Sun Metro Budget and Parking Fees
Summary
El Paso residents are shelling out some of the highest property taxes in Texas, but are we actually getting our money's worth in city services? It seems like we're paying top dollar for less bang compared to other major Texas cities.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 34
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Aug 18, 2026.
Impact analysis
The budget increases by $2.1 million, while parking revenue at Union Plaza will decrease due to the lower daily rate.
Downtown commuters and visitors who use the Union Plaza Transit Terminal.
Property owners, who will face higher tax bills during a period of general inflation.
Mentions & discussions (37)
El Paso County OKs new fees, updates for golf, pools, Sportspark use
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The price to pay golf and other sports at El Paso County facilities is expected to go up in October. The El Paso County Commissioners Court approved a new fee schedule introduced by the Parks and Recreation Department on Monda...
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office projected deficit grows to $3.5M
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Expenses on Sheriff’s Office salaries, overtime and meals at the jail are driving the department’s projected deficit by the end of the 2026 fiscal year. County officials estimate the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will have a...
Mass Transit Department Board - Aug 18, 2026
Sun Metro is getting a budget boost, and downtown parking at the Union Plaza terminal is getting cheaper. The $10 daily cap is designed to make the terminal more attractive to commuters.
El Paso budget tax rate vote hits roadblock
El Paso budget tax rate vote hits roadblock KTSM 9 News
El Paso council approves 2026-27 budget
El Paso council approves 2026-27 budget KTSM 9 News
El Paso council approves 2026-27 budget
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - The El Paso City Council approved the City's 2026-27 budget Tuesday, Aug. 18, after a contentious debate over spending reductions, public services and the City’s tax rate. Council members approved a resolution adopting the pro...
EPCC owed millions of dollars from the State, falls victim to own successes
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- Students at El Paso Community College (EPCC) are set to return to the classroom on Monday, Aug. 24, but the state funding EPCC is supposed to receive is in flux. Last month, the Texas Higher Education Board adjusted a formula...
City Council (Special) - Aug 17, 2026
The city is proposing a $1.4 billion budget that includes a tax rate increase to cover rising costs in public safety and infrastructure. Residents are concerned about the impact on their household budgets.
CitiesSpeak Features El Paso Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chavez on Preparing Now for 2030 Census
CitiesSpeak Features El Paso Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chavez on Preparing Now for 2030 Census National League of Cities
El Paso continues to negotiate with fire union as part of budget process
El Paso continues to negotiate with fire union as part of budget process Yahoo
El Paso continues to negotiate with fire union as part of budget process
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – City of El Paso officials hope to pass their $1.4 billion budget before making efforts to finalize the collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 51. Deputy City Manager and Chief...
El Paso ISD tables bond discussion to 2027
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The El Paso Independent School District has unanimously voted to postpone the discussion of a bond initiative until January 2027, at the latest. The vote was made during EPISD's Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 11. ...
Commissioners Court OK’s employee, elected position pay increases, excludes themselves
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Amid County officials’ discussions to pass a budget for the upcoming year, the idea of raising the minimum wage for employees surfaced during talks at the courthouse on Monday, Aug. 10. County Commissioner David Stout expresse...
City Council - Aug 4, 2026
The city is finalizing its budget, which includes a proposed property tax increase to maintain core services and address rising costs. Residents are concerned about the impact on their household budgets.
County takes 1st steps in budget process for next fiscal year
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The El Paso County Commissioners Court took their first step in the budget process for the next fiscal year at their meeting on Monday, Aug. 3. The commissioners voted to propose using the voter-approval tax rate as a budget ...
El Paso proposes new budget to 'protect essential services'
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - The City of El Paso has come up with an updated proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that city officials believe will protect "essential services" while addressing "higher" public safety costs and lower revenue. The new propo...
El Paso City Council OKs $380K to keep Welcome Center open 24/7 through Feb. 2027
El Paso City Council OKs $380K to keep Welcome Center open 24/7 through Feb. 2027 KFOX
City OKs $380K in gap funding for Welcome Center for homeless services
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The El Paso City Council approved $380,000 in gap funding for the Welcome Center to continue to provide services to the homeless through February 2027. The expenditure was approved during the council's Aug. 4 meeting. The gap...
El Paso proposes new budget to ‘protect essential services’
El Paso proposes new budget to ‘protect essential services’ KTSM 9 News
Opinion: Closing El Paso’s Welcome Center would weaken the city’s coordinated response to homelessness
Closing the Welcome Center would dismantle years of collaboration among service providers, healthcare organizations and public safety agencies, making homelessness more difficult and costly to address. The post Opinion: Closing El Paso’s Welcome Cent...
Mayor’s tie-breaking vote blocks funding for El Paso Welcome Center
Mayor’s tie-breaking vote blocks funding for El Paso Welcome Center El Paso Matters
Why El Paso’s mayor, city representatives are getting a 15% pay raise
The pay increase won’t be approved by a council vote. A City Charter amendment previously approved by voters automatically ties elected officials' salaries to HUD income estimates. The post Why El Paso’s mayor, city representatives are getting a 15% ...
City Council (Special) - Jun 23, 2026
The city is working to balance the budget without using one-time reserve funds. This is a major shift to ensure long-term financial health.
El Paso residents get first chance to weigh in on proposed city budget
El Paso residents get first chance to weigh in on proposed city budget KFOX
City Council (Special) - May 28, 2026
The city is working through the preliminary budget process to ensure that essential services like libraries, parks, and municipal courts are properly funded for the next year.
City Council (Special) - May 27, 2026
The city is working on its budget for next year, which includes a proposed property tax increase to cover rising costs for public safety and infrastructure.
City Council (Work) - Apr 27, 2026
The city's financial report for the second quarter shows positive trends, with sales tax revenue exceeding expectations and expenses staying within budget. This performance is projected to result in a surplus, avoiding the need to dip into reserve funds.
City Council (Work) - Apr 13, 2026
The city is actively pursuing federal funding to support major projects like advanced manufacturing and port of entry upgrades. This strategy aims to reduce the burden on local taxpayers by leveraging federal resources for infrastructure and economic development.
City Council - Apr 1, 2026
The council approved applications for state grants to fund police and fire department initiatives, including terrorism prevention and emergency response capabilities. These grants will provide significant financial support without requiring local matching funds.
Mass Transit Department Board - Apr 1, 2026
The board considered an agreement that would allow the El Paso Transportation Authority to use the city's compressed natural gas fueling facilities. This aims to improve public transit services in the region.
City Council - Mar 3, 2026
The city will pursue significant grant funding for the police and fire departments to enhance operations and acquire necessary equipment without requiring local matching funds.
City Council - Feb 17, 2026
The city is investing in making parks safer by improving traffic intersections. This project aims to reduce accidents and enhance the experience for park visitors.
City Council (Work) - Feb 16, 2026
Rising labor costs, including salary increases to reach a living wage and healthcare benefit costs, are significant drivers of the city's increasing expenditures.
Mass Transit Department Board - Feb 3, 2026
The board approved a purchase order for new alternators and parts, a key component for maintaining the bus fleet. The deal is expected to be cost-effective due to newer vehicles reducing the need for certain parts.
City Council - Jan 20, 2026
The council approved applying for over $700,000 in state grants to fund police initiatives like neighborhood safety, officer mental health, and body cameras. These grants generally do not require a local match.
City Council - Jan 6, 2026
The council is deciding whether to increase funding for janitorial services at the Mexican American Cultural Center. This ensures the facility remains clean and well-maintained for public use and events.
Mass Transit Department Board - Jan 6, 2026
The board reviewed Sun Metro's safety plan and operational performance, noting decreases in preventable accidents and a focus on maintaining high on-time performance despite challenges.
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