El Paso County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in El Paso County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Travel Expense Disclosure
El Paso City Council unanimously agreed to publish city-funded travel expenses after a Channel 7 investigation. That means your tax dollars spent on trips will now be on the public record. It’s a straightforward transparency win for residents who want to see where the money goes.
Montana Vista Transmission Line Concerns
The county voted to intervene in El Paso Electric's proposed high-voltage transmission line project to protect community and environmental interests.
Election Administration and Polling Sites
The county recognized election workers with 'Election Hero Day' and reviewed legal rights regarding polling sites and security preparations ahead of elections.
Darrington Roadway Improvement Project Amendment
Staff presented funding and scope updates for the Tierra Este and Bob Hope roadway expansion projects, alongside public improvement district assessments.
Ascarate Park Master Plan and Lake Improvements
The county is reviewing public feedback on Ascarate Park designs, including road layouts, pedestrian pathways, and whether to undertake minor repairs or a major $7.2 million renovation of the small duck pond. Commissioners debated the balance between park amenities and water conservation.
Sheriff's Office Personnel Policy Updates
Proposed changes to Section 11.3.08 will reshape how deputy sheriff promotions and selections are handled.
Strategic Leadership and Governance Planning
The county reviewed its upcoming strategic plan, setting new goals for economic mobility, employee support, financial management, and AI technology use.
EPATS Transit Executive Employment Transition
The county successfully transitioned the employment agreement of transit head John Christian Andoh III over to EPATS as part of ongoing public transit restructuring.
'Close the Gap' Summit Planning
The commission discussed planning details for the upcoming 'Close the Gap' Summit, evaluating potential topics, key stakeholders, and available County resources.
Centennial Museum HVAC and Programming Updates
El Paso County is bringing the management of Los Portales Museum and the Old County Jail in-house, creating two new jobs to boost tourism along the Mission Trail.
Veteran Support and Advocacy
The advisory board coordinated efforts among local, county, and city veteran programs to improve support services for El Paso veterans. Discussions focused on legislative involvement, strategic goals, and community outreach.
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.
Community Recognition and Awards
The advisory board was scheduled to choose the recipient of the 2027 Veteran of the Year award, recognizing community service and military contributions.
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.
Statewide Wireless 9-1-1 Funding Modernization
The County supports state legislative action to update the 1997 wireless 9-1-1 fee to ensure sustainable funding for next-generation emergency communications.
Addition of TMJ Coverage to County Health Plan
The board evaluated a proposal to remove current exclusions and provide medical insurance coverage for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction starting September 1, 2026.
2026 Advisory Board Goals and Commissioners Court Submissions
The board was scheduled to outline its primary priorities and operational objectives for supporting local military veterans throughout 2026.
Departmental 2% Budget Reductions and Staffing Freezes
Departments were tasked with finding 2% budget reductions, leading to difficult choices regarding vacant positions, overtime caps, and operational cuts.
Employee Compensation, COLAs, and Minimum Wage
Commissioners debated raising cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) from 1.5% to higher tiers, aiming to reach a $16 hourly minimum wage and address pay compression across county staff and attorneys.
Historical Commission Budget and Expenditures Review
The historical commission discussed recommending a design for the America250 commemorative coin to the County Commissioners Court.
Pickleball Court Expansion
El Paso is planning to cap a section of I-10 with a new public park to bridge the gap between downtown neighborhoods. It’s a bold move to turn a noisy highway barrier into a walkable green space for everyone to enjoy.
Certified Appraisal Roll and Property Valuations
The Central Appraisal District reported a 2.12% increase in overall property valuations across El Paso County, with ongoing challenges regarding assessment protests.
State Funding for Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Veterans advocated for the state to fully fund property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, preventing the financial burden from shifting to local taxpayers and counties.
Ethics Commission Appointment
El Paso is dragging its feet on releasing police lawsuit records, even after the state Attorney General told them to hand them over. It’s a bad look that makes you wonder what exactly the city is trying to keep under wraps regarding officer conduct.
Bond Projects Public Dashboard
The committee examined proposed art elements for the San Felipe general obligation bond project to ensure community representation and aesthetic value.
Civil Rights Lawsuit Settlement
El Paso is paying $8 million to settle a civil rights lawsuit with Daniel Villegas, taking a huge chunk out of city funds. This massive payout is coming directly from local coffers, which could sting for taxpayers.
Elected Official Compensation
El Paso's mayor and city reps just scored a solid 15% pay raise. If you've been wondering where your tax dollars are going, your local politicians' salaries just got a whole lot heavier.
Municipal Taxation and Fees
An appeals court just struck down El Paso’s $6 monthly trash fee, calling it an illegal tax. This ruling leaves a massive hole in the city's budget and forces officials to scramble for a new way to pay for environmental services.
Election Logistics
Don't get caught in a loop trying to find your polling place this election cycle. Check the official city portal before you head out to make sure you're hitting the right spot during active voting hours.
DOJ Cybercrime Grant Implementation
El Paso County received a $700,000 federal grant to combat cybercrimes, hire specialized personnel, and partner with local agencies and victim support groups.
Opioid Settlement Fund Management
El Paso is sitting on a pile of opioid settlement cash that’s just gathering dust instead of helping people on the ground. It’s frustrating because our local addiction services are desperate for funding while this money remains locked in a bank account.
Animal Welfare Partnership
The County is considering a partnership with 'Laws N Paws' to improve animal welfare initiatives in the region.
Municipal Bond Funding
El Paso City Council just approved a new bond package to pay for local infrastructure and community upgrades. It’s a big move that aims to save the city money in the long run while potentially changing the look of your neighborhood.
Farmworker Rights and Support
The Sin Fronteras Organizing Project advocated for the rights, safety, and fair compensation of agricultural workers in the region.
Autism Awareness and Inclusion
Local advocates and organizations highlighted the ongoing need for support, resources, and employment opportunities for individuals with autism.
Public Comment Policy
Ever feel like your voice gets lost at City Council meetings? This guide breaks down the rules for public comment so you can actually get your point across without getting cut off.
Election Campaign
County Commissioner Sergio Coronado is officially running for another term, so it’s time to look at what he’s actually done and what he’s promising for the future. Keep an eye on his campaign to see if his goals align with your priorities for El Paso County.
Land Use and Immigration Policy
Socorro locals are fighting to block a new ICE detention center from moving into their backyard. This standoff is a big deal because it could change how the city handles federal projects in the future.
Land Use and Detention Facility Development
A massive new ICE detention center is being planned for Far East El Paso, but it’s already clashing with local tribal businesses. This project could change the landscape of our community and strain local infrastructure, so it's worth paying attention to upcoming county meetings.
Short-term Rental Regulation
El Paso is finally drafting official rules for Airbnbs and short-term rentals to get a handle on how they're impacting our neighborhoods and local housing prices. It’s a big move that could change the vibe of your street and potentially free up more long-term housing options.
Industrial Development
East El Paso residents are fighting a proposed Meta data center, worried about how the massive facility will change their neighborhood. This project is a major test case for how the city handles future tech expansion and land use.
Property Tax Administration
Ever feel like your property tax bill is a total mystery? This report pulls back the curtain on the 43 different local agencies taking a slice of your paycheck so you can finally see where your money is actually going.
Election Results
The November 4th election results are officially in, deciding the local leaders and policies that will steer El Paso for the next few years. It’s time to see how your neighborhood voted and what changes are coming to your community.
Property Tax Relief
Even though the state promised big property tax cuts in 2023, El Paso homeowners are seeing much smaller savings than expected. It turns out the relief plan didn't quite move the needle as much as officials claimed it would.
Public Health Alert
Measles is making a comeback in El Paso, and the city just released a list of locations where you might have been exposed. Take a quick look at the list to see if you need to check in with your doctor or keep an eye on your health.
Property Tax Analysis
Ever feel like your property tax bill is way too high? This breakdown cuts through the noise to show you exactly where your money goes and how El Paso stacks up against the rest of the state.
State Preemption Law
Texas just passed a law that basically tells cities like El Paso they can't make their own rules anymore. Local officials are now trying to figure out which of our city ordinances are still legal and which ones are getting overruled by the state.