Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in El Paso County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
26 issues
Darrington Roadway Improvement Project Amendment
Commissioners will consider an amendment to increase the Darrington Roadway Improvement Project budget to over $7.5 million for engineering design and survey work.
Chapter 381 Economic Development Negotiations (Project Potomac)
The court will hold a closed session discussion regarding economic development negotiations for a potential Chapter 381 Agreement with a private business prospect.
Zoning Violation
A popular Central El Paso bookstore was forced to shut its doors to foot traffic after getting hit with a city zoning violation. Local business owners are getting frustrated over strict municipal rules squeezing their shops.
Sheriff's Office Personnel Policy Updates
Proposed changes to Section 11.3.08 will reshape how deputy sheriff promotions and selections are handled.
Sheriff's Office Budget and Staffing
The Commissioners Court held an extensive special session and work session to review the budget, operations, and security deployments of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Much of the discussion occurred behind closed doors in executive session, with no final action taken on funding or policy adjustments.
Strategic Leadership and Governance Planning
County leaders discussed long-term goals, operational management, and financial planning to prepare for the upcoming fiscal years. The session focused on aligning county resources with future community needs and projects.
EPATS Transit Executive Employment Transition
The transit director's employment agreement was officially transferred from the county to EPATS as transit operations and grant funding transition fully to the local government corporation.
Domestic Violence Awareness
The Women's Commission examined gaps in domestic violence response, law enforcement training, case processing, and support programs like BIPP to improve victim safety and offender accountability in El Paso County.
County Budget and Grant Funding Adjustments
Departments were tasked with finding 2% budget reductions, leading to difficult choices regarding vacant positions, overtime caps, and operational cuts.
Arts Masterplan Development
The county is bringing the management of the Los Portales Museum and Old County Jail in-house under the Economic Development Department, creating two new staff positions to boost tourism along the Mission Trail.
Infrastructure, Subdivisions, and County Facilities
The county is using existing savings from older bond projects to fix the leaking courthouse roof, upgrade jail technology, and build restrooms in parks like Ruben Estrella Park. This ensures critical repairs happen without raising new debt or taxes.
Sheriff's Office Budget Deficit
Public commenters and financial reports highlighted a multi-million-dollar deficit in the Sheriff's Office budget, sparking community debate over spending and accountability.
Recognition of Forensic Science Professionals
The county is planning to formally recognize local forensic scientists and crime scene investigators for their role in criminal investigations and due process.
Water System Rate Increases
The county approved a 6% water rate increase and 5% sewer rate increase for customers of the East Montana Water System, effective November 1, 2026, to cover operational costs.
Acknowledgment of Human Resources Personnel
The county intends to honor HR professionals for supporting the county workforce through recruitment, benefits, and employee relations.
Horizon City Regional Sports Park TIRZ Agreement
The county approved expanding its TIRZ participation with Horizon City to help finance a major new regional sports park and a future county office building.
Veteran Support and Advocacy
The county reorganized the governance of the Veterans Capital initiative by creating a specialized subcommittee and designating the Veterans Assistance Office as the operational lead.
Water Treatment
Worried about germs in your tap water? Don't stress—finding pathogens in wastewater doesn't mean they're in your drinking water, and El Paso's upcoming Pure Water Center is designed to keep things totally safe.
Bond Projects Public Dashboard
County staff rolled out a new public dashboard to keep residents updated on timelines and progress for voter-approved bond projects.
Meta El Paso Data Center Negotiations
The court held a closed-door discussion regarding economic development agreements for the Meta data center project.
East El Paso Abandoned Lots Policy
The county is moving forward with a first-of-its-kind policy to address 82 square miles of abandoned "paper plat" subdivisions in Far East El Paso, aiming to clear fractionalized ownership and bring utilities and development to the area.
Regional Transportation Planning & MPO Funding
Commissioners reviewed upcoming El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization agenda items, including funding for border highway connectors, Socorro microtransit vehicles, and trail construction.
'Close the Gap' Summit Planning
Planning is underway for the 'Close the Gap' Summit, bringing together stakeholders and county resources to address community disparities.
Sound Compatibility Between Live Music Venues and Residential Areas
Austin is exploring how to protect its live music culture while ensuring residents can sleep, balancing the needs of venues and neighborhoods through better rules and technology.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Tax Rate Proposal
El Paso County is reviewing its $696.8 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Commissioners are balancing property tax rates, revenue projections, and essential services while trying to minimize the tax burden on residents.
90th Texas Legislative Session Agenda
The county updated its legislative agenda to lobby for local authority on data centers, groundwater protection, and increased state funding for colonias water infrastructure.