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RICARDO A. SAMANIEGO, County Judge
JACKIE BUTLER, Commissioner, Pct.1
DAVID STOUT, Commissioner, Pct.2
ILIANA HOLGUIN, Commissioner, Pct.3
SERGIO CORONADO, Commissioner, Pct.4 |
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AGENDA
Enrique Moreno County Courthouse Judge Alicia R. Chacón County Commissioners Courtroom 500 East San Antonio Room 303 El Paso, Texas 79901
Website address: http://www.epcounty.com Agendas are posted online at: https://epcounty.primegov.com/public/portal For the meeting broadcast schedule, go to: https://www.epcounty.com/_meetings.htm To view live video webcast: https://www.youtube.com/@elpasocountycommissionerscourt
Members of the public are welcome to participate and address the Commissioners Court during any meeting. To participate in public comment by telephone, please call: 888-835-7276 or 888-8 EL PASO. Members of the public may also participate via videoconference by visiting: https://www.epcounty.com/public-comment.htm
This meeting may include one or more Commissioners that will participate by videoconference, and El Paso County employees that will participate by videoconference, which is allowed pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.127. A quorum of the Commissioners Court will be physically present at 500 East San Antonio Room 303, El Paso, Texas 79901. A member of the Commissioners Court who is presiding over the meeting will also be physically present at the location listed above. The meeting is open to the public during the open portions of the meeting, and the Commissioner participating by video conference shall be visible and audible to the public for as long as the Commissioner is able to participate.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC All matters listed under the Consent Agenda will be considered by the Commissioners Court to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Court or persons in the audience request that specific items be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda for discussion prior to the time the Commissioners Court votes on the motion to adopt the Consent Agenda. All matters listed on the Consent Agenda and Regular Agenda may be discussed in Executive Session at the discretion of the El Paso County Commissioners Court following a verbal announcement, if an appropriate exception to the Texas Open Meetings Act is applicable.
Please place all electronic devices on silent mode to reduce disruption of the meeting. |
1. | OPEN MEETING |
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2. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE |
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3. | INVOCATION |
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4. | CONSENT AGENDA |
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A. | Approval of the Minutes of the regular meeting of March 3, 2025. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600 |
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B. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the updated letter to request temporary housing from the State for Operation Lonestar (OLS) detainees to reflect Sheriff Oscar Ugarte's support of the request. (#7578-OP) Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600 |
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C. | Pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 115.021, audit and settle all accounts against the County shown on the attached listing and direct the payment of those accounts. Barbara Parker, County Auditor, County Auditor's Office, 915-273-3262 |
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D. | Approve budget amendment No. 17 to the El Paso County’s 2024-2025 operating budget. This budgetary amendment will not increase or decrease the County of El Paso's 2024-2025 overall operating budget of $605,134,541.11. Melissa Carrillo, Deputy County Administrator, County Operations, 915-546-2162 |
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E. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign an Outside Counsel Agreement between El Paso County, Texas and Kemp Smith, LLP, Ms. Clara Burns (C.B), In the Matters of OAD and FC, CA File No. 0084-24-EE; CA File No. 0172-23-EE; CA File No. 0183-23-EE; and CA File No. 0087-24-EE. Jed Untereker, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
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F. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of El Paso, on behalf of the Criminal Justice Coordination Department, and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger to provide justice-involved individuals with educational, job training, and employment opportunities to participants in the El Paso Promise Program for a twelve month term beginning March 10, 2025. There is no fiscal impact. (Contract 2025-0214) Catherine Jones, Director, Criminal Justice Coordination, 915-273-3353 |
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G. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign a letter formally requesting another year of services from the National Parks Service for the technical assistance they are currently providing on the “El Paso Mission Trail: Heritage on the Move” project. No funding is associated with this request. (Contract No. 2025-0206) Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development, 915-546-2177 |
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H. | Approve and authorize the Public Works Department to submit the FY24 Rural Utility Service Vehicles Grant Package in the amount of $550,000 from March 9, 2024, to September 30, 2032. No County match is required. Further, approve any additional forms that may be necessary after the grant package is submitted. (Contract No. 2025-0218) Fernando Hernandez, Director, Infrastructure, 915-273-3330 |
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I. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the request for donation of surplus material from the Texas Department of Transportation as part of the Local Government Assistance program as established in 1997 under the Transportation Code 201.706. Fernando Hernandez, Director, Infrastructure, 915-273-3330 |
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J. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department and the Midland County Juvenile Probation Department for post adjudication secure correctional facility residential treatment services. This agreement will be effective February 16, 2025, through January 5, 2026, generating revenue at a rate of $202.88 per day. Funds will be deposited in GF-JUVDETAIN-DETAINEE-OTHER. (Contract No. 2025-0208) Rosie Medina, Chief Officer, Juvenile Probation, 915-273-2036 |
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K. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department and the Gaines County Juvenile Probation Department for post adjudication secure correctional facility residential treatment services. This agreement will be effective February 16, 2025, through January 14, 2026, generating revenue at a rate of $202.88 per day. Funds will be deposited into GF-JUVDETAIN-DETAINEE-OTHER. (Contract No. 2025-0209) Rosie Medina, Chief Officer, Juvenile Probation, 915-273-2036 |
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L. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department and the Randall County Juvenile Probation Department for clinical unit assessment. This agreement will be effective March 1, 2025, through May 31, 2025. There is no cost for assessment services. Eligible travel expenses will be invoiced. Funds are available in GF-JPD-TRAINING. (Contract No. 2025-0210) Rosie Medina, Chief Officer, Juvenile Probation, 915-273-2036 |
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M. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Consulting Agreement between the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department and Ironwood Business Consulting for independent workplace investigative services for employment-related investigations. This agreement will be effective April 15, 2025, through April 14, 2027. Cost is dependent on services provided. Funds are available in GF-JPD-PROF SVC-GEN. (Contract No. 2025-0227) Rosie Medina, Chief Officer, Juvenile Probation, 915-273-2036 |
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N. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to execute Amendment 2 to the Interlocal and Subrecipient Agreement with the Lower Valley Water District (LVWD) for the construction of first-time water and wastewater systems in Wildhorse, Hacienda Real, Athena West, Angel Parks, and Panorama Village. This amendment ensures alignment with the correct ARPA performance period while maintaining no impact on the budget. (Contract No. 2025-0196) Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
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O. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Release of Obligation for improvements located in Westview Heights Unit Two subdivision (Instrument No. LICX1177020). Further, accept the identified improvements into the County of El Paso Road System for maintenance. Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
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P. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government Sections 232.028 and 232.029, approve and authorize the issuance of certification regarding compliance with applicable plat requirements as provided on the attached listing. Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
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Q. | Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to solicit proposals for Financial Advisor Services for El Paso County, Texas. In accordance with Local Government Code 262.030, the Purchasing Agent has reviewed use of the Requested for Proposal (RFP) process. Karen Davidson, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing, 915-273-3349 |
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R. | 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, 915-273-3349 |
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S. | Rescind the Commissioners Court Order of February 3, 2025, Item No. 4AD on the Consent Agenda: GRANT APPLICATION - Approve and authorize the County Judge to submit the Office of the Governor FY25-26 Justice Assistance Program Grant, Sustaining Capabilities Project application on behalf of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, in the amount of $53,100. No County match is required. Further authorize the County Judge to sign the accompanying resolution. (Contract No. 2025-0079) Oscar Ugarte, Sheriff, EPCSO, 915-538-2006 |
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T. | Approve and authorize the establishment of the Security & Access Control Fund project under Tax Note 2023 Series A. Further, approve and authorize the reallocation of $300,000 from CP-TAXNOT23A-CAP OUT-MISC to CP-TN23A-RENOV-ACCESS CONTROL. Jose M. Landeros, Deputy County Administrator, Strategic Capital Development, 915-546-2159 |
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U. | Approve and authorize the reallocation of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Tax Note 2023 Series B capital funds for FY25 Quarter 1, for projects that have been completed or discontinued, as described in the attached listing. Jose M. Landeros, Deputy County Administrator, Strategic Capital Development, 915-546-2159 |
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V. | Approve and authorize the establishment of the Juvenile Probation Department Elevator Repair project under Tax Note 2023 Series A. Further, approve and authorize the reallocation of $43,459.72 from CP-TN23A-JPD-RENOV-SANITSEWER to CP-TN23A-JPD-RENOV-JPDELEVATOR. Jose M. Landeros, Deputy County Administrator, Strategic Capital Development, 915-546-2159 |
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W. | GRANT AWARD - Approve and authorize the County Judge to e-sign all Texans Feeding Texans Home-Delivered Meal Grant Award Documents No. HDM2025154 in the amount of $51,968.30 for a grant period of February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. A grant match of $35,734.75 is required and met with program staff salaries. (Contract No. 2025-0169) Irene Gutierrez, Executive Director, Community Services, 915-273-3485 |
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X. | GRANT AWARD – Approve and authorize the County Judge to accept the FY26 Operation Lone Star grant (OLS) application in the amount of $1,302,222.91 in replacement of Local Border Security Program grant (LBSP) from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. No County Match is required. (Contract No. 2025-0217) Ricardo Perales, Lieutenant, EPCSO West Texas HIDTA, (915) 273-3448 |
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Y. | GRANT APPLICATION - Approve and authorize the District Attorney's Office to apply for the Office of the Governor, Homeland Security Grants Division, FY26 Border Prosecution Unit (BPU) Program, in the amount of $4,866,903 from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027. No County match is required. Further, authorize the County Judge to sign the accompanying Resolution. (Contract No. 2025-0220) James Montoya, District Attorney, District Attorney's Office, 915-273-3542 |
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Z. | GRANT APPLICATION - Approve and authorize the Parks and Recreation Department to apply for the FY26 Texas A & M Community Forestry, Tree Planting Grant in the amount of $20,000.00 from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. A $20,000.00 In-Kind match is required. (Contract No. 2025-0223) Timothy Fulton, Director, Parks and Recreation, 915-771-2380 |
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AA. | GRANT APPLICATION RATIFICATION - Approve and authorize the County Judge to ratify the submission of the Office of the Governor FY25-26 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program application on behalf of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office in the amount of $53,100.00 and sign the accompanying resolution. The project period is from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. No County match is required. (Contract No. 2025-0221) Oscar Ugarte, Sheriff, EPCSO, 915-538-2006 |
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5. | RESOLUTIONS |
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A. | Approve and adopt a resolution celebrating the return of TNA Wrestling to El Paso at the El Paso County Coliseum and recognizing March 14-15, 2025, as TNA Wrestling Days in El Paso County, Texas. David Stout, Commissioner, Precinct 2, 915-546-2111 |
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B. | Approve and adopt a resolution honoring the most recent inductees into the El Paso Black Hall of Fame. David Stout, Commissioner, Precinct 2, 915-546-2111 |
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C. | Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing the 5th Annual Deputy Peter John Herrera 5k Memorial Run/Walk, to be held Sunday, March 23, 2025, and declaring it Deputy Peter John Herrera Day in El Paso County, Texas. David Stout, Commissioner, Precinct 2, 915-546-2111 |
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D. | Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing and honoring the service of Sergeant Major Curtis Lee Brown in El Paso County, Texas. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591 |
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E. | Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing El Paso Boxer Stephanie Han for winning the WBA Lightweight Title and maintaining her unbeaten record of 10-0. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-273-3591 |
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6. | PUBLIC COMMENT |
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7. | REGULAR AGENDA |
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A. | Consider and accept the Written Application for the Incorporation of a Housing Finance Corporation, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 394.011(a). Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600 |
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B. | Rescind the Commissioners Court Order of March 3, 2025 pertaining to Item No. 8A, for the selection of three (3) individuals to incorporate the Housing Finance Corporation and designate a registered Agent. Further, designate County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, Commissioner Iliana Holguin and Chief Administrator Betsy Keller as the incorporators of the El Paso County Housing Finance Corporation and designate the Chief Administrator to serve as the Registered Agent. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600 |
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C. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 394.011(b), approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Resolution finding that formation of the El Paso County Housing Finance Corporation is wise, expedient, necessary, and advisable and further approve the form of the proposed articles of incorporation of the corporation. Finally, approve and authorize any other actions necessary, required, or prudent in connection with the formation, organization, and operation of the housing finance corporation, including the filing of the Articles of Incorporation. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600 |
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D. | Approve and adopt the Bylaws of the El Paso County Housing Finance Corporation. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600 |
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8. | COUNTY ADMINISTRATION |
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A. | Receive a presentation, discuss and take appropriate action regarding El Paso County’s 89th Texas Legislative Agenda and Values Statements and provide discussion and input regarding Federal legislative items for the 119th Congress. Melissa Carrillo, Deputy County Administrator, County Operations, 915-546-2162 |
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9. | HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES |
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A. | Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding the future use and purpose of the Montana Vista Community Center currently being operated by Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe under a services agreement with the County of El Paso. Irene Gutierrez, Executive Director, Community Services, 915-273-3485 |
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10. | GRANT APPLICATIONS |
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A. | GRANT APPLICATION - Approve and authorize the El Paso County Sheriff's Office to apply for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), FY2026-2027 Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grants (VCLG) Services in the amount of $99,000.00 for a two-year project from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027. Further, approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the accompanying Resolution and Statement Supporting the Submission of the application. No match is required by OAG, but a match in the amount of $145,610.00 is required by the department to sustain the program. Funding is available in GF-SOCRIVIC-XFEROUT-GRNT MATCH. (Contract No. 2025-0225) Oscar Ugarte, Sheriff, EPCSO, 915-538-2006 |
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11. | EXECUTIVE SESSION
Only the members of the Commissioners Court have a right to attend an executive session, except that legal counsel must be present if the executive session is held pursuant to Government Code section 551.071. In addition to legal counsel, Commissioners Court may include in executive session certain officers and employees if it finds that (1) their participation is necessary to the matter under consideration; (2) their interests are not adverse to the county, and (3) their presence will not waive the attorney client privilege. Generally, the Chief Administrator, Budget Executive Director, County Clerk's representatives, and County Auditor's Office representatives attend the closed session items based on the enumerated criteria, and certain other persons may attend based on the above-listed criteria or as otherwise provided by law. |
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A. | Discuss findings regarding persons necessary in Executive Session. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-273-3600 |
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B. | Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, discuss legal rights and responsibilities regarding litigation styled United States v. Texas, No. 24-50149, County Attorney’s File No. 0165-23-PL. Bernardo Cruz, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
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C. | Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, discuss legal rights and responsibilities regarding litigations AFGE v. OPM (No. 3:25-cv-01780) and Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic (No. 23-1275). Bernardo Cruz, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
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D. | Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, discuss litigation styled Fund Texas Choice, et al v. Jose Garza, in his official capacity as District Attorney of Travis County, Texas, et al; Civil Cause No. 1:22-CV-00859-RP; County Attorney case number: 0075-23-LD. Jed Untereker, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
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E. | Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, discuss legal rights and responsibilities regarding Starr v. Hicks, County Attorney’s file number 0035-25-AA. Jed Untereker, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
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F. | Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.087, discuss financial information and economic development negotiations received regarding a Chapter 381 Agreement with Project Salsa, a private business prospect. Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development, 915-546-2177 |
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12. | REGULAR SESSION |
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A. | Discuss and take appropriate action regarding pending litigation styled United States v. Texas, No. 24-50149, County Attorney’s File No. 0165-23-PL. Bernardo Cruz, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
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B. | Discuss and take appropriate action regarding litigations AFGE v. OPM (No. 3:25-cv-01780) and Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic (No. 23-1275). Bernardo Cruz, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
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C. | Discuss and take appropriate action regarding litigation styled Fund Texas Choice, et al v. Jose Garza, in his official capacity as District Attorney of Travis County, Texas, et al; Civil Cause No. 1:22-CV-00859-RP; County Attorney case number: 0075-23-LD. Jed Untereker, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
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D. | Rescind the Commissioners Court Order of March 3, 2025, Item No. 11B on the Regular Agenda: Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Chapter 381 Economic Development Agreement with Schneider Electric USA Inc. and Plexxar LLC. (Contract No.2025-0166). Further, approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the revised Chapter 381 Economic Development Agreement with Schneider Electric USA Inc. and Plexxar LLC. (Contract No. 2025-0166) Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development, 915-546-2177 |
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13. | ADDENDUM TO THE AGENDA |
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A. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 81.032. allow the County Judge to accept any donations for the purpose of travel to Taiwan to meet and discuss economic opportunities in El Paso County the week of March 14-21, 2025. POSTED FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025, AT 4:00 P.M. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-546-2098 |
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ADJOURN |
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If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact us at (915) 273-3600