Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Val Verde County, TX public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues with medium priority
Cienegas Terrace Pedestrian Improvements
The county and TxDOT would sign a funding agreement for a pedestrian improvement project in Cienegas Terrace, which should mean safer walking routes for residents there.
Adult Probation office improvements and Target Range work
Two facility projects are up for approval: about $52,000 in flooring and paint for the Adult Probation offices and a $23,000 change order for interior work at the county Target Range.
Sheriff's Office Staffing and Grant Allocations
The Sheriff's Office would get a cell phone for an investigator and a corrected — much higher — monthly AT&T data-plan rate, plus the court will consider telecom additions for Purchasing and Precinct 4.
Indigent defense services
The county's public defender office will cost about $140,000 more this year than appointed attorneys did last year, though 115 more cases are being handled and cases are closing faster. The court agreed to revisit the numbers during budget season.
Tax-delinquent trust properties
The county is stuck holding pages of tax-delinquent properties it can't sell — other taxing entities keep blocking deals. Staff will bring private bids and lower minimum bids to the July 1 meeting to get them back on the tax roll.
Cienegas Road Streetlight Installation
After six attempts, the county is moving forward with installing six LED streetlights along Cienegas Road to improve public safety, funded by Precinct 4.
County finances: clean audit and $71M net position
External auditors gave the county a clean opinion, and the judge highlighted growth in net position from $14 million in 2018 to $71 million, a 113-day rainy-day fund, and investment yields up from about 1% to 3.4–3.7%.
Veterans Service Officer appointment
After an interview process, the court hired Luis Maldonado at $56,185 — the same salary his predecessor earned — to serve the county's veterans.