Texas Record
El Paso County
RAS

Ricardo A. Samaniego

County Judge2019–2026

No biography on file yet.

At a glance

News mentions
1

Term ending Dec 31, 2026.

Voice

Meetings spoken in
60
Total speaking time
17:37:01
Avg per meeting
17:37
Segments
18644

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Top issues during term (20)

medium→Jan 2026[96]

emergency weather response

You might lose a few hours of work or have to pay for last-minute childcare if schools close unexpectedly.

critical→Apr 2026[72]

Infrastructure, Subdivisions, and County Facilities

Approximately $1.7 million reallocated from existing bond savings.

critical↓Jun 2024[44]

Sheriff's Office Budget and Staffing

Matters discussed involve the allocation and deployment of resources within the El Paso County Sheriff's Office budget.

high↑Mar 2026[43]

Strategic Leadership and Governance Planning

Directly shapes the allocation of county resources and the upcoming fiscal year budgets.

critical↓Feb 2026[39]

immigration policy

The grant provides nearly $5 million in state funding with no required county match.

high↓Apr 2026[38]

Meta El Paso Data Center Negotiations

Significant long-term economic development incentives and tax arrangements associated with the data center project.

high↑Feb 2026[38]

election campaign

Campaign spending and potential shifts in county budget priorities could influence how your tax dollars are allocated in the coming years.

critical↑Aug 2026[37]

County Budget and Grant Funding Adjustments

Staffing reductions yield budget expense reductions of $243,325 and $430,866 for FY27.

critical→Jun 2026[36]

Domestic Violence Awareness

The new East Campus project involves a $47 million construction budget.

critical↑Mar 2025[35]

Sheriff's Office Budget Deficit

The Sheriff's Office budget reflects a multi-million dollar deficit affecting county finances.

critical→Nov 2025[32]

Water System Rate Increases

Water bills will increase by 6% and sewer bills by 5% for East Montana Water System customers starting November 1, 2026.

critical→Jul 2025[32]

public safety enforcement

A low ISO rating could lead to higher insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses in the district.

high→Jan 2026[28]

Montana Vista Transmission Line Concerns

Unknown impact on property values.

critical→Sep 2024[28]

Arts Masterplan Development

Funded through existing Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds.

critical↓Feb 2026[27]

Flood Damage Prevention Order Update

Potential long-term savings by ensuring developers pay for infrastructure upgrades.

critical→Jul 2025[27]

Sheriff's Office Budget and Staffing

The Sheriff's Office is currently utilizing approximately $11 million in overtime, which the county aims to reduce through potential staffing adjustments.

critical↑Jun 2026[25]

Horizon City Regional Sports Park TIRZ Agreement

Directs future tax increments from Expansion Area A-1 toward construction financing for the Horizon City regional sports park.

critical→Sep 2025[24]

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Tax Rate Proposal

Total budget of $696.8 million with a general fund of $542.4 million.

high↑May 2026[22]

election logistics

Staying informed saves you gas money and the frustration of driving to a closed or incorrect location.

high↑Mar 2026[18]

Veteran Support and Advocacy

Administrative and promotional funding is transitioned from communications to the Veterans Assistance Office budget.

Moved or seconded (40)

Motions Samaniego personally put forward or seconded. Attribution comes from the minutes; where the minutes name somebody we cannot match to the roster we leave it out rather than guess, so this is a floor, not a total.

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-31

    Approve and authorize the transfer and removal of surplus assets from the respective departments to the Purchasing Department in compliance with Texas Local Government Code Section 262.011(j). See attachment. Karen Davidson, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department, 915-273-3349

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    Receive a presentation, discuss and take appropriate action on the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 budget and property tax rate for Emergency Service District #2. Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-273-3726

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    Receive a presentation from the Public Works- Parks and Recreation Department regarding the proposed new fee schedules. Further, approve the implementation of the new Fee Schedule as presented and authorize the implementation to take effect on October 1, 2026. as per Local Government Code, Title 10,

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    (Postponed 7/27/26, 8/10/26) Receive a presentation, discuss, and provide feedback to the County’s Strategic Plan, Goal 7.2 Facility Benefits Equity Assessment. Sam Trujillo, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department, 915- 273-3520

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    Discuss and take appropriate action to adopt the 2026 Property Tax Rate on behalf and for the El Paso County Hospital District d/b/a University Medical Center of El Paso in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code section 281.121(a)

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTES UNANIMOUSLY THAT DELIBERATION IN AN OPEN MEETING WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH A THIRD P…

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    Discuss and take appropriate action to adopt the 2026 Property Tax Rate on behalf and for the El Paso County Hospital District d/b/a University Medical Center of El Paso in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code section 281.121(a)

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. A CORRECTION WAS READ IN FOR ITEM #4I PER THE COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE, AND ITEM #4N WAS DELETED BY THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT DUE T…

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    Receive a presentation, discuss and take appropriate action on the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 budget and property tax rate for Emergency Service District #2. Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-273-3726

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    Receive a presentation, discuss and take appropriate action on the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 budget and property tax rate for Emergency Service District #2. Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-273-3726

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-24

    (GO BOND 24PREI1) Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign and finalize the Construction Manager at Risk Contract (CMAR) with Dantex Construction Company, Inc. of El Paso, Texas for the El Paso County Animal Shelter. Funds are available in

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-17

    Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing Christian Alvarado for his outstanding achievements in martial arts and soccer, his representation of El Paso on national and international stages, and his commitment to inspiring future generations of athletes in El Paso County, Texas

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-08-17

    Data Center Resolution and Letter

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-08-17

    Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Governor Greg Abbott's directive to audit large-scale data center projects within the ERCOT service area, including signing a corresponding resolution as well as signing and sending a letter requesting that similar review and policy considerations be app

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-08-17

    Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing the Job Corps graduating class of 2026. Jackie Butler, Commissioner, Precinct 1, 915-273-3594

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-17

    Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing Dr. Tiffany Tajiri and the official debut of the "That's So El Paso" music video as a celebration of the people, culture, military heritage, and community spirit that define El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 9

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-17

    Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 118.025(g), hold a public hearing regarding the County Clerk's Records Archive Preservation and Restoration Plan and the assessment of a $10.00 fee for Fiscal Year 2027. Delia Briones, County Clerk, County Clerk's Office, 915-273-3532

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 5-02026-08-03

    Discuss, provide direction, and take appropriate action regarding an Internal Revenue request to agree to extend the time to assess employment taxes for the tax periods ending March 2023 through December 2023. Barbara Parker, County Auditor, County Auditor's Office, 915-273-3262

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 3-02026-07-27

    Discuss and take appropriate action to name the County Annex at 320 S. Campbell after former County Attorney and State Senator Jose R. Rodriguez. Further, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §292.001, relating to Commissioners Court authority to maintain existing buildings, approve and authorize

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 3-02026-07-27

    Receive a presentation from the Public Works - Parks and Recreation Department regarding the proposed new fee schedules. Further, approve the implementation of the

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

Decisions during term (1241)

Recorded while Samaniego was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.

Voting record (1101)

1054 yes3 no44 abstained

Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.

Voted yesSep 28, 2026

Approval to Appropriate Available Capital Bond Funds

Voted yesSep 28, 2026

DELETE

Voted yesSep 28, 2026

(1.) COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTES UNANIMOUSLY THAT DELIBERATION IN AN OPEN MEETING WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH A THIRD PARTY; (2.) THE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

POSTPONE ITEMS #9A AND #9B FOR ONE WEEK.

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

Consent Agenda

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

RATIFY THE FIRST AMENDMENT BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY AND THE TOWN OF HORIZON CITY TO THE TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE (TIRZ) NO. 1 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT TO EXPAND COUNTY PARTICIPATION TO EXPANSION AREA

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT US LLP, DATED SEPTEMBER 14, 2026, FOR BOND COUNSEL SERVICES BOTH IN CONNECTION TO THE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. ITEM #4D WAS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE; A CORRECTION WAS READ IN FOR ITEM #4S FOR THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT, AND ITEMS #4E AND #4U

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTES UNANIMOUSLY THAT DELIBERATION IN AN OPEN MEETING WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH A THIRD PARTY; (2) THE ATTORN

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE EL PASO COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT TO EXECUTE A LEASE, WITH AN OPTION TO PURCHASE, FOR CERTAIN REAL ESTATE LOCATED IN CENTRAL EL PASO.

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE THE FOLLOWING: (1) SUPPORT FORMATION OF A VAB SUBCOMMITTEE WITH TWO STANDING REPRESENTATIVES: THE COUNTY VETERANS ASSISTANCE OFFICE AND CITY VETERANS OFFICE, PLUS ONE ADDITIONAL VETERAN. (2) D

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE THE WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR THE EL PASO COUNTY WATER SYSTEM D/B/A EAST MONTANA WATER SYSTEM AT A 6% RATE INCREASE FOR WATER AND A 5% RATE INCREASE FOR SEWER AND AUTHORIZE THE FEES TO TAKE EF

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

Resolutions 5A through 5J

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

Veterans Capital of the U.S.A. Initiative Governance

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

East Montana Water System Rate Increases

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

Postponement of Constable Precinct 4 Grant Items

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

Norton Rose Fulbright Bond Counsel Agreement (Item 4D)

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

Horizon City TIRZ No. 1 First Amendment (Item 4K)

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

Motion RECONSIDER ITEM #4O.

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

POSTPONE ONE WEEK.

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

Motion AS CORRECTED, APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN THE JOINT ELECTION SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CITY OF EL PASO (2026-0548), VILLAGE OF VINTON (2026-0489), FABENS ISD (2026-0486), TORNIL

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE EL PASO COUNTY'S 90TH LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, AS PRESENTED IN THE BACKUP.

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE THE CHANGES TO EL PASO COUNTY'S 90TH LEGISLATIVE AGENDA - LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND DATA CENTERS REGULATION SUPPORT LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING RESPONSIBLE D

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. ITEM #4B WAS POSTPONED ONE WEEK PER THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE; ITEM #4W WAS DELETED PER THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT; AND CORRECTIONS WERE READ IN

Voted yesSep 21, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 17, 2026

DELETE

Voted yesSep 17, 2026

COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTES UNANIMOUSLY THAT DELIBERATION IN AN OPEN MEETING WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH A THIRD PARTY; (2.) THE ATTOR

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Adoption of FY 2027 County Operating Budget and Tax Rate

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Horizon City TIRZ No. 1 First Amendment

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Adoption of Sheriff's Office Budget Letter and In-Person Appearance Request

Voted yesSep 14, 2026

APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA

Voted yesSep 14, 2026

POSTPONE ITEMS 10A AND 10B FOR ONE WEEK.

Voted yesSep 14, 2026

APPROVE AND RECORD INTO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING MINUTES, THE DISTRICT CLERK'S CERTIFICATION OF THE DISTRICT JUDGE'S ORDER TO APPROVE THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S SALARY PLAN, STAFFING LEVEL, SALARIES,

Voted yesSep 14, 2026

APPROVE

Voted yesSep 14, 2026

APPROVE THE CHANGES TO EL PASO COUNTY'S 90TH LEGISLATIVE AGENDA - LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND DATA CENTERS REGULATION

Voted yesSep 14, 2026

APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO EL PASO COUNTY'S 90TH LEGISLATIVE AGENDA - STATE FUNDING AND APPROPRIATIONS

Voted yesSep 14, 2026

SUBJECT TO FINAL LEGAL REVIEW, APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE FIRST AMENDMENT BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY AND THE TOWN OF HORIZON CITY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE (TIRZ) NO. 1 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT TO EXPAND

Voted yesSep 14, 2026

RECONSIDER ITEM #4O.

In the news (1)