Public Information Office Aracely Lazcano I PIO
County of El Paso, Texas PIO@epcounty.com I Suite 301
Monday, September 14, 2009 (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I
I http://www.epcounty.com/ I
County and Sheriff’s Union Reach Agreement
(El Paso, TX) -- In today’s meeting, Commissioners Court accepted the offer made by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Officers Association to waive the cost of living allowance (COLA) increase for the months of October 2009 and April 2010; in return, the county agreed to a two-year expansion of their contract, which was due to expire in 2012 and will now end in September 30, 2014.
Under the current contract, Sherriff’s deputies are entitled to a cost of living increase every six months. This agreement will save the county 1.2 million for fiscal year 2010.
“This proposal is an example of how the ranking file of the Sheriff’s Office is committed and sensitive to the needs of the tax payers of this community. They know that we are in a tight budget crisis and this really goes to speak to the union character and their commitment to El Paso county constituents,” said County Judge Anthony Cobos.
The County Judge commended the Sheriff’s union leader and County Commissioner Pct. 1 Anna Perez for taking the lead in the negotiations.
The motion made by County Commissioner Pct. 1 Anna Perez and seconded by County Judge Cobos was approved unanimously.
September is Hunger Action Month
County Commissioners Court has adopted a resolution recognizing September as the “Hunger Action Month” in El Paso County.
During the adoption of the resolution, which was sponsored by County Judge Anthony Cobos and seconded by County Commissioner Veronica Escobar, officials with the West Texas Food Bank stated that hunger is an issue in our community and that one in every four people in our area suffers as a result of lack of food due to poverty.
It is estimated that in El Paso County around 200,000 people do not have a daily meal and the number continues to grow, officials said. Therefore, in an effort to increase awareness about this problem and to highlight the generosity of non-profit organizations and the private sector in their efforts to fight hunger, El Paso County Commissioners court unanimously approved such resolution.|
Locally, the West Texas Food Bank distributes over five million pounds of food and provides emergency and temporary food assistance to more than 118,000 people per year through the help of more than 180 non-profit partner agencies.
On September 16, the non-profit organization in partnership with Fred Loya Insurance will deliver 300 baskets of food at 800 N. Zaragoza for needy people.
With every dollar donated to the West Texas Food Bank, they are able to provide up to seven warm meals for people in need.
People or companies interested in making donations please contact (915)595-1060 for more information.
Ascarate Park Update
As part of the county efforts to upgrade Ascarate Park facilities, members of Commissioners Court awarded a $79,894 contract to a local company to re-design four baseball fields.
The baseball fields will remain in the same location but will be of uniform dimensions. In order to complete this phase of the project, the handball courts will be moved and new courts will be built in a nearby area to better accommodate the players.
In addition to re-designing the fields; new backstops, dug outs and fencing will be placed.In the future, the county will be also upgrading the irrigation system to preserve the fields’ playing condition.
When completed, Ascarate will have six ball fields available for the public’s enjoyment.
(CC09-09-90)