By Lisa Morton
Regular meeting of Culberson County last Monday was short on member attendance with only Commissioners Gilda Morales and Adrian Norman along with Judge Carlos Urias attending to the county business.
AgriLife Extension Agent Zach Schaffer gave a full monthly report to the court including the 4-H program for the coming year. Schaffer accompanied 4-H member Mason Torres at the El Paso County Fair, announcing that Torres received 1st in class for his goat at the event.
The court reviewed information for Findings of Fact Regarding Political Boundaries of Culberson County, Texas. Attorneys have advised Judge Urias that due to a 32.6% deviation in the 2020 Census, the County must conduct a redistricting of the precinct boundaries. Judge Urias is planning a November 3rd special meeting specifically for this process which will be aided by redistricting software.
Sheriff Oscar Carrillo took the floor to discuss Security Grants such as The Office of the Governor and Stone Garden Grants. Carrillo identified a grant the county was awarded in the amount of $71,000, qualifying with the county’s proximity to the US/Mexico border. Another grant, that has a deadline of November 1st, the Judge is holding the Sheriff to, is for over $400,000 under Operation Lonestar which if eligible, the county can begin reimbursing funds used after filing a Declaration of Disaster for the Border Crisis.
Sheriff Carrillo maintains that apprehensions remain high including activity in Van Horn at the school, the cemetery, and on Highway 54 north and Highway 90 south.
Judge Urias and the court offered congratulations to local space company Blue Origin on its recent successful launch of astronauts.
In other county business:
Discussed progress of Food Pantry construction.
Approved 10 hours of Continuing Education hours for Pct. 4 Commissioner, Adrian Norman.
Approved order confirming reappointment of County Auditor..
Approved Budget Amendments.
Approved monthly reports.
Approved Treasurer’s Report.
Approved payment of billing and filing of approved check listing in the amount of $667,838.81.
