FOR FOR EVERY STAKEHOLDER AND MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY IS REALLY THE GOAL HERE. SO IT'S A IT'S A HARD TRANSITION, BUT IT'S, I THINK, ABSOLUTELY THE RIGHT THING TO DO. AND SO I THINK THE COURT FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN THIS PROCESS, AND I KNOW THAT THE ITEM IS PENDING FINAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. BUT, MISS SCHUMACHER, YOU DON'T FORESEE ANY ISSUES. YOU KNOW, AT THE MOMENT WE'RE DOING OUR BEST TO FINALIZE THESE AGREEMENTS. OUR TEAM IS WORKING THE BEST. SO IF [04:25:03] WE NEED FURTHER DIRECTION FROM THE COURT AT SOME POINT IN TIME IN THE FUTURE, THEN WE WOULD LET YOU ALL KNOW. BUT AT THIS TIME, WE'RE TRYING TO FINALIZE THE AGREEMENTS. I SEE MR. GAGLIONE IS ALSO ON, SO I WILL TURN IT OVER TO HER COMMISSIONER, ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY. THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION, COMMISSIONER. YEAH, WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH MR. ANDO AND THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS. OUR PRACTICE IS THAT WE WANT THE COURT TO SEE FINAL CONTRACTS IN THE BACKUP SO THAT YOU ALL COULD REVIEW FINALS BEFORE APPROVING IT. MR. ANDO IS CORRECT. IF THERE ISN'T A SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE, LIKE IF IT'S THINGS LIKE JUST A TYPO, THAT KIND OF THING, WE WON'T ASK TO BRING IT BACK. IF THERE ARE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES, WE WOULD BRING IT BACK TO THE COURT, AND WE'LL MAKE SURE TO SUMMARIZE THOSE CHANGES FOR YOU IF THERE ARE ANY IN THE NEAR FUTURE. OKAY. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. YEAH. I JUST WANT TO TAKE THANK, JOHN, FOR REALLY SPEARHEADING TO MAKE SURE THAT THEN COMMISSIONER BUTLER AND COMMISSIONER DEAN, ALL OF YOU, ALL FOR DOING. YOU KNOW WHAT I THINK IS REALLY THE BEST THING FOR THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT IN TERMS OF THE TRANSFER AUTHORITY. AND YOU JUDGE EVERYBODY THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THIS. I THINK IT'S IT'S A GREAT THING FOR THE COUNTY. AND WE HAVE SOMEBODY REALLY, REALLY SUPER CAPABLE AND MR. ANDO TO HANDLE THAT. SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. LIKEWISE, JOHN. YES. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK, JOHN. THANK YOU. AND I DID GET SOME COMMENTS FROM A LOT, SOME SOME OF MY CONSTITUENTS OUT IN THE UPPER VALLEY THAT THEY'RE VERY THANKFUL. OBVIOUSLY, IT'S ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE ITEMS THAT ARE COMING UP AFTERWARDS. WELL, WE'LL TALK ABOUT THAT. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I DON'T KNOW WHY MINE'S NOT COMING UP, BUT I VOTE. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CORONADO, COMMISSIONER, FOR ME AS WELL. I THANK YOU, SIR. MOTION CARRIES. ALL RIGHT. A D SO THIS AGREEMENT IS TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A MASTER AGREEMENT WITH THE EL PASO AREA TRANSIT, ER, EL PASO AREA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, LGC SO THAT IPADS CAN PURCHASE SERVICE FROM VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS TO SUPPORT IPADS ACTIVITIES. AS YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A TRANSITIONAL YEAR, AND WHILE WE'LL HAVE A STAFF OF EIGHT, WE'LL STILL NEED THE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS COUNTY AUDITOR, HUMAN RESOURCES, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT, COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS, COUNTY CLERK, AND THE COUNTY PURCHASING DEPARTMENT. AS IT RELATES TO THE PRINT SHOP, THIS WILL BE ON A FEE FOR SERVICES BASIS. WE WILL REIMBURSE THOSE DEPARTMENTS ON A MONTHLY BASIS FOR WHATEVER SERVICES THAT WE UTILIZE, SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS AGREEMENT, THIS AGREEMENT IS ON THE FINAL, ON THE ON THE ON THE ON ITS FINAL COMPLETION. WE DON'T WE DON'T FORESEE ANY SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES. SO I REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE JUDGE TO SIGN THE MASTER AGREEMENT UPON COUNTY ATTORNEY REVIEW AND APPROVAL. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS AGREEMENT, IF THERE ARE ANY. I HOPE NOT. THANK YOU. JOHN. I HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. COMMISSIONER STOUT, I THANK YOU. MOTION CARRIES. ALL RIGHT. ITEM A E, THIS IS. I'M REQUEST AUTHORIZATION OF THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH EL PASO COUNTY. I'M SORRY. WITH IPADS AND ENTERPRISE FOR THE FOR AMENDING THE VANPOOL AGREEMENT TO BASICALLY INCLUDE WHAT IS CALLED CAPITAL COST OF CONTRACTING. SO SINCE 2008, THE COUNTY HAS BEEN CONTRIBUTING GENERAL FUND DOLLARS TO SUPPORT THE VANPOOL PROGRAM TO MATCH AGAINST FEDERAL FUNDS WITH IPADS, GETTING URBAN FEDERAL FUNDS TO SUPPORT ITS OVERALL TRANSIT OPERATION. WE'VE WORKED OUT, AND THERE'S BEEN LEGISLATION IN THE TRANSPORTATION BILL THAT BASICALLY AUTHORIZES TRANSIT AGENCIES TO USE THE VEHICLES AS MATCH AGAINST THE OPERATIONAL COSTS OF THE VANPOOL PROGRAM. SO THEREFORE, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO FUND THE VANPOOL PROGRAM AT 100% FEDERAL AND REDIRECTS THAT GENERAL FUND CONTRIBUTION THAT HAS BEEN GOING TO TRANSIT TO NOW ENHANCE PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICES IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA. LIKE, FOR INSTANCE, WE'LL BE LAUNCHING A PROGRAM WITH [04:30:02] UBER LATER ON THIS YEAR, WHICH WILL FINALLY GET PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO THE OUTER COUNTY AREAS LIKE WACO TANKS AND THE SOUTH COUNTY THAT HAS NEVER HAD PUBLIC TRANSIT BEFORE. SO AND AND THEN THIS AMENDMENT ALSO ASSIGNS THE CONTRACT TO IPADS AND REMOVES THE COUNTY FROM HAVING ANY FURTHER LIABILITIES OR OBLIGATIONS TO THE VANPOOL AGREEMENT. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS, IF THERE ARE ANY. NO. FROM COMMISSIONER LINE A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. AYE. MOTION CARRIES. ALRIGHTY. ON TO AF. THIS IS BASICALLY AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 27 TO FUND IPADS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,011,646. SINCE FISCAL YEAR 23, THE COUNTY HAS BEEN PROVIDING FUNDING TO IPADS TO SUPPORT ITS OPERATIONS, AND THIS WILL BE THE FIRST FULL YEAR THAT THE COUNTY WILL BASICALLY GIVE ITS ENTIRE TRANSIT OPERATIONS BUDGET OVER TO IPADS, AND THEY'LL NO LONGER BE A TRANSIT OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT WITHIN EL PASO COUNTY. THIS AGREEMENT IS AT ITS FINAL STAGES. I REQUEST THAT THE COURT AUTHORIZE THE JUDGE TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT ONCE IT'S BEEN APPROVED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, AND HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS AGREEMENT, IF THERE ARE ANY. BARBARA. JOHN. YES, JOHN. BARBARA PARKER, COUNTY AUDITOR, HAVE YOU WORKED WITH BUDGET TO ENSURE THAT THE CONTINGENCIES ARE THERE FOR YOU TO USE FOR THIS AGREEMENT? YES. I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH OUR BUDGET ANALYST THAT'S ASSIGNED TO TRANSIT OPERATIONS. SHE'S CONFIRMED THE ACCOUNT NUMBER AND THAT THE FUNDS ARE THERE AND WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. I THINK AT THE LAST MEETING WHEN THEY ADOPTED THE BUDGET. OKAY. THANK YOU. CARMEN, DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD? I YES, I DID. I JUST WANTED TO AFFIRM WHAT JOHN JUST SAID. AND THE BUDGET IS AVAILABLE IN FISCAL YEAR 2027 AND THE AMOUNT HE STATED. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. JOHN. I JUST WANTED TO TO REMIND THE COURT THAT AS THE LARGEST FISCAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THE COUNTY IN EXCHANGE FOR ITS FISCAL FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS, DOES RETAIN MAJORITY SEATS ON THE BOARD. SO WE HAVE THREE SEATS ON THE BOARD, ONE OF WHICH WILL ALWAYS BE THE CHAIR SEAT ON THE BOARD, WHICH WILL BE HELD BY WHOEVER THE COURT APPOINTS TO THAT SEAT. SO RIGHT NOW WE HAVE TWO MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS COURT, THAT'S MYSELF AND COMMISSIONER STOUT, AS WELL AS JOEL BISHOP SERVING ON THE BOARD TO TO ENSURE THAT AS THE LARGEST FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTOR OF THE COUNTY'S INTERESTS ARE WELL REPRESENTED. AND THAT'S BUILT INTO THE BYLAWS OF. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. MOTION CARRIES. ON TO A G. THIS IS. MAKE A REQUEST THAT THIS COURT AUTHORIZED THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE DESIGN OF PASSENGER BUS SHELTERS WITH THE CAMINO REAL REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY. THIS ALSO ADDS IPADS AS A PARTY TO THE AGREEMENT AND UPDATES PROVISIONS TO ENSURE THAT THIS INTERLOCAL WILL TRANSFER OVER TO IPADS AND REMOVE THE COUNTY FROM ANY FURTHER OBLIGATIONS. WITH THIS AGREEMENT, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST OF 2026. THIS AGREEMENT IS ALSO IN THE FINAL STAGES, AND I REQUEST THAT AS LONG AS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AUTHORIZES ITS EXECUTION, THAT THE JUDGE IS ABLE TO EXECUTE. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS, IF THERE ARE ANY. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER HOLGUIN. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER STOUT. MOTION CARRIES. A H IS. I MAKE A REQUEST THAT THIS COURT AUTHORIZED THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AMENDMENT FOUR TO THE [04:35:01] INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CAMINO REAL REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY TO ALLOW E-PASS TO CONTINUE TO DO DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE FUTURE TRANSIT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FACILITY THAT'S GOING TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON COUNTY OWNED LAND AND WILL BASICALLY ADD APPROXIMATELY A MILLION OF TEX DOT PROVIDED FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE FACILITY DESIGN TO 100%, AND TXDOT WILL PROVIDE THOSE FUNDS ONCE IPADS AND MAY COMPLETE THE DESIGN TO 60% USING COUNTY GENERAL FUNDS THAT WAS APPROVED BY THIS COURT A COUPLE MONTHS BACK AS AUTHORIZED BY AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE, 160% IS COMPLETE. TEXTILE WOULD EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH A PATS TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO 100%. AND. AND LASTLY, SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS AMENDMENT WE JUST DID WITH THE MAY. THIS WOULD ALSO TRANSFER THE INTERLOCAL TO IPADS AND THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER FUNDING TO BE PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY FOR THIS PROJECT. I ALSO WANT TO ADD ANOTHER NOTE THAT IN THE FUTURE, WE'LL BE BRINGING. BEFORE WORKING WITH JOEL BISHOP AS THE LIAISON TO PASS AN ITEM FOR THIS COURT TO CONSIDER A LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE FACILITY TO WHERE IPADS WOULD BASICALLY LEASE THE FACILITY, LEASE THE LAND FROM THE COUNTY, AND PAY BACK THE COUNTY OVER A PERIOD OF 40 YEARS SO THAT ULTIMATELY THE COUNTY COULD, I'M SORRY, IPADS WOULD BE ABLE TO OWN THE LAND ALONG WITH THE FACILITY BEING CONSTRUCTED, AND I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS IF THERE ARE ANY. JOHN. BARBARA PARKER COUNTY AUDITOR, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND THE ATTACHMENT TO THAT CONTRACT SHOWED THAT THE MILLION 42,000 WAS A COUNTY FUND, NOT FEDERAL FUNDS. IS THE COUNTY RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT MILLION $42,000 INCREASE? NO. THE REVISED AGREEMENT BASICALLY REDUCES THAT AMOUNT TO THE OH, I'M SORRY, IT DOES NOT. IT DOES NOT REDUCE THE AMOUNT. IT JUST CHANGES THE THE RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY TO IPADS. THE COUNTY HAS NO FURTHER FUNDING OBLIGATION TO THIS INTERLOCAL. THE COUNTY HAS ALREADY PROVIDED ITS FUNDING TO GET IT TO 60%. OKAY. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM COMMISSIONER HOLGUIN, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER STOUT. MOTION CARRIES. ALL RIGHT, A I THIS IS. I REQUEST THAT THE COURT AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY AND IPADS FOR THE PROVISION OF TRANSIT FARES FROM VARIOUS COUNTY PROGRAMS, SUCH AS JURY DUTY, PROBATION, COUNTY ACCOUNTABILITY COURT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS STARTING OCTOBER 1ST. THIS IS REALLY A NON FINANCIAL BINDING AGREEMENT. BASICALLY, IF A COUNTY DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY WANTS TO BUY BUS PASSES FOR ITS CONSTITUENTS TO GET TO COUNTY RELATED PROGRAMS, THEY CAN MERELY BASICALLY, THIS AGREEMENT WILL ALLOW THAT DEPARTMENT, THROUGH THEIR APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGETS, TO BUY BUS PASSES FROM US. THIS IS SIMILAR TO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT THAT THE COUNTY EXECUTED WITH CITY OF EL PASO FOR SUN METRO BUS PASSES BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2022, SO EACH DEPARTMENT WILL DETERMINE ITS FINANCIAL NEEDS FOR THIS AGREEMENT AND WORK DIRECTLY WITH IPADS TO ORDER THOSE BUS PASSES. I'VE BEEN MEETING WITH VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, COURTS, PROBATION. THEY'RE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS RELATIONSHIP, AND THEY FEEL THAT THIS CAN HELP GET RESIDENTS FROM AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE CITY OF EL PASO TO PARTICIPATE IN COUNTY PROGRAMS AND HELP THEM BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THEIR RESPECTIVE PROGRAMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS ON ITS ON ITS FINAL. IT'S IN ITS FINAL STAGES. AND SIMILAR TO ALL THE PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS I AUTHORIZED, I REQUEST THAT THIS COURT DELEGATE. FINALIZATION TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND UPON LEGAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL, THE JUDGE WOULD EXECUTE. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS, IF THERE ARE ANY. JOHN. JUST SO FOR CLARIFICATION, IF A COUNTY DEPARTMENT HAS FUNDS WITHIN THEIR BUDGETS FOR TRANSIT, THEN THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH IPADS FOR USE OF THOSE FUNDS. NO, THEY WOULD USE THIS AGREEMENT THAT'S ALREADY EXECUTED, AND THEY'LL JUST FILL OUT AN ORDER FORM AND ORDER THOSE BUS PASSES DIRECTLY FROM IPADS. OKAY. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER STOUT. MOTION CARRIES. AND I THINK I JUST WANT TO CONCLUDE, I KNOW, AJ, WE DELETED AND WE'RE GOING TO [04:40:07] DISCUSS THIS ON THURSDAY, BUT I DO WANT TO THANK EACH OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF, AND TO BE OF SERVICE TO THE COUNTY OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT, AND I LOOK FORWARD AND CONTINUING WORK WITH IPADS, AND I HOPE TO CONTINUE THE RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, AS WELL AS THE VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS. BUT I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE FOR THE COUNTY FOR THIS PAST YEAR AND A HALF. THANK YOU JOHN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, JOHN. ITEM FOUR V APPROVE AN AUTHORIZED THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AN ANTIQUITIES CODE PERMIT APPLICATION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION BY TRANSWESTERN PIPELINE COMPANY, LLC TO ALLOW LIMITED EXCAVATIONS ON COUNTY LAND IN THE PIPELINE CORRIDOR. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0619. OH. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS MICHAEL MCELROY, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT. SO THE ITEM THAT YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU IS A PERMIT [V. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign an Antiquities Code Permit Application to be submitted to the Texas Historical Commission by Transwestern Pipeline Company LLC, to allow limited excavations on County land in the pipeline corridor. (Contract No. 2026-0619) Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330] APPLICATION BY TRANSWESTERN PIPELINE COMPANY TO SUBMIT TO THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION TO AUTHORIZE THE PERFORMANCE OF LIMITED ARCHEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS ON CERTAIN COUNTY LAND. SO THE LAND THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IS 2.4 ACRES THAT THE COUNTY OWNS IN FAR EAST EL PASO, DEEP IN PRECINCT ONE, ABOUT TWO MILES WEST OF WACO. TANKS. JUST TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA. AND THIS PIPELINE CORRIDOR IS IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO AN EXISTING NATURAL GAS PIPELINE. TRANSWESTERN PIPELINE COMPANY IS A PIPELINE THAT HAS STRETCHED THAT CURRENTLY STRETCHES FROM THE PERMIAN BASIN, PERMIAN BASIN ALL THE WAY TO ARIZONA AND BEYOND. THEY ARE PROPOSING AN EXPANSION OF THAT PIPELINE AGAIN FROM PERMIAN BASIN, AGAIN ALL THE WAY TO LITTLE SOUTH OF PHOENIX. SO THE COUNTY ALONG THAT 520 MILE CORRIDOR, WE OWN A FEW SCATTERED PARCELS, AND THIS IN A VERY SPECIFIC AREA RIGHT BEFORE IT GOES INTO FORT BLISS. AND SO THIS IS A VERY STANDARD ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY REQUIRED BECAUSE IT'S GOVERNMENT OWNED LAND AND ALSO BECAUSE OF A CERTAIN FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATIONS. AND SO THE PROPOSAL IS TO DO AN INTENSIVE FOOT SURVEY. PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GO OUT THERE AND LOOK AT THE PROPERTY. IF THEY SEE ANYTHING THAT THEY THINK COULD BE OF INTEREST, HISTORICAL OR ARCHEOLOGICAL, THEY'LL DO SOME LIMITED SHOVEL TESTING AND AND THEN WHATEVER THEY FIND, THEY WILL REPORT IT AND POTENTIALLY MAIL IT TO THE STATE. THIS VERY STANDARD PROJECTS TO CONFORM WITH THE NEPA REQUIREMENTS. AND THIS IS A REQUEST FROM THAT COMPANY TO INITIATE THAT ARCHEOLOGICAL STUDY. AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'LL BE VERY HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM. THANK YOU. MICHAEL, I, I WANTED TO PULL THIS AGENDA TO JUST RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THIS PIPELINE PROJECT THAT IS THAT HAS BEEN PROPOSED. AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY THEY DO HAVE REQUIREMENTS UNDER FERC AND THE NEPA PROCESS. AND THIS IS PART OF THAT. ONE OF THE QUESTIONS I HAD IS, IS THIS REQUEST, AND I THINK YOU MENTIONED IT WAS BECAUSE WE'RE A GOVERNMENT AGENCY, SO THEY DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS TYPE OF ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY ALONG THEIR FOOTPRINT, ONLY ON GOVERNMENT LAND. THEY HAVE TO DO IT BECAUSE WE'RE GOVERNMENT LAND, BUT ALSO BECAUSE OF FERC. NOW, TO THE EXTENT THEY HAVE TO DO IT ALONG THE ENTIRE PIPELINE. I I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH WITH THAT, BUT SO OUR PARCEL SPECIFICALLY, YES, IT'S A REQUIREMENT AND IT'S BASICALLY JUST GRANTING THEM ACCESS, LIKE ACCESS TO THE PROPERTY. CORRECT. SO THE COURT HAS PREVIOUSLY GRANTED ACCESS FOR LIMITED SURVEYING PURPOSES. THIS SPECIFIC IS TO PERFORM THE ARCHEOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS. OKAY. OR TO INITIATE WITH THE STATE THAT THE STATE WILL GRANT THE PERMIT TO DO SO. OKAY. BUT WE ARE SIGNING IT AS THE LANDOWNER. OKAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE CLARIFICATION. I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, [04:45:05] JUDGE. I APOLOGIZE. THE SYSTEM IS. GO AHEAD AND JUST TAKE A VERBAL VOTE AT THIS TIME. MAY I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE? I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER. I MEAN COMMISSIONER BUTLER. MOTION TO APPROVE. SECOND. I'LL. SECOND. COMMISSIONER LARKIN. HAVE A SECOND. COMMISSIONER BUTLER, I, COMMISSIONER STOUT. I COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER. CORONADO. I. JUDGE. SAMANIEGO. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. MICHAEL. BEFORE WE GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, WE DO NEED TO TAKE A COUPLE OF SOME ACTION ON A COUPLE OF ITEMS. WE HAVE A REQUEST FOR ITEM 14 D TO BE POSTPONED FOR ONE WEEK PER THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER STOUT. MOTION CARRIES. AND WE HAVE A REQUEST TO DELETE ITEM 14 F. A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER LOGAN. THE VOTING IS OPEN. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER STOUT. COMMISSIONER. YOUR VOTE, MA'AM. OH. I'M SORRY. THANK YOU. MOTION CARRIES. AT THIS TIME, COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE. WE NEED THE 551.0725 FINDINGS. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. SO STAFF IS ASKING THAT ITEMS 14 E AND 14 G BE HEARD IN EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.0725 FOR ITEM 14 E ON DECEMBER 9TH, 2024, THE COUNTY ENTERED INTO A SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE BOOSTING TOURISM THROUGH STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND COLLABORATIONS FOR THE COUNTY OF EL PASO, FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WITH EFO MEDIA TO PROMOTE EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC SITES TO HELP REVITALIZE BUSINESSES AND LANDMARKS AND HELP CONTRIBUTE TO THE REGION'S OVERALL ECONOMIC RECOVERY. COUNTY STAFF DESIRES TO BRIEF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT WITH REGARDS TO THE STATUS OF THE SERVICE AGREEMENT, AND TO RECEIVE CONFIRMATION DIRECTION FROM THE COMMISSIONERS COURT REGARDING ANY POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL TERMS OF THE AFOREMENTIONED FOR ITEM 14 G. ALSO ON DECEMBER 9TH, 2020, 2024, THE COUNTY ENTERED INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR COMPREHENSIVE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR MICRO AND SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS EL PASO WITH THE EL PASO HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO MICRO AND SMALL BUSINESSES COUNTYWIDE, THE COUNTY IS NOW CONSIDERING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT. COUNTY STAFF'S DESIRES TO BRIEF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT WITH REGARDS TO THE STATUS OF THE SERVICE AGREEMENT AND THE PROPOSED TERMS OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT. IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CONFIRMATION DIRECTION FROM THE COMMISSIONERS COURT REGARDING THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL TERMS OF THE AFOREMENTIONED. THE INFORMATION TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDES ISSUES INVOLVING BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATED TO CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, AND THE COURT MUST BE FREE TO DISCUSS THOSE ISSUES WITHOUT UNDERMINING THE COUNTY'S POSITION. THEREFORE, FOR BOTH OF THE AFOREMENTIONED ITEMS, CLAUDIA ARANDA, AS YOUR LEGAL ADVISER, HAS DETERMINED THAT AN OPEN MEETING CONCERNING THESE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL ISSUES RELATING TO THOSE NEGOTIATIONS WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN NEGOTIATIONS. THUS, I AM REQUESTING THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT UNANIMOUSLY VOTE. THE DELIBERATIONS AND OPEN MEETING WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AND NEGOTIATIONS, AND THAT ALL SAID DELIBERATIONS TAKE PLACE IN CLOSED SESSION. I WOULD FURTHER REQUEST THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT DIRECT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONERS COURT REPORTER TO ENSURE THAT ALL PROCEEDINGS IN CLOSED SESSION BE RECORDED. IF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AGREES, I NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND AND A RECORDED VOTE AT THIS TIME. A COPY OF THESE LEGAL MEMOS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONERS, COURT REPORTERS TO BE MADE A PART OF THE OFFICIAL COURT RECORDS. THANK YOU. THAT WAS A MOUTHFUL. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER, A SECOND FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION FIVE FIVE, 1.071551.0725 AND 551.087 TO DISCUSS ITEMS 14 A 14, B 14, C. 14, E. 14 G. 14 H FOUR, K12A AND 12 B. WE WILL RECONVENE TO TAKE REGULAR ACTION. IT IS 2:20 P.M. [04:53:23] SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES. SEE WHAT EL PASO COUNTY HAD GOING ON IN AUGUST. EL PASO COUNTY CARES ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF ITS CONSTITUENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF THE ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE PARK PROJECT. EL PASO COUNTY WANTS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR'S FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING [04:55:05] 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. 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 [05:00:02] CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES THEY NEED TO BUILD STABILITY, IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND CREATE BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH COMPASSION, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKS TO STRENGTHEN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES. OUR WORK IS CARRIED OUT THROUGH FIVE DIVISIONS, EACH PLAYING A UNIQUE ROLE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS. GENERAL ASSISTANCE THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION HELPS ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS BURIAL ASSISTANCE, HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE ONE OF LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS WITH DIGNITY AND COMPASSION. FOR MANY COUNTY RESIDENTS, THIS SUPPORT BECOMES THE BRIDGE THAT HELPS THEM REGAIN STABILITY AND MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE. SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM HAS SUPPORTED OLDER ADULTS BY PROVIDING NUTRITIOUS MEALS AT COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING MEALS DIRECTLY TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. MORE THAN A MEAL, THESE SERVICES PROMOTE HEALTH, INDEPENDENCE AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CONNECTION, ENSURING OUR OLDER ADULTS REMAIN SUPPORTED, VALUED AND CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY. OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS. ESTABLISHED IN 2020, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS ENSURE EVERY EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENT, WHETHER THEY'VE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS OR ARE NEW TO OUR COMMUNITY, HAS ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES THEY NEED THROUGH OUTREACH, COLLABORATION, AND STRONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS RESIDENTS PURSUE CITIZENSHIP, LEARN ENGLISH, CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION, AND EXPAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. PROGRAMS LIKE PACE, WHICH SUPPORTS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ON THEIR PATHWAY TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP. AND I SPEAK 915, OUR COUNTYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS INITIATIVE HELPS REMOVE BARRIERS AND MAKE COUNTY SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE. WORKING ALONGSIDE SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, VOLUNTEERS, FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS BRINGS RESOURCES DIRECTLY INTO NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INVESTS IN HOUSING, PUBLIC SERVICES, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT RURAL AREAS OF EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH THE COLONIA SELF-HELP CENTER PROGRAM, RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO OWNER OCCUPIED HOME IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENTS, THE TOOL LENDING LIBRARY, AND THE SMALL BUSINESS CENTER. RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES, AND GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. THE DIVISION ALSO OPERATES THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER, WHICH HAS SERVED RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. THE CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, MEETING SPACES, A HYGIENE CLOSET, AND SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY. LOCATED AT THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER CAMPUS, ILLUMINA PUBLIC LIBRARY IS EL PASO COUNTY'S FIRST ALL DIGITAL PUBLIC LIBRARY. WITH A FREE DIGITAL LIBRARY CARD. RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION, ILLUMINA ALSO OFFERS IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY CLASSES, PRINTING SERVICES, WI-FI HOTSPOTS, TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. [05:05:06] HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. WELL, ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE. AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT ISN'T THE CITY EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY, AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIP TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS ARE COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HA! HEY. 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 [05:10:02] 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. 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 ASCARATE PARK PROJECT. EL PASO COUNTY WANTS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR'S FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE [05:15:06] NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS A MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS CONTINUED GROWTH FURTHER ESTABLISHES THE BORDER REGION AS A STRATEGIC CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAINS. THE COURTHOUSE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING A CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANNA YANEZ, WHO SHOWCASES, WITH RESPECT AND REVERENCE THE FACES OF COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM MEXICO'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THROUGH EVERY FACE, EVERY GESTURE SUSPENDED IN TIME. THE ARTIST DRAWS AN EMOTIONAL MAP THAT REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HELPED FACILITATE THE FRAME STRUCTURES IN WHICH THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE DISPLAYED. THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON EXHIBIT THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER, ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE ENRIQUE MORENO COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN EL PASO. IT IS FREE AND NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. COME CHECK IT OUT. THAT DOES IT FOR THIS EDITION OF COUNTY CONNECTS. AS WE HEAD INTO FALL, MAKE SURE TO STAY TUNED AND STAY CONNECTED WITH EL PASO COUNTY. [05:20:18] EVERY DAY ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND NEWCOMERS FACE CHALLENGES THAT CAN MAKE LIFE MORE DIFFICULT. THAT'S WHY EL PASO COUNTY IS DEDICATED TO CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES THEY NEED TO BUILD STABILITY, IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND CREATE BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH COMPASSION, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKS TO STRENGTHEN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES. OUR WORK IS CARRIED OUT THROUGH FIVE DIVISIONS, EACH PLAYING A UNIQUE ROLE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS. GENERAL ASSISTANCE THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION HELPS ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS BURIAL ASSISTANCE, HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE ONE OF LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS WITH DIGNITY AND COMPASSION. FOR MANY COUNTY RESIDENTS, THIS SUPPORT BECOMES THE BRIDGE THAT HELPS THEM REGAIN STABILITY AND MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE. SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM HAS SUPPORTED OLDER ADULTS BY PROVIDING NUTRITIOUS MEALS AT COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING MEALS DIRECTLY TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. MORE THAN A MEAL, THESE SERVICES PROMOTE HEALTH INDEPENDENCE AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CONNECTION, ENSURING OUR OLDER ADULTS REMAIN SUPPORTED, VALUED AND CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY. OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS. ESTABLISHED IN 2020, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS ENSURE EVERY EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENT, WHETHER THEY'VE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS OR ARE NEW TO OUR COMMUNITY, HAS ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES THEY NEED. THROUGH OUTREACH, COLLABORATION, AND STRONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS RESIDENTS PURSUE CITIZENSHIP, LEARN ENGLISH, CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION, AND EXPAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. PROGRAMS LIKE PACE, WHICH SUPPORTS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ON THEIR PATHWAY TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP. AND. I SPEAK 915. OUR COUNTY WIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS INITIATIVE HELPS REMOVE BARRIERS AND MAKE COUNTY SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE. WORKING ALONGSIDE SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, VOLUNTEERS, FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS BRINGS RESOURCES DIRECTLY INTO NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INVESTS IN HOUSING, PUBLIC SERVICES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT RURAL AREAS OF EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH THE COLONIA SELF-HELP CENTER PROGRAM, RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO OWNER OCCUPIED HOME IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENTS, THE TOOL LENDING LIBRARY, AND THE SMALL BUSINESS CENTER RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES, AND GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. THE DIVISION ALSO OPERATES THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER, WHICH HAS SERVED RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. THE CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, MEETING SPACES, A HYGIENE CLOSET, AND SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS 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 [05:25:02] DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. WELL, ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE. AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT ISN'T THE CITY EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY, AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIP TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HA HA HA HA. HEY. 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 [05:30:02] 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. EL PASO SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES. SEE WHAT EL PASO COUNTY HAD GOING ON IN AUGUST. EL PASO COUNTY CARES ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF ITS CONSTITUENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF THE 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 [05:35:04] VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR. FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS CONTINUED GROWTH FURTHER ESTABLISHES THE BORDER REGION AS A STRATEGIC CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAINS. THE COURTHOUSE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING A CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY ROUTES THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANNA YANEZ, WHO SHOWCASES, WITH RESPECT AND REVERENCE THE FACES OF COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM MEXICO'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THROUGH EVERY FACE, EVERY GESTURE SUSPENDED IN TIME. THE ARTIST DRAWS AN EMOTIONAL MAP THAT REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HELPED FACILITATE THE FRAME STRUCTURES IN WHICH THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE DISPLAYED. THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON EXHIBIT THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER, ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE ENRIQUE MORENO COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN EL PASO. IT IS FREE AND NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. COME CHECK IT OUT. THAT DOES IT FOR THIS EDITION OF COUNTY CONNECTS. AS WE HEAD INTO FALL, MAKE SURE TO STAY TUNED AND STAY CONNECTED WITH EL PASO COUNTY. [05:40:45] EVERY DAY ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND NEWCOMERS FACE CHALLENGES THAT CAN MAKE LIFE MORE DIFFICULT. THAT'S WHY EL PASO COUNTY IS DEDICATED TO CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES THEY NEED TO BUILD STABILITY, IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND CREATE BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH COMPASSION, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKS TO STRENGTHEN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES. OUR WORK IS CARRIED OUT THROUGH FIVE DIVISIONS, EACH PLAYING A UNIQUE ROLE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS. GENERAL ASSISTANCE THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION HELPS ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS BURIAL ASSISTANCE, HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE ONE OF LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS WITH DIGNITY AND COMPASSION. FOR MANY COUNTY RESIDENTS, THIS SUPPORT BECOMES THE BRIDGE THAT HELPS THEM REGAIN STABILITY AND MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE. SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM HAS SUPPORTED OLDER ADULTS BY PROVIDING NUTRITIOUS MEALS AT COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING MEALS DIRECTLY TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. MORE THAN A MEAL, THESE SERVICES PROMOTE HEALTH INDEPENDENCE AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CONNECTION, ENSURING OUR OLDER ADULTS REMAIN SUPPORTED, VALUED AND CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY. OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS. ESTABLISHED IN 2020, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS ENSURE EVERY EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENT, WHETHER THEY'VE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS OR ARE NEW TO OUR COMMUNITY, HAS ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES THEY NEED. THROUGH OUTREACH, COLLABORATION, AND STRONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS RESIDENTS PURSUE CITIZENSHIP, LEARN ENGLISH, CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION, AND EXPAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. PROGRAMS LIKE PACE, WHICH SUPPORTS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ON THEIR PATHWAY TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP. AND. I SPEAK 915, OUR COUNTY WIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS INITIATIVE HELPS REMOVE BARRIERS AND MAKE COUNTY SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE. WORKING ALONGSIDE SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, VOLUNTEERS, FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS BRINGS RESOURCES DIRECTLY INTO NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INVESTS IN HOUSING, PUBLIC SERVICES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT RURAL AREAS OF EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH THE COLONIA SELF-HELP CENTER PROGRAM, RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO OWNER OCCUPIED HOME IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENTS, THE TOOL LENDING LIBRARY, AND THE SMALL BUSINESS CENTER RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES, AND GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. THE DIVISION ALSO OPERATES THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER, WHICH HAS SERVED RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. THE CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, MEETING SPACES, A HYGIENE CLOSET, AND SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS 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, [05:45:04] TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. WELL, ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE. AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS, AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT IS IT THE CITY? EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY, AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIP TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HA HA HA. HEY. 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 [05:50:02] 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. 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. [05:55:03] AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE PARK PROJECT. EL PASO COUNTY WANTS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR. FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS 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 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. [06:01:12] EVERY DAY ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND NEWCOMERS FACE CHALLENGES THAT CAN MAKE LIFE MORE DIFFICULT. THAT'S WHY EL PASO COUNTY IS DEDICATED TO CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES THEY NEED TO BUILD STABILITY, IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND CREATE BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH COMPASSION, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKS TO STRENGTHEN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES. OUR WORK IS CARRIED OUT THROUGH FIVE DIVISIONS, EACH PLAYING A UNIQUE ROLE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS. GENERAL ASSISTANCE THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION HELPS ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS BURIAL ASSISTANCE, HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE ONE OF LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS WITH DIGNITY AND COMPASSION. FOR MANY COUNTY RESIDENTS, THIS SUPPORT BECOMES THE BRIDGE THAT HELPS THEM REGAIN STABILITY AND MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE. SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM HAS SUPPORTED OLDER ADULTS BY PROVIDING NUTRITIOUS MEALS AT COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING MEALS DIRECTLY TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. MORE THAN A MEAL, THESE SERVICES PROMOTE HEALTH INDEPENDENCE AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CONNECTION, ENSURING OUR OLDER ADULTS REMAIN SUPPORTED, VALUED AND CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY. OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS. ESTABLISHED IN 2020, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS ENSURE EVERY EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENT, WHETHER THEY'VE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS OR ARE NEW TO OUR COMMUNITY, HAS ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES THEY NEED. THROUGH OUTREACH, COLLABORATION, AND STRONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS RESIDENTS PURSUE CITIZENSHIP, LEARN ENGLISH, CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION, AND EXPAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. PROGRAMS LIKE PACE, WHICH SUPPORTS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ON THEIR PATHWAY TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND I SPEAK 915. OUR COUNTY WIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS INITIATIVE HELPS REMOVE BARRIERS AND MAKE COUNTY SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE. WORKING ALONGSIDE SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, VOLUNTEERS, FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS BRINGS RESOURCES DIRECTLY INTO NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INVESTS IN HOUSING, PUBLIC SERVICES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT RURAL AREAS OF EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH THE COLONIA SELF-HELP CENTER PROGRAM, RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO OWNER OCCUPIED HOME IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENTS, THE TOOL LENDING LIBRARY, AND THE SMALL BUSINESS CENTER RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES, AND GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. THE DIVISION ALSO OPERATES THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER, WHICH HAS SERVED RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. THE CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, MEETING SPACES, A HYGIENE CLOSET, AND SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY. LOCATED AT THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER CAMPUS, ILLUMINA PUBLIC LIBRARY [06:05:03] IS EL PASO COUNTY'S FIRST ALL DIGITAL PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH A FREE DIGITAL LIBRARY CARD. RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION, ILLUMINA ALSO OFFERS IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY CLASSES, PRINTING SERVICES, WI-FI HOTSPOTS, TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE. AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT ISN'T THE CITY EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY, AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIP TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HA HA HA. HEY. EVERY DAY EL PASO COUNTY WORKS TO IMPROVE THE [06:10:12] 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. [06:15:12] SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES. SEE WHAT EL PASO COUNTY HAD GOING ON IN AUGUST. EL PASO COUNTY CARES ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF ITS CONSTITUENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF THE ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE PARK PROJECT. EL PASO COUNTY WANTS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR'S FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION 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. [06:21:39] 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 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, [06:25:06] COMMUNITY EVENTS, MEETING SPACES, A HYGIENE CLOSET, AND SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY. LOCATED AT THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER CAMPUS, ILLUMINA PUBLIC LIBRARY IS EL PASO COUNTY'S FIRST ALL DIGITAL PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH A FREE DIGITAL LIBRARY CARD. RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION, ILLUMINA ALSO OFFERS IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY CLASSES, PRINTING SERVICES, WI-FI HOTSPOTS, TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. BUT ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE, AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT IS IT THE CITY EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIPS TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A [06:30:08] GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HEY. 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. [06:35:39] SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES. SEE WHAT EL PASO COUNTY HAD GOING ON IN AUGUST. EL PASO COUNTY CARES ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF ITS CONSTITUENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF THE ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE PARK PROJECT. EL PASO COUNTY WANTS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR'S FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER 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. [06:42:06] EVERY DAY ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND NEWCOMERS FACE CHALLENGES THAT CAN MAKE LIFE MORE DIFFICULT. THAT'S WHY EL PASO COUNTY IS DEDICATED TO CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES THEY NEED TO BUILD STABILITY, IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND CREATE BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH COMPASSION, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKS TO STRENGTHEN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES. OUR WORK IS CARRIED OUT THROUGH FIVE DIVISIONS, EACH PLAYING A UNIQUE ROLE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS. GENERAL ASSISTANCE THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION HELPS ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS BURIAL ASSISTANCE, HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE ONE OF LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS WITH DIGNITY AND COMPASSION. FOR MANY COUNTY RESIDENTS, THIS SUPPORT BECOMES THE BRIDGE THAT HELPS THEM REGAIN STABILITY AND MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE. SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM. FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM HAS SUPPORTED OLDER ADULTS BY PROVIDING NUTRITIOUS MEALS AT COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING MEALS DIRECTLY TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. MORE THAN A MEAL, THESE SERVICES PROMOTE HEALTH INDEPENDENCE AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CONNECTION, ENSURING OUR OLDER ADULTS REMAIN SUPPORTED, VALUED AND CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY. OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS. ESTABLISHED IN 2020, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS ENSURE EVERY EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENT, WHETHER THEY'VE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS OR ARE NEW TO OUR COMMUNITY, HAS ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES THEY NEED THROUGH OUTREACH, COLLABORATION, AND STRONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS RESIDENTS PURSUE CITIZENSHIP, LEARN ENGLISH, CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION, AND EXPAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. PROGRAMS LIKE PACE, WHICH SUPPORTS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ON THEIR PATHWAY TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP. AND. I SPEAK 915, OUR COUNTYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS INITIATIVE HELPS REMOVE BARRIERS AND MAKE COUNTY SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE. WORKING ALONGSIDE SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, VOLUNTEERS, FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS BRINGS RESOURCES DIRECTLY INTO NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INVESTS IN HOUSING, PUBLIC SERVICES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT RURAL AREAS OF EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH THE [06:45:03] COLONIA SELF-HELP CENTER PROGRAM, RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO OWNER OCCUPIED HOME IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENTS, THE TOOL LENDING LIBRARY, AND THE SMALL BUSINESS CENTER. RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES, AND GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. THE DIVISION ALSO OPERATES THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER, WHICH HAS SERVED RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. THE CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, MEETING SPACES, A HYGIENE CLOSET, AND SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY. IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY. LOCATED AT THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER CAMPUS, ILLUMINA PUBLIC LIBRARY IS EL PASO COUNTY'S FIRST ALL DIGITAL PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH A FREE DIGITAL LIBRARY CARD. RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION, ILLUMINA ALSO OFFERS IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY CLASSES, PRINTING SERVICES, WI-FI HOTSPOTS, TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. WELL, ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE, AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT IS IT THE CITY EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. [06:50:02] OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIP TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HEY. OH. 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. [06:56:06] SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES. SEE WHAT EL PASO COUNTY HAD GOING ON IN AUGUST. EL PASO COUNTY CARES ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF ITS CONSTITUENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF THE ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE ASCARATE PARK PROJECT. EL PASO COUNTY WANTS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR'S FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS CONTINUED GROWTH FURTHER ESTABLISHES THE BORDER REGION AS A STRATEGIC CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAINS. THE COURTHOUSE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING A CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY. ROOTS THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, WHO SHOWCASES WITH RESPECT AND REVERENCE THE FACES OF COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM MEXICO'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THROUGH EVERY FACE, EVERY GESTURE SUSPENDED IN TIME. THE ARTIST DRAWS AN EMOTIONAL MAP THAT REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HELPED FACILITATE THE FRAME STRUCTURES IN WHICH THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE DISPLAYED. THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON EXHIBIT THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER, ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE ENRIQUE MORENO COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN EL PASO. IT IS FREE AND NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. COME CHECK IT OUT. THAT DOES IT FOR THIS EDITION OF COUNTY CONNECTS. AS WE HEAD INTO FALL, MAKE SURE TO STAY TUNED AND STAY [07:00:04] CONNECTED WITH EL PASO COUNTY. EVERY DAY ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND NEWCOMERS FACE CHALLENGES THAT CAN MAKE LIFE MORE DIFFICULT. THAT'S WHY EL PASO COUNTY IS DEDICATED TO CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES THEY NEED TO BUILD STABILITY, IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND CREATE BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH COMPASSION, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. THE EL PASO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKS TO STRENGTHEN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES. OUR WORK IS CARRIED OUT THROUGH FIVE DIVISIONS, EACH PLAYING A UNIQUE ROLE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS. GENERAL ASSISTANCE THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION HELPS ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY RENT, MORTGAGE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS BURIAL ASSISTANCE, HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE ONE OF LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS WITH DIGNITY AND COMPASSION. FOR MANY COUNTY RESIDENTS, THIS SUPPORT BECOMES THE BRIDGE THAT HELPS THEM REGAIN STABILITY AND MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE. SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM HAS SUPPORTED OLDER ADULTS BY PROVIDING NUTRITIOUS MEALS AT COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING MEALS DIRECTLY TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. MORE THAN A MEAL, THESE SERVICES PROMOTE HEALTH INDEPENDENCE AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CONNECTION, ENSURING OUR OLDER ADULTS REMAIN SUPPORTED, VALUED AND CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY. OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS. ESTABLISHED IN 2020, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS ENSURE EVERY EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENT, WHETHER THEY'VE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS OR ARE NEW TO OUR COMMUNITY, HAS ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES THEY NEED THROUGH OUTREACH, COLLABORATION, AND STRONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS HELPS RESIDENTS PURSUE CITIZENSHIP, LEARN ENGLISH, CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION, AND EXPAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. PROGRAMS LIKE PACE, WHICH SUPPORTS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ON THEIR PATHWAY TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP. AND I SPEAK 915, OUR COUNTYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS INITIATIVE HELPS REMOVE BARRIERS AND MAKE COUNTY SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE. WORKING ALONGSIDE SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS, VOLUNTEERS, [07:05:07] FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS, THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS BRINGS RESOURCES DIRECTLY INTO NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS EL PASO COUNTY. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INVESTS IN HOUSING, PUBLIC SERVICES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT RURAL AREAS OF EL PASO COUNTY. THROUGH THE COLONIA SELF-HELP CENTER PROGRAM, RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO OWNER OCCUPIED HOME IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENTS, THE TOOL LENDING LIBRARY, AND THE SMALL BUSINESS CENTER. RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES, AND GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. THE DIVISION ALSO OPERATES THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER, WHICH HAS SERVED RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. THE CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, MEETING SPACES, A HYGIENE CLOSET, AND SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PARTNERS. CREATING A WELCOMING PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GATHER, LEARN AND CONNECT. DIGITAL LIBRARY IN TODAY'S WORLD, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY IS ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY. LOCATED AT THE AGUA DULCE COMMUNITY CENTER CAMPUS, ILLUMINA PUBLIC LIBRARY IS EL PASO COUNTY'S FIRST ALL DIGITAL PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH A FREE DIGITAL LIBRARY CARD. RESIDENTS CAN INSTANTLY ACCESS THOUSANDS OF EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS, STREAMING SERVICES, AND ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES. BEYOND ITS DIGITAL COLLECTION, ILLUMINA ALSO OFFERS IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY CLASSES, PRINTING SERVICES, WI-FI HOTSPOTS, TABLETS, AND ENGAGING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT HELP BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND CONNECT RESIDENTS TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ESSENTIAL ONLINE SERVICES. TOGETHER, THESE FIVE DIVISIONS SHARE ONE COMMON PURPOSE IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE. TOGETHER, WE'RE BUILDING A STRONGER, HEALTHIER AND MORE CONNECTED EL PASO COUNTY. THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE FAMILY YOUTH SERVICES CENTER, LOCATED AT 6314 DELTA DRIVE. PROUDLY SERVING THE EL PASO COMMUNITY. HOWDY. I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN. ME TOO. BUT I'M A MCLENNAN COUNTY GAL AT HEART. I LIVE IN WACO, WHICH I GUESS IS ALSO MCLENNAN COUNTY. AND DON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M PROUD TO BE A TEXAN, BUT I'M A CITY GIRL AT HEART. ALL THAT COUNTY STUFF IS IN THE COUNTRY, RIGHT? HOLD ON THERE, MISSY. WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR NOT, YOU'RE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE COUNTY AS ANYONE ELSE. THAT'S RIGHT. AND YOUR STATE, YOUR CITY, AND YOUR COUNTY ALL HAVE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO. WELL, ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'VE GOT THREE GOVERNMENTS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE? YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT. WHAT DO THEY ALL DO ANYWAY? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. LET'S START WITH YOU, COWBOY. WE ALL LOVE LIVING IN THE LONE STAR STATE, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A LIMITED PURPOSE AND SCOPE. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LEGISLATURE ONLY MEETS EVERY OTHER YEAR. WHEN IT DOES, IT HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND LAWS THAT APPLY TO THE ENTIRE STATE AS A WHOLE. AND IT NEEDS A LOCAL PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ITS LAWS AND POLICIES. WELL. SO WHO DOES THAT? I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTIES COME IN. THEY WERE CREATED TO IMPLEMENT STATE POLICIES AND ENFORCE STATE LAWS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. IT'S WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD ON CARRYING OUT THE STATE'S PRIORITIES. YOU SEE, THE COUNTY ENFORCES THE STATE'S LAWS AND POLICIES. COUNTIES PROVIDE SERVICES LOCALLY TAILORED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. AND THEY CAN DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN BY THE LOCALS AND CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE. YEAH, BUT IS IT THE CITY? EVEN MORE LOCAL THAN THE COUNTY? THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, ONE THAT I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. CITIES ARE LOCAL AND THEY PROVIDE SERVICES, BUT WITH LIMITS AND WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. IF YOU LIVE IN A CITY, THEY MAY PROVIDE THINGS LIKE WATER, ELECTRICITY, AND WASTE REMOVAL. BIGGER CITIES HAVE A POLICE FORCE AND THE CITY MAY BUILD CERTAIN STREETS. WELL, THAT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYTHING I NEED. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WELL, I'M GLAD YOU ASKED. THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO YOUR COUNTY. YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT FILLS THE GAP, PROVIDING THINGS THAT THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNMENT DO NOT. IT PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNTY WIDE. IT RUNS THE COURT SYSTEMS. WHEN THERE ARE BAD GUYS, IT KEEPS THE JAILS WHERE THEY STAY. IT REGISTERS VOTERS AND HOLDS ELECTIONS FOR EVERYTHING FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE [07:10:05] PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. COUNTIES KEEP TRACK OF RECORDS LIKE DEEDS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND DEATH CERTIFICATES. COUNTIES BUILD AND MAINTAIN ABOUT HALF THE ROADS IN TEXAS. THE COUNTY PROVIDES HEALTH CARE TO LOWER INCOME RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND COUNTY OFTEN COLLECTS TAXES ON BEHALF OF OTHER ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CITIES. ARE YOU GETTING THE PICTURE? WOW, THAT'S A LOT. YES IT IS. OH, SO I GET IT. THE COUNTY IS ACTUALLY THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION ENABLED BY THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION TO CARRY OUT STATE LAWS, BUT WITH DIRECT AND CONNECTED RELATIONSHIP TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES. VERY GOOD CITY GAL. YES, YOU ARE TEXANS AND MAY LIVE IN THE CITY, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE ALSO PROUD COUNTY RESIDENTS TOO. THANK YOU. BIG VOICE IN THE SKY. YEAH. DO YOU HAVE A NAME OR SOMETHING? WELL, YEAH. OH. HEY, GUYS, IT'S ME, CHET. I GUESS I'M JUST A GUY WHO THINKS COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOL. AND I THOUGHT Y'ALL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS STUFF. ANYWAY, SEE YOU LATER. OKAY. WELL, I HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING, BECAUSE TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER. HEY. 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. [07:16:33] SUMMER IS PRETTY MUCH OVER, BUT EL PASO COUNTY IS STILL IN FULL SWING WITH ACTIVITIES. SEE WHAT EL PASO COUNTY HAD GOING ON IN AUGUST. EL PASO COUNTY CARES ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF ITS CONSTITUENTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF THE ASCARATE PARK BOND PROJECT. AS A RESULT, THE COUNTY HELD A UNIQUE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AT THE ASCARATE PARK PAVILION TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM RESIDENTS REGARDING THE PARK PROJECT. EL PASO COUNTY WANTS TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC'S INPUT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITS CROWN JEWEL PARK A MUCH BETTER AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREE NEW UTILITY VEHICLES. A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE ADDITION OF TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS AND ONE BULK WASTE LOADER GRAPPLER TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES WERE ACQUIRED WITH THE SUPPORT OF US CONGRESSWOMAN VERONICA ESCOBAR. FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING. THE FEDERAL INVESTMENT IS HELPING EL PASO COUNTY EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY REMOVE ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE FROM THE DESERT AREAS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. THE NEW VEHICLES WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FLOOD RESPONSE OPERATIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR OTHER CRITICAL COUNTY PROJECTS. THE EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. CONGRESSWOMAN ESCOBAR AND EFFO. MEDIA PROVIDED THE FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE ON THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FUNDED MISSION TRAIL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND SMALL BUSINESSES ALONG EL PASO COUNTY'S HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL CORRIDOR. THE INITIATIVE PROVIDES PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOMIZED MARKETING ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, AND ONE ON ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. THESE INITIATIVES ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL, ENHANCE DIGITAL PRESENCE, AND HELP BUSINESS CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION'S GROWING HERITAGE TOURISM ECONOMY. THIS IS THE MISSION TRAIL. EL PASO COUNTY, THE CITY OF SOCORRO AND THE BORDER PLEX ALLIANCE CELEBRATED THE INVESTMENT FROM THE WE WIN CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS SERVER MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OPERATIONS AT THE SOCORRO LOGISTICS CENTER. THIS EXPANSION WILL CREATE OVER 2000 NEW FULL TIME JOBS FOR EL PASO COUNTY RESIDENTS, WITH OPERATIONS IN EL PASO AND CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO. WE. WINS CONTINUED GROWTH FURTHER ESTABLISHES THE BORDER REGION AS A STRATEGIC CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAINS. THE COURTHOUSE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING A CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY. ROOTS THAT SPEAK PORTRAITS OF THE SACRED IS A PHOTO EXHIBITION BY MARIANA YANEZ, WHO SHOWCASES WITH RESPECT AND REVERENCE THE FACES OF COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM MEXICO'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THROUGH EVERY FACE, EVERY GESTURE SUSPENDED IN TIME, THE ARTIST DRAWS AN EMOTIONAL MAP THAT REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THE EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HELPED FACILITATE [07:20:04] 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. ARE WE READY? GO AHEAD. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS RECONVENED INTO REGULAR OPEN SESSION. IT IS 4:52 P.M. WE'LL GO BACK TO THE ITEM THAT WAS PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 4AK. WE WILL BE POSTPONING THIS ITEM ONE WEEK. COULD HAVE A MOTION. I'LL MAKE THAT MOTION. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER, MAY I HAVE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND IT, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M NOT. I [AK. GRANT AWARD - Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Interlocal Cooperation Contract between Texas State University and El Paso County on behalf of the Office of the Constable, Precinct 4 to conduct tobacco enforcement operations beginning upon the date of signature through August 31, 2027, in the amount of $15,000. (Contract No. 2026-0692) Luis Aguilar, Constable, Constable Precinct 4, 915-273-3503] HAD TO REFRESH. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I CAN TAKE A VERBAL VOTE. ALL RIGHT. WONDERFUL. JUDGE YOUR VOTE. I VOTE. I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THANK YOU. JUDGE. COMMISSIONER STOUT IS ABSENT. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 12 A. POSTPONE. SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2026. SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2026. GRANT APPLICATION. APPROVE AND RATIFY THE SUBMISSION OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. FY 27 SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM. APPLICATION FOR THE OFFICE OF THE CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR FROM OCTOBER 1ST, 2026 TO SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2027 IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,809.34 A COUNTY MATCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,150.32 IS REQUIRED AND WILL BE REQUESTED THROUGH FRINGE [A. (POSTPONED 9/14/26, 9/21/26) GRANT APPLICATION - Approve and ratify the submission of the Texas Department of Transportation FY27 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) application for the Office of the Constable, Pct. 4 from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, in the amount of $51,809.34.  A County match in the amount of $9,150.32 is required and will be requested through fringe benefits. (Contract No. 2026-0643) Noe Juarez, Sgt. Deputy Constable, Constable Precinct 4, 915-273-3503] BENEFITS. CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0643. I BELIEVE. I DON'T KNOW IF ESTELLA IS ONLINE. WHO IS ELLA GRANT? I THINK WE WERE JUST GOING TO ASK ABOUT THE DEADLINE. CARMEN ON THE DEADLINE FOR 12 A AND 12 B OR FOR 12 B, CARMEN. HELLO. GOOD EVENING. YES, ON ITEM 12 B, THE ITEM IS FROM OCTOBER 1ST. WE'RE ON 12 2026. I'M SORRY, WE'RE ON 12 A I'M SORRY. 12 A I'M SORRY, THAT'S A RATIFICATION FOR THE APPLICATION. THAT ONE WE DO NEED TO APPROVE FOR THE APPLICATION. THE AWARD IS THE ONE WE HAVE THE QUESTION ON. SORRY, MICHELLE, I THOUGHT YOU READ THEM BOTH. I APOLOGIZE. SO WE'LL HAVE A MOTION. ASK FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE 12 A. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. THE VOTING IS OPEN. I VOTE AYE, AYE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THANK YOU, JUDGE SAMANIEGO. COMMISSIONER STOUT IS ABSENT. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 14 B POSTPONE. SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2026. SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2026 GRANT [07:25:05] AWARD A PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO ACCEPT THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FY 2027 SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT AWARD FOR THE OFFICE OF THE CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR FROM OCTOBER 1ST, 2026 TO SEPTEMBER. SEPTEMBER 31ST, 2027. IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,777.79 A COUNTY MATCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,725.49 IS [B. (POSTPONED 9/14/26, 9/21/26) GRANT AWARD - Approve and authorize the County Judge to accept the Texas Department of Transportation FY2027 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant award for the Office of the Constable, Pct. 4 from October 1, 2026, to September 31, 2027, in the amount of $43,777.79. A County match in the amount of $7,725.49 is required and is being requested from GF-GADM-XFER OUT-GRANT MATCH. Further approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the accompanying Signature Authorization document. (Contract No. 2026-0644) Noe Juarez, Sgt. Deputy Constable, Constable Precinct 4, Constable Precinct 4] REQUIRED AND IS BEING REQUESTED FROM GENERAL FUND G TRANSFER OUT GRANT MATCH FURTHER PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE ACCOMPANYING SIGNATURE AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0644. SO CARMEN, I'M SORRY, THE QUESTION ON THIS ONE IS IS THERE A DEADLINE FOR US TO ACCEPT THIS AWARD? SO THIS PARTICULAR AWARD WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2026, OR AT THE DATE WHEN THE THE COURT APPROVES IT. SO IF IT'S AFTER OCTOBER 1ST, THEN IT'LL JUST START ON THE DAY THAT THE THE COURT AUTHORIZES THE GRANT SO THE GRANT CAN RUN DURING THE FISCAL YEAR, BUT IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY HAVE A SET DEADLINE TO BEGIN. IT'S JUST WHENEVER THE COURT APPROVES IT, THAT'S THE START DATE OF THE GRANT. SO IT'S UP TO THE COURT WHETHER YOU'D LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND ACCEPT THIS ONE, OR IF YOU'D LIKE TO POSTPONE IT ONE WEEK PENDING THE MEETING. DO WE THINK THE MEETING CAN HAPPEN THIS WEEK? I DON'T KNOW IF WE'LL BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE IT THIS WEEK. IT'S GOING TO BE TOUGH. CARMEN, DOES THE GRANT GET REDUCED BY THE DAYS THAT IT'S NOT IN OPERATION DURING THE YEAR? OR IS IT JUST JUST STARTS DIFFERENTLY? IT JUST STARTS DIFFERENTLY. I BELIEVE THAT WE WOULD HAVE THE FULL AUTHORIZATION. IT'S WHENEVER IT'S EXTENDED, IT'S UP TO THAT AMOUNT. OKAY. OF THE SO IT'S UP TO THE AMOUNT OF THE GRANT AWARD, AS LONG AS IT OCCURS DURING THE PERIOD THAT IT'S BEEN AUTHORIZED OR APPROVED. I MEAN, I DON'T MIND WAITING A WEEK IF WE COULD GET A BECAUSE I REALLY THINK THE COURT WOULD WANT SOME COMMITMENTS FROM. I AGREE, IF WE CAN WAIT A WEEK. I DON'T SEE THE HARM IN THAT. YEAH. COMMISSIONER BUTLER OKAY. THAT'S FINE. WE HAVE A MOTION TO POSTPONE FOR ONE WEEK BY JUDGE SAMANIEGO, A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 15 A, A PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF EL PASO AND SMG HOLDINGS, LLC, OPERATING AS DESTINATION EL PASO, TO REDUCE THE AGREEMENT'S BUDGET BY $62,355 AND CLOSE OUT THE AGREEMENT BY NOVEMBER 30TH, 2026. FURTHER, APPROVE AN [A. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Second Amendment to the Services Agreement between the County of El Paso and SMG Holdings, LLC operating as "Destination El Paso” to reduce the agreement’s budget by $62,355 and close out the agreement by November 30, 2026. Further, approve and authorize the de-obligation and transfer of $62,355 of unused American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from this Agreement in account ARP-1162 Countywide Tourism Promotion Assistance and transfer those funds to ARP-5010 Public Safety Salaries. (Contract No. 2026-0664) Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development Department, 915-273-3583] AUTHORIZED THE OBLIGATION AND TRANSFER OF $62,355 OF UNUSED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FROM THIS AGREEMENT IN ACCOUNT. A RP1162 COUNTY WIDE TOURISM PROMOTION ASSISTANCE AND TRANSFER THOSE FUNDS TO A RP5010 PUBLIC SAFETY SALARIES CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0664. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS DOCTOR CYNTHIA RENTERIA. FOR THE RECORD, IF I MAY HAVE THE SLIDES, PLEASE. THIS IS I NEED THE DESTINATION EL PASO ON ITEM 15 A PLEASE. THANK YOU. YOU KNOW, WE'VE HAD A NUMBER OF PRESENTATIONS TODAY COMMISSIONERS. LAST ONE. SO TODAY WE'RE BRINGING YOU THE ITEM ON DESTINATION EL PASO. AGAIN, THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE COMPREHENSIVE TOURISM AS WAS OUTLINED IN THE ORIGINAL RFP. WE HAD THREE VENDORS AWARDED DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THIS PROGRAM. DESTINATION EL PASO OR SMG HOLDINGS WAS AWARDED THE THE ITEMS YOU SEE HERE TO THE LEFT. BACK IN APRIL, WE HAD A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WHICH REMOVED THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM AND REALLOCATED 75,000 TO THE OTHER DELIVERABLES. AS WE STARTED TO WRAP UP THESE PROGRAMS, WE WENT BACK TO ALL OF OUR AWARDEES AS A DESTINATION, EL PASO INCLUDED, AND WE SAID, LOOKING AT YOUR TIMELINE, LOOKING AT YOUR [07:30:05] DELIVERABLES, ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE ANY FUNDING LEFT OVER? NOT THAT YOU HAVE TO FIND FUNDING, RIGHT? BUT REALISTICALLY, ARE YOU GOING TO USE ALL YOUR FUNDING? THEY DID AN EVALUATION OF THEIR PROGRAMS. THEY WERE ABLE TO REALLOCATE 12,645, BUT THEY HAVE A REMAINING BALANCE OF 62,355, WHICH THEY SAID THEY WILL NOT BE SPENDING. SO WE'RE BRINGING THIS ITEM TO YOU TO OBLIGATE THAT, THAT REMAINING FUNDING AND APPLY IT AS RED AS RED ON THE AGENDA ITEM. AND JUST FOR CLARIFICATION, WE'RE NOT ACTUALLY ASKING THE COURT TO DO THE BUDGET TRANSFER TODAY. WE'RE JUST ASKING THEM TO AUTHORIZE THE DE OBLIGATION, AND WE'LL BRING BACK THE BUDGET TRANSFER WITH THE RIGHT LINE ITEM NUMBERS. OR WHAT WERE YOU ALL THINKING? I THINK WE HAVE THE CORRECT LINE ITEMS IN THE BUDGET BECAUSE WE ACTUALLY WANT IT MOVED ONE MORE LEVEL FROM PUBLIC SAFETY TO ANOTHER LINE ITEM. OKAY, THEN WE WOULD NEED TO COME BACK. THEN IF IT IS NOT THE CORRECT LINE ITEM, OKAY, WE CAN WE CAN BRING BACK THE NEXT JUMP. OKAY. SO THEN DOCTOR IN COURT. SO THAT MOTION WOULD BE TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF EL PASO AND SMG HOLDINGS, LLC, OPERATING AS DESTINATION EL PASO, REDUCE THE AGREEMENT'S BUDGET BY 62,355 AND CLOSE OUT THE AGREEMENT BY NOVEMBER 30TH, 2026, AND THEN FURTHER TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE OBLIGATION AND ULTIMATE TRANSFER OF $62,355 OF UNUSED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT, WHICH WILL COME BACK AT A LATER TIME FOR THE CORRECT BUDGET TRANSFER. AND THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED. YES, AND DESTINATION EL PASO REVIEWED IT. THEY WENT THROUGH AND REVIEWED THEIR BUDGET. THIS NUMBER CAME FROM WHAT THEY SAID. THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE THAT THEY'RE THEY FEEL CERTAIN THEY'RE NOT USING. OKAY. IF THERE ARE NO OTHER QUESTIONS, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, WE AWAIT YOUR DIRECTION. WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO TO APPROVE, AS CORRECTED A SECOND FROM JUDGE SAMANIEGO. THE VOTING IS OPEN. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. HAVE A GOOD EVENING. AND I SEE DESTINATION EL PASO IS HERE. THE CHAMBER. THANK YOU. THANK YOU ALL. ITEM 15 BE A PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF EL PASO AND THE EL PASO HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO REDUCE THE AGREEMENT'S BUDGET BY $315,000. FURTHER, A PROVEN. AUTHORIZE THE DE OBLIGATION OF $315,000 IN UNUSED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT ARPA FUNDS FROM THE AGREEMENT. UNDER ARPA ECONOMIC IMPACT, SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ARP 1161 CONTRACT NUMBER 2026 0704. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS ZONIA SIGALA, SENIOR ANALYST FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. TODAY, WE ARE REQUESTING AN APPROVAL TO AMEND THE ARPA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE EL PASO HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. AS YOU KNOW, WE HAD THIS GRANT FOR ABOUT A YEAR TO PROVIDE ANY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO MICRO AND SMALL BUSINESSES COUNTY WIDE. WITH THAT SERVICE WOULD BE FREE WORKSHOPS. AND THEN AT THE END OF COMPLETING THOSE WORKSHOPS, WE WOULD BE GRANTING $750,000 TO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES THAT WERE IMPACTED BY COVID 19. AS OF TODAY, WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 58 SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS TO OUR COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE, AND WE'RE. SO WE ARE ASKING FOR THAT $750,000 BE UPDATED TO $435,000, REFLECTING THE 58 SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS. AND THIS WOULD ALLOW US A DE OBLIGATION AMOUNT OF $315,000 TO THIS AMENDMENT. WE ARE ALSO REQUESTING A PROPOSED DEADLINE SUBMISSION DATES, AND THIS IS TO STREAMLINE AN EFFECTIVE PROCESS FOR OURSELVES, COUNTY AUDITORS AND THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PROVIDE ALL OF THE BACKUP DOCUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION THAT IS NEEDED FOR OUR BUSINESSES TO SUBMIT IN TIME. SO ONE OF THOSE PROPOSED DATES IS OCTOBER 16TH FOR ANY BACKUP DATA, REPORTS, INVOICES, AND SUBMITTED DOCUMENTATION TO BE RECEIVED AND FORWARDED TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE FOR APPROVAL. AND THEN WE ARE ALSO REQUESTING AN AMENDMENT OF THE END TERM DATE OF THE CONTRACT FROM DECEMBER 30TH 1ST TO NOVEMBER 30TH, AND THIS IS TO ALSO STREAMLINE THE LAST PAYMENT ISSUE TO THE HISPANIC [07:35:01] CHAMBER, BUT ALLOWING THE COUNTY AUDITORS TO HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME WITHIN NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER TO DISSEMINATE THE LAST REMAINING FUNDS TO EL PASO HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. AND WITH THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK MY DIRECTOR, ROBERTO RANSOM, TO ADD ANY LAST FEW WORDS BEFORE WE BRING IN OUR GUESTS. THANK YOU. AND ALSO, I FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE BECAUSE WE'VE GOT THE CEO HERE. YES. IF YOU COULD GIVE US YOUR POINT OF VIEW AS WELL. YOU WANT TO GO AHEAD. OKAY. YES. JUST JUST FOR THE RECORD, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED IS THAT WE REACH OUT TO OVER 900 BUSINESSES AND 500 OF THAT. OF THOSE 900 BUSINESSES RESPONDED A SURVEY. AND OUT OF THOSE 500 BUSINESSES RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE IN THE IN THE QUEUE THOSE 58 BUSINESSES WHO RAISED THEIR HAND AND SAID, YES, I WANT TO BE PART OF THAT GRANT. SO JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THIS EFFORT HAS SHAPED MANY OTHER THINGS. NUMBER ONE, ESTABLISH A DATABASE FOR THE COUNTY, A DATABASE FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY, AND FOR EACH ONE OF YOUR PRECINCTS. NUMBER TWO, IT HAS PROVIDED AN X-RAY ON THE TYPE OF BUSINESS COMPOSITION IN EACH ONE OF YOUR PRECINCTS. AND YES, NUMBER THREE, ONE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT ZONIA MENTIONED IS THAT WITHIN THOSE 58 BUSINESSES, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE SEEN IS THAT IT HAS BEEN CHALLENGING FOR THOSE BUSINESSES TO PROVIDE THE DIFFERENT DEGREE OF RECEIPTS THAT ARE NEEDED IN ORDER TO SATISFY THE CFR 200. SO JUST WANTED TO TO SHARE THAT WITH COMMISSIONERS COURT. I THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, IN THE FUTURE, IF THERE'S THIS SAME EFFORT WITH A DIFFERENT POT OF MONEY WITH GENERAL FUNDS, IT WILL BE A VERY DIFFERENT SCENARIO THAN WHAT WE HAVE TODAY. AND WITH THAT, I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE VALUE THE THE TIME, THE EFFORT THAT THE HISPANIC CHAMBER HAS PUT TOGETHER INTO THE AMOUNT OF EMAILS THAT THAT GLADYS AND HER TEAM MEMBERS, YOU KNOW, WE'RE WITH THEM, CALLING THEM EVERY SINGLE WEEK. AND I BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE SENT OVER 2000 EMAILS, MANY, MANY PHONE CALLS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE A VERY VAST NUMBER OF, OF GRANT APPLICANTS. BUT YES, THE THE CFR 200 IS VERY, VERY STRICT. AND AGAIN, OUT OF A 900 POOL OF, OF, OF BUSINESSES, WE HAVE 58. SO THAT REALLY TELLS A STORY. WITH THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO PASS THIS. PASS IT TO GLADYS. YEAH. WELCOME, GLADYS. THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I MEAN, IT'S BEEN LIKE SONIA AND ROBERTO MENTIONED, IT'S BEEN A IT'S BEEN A JOURNEY. WE'RE WORKING WITH SMALL BUSINESSES. AND, YOU KNOW, WE HAD OVER 100 APPLICATIONS OF BUSINESSES INTERESTED. NOT ALL OF THE APPLICANTS HAVE QUALIFIED BECAUSE OF THE DETAIL THAT IS REQUESTED FROM, YOU KNOW, FROM THE THE QUALIFICATIONS. SO WE'RE NOW WITH 58 OUT OF THE 100 PLUS APPLICANTS THAT WE HAD AT THE BEGINNING, WE HAVE BEEN WE'VE MADE THOUSANDS OF CALLS AND THOUSANDS OF EMAILS. WE HAVE NUMEROUS VISITS FROM ALL THE DIFFERENT SMALL BUSINESSES. AND, AND WE WANT TO SUPPORT THEM AS MUCH AS WE CAN. AND, YOU KNOW, WE'VE GONE WITH THEM THROUGH ALL THE DOCUMENTATION. AND I SAY WE. BUT IT'S REALLY BEEN JESSICA AND CYNTHIA WHO HAVE BEEN SPEARHEADING THIS. THIS PROJECT. BUT NOW, YOU KNOW, GOING AFTER GOING OVER SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE SAME BUSINESSES THAT ORIGINALLY QUALIFIED AT THE BEGINNING, WE ENDED UP WITH 50 APPLICANTS THAT FULLY. MADE ALL THE REQUIREMENTS FROM THE FROM THE LIST. AND GLADYS, YOU'RE OKAY WITH THE THE END RESULT OF WHAT THEY'RE PROPOSING? WELL, I MEAN, WE WOULD HAVE I AND I'M GOING TO SPEAK FOR BOTH, BUT WE WOULD HAVE WANTED FOR THIS TO HAVE BEEN, YOU KNOW, THE FULL COMMITMENT THAT BOTH PARTIES AGREED TO AT THE BEGINNING. UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL OF THE BUSINESSES QUALIFIED. IF I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS TO, YOU KNOW, BE WORKED AT A DIFFERENT TIME OR BUT I MEAN, WE'RE, WE'RE, WE, WE'RE NOT HAPPY NOT BEING ABLE TO SERVE ALL THE BUSINESSES AND TO GIVE THE [07:40:01] OPPORTUNITY TO ALL THE BUSINESSES THAT, YOU KNOW, AS WE HAD ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR, MAYBE WE CAN DO A ROUND TWO AND SEE, YOU KNOW, IF MORE BUSINESSES QUALIFY. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I THINK WHAT, WHAT REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE IS THE, THE VERY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR FOR THE GRANTS. THEY WERE VERY SPECIFIC. A LOT OF THESE SMALL BUSINESSES DON'T HAVE THE SYSTEMS TO TRACK THEIR FINANCIALS. AND SO IT MAKES IT, YOU KNOW, TO TO COME UP WITH THE INFORMATION THAT WE'RE REQUESTING. THAT AGAIN, IT'S JUST VERY SPECIFIC. WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANYTHING OR. JESSICA. SHE'S SHE'S BEEN THE LEAD OF THIS. SO JUDGE COMMISSIONERS JESSICA OROZCO WITH THE EL PASO HISPANIC CHAMBER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS MANAGER. GET THE MIC A LITTLE CLOSER. YES. OF COURSE. LIKE GLADYS AND ROBERTO HAVE SAID, WE HAVE MADE THOUSANDS OF CALLS. WE'VE MET WITH OVER 80 BUSINESSES MULTIPLE TIMES TRYING TO COLLECT DOCUMENTS, TRYING TO FIND, YOU KNOW, THE NUMBERS, THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF NUMBERS, GOING THROUGH DIFFERENT TYPE OF PAPERWORK. WE HAD CLIENTS COMING IN WITH BOXES AND BOXES OF INFORMATION WHERE WE WERE, YOU KNOW, TRYING TO FIND THEIR INCOME TAX DOCUMENTS. BUT UNFORTUNATELY, A LOT OF THESE BUSINESSES ARE MICRO AND SMALL BUSINESSES AND DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO HAVE ACCOUNTING SOFTWARES OR KEEP TRACK OF PAYROLL RECORDS OTHER THAN THEIR OWN TRACKING METHODS. IT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SERVE THESE 100 BUSINESSES BECAUSE THE NEED IS THERE. THEY JUST DON'T MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS. BUT LIKE GLADYS MENTIONED, I MEAN, IF THERE IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY OR MAYBE THERE IS A DIFFERENT WAY THAT WE CAN GO AROUND IT. I KNOW THAT WITH AUDITORS AND THAT SPECIFIC TYPE OF REQUIREMENTS, WE HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL BECAUSE IT IS GRANT FUNDED MONEY, BUT IT IS A SHAME TO NOT HAVE IT GO TO THESE SMALL AND MICRO BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY. WELL, MY, MY CONCERN, LIKE, I WOULD HATE FOR YOU TO HAVE A FINANCIAL IMPACT AS AN ORGANIZATION BASED ON THAT, YOU KNOW, THAT THE SCOPE WAS NOT NOT EXACTLY WHAT YOU THOUGHT IT WAS. SO IS THERE AN IMPACT ON YOU BY WHAT THE DECISION WE'RE MAKING RIGHT NOW ON ON HISPANIC CHAMBER? IT'S NOT ON THE CHAMBER. IT'S ON THE BUSINESSES THAT WOULD BE RECIPIENTS. BUT THESE ARE NOT OUR REQUIREMENTS, JUST TO BE VERY CLEAR. THESE ARE NOT COUNTY REQUIREMENTS. THIS IS 200 C.F.R. FEDERAL. THIS IS FEDERAL MONEY. CORRECT. WHICH WE ARE. I FEEL VERY CONFIDENT WE WILL BE AUDITED ON. THAT IS CAME FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITH THESE RESTRICTIONS ON IT. AND SO WE HAVE TO MEET THE STANDARDS THAT THAT THE FUNDING HAS. AND THE DEADLINE FOR US TO HAVE CLOSED OUT THIS GRANT. NOT EVEN. WE CAN'T WORK UP TO THIS DEADLINE. WE HAVE TO HAVE CLOSED IT OUT BY DECEMBER 31ST. AND SO THAT'S WHY THE TIMELINES TO CLOSE OUT NOW, PREVIOUSLY, JUDGE, THERE HAD BEEN PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS AND I THINK THIS HAD BEEN DISCUSSED POSSIBLY. I DON'T KNOW, GLADYS, I THINK I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WERE AWARE, BUT WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TALKED ABOUT SWEEPING MORE THAN 350 000, ASSUMING THAT NOT ALL 58 WILL MEET 100% OF THEIR APPLICATION AMOUNTS. BUT WHAT WE HAVE SAID IS, NO, WE'RE NOT GOING TO DO THAT. WE'RE ONLY GOING TO SWEEP THE 315,000 THAT WE KNOW. THERE'S NO MORE. THAT'S BEYOND WHAT WE HAVE APPLICATIONS FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE AN APPLICATION FOR, WE'RE GOING TO HOLD. AND THEN IF IF ANY OF IT DOES NOT COME TO FRUITION, WE WILL SWEEP IT AFTER NOVEMBER 30TH. SO WE'RE GIVING OURSELVES A SHORTER TIMELINE TO CLEAN UP AND DO THE SWEEP. BUT GIVING THE BUSINESSES AND THE CHAMBER AS LONG AS POSSIBLE TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS. AND JUDGE, I ATTENDED SEVERAL OF THE EVENTS THAT THE CHAMBER ORGANIZED, AND THEY DID A FABULOUS JOB OF REALLY TRYING TO GET AS MANY SMALL BUSINESSES THERE AS POSSIBLE. AND THE BUSINESSES WERE VERY EXCITED. EVERYONE WAS VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROJECT. I IT'S UNFORTUNATE, BUT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL FUNDING IS REALLY WHAT'S LEADING US NOT TO BE ABLE TO FUND ALL 100 BUSINESSES LIKE WE HAD HOPED. I'M GLAD TO HEAR THAT AT LEAST. HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE ABLE TO FUND 58, BECAUSE I KNOW WHEN ROBERTO AND I FIRST SPOKE ABOUT THESE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, IT WAS LOOKING LIKE WE MIGHT [07:45:01] NOT EVEN GET TO THAT NUMBER. SO I'M GLAD. I HOPE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO FULLY FUND THESE 58, THAT THEY TURN OUT ALL TO BE ELIGIBLE, BUT IT'S CERTAINLY NOT FOR LACK OF TRYING EITHER. ON OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT'S SIDE OR ON THE CHAMBER SIDE. THEY'VE DONE A REALLY GREAT JOB TO TRY TO REALLY REACH OUT AND GET AS MANY BUSINESSES TO APPLY, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THE REQUIREMENTS ARE JUST SO STRICT THAT A LOT OF THESE SMALL BUSINESSES JUST, JUST THEY DON'T HAVE THE BACKUP THAT THEY NEED IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO GET THESE GRANTS. AND THAT'S VERY SAD THAT THIS PROJECT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE SUCCESSFUL IF WE DIDN'T HAVE THOSE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS. BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY THE FUNDS ARE OBLIGATED. A LITTLE CONFUSED ON THE MONEY. THE UNUSED MONEY. WILL YOU WILL THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THAT MONEY EVER? NO, THAT'S THAT'S THE ARPA MONEY THAT THAT IT IS, IT IS THE REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT OURS. THEY'RE FROM THE TIME WE'VE HAD THE FUNDING. SO IF I MAY JUDGE. SO YOU HAVE OUT OF THE ENTIRE BUDGET, YOU HAVE 750 ONLY FOR THE GRANT. THEY ARE GETTING PAID AS FAR AS THEIR ADMINISTRATION, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL SIDE, THAT THAT [B. Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign an amendment to the Service Agreement between the County of El Paso and the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to reduce the agreement’s budget by $315,000. Further, approve and authorize the de-obligation of $315,000.00 in unused American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the Agreement under ARPA Economic Impact – Small Business Assistance (ARP-1161). (Contract No. 2026-0704) Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development Department, 915-273-3583] PART IS NOT TOUCHED AT ALL AND NOT NOT BEING IMPACTED. SO JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT, THAT THOUGHT FOR FOR CLARITY. OKAY. THANK YOU, ROBERTO AND COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENT. WE WERE VERY EXCITED. AND OUR, OUR COMMUNITY WAS VERY EXCITED. I MEAN, THE WORKSHOPS PEOPLE WERE ATTENDING, WE HAD TO ORGANIZE ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH INTEREST TO, YOU KNOW, FOR THE PROGRAM. BUT UNFORTUNATELY, AS ROBERTO AND, AND BETSY HAVE SAID, IT'S, IT'S, IT'S FALLS MORE ON THE REQUIREMENT. AND THE OTHER THING THAT, YOU KNOW, THIS IS FROM COVID, I MEAN, TO NOW A LOT OF THESE BUSINESSES, AGAIN, THEY'RE, THEY'RE, THEY'RE NOT SAVING THEIR DOCUMENTATION. SO IT'S THE TIMING, IT'S THE LACK OF RESOURCES LIKE SOFTWARES AND SO ON. AND IT'S JUST, YOU KNOW, KEEPING IN MIND THAT, THAT WE'RE WORKING WITH VERY SMALL BUSINESSES WHO DON'T HAVE THOSE TYPE OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEM EVERY DAY, WHICH IS WHY THEY NEED MORE OF THE FUNDS. BUT YOU'RE A HISPANIC CHAMBER IS A GREAT PARTNER. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT WE COULD DO TO MAKE IT BETTER OR, AND IT SEEMS LIKE YOU'RE OKAY WITH WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN HERE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FOR ASKING THAT AND FOR KEEPING THAT IN MIND. THANK YOU. YES. YOU KNOW, AND NOW THAT WE HAVE, WE DO HAVE ACTUALLY, OF COURSE, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION, EVEN THE ONES THAT DIDN'T QUALIFY UNDER THE GUIDELINES. AND I KNOW, BETSY, RIGHT. WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO USE THE DE-COMMITTED FUNDS ELSEWHERE. WE'LL WE'LL TRANSFER THEM TO PUBLIC SAFETY SALARIES. AND THEN WE'RE WORKING ON BEING ABLE TO RECOVER THOSE. YEAH. AND, AND IF AND IF THAT HAPPENS, I THINK THE COURT THEN SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT MAYBE TRYING TO PUT SOME ADDITIONAL FUNDING, NOT KNOWING THAT WE STILL HAVE. BECAUSE IN MY OPINION, IT'S ACTUALLY THOSE BUSINESSES THAT COULDN'T COMPLY THAT PROBABLY NEED THE MOST HELP FROM THIS KIND OF PROGRAM. YOU KNOW, AND LIKE JESSICA MENTIONED, I MEAN, THEY WOULD SHOW UP WITH BOXES. YES. WE SET UP OUR TRAINING ROOM AND CYNTHIA WAS WORKING THERE WITH THEM, GOING THROUGH ALL THE DOCUMENTATION. THIS IS HOW THEY SAVE THEIR DOCUMENTS. I MEAN, IT'S NOT IN A SOFTWARE WHERE IT CAN BE SENT ELECTRONICALLY. WE HAD VERY MINIMUM BUSINESSES THAT WERE THAT PREPARED. SO SO I THINK, YOU KNOW, DOWN THE ROAD, THE COURT SHOULD MAYBE CONSIDER DOING THAT. THE DATA THAT WE KNOW, AT LEAST WE HAVE DATA AND WE HAVE APPLICATIONS FROM THOSE PEOPLE THAT DIDN'T QUALIFY THAT THAT DOWN THE ROAD WE CAN REACH OUT TO. SO I'M GLAD THAT THIS WAS DONE AND Y'ALL DID A GREAT JOB. I KNOW I ATTENDED SEVERAL OF THOSE MEETINGS AND WAS REALLY, REALLY, VERY, VERY WELL DONE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. IF I MAY, IF I MAY ADD ONE LAST THING, I KNOW THAT WITH THE NEW POLICY THAT THE COURT JUST RECENTLY PROVIDED, I MEAN, ADOPTED AND APPROVED IN THE SUMMER, THAT'S ANOTHER PRONG HOW WE CAN WORK AND PARTNER UP WITH, YOU KNOW, THE CHAMBERS BECAUSE WE WE HAVE THE ECONOMIC IMPACT FUND, WHICH IS FOR LARGE ATTRACTION OF LARGE INDUSTRIES, BUT THEN WE HAVE THE STRATEGIC GRANT FUND, WHICH FOCUSES ON PARTNERING FOR MICRO AND SMALL WITH DIFFERENT NONPROFIT ORGANISMS THAT WE HAVE. SO YES, IT'S A DIFFERENT TYPE OF AUDIENCE. IT'S FOR STARTUP STARTUPS, BUT IT IS ANOTHER WAY THAT I HAVE BEEN SHARING WITH GLADYS THAT, YOU KNOW, ONCE THIS * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.