Val Verde County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Val Verde County, TX public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New World screwworm threat
Commissioner Flores and Judge Owens urged ranchers to report suspected screwworm cases — hiding them could let the pest move inland past the border, ending sterile fly drops in our area.
Flood early warning system and sirens
The county has about $500,000 (including a $210,000 interest-free TWDB loan) for flood monitoring and sirens. Commissioners are submitting prioritized lists of low-water crossings and siren locations for their precincts.
Cienegas Road Street Lighting Project
For the sixth time, Commissioner Flores' $3,985.84 plan to install six LED street lights along Cienegas Road died — this time for lack of a second. Flores asked his colleagues to explain their objections so he could fix the proposal; none did.
Property Tax Legislation
The county is stuck holding pages of tax-delinquent properties it can't sell — other taxing entities keep blocking deals. Staff will bring private bids and lower minimum bids to the July 1 meeting to get them back on the tax roll.
Countywide Burn Ban Imposed
The court banned the riskiest fireworks (missiles with fins, rockets with sticks) for June 14-19, then authorized fireworks sales for Emancipation Day under that ban. A retailer asked to waive the ban given a wet year, but the fire chief's recommendation stood.
County health insurance costs rising sharply
The county's health plan renewal jumps about $488,000 next year — $120.92 more per employee per month — because claims are running at 110% of premiums. The court approved it anyway, since shopping the plan isn't realistic at that loss ratio, and plans to push nurse-line and mental health benefits to cut ER overuse.
Utility Rate Increase
Del Rio is looking to hike water and sewer rates again in 2026 to patch up our crumbling pipe system. The city says it’s a necessary evil to avoid major water shortages down the road, even though residents are already frustrated with rising costs.
Laughlin Air Force Base Airfield Lighting Improvements
The county accepted a $5 million state DEAAG grant and approved a matching $5 million gift for airfield lighting repairs at Laughlin, continuing nearly $20 million in base support grants since 2018.
Water and Infrastructure Project Upgrades
A batch of grant-funded water projects moved forward: change orders for the Comstock tank and Vega Verde waterline, $500,000 set aside for the San Felipe booster station, and bids sought for the Escondido Estates pump station.
$6.5M Hogg Foundation community wellness funding for Del Rio and Eagle Pass
The Migrant Clinician Network presented a $6.5 million Hogg Foundation initiative for mental well-being in 13 rural communities including Del Rio and Eagle Pass. Commissioners want a priority list — bus shelters, parks, water, street lighting — so the county can compete for the funds, which go to whichever communities organize fastest.
First Responder Compensation
Val Verde is facing a staffing crisis in its police and fire departments after a recent shooting highlighted how far behind our pay scales have fallen. Residents are demanding the City Council finally conduct a market study to fix these gaps and stop the revolving door of first responders leaving for better pay elsewhere.
City Leadership Turnover
Del Rio’s city council just fired the city manager and city attorney in a surprise late-night move, leaving the city’s leadership in a total scramble. Expect some major delays and policy shifts while the council hunts for replacements.
$150,000 Hotel Tax Funds for Hospital Cancer Center
The county now has formal rules for handing out hotel tax money, with new application and post-event reporting forms. Nonprofits can get paid up front; for-profit events must document spending afterward.
Mental health facility in Uvalde region
The county declared May Mental Health Awareness Month while local providers warned that psychiatric bed capacity is shrinking — Laurel Ridge in San Antonio has closed 300 beds, forcing longer transports for people in crisis. West Texas Counseling and Guidance served 514 clients in 2025 and offered free suicide-prevention presentations to schools and workplaces.
Cienegas Road Street Lighting Expansion
Commissioners fought over whether to add new lights and upgrade existing ones along Cienegas Road, the main artery for several communities. Most items failed 3-2 over light pollution and necessity concerns, while supporters called it a public safety issue for thousands of residents.
Regional Advocacy Group Partnership
The county, city and school district are trying to hire a shared advocacy firm; the Judge got permission to sign a joint MOU after interviews of Lone Star and Vandepute.
Cienegas Road Project funding shortfall
The county has $5.8 million for the Cienegas Road project but the low bid came in at $9.9 million. Commissioners rejected the bids and ordered a redesign — cheaper drainage pipe and reusing existing road base — before rebidding. The judge also floated borrowing money for road work across all precincts in the next budget.
Budget Adjustments for Technology and Software
The county moved $27,033.50 from its contingency fund to buy 10 new computers for TCOLE officer testing and cover essential annual software subscriptions.
Robert 'Bobby' Chavira Sports Complex Development
The court advanced multiple procurement and engineering steps for sports complex upgrades funded by HUD grants, tax notes, and school district contributions.
Election Administration
The county is spending about $14,000 on AEDs, tourniquet kits, Narcan and first-aid gear for five polling locations so voters and workers are covered on election day.
Rural ambulance grant for the hospital
The county applied for a state HB 3000 grant for an ambulance worth about $350,000 that, if awarded, could go to Val Verde Regional Medical Center, whose ambulance fleet has been run hard since COVID.
Asbestos abatement at Tony Cost Center building
A structurally deteriorating building at 402 Aguirre Street needs $34,600 in emergency asbestos abatement, with the cost split between Precinct 2 and the general fund; another building on Broad Lane looms as a future expense.
Groundwater Management
Val Verde residents are squaring off against a new groundwater pumping project that could leave our local wells high and dry. It’s a classic battle over who gets to control our most precious resource before it runs out.