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.
Adult Probation office improvements and Target Range work
Two facility projects are up for approval: about $52,000 in flooring and paint for the Adult Probation offices and a $23,000 change order for interior work at the county Target Range.
Sheriff's Office Staffing and Grant Allocations
The Sheriff's Office would get a cell phone for an investigator and a corrected — much higher — monthly AT&T data-plan rate, plus the court will consider telecom additions for Purchasing and Precinct 4.
Cienegas Terrace Pedestrian Improvements
The county and TxDOT would sign a funding agreement for a pedestrian improvement project in Cienegas Terrace, which should mean safer walking routes for residents there.
Indigent defense services
The new public defender's office has taken about 525 cases since October — roughly 90-95% of the county's criminal caseload — at a projected cost of about $500 per case. The county pays about $300,000 this year, possibly $400,000 next year, but the office expects to underspend and is working on automation that could save hundreds of thousands.
County finances: clean audit and $71M net position
External auditors gave the county a clean opinion, and the judge highlighted growth in net position from $14 million in 2018 to $71 million, a 113-day rainy-day fund, and investment yields up from about 1% to 3.4–3.7%.
Cienegas Road Streetlight Installation
After six attempts, the county is moving forward with installing six LED streetlights along Cienegas Road to improve public safety, funded by Precinct 4.
Veterans Service Officer appointment
Four candidates were interviewed but the court tabled the hire for two weeks, keeping the position open through Friday to catch more applicants. Whoever is hired will still need state certification.