August 2009 - Posts

• Budget Hearings Update

  Schedule for 2009-2010 As of August 25,2009     August 25, 2009, Tuesday 9:00 a.m.  JP1 & Constable 1 10:00 a.m.  JP2 & Constable 2 11:00 a.m.  JP3 & Constable 3 12:00 p.m.  JP4 & Constable 4 1:00 p.m.  JP5 & Constable 5 2:00 p.m.  JP6, JP6 Place 2 & Constable 6 3:00 p.m.  JP7 & Constable 7  August 26, 2009, Wednesday 9:00 a.m.  MHMR 10:00 a.m.  Hotel/Motel August 27, 2009, Thursday 9:00 a.m.  Sheriff’s Department / Courthouse Security   August 28, 2009, Friday     Posted Aug 25 2009, 01:15 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Commissioners Court Meeting Highlights for August 24, 2009

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office                    Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas                    500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301 Monday, August 24, 2009                    (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                            I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    Court Informed about New Guidelines for MHMR (El Paso, Texas) – Due to lack of funding, the state-designated Mental Health/Mental Retardation Authority for El Paso County will close its doors to new consumers and establish a waiting list for services affecting 1,500 people with mental illness. El Paso MHMR officials explained to the court about their hope of receiving monies from the state during its 81st legislative session to prevent a waiting list, but albeit legislative efforts no additional funding was granted.  As a result, selected consumers will no longer be receiving services such as medication and therapy beginning September 1, 2009.  During this morning’s update, MHMR officials assured Commissioners Court that teams are working to determine which consumers will be released from services. Those patients to be released are individuals who have been stable and have been receiving services for a long period of time. Additionally, the members of the court were informed that the caseworkers will assist all affected individuals in order to facilitate the transition process and find other sources of care whenever possible. During today’s meeting, County Commissioner Pct. 3 Willie Gandara expressed his intention to approach city officials to find a prompt solution to the funding shortfall and continue providing the service to mentally ill patients in El Paso County.It was also noted that crisis services will not be affected for those individuals who pose an immediate threat to themselves or others. The El Paso MHMR Emergency & Crisis Department will continue to remain open 24/7 for crisis intervention and the 24-hour crisis line at 779-1800 will remain operational as well.  COUNTY RECOGNIZES THE TEXAS ALLIANCE CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF DAY  El Paso County Commissioners Court adopted a resolution proclaiming August 29, 2009 as the Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance Campaign Kick-Off Recognition Day. The resolution, sponsored by County Commissioner Pct. 2, Veronica Escobar, states that the County of El Paso supports the principles of the Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance towards a more comprehensive immigration reform that include the provision of a pathway to citizenship, keeping families together, the respect of civil liberties and rights, and the establishment of a responsible and accountable border policy, amongst others. The resolution was adopted by a 4 to 0 vote.  County Raises Copy Costs  The members of Commissioners Court unanimously approved an increase in cost per copy to the public. The new cost for black & white copies will be of $0.20 (twenty cents) each and $0.50 (fifty cents) per color copy.  The new fees are effective immediately.  Familias Triunfadoras Agreement Renewed Colonia residents from the San Elizario Community came before the court to request the renewal of the contract with the non-profit organization Familias Triunfadoras to administer the operations of the San Elizario Community Resource Center. The Familias Triunfadoras, Inc, was founded in 2006 and is a women-led, grass roots organization dedicated to empowering women and their families. The organization uses the San Elizario Community Resource Center, located at 12500 Socorro Road in San Elizario, to host its operations, programs and to serve as a community meeting place. Some examples of its assistance are: health screenings done in partnership with the University Medical Center, distribution of hygiene products, and medical equipment in partnership with the area Agency on Aging. The non-profit organization also partners with the County’s General Assistance program to assist individuals and families in accessing emergency services if needed. The court approved the renewal of the first of four allowable one-year agreements, which will come into effect on October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. (CC08-09-84) Posted Aug 24 2009, 04:56 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Funds Available for New and Existing Businesses

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office                    Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas                    500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301 Thursday, August 20, 2009                    (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                            I http://www.epcounty.com/ I  Revolving Loan Program  (El Paso, Texas) – Existing or new businesses located outside of El Paso City limits can take advantage of funds made available through El Paso County Revolving Loan Program. The funds will be available to help those existing or entrepreneurial projects with genuine growth potential. The RLF is a public sector financing tool designed to stimulate economic growth in the rural areas of El Paso County and provides capital for private projects, which would not be possible without such assistance. The funds will offer between $10,000 and $50,000 to small and medium-size enterprises. The fund recipients are required to use it to purchase equipment/machinery and operating working capital only. El Paso County created the RLF from program income via grants provided by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the State of Texas. In accordance with national objectives, the funds support the creation of permanent new jobs and/or retain existing jobs; it targets primarily low and moderate-income persons. Businesses or entrepreneurs seeking further information about their eligibility requirements can apply online or contact the El Paso County Loan Program Coordinator, Irene Gutierrez Valenzuela at (915)834-8246. For the program guidelines and the loan review criteria please visit: www.epcounty.com/famcom/    (CC08-09-83)   Posted Aug 20 2009, 08:28 AM by alazcano with no comments

• Budget Hearings 2009-20010

  Schedule for 2009-2010 Budget Sessions with County Judge and Commissioners To Be Held in the County Judge’s Conference Room   August 18, 2009, Tuesday  9:00 a.m.  Auditor’s Office Presentation and Items for Discussion  10:00 a.m.  Capital Project reports from Administrators    August 19, 2009, Wednesday   9:00 a.m.  Ascarate Park, Swimming Pools and Golf Course 9:30 a.m.  Sportspark 10:00 a.m.  Facilities Management 11:00 a.m.  Planning / Community Development 12:00 p.m.  ITD August 20, 2009, Thursday  9:00 a.m.  MHMR 10:00 a.m.  G&A 11:00 a.m.  Project Arriba 12:00 p.m.  Purchasing   August 25, 2009, Tuesday JPs and Constables all day  August 26, 2009, Wednesday JPs and Constables May not need if all on Tuesday  August 27, 2009, Thursday 9:00 a.m.  Sheriff’s Department / Courthouse Security   August 28, 2009, Friday Hotel/Motel               Posted Aug 19 2009, 12:57 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Commissioners Court Monday Highlights

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office                    Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas                    500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301 Monday, August 17, 2009                    (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                            I http://www.epcounty.com/ I     Lady Justice Statue to Return to the Courthouse Court Approves Restoration Efforts  (El Paso, Texas) - In today’s meeting, Commissioners Court accepted a plan to re-install a refurbished Lady Justice statue in a suitable location at the County Courthouse after the completion of conservation and restoration efforts. Commissioner Court authorized a committee of individuals, lead by Chief Justice David Wellington Chew, to secure funds to complete a conservation and rehabilitation effort. Lady Justice, absent from the Courthouse for almost 93 years, has sustained substantial damage over the years.  Her left hand and sword are missing as is her scale of justice. The citizen based committee will solicit donations from the community and from the County’s Hotel Occupancy Tax funds (HOT) for the restoration and placement of the statue. The first step in the process is performing a conditions assessment. This will guide the conservation and preservation efforts. Meanwhile, the El Paso Community Foundation agreed to be the fiscal agent for a community fund drive similar, on a smaller scale, to the efforts made to save the Plaza Theater. Rosemary Neill, Director of the Family and Community Services informed the court that any funds remaining from the conditions assessment will contribute toward the restoration. The proposed site for the statue is to be mounted in a pedestal in front of the courthouse entrance. Individuals or groups interested in making donations can contact Mr. Gary Williams, Program Officer, El Paso Community Foundation, 533-4020. Background Information: The architects designing the 1886 El Paso County Courthouse commissioned a statue, Lady Justice, to overlook the Courthouse. The statue is unique because her face has no blindfold covering her eyes. Most statues of this type show a figure with a blindfold holding the scales of justice. Historians and preservationists believe W. H. Mullins stamped the zinc sculpture. Mr. Mullins had a studio in Brooklyn, New York. Some historians believe there was a companion statue made to complement Lady Justice. Lady Justice graced the Courthouse until 1917. Demolition of the Courthouse in 1917 required moving Lady Justice to a new location. Lady Justice moved to a nearby park adjacent to Liberty Hall. Lady Justice then moved into Liberty Hall. Her final home was Ascarate Park. The Sheriff’s Department is evaluating any impact to security at the Courthouse in addition to security for this historic sculpture.   Posted Aug 17 2009, 11:53 AM by alazcano with no comments

• Highlights of the decisions made by El Paso County Commissioners Court during today's meeting

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office                    Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas                    500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301 Monday, August 10, 2009                       (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                             I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    Court Accepts El Paso County and University Medical Center Tax Rate Proposal for FY 2009-2010   (El Paso, Texas) - In today’s meeting, the members of Commissioners Court accepted the effective and rollback tax calculations from the County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office for both the County and the University Medical Center of El Paso (Hospital District).  The effective tax rate is a rate that raises about the same total revenue as last year on properties taxed in both years.  The rollback rate is a calculated maximum rate allowed by law without voter approval.  The County of El Paso’s calculations are as follows:  Effective Tax Rate of $0.338258 per $100 assessed value and Rollback Tax Rate of $0.369379 per $100 assessed value.  If the County of El Paso adopts a 2009 tax rate equal to the effective tax rate of $0.338258 per $100 of value, taxes would increase compared to 2008 taxes by $2,407,617.  The County’s current tax rate is $0.342437 per $100 assessed value.  Additionally, the court accepted the effective and rollback tax calculations for the University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) as follows:  Effective Tax Rate of  $0.179405 per $100 assessed value and a Rollback Tax Rate of $0.189167 per $100 assessed value. If the University Medical Center of El Paso adopts a 2009 tax rate equal to the effective tax rate of $0.179405 per $100 of value, taxes would increase compared to 2008 taxes by $1,365,354.  UMC’s current tax rate is $0.181504 per $100 assessed value.  If members of Commissioners’ Court propose to adopt a tax rate that exceeds the rollback rate or the effective tax rate, whichever rate is lower, they are required to hold two public hearing and publish newspaper ads before adopting a tax rate in accordance to Tax Code Section 26.05(d). Last, but not least, the notices for the County of El Paso, University Medical Center of El Paso and the El Paso County Community College (EPCC) were approved for publication in both the El Paso Times and El Diario both with major circulation, which will run on or about the week of August 17, 2009 to inform El Paso citizenry about the tax rate calculations.  These notices will also be available on the County’s website www.epcounty.com on or about the same date of publication in accordance with Texas Tax Code laws.                                                                                      Court Approves Resolution in Support of Completion of Eco-Park on the U.S.- Mexico Border Members of Commissioners Court adopted a resolution to encourage officials of both the United States and Mexican governments, state officials and the private sectors to persuade President Obama and President Calderon’s Administrations to establish an international commission. This commission will help promote the completion of an international park between Big Bend National Park in the United States and the protected areas of the states of Coahuila and Chihuahua across the border in Mexico. The Resolution, sponsored by County Commissioner Pct. 2 Veronica Escobar, states that there is a renewed interest on the part of government officials in both countries that recognizes the need to preserve the ecology and environment of the entire area and promote tourism. The Big Bend National Park in West Texas has been a region of high tourist interest since 1944. In early 1935, it was proposed that the region should be established as an international park and a monument to the friendship and good will that exists between the people of both countries. The proposal was made by Senator Morris Shepherd of Texas, with support from both President Roosevelt and President Truman of the United States and President Manuel Avila Camacho of Mexico. The Resolution which also called for the creation of an Eco-tourism committee in El Paso was approved in a 4 to 0 vote.   Health Benefits for Domestic Partners The item to form an exploratory committee to provide health benefits to domestic partners was postponed for one week. The item on today’s agenda, sponsored by the El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos, was intended to direct the Risk Pool Board and the Human Resources Department to form an exploratory committee composed of several county departments –including the County Attorney’s Office and the County Auditor’s Office, and present different options to possible benefits to the court. (CC08-09-79)     Posted Aug 10 2009, 03:47 PM by alazcano with no comments

• First Tee of Greater El Paso

  Youth Leadership Program               Now Enrolling (El Paso, TX) – The First Tee of Greater El Paso program will begin its Fall Season classes for new beginner TARGET program participants on Thursday, September 17 for children aged 7 to 18. The classes will be every Thursday for 7 weeks from 4:30p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The continuing Player-Par Program (PAR) will begin on Tuesday September 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.The classes for the PAR program will offered on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for 8 weeks. The nonprofit program has an enrollment cost of $50 and $25 per session with scholarships available for those who require it. The activity fee allows members to utilize the golf courses, learning center, and enters them into The First Tee Life Skills Program; paying for their Life Skills materials. The First Tee of Greater El Paso aims to impact the lives of young people in our area by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. To enroll in the TARGET program you can pick up an enrollment form at the Ascarate pro-shop or you can find it on the website at www.thefirstteegreaterelpaso.org or you can call The First Tee of Greater El Paso office at 915-252-6511 for additional information.  PAR PAR PAR  BEGINNER   TARGET 4:30 TO 6:00PM 4:30 TO 6:00PM 4:30 TO 6:00PM 4:30 TO 6:00PM SEPT. 8 (Tues) SEPT. 9 (Wed) SEPT.10 (Thurs) ---------------------- SEPT. 14 (Mon) SEPT.15 (Tues) SEPT.  16 (Wed) SEPT.17 (Thurs) SEPT. 21(Mon) SEPT. 22 (Tues) SEPT.  23 (Wed) SEPT.  24 (Thurs) SEPT. 28 (Mon) SEPT. 29 (Tues) SEPT. 30 (Wed) OCT. 1 (Thurs) OCT. 5 (Mon) OCT. 6 (Tues) OCT. 7 (Wed) OCT. 8  (Thurs) OCT. 12 (Mon) OCT. 13 (Tues) OCT.  14 (Wed) OCT. 15 (Thurs) OCT.  19 (Mon) OCT. 20 (Tues) OCT. 21 (Wed) OCT.22 (Thurs) OCT. 26 (Mon) OCT. 27 (Tues) OCT. 28 (Wed) OCT. 29 (Thurs)           Posted Aug 03 2009, 02:38 PM by alazcano with no comments