[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6164220,"mediaKeyId","5430009-b7a4ef03c4e2dfd5371747cbc6ed3e8e","parentId",5430009,"title","County budget team warns FY26 will rely heavily on fund balance; commissioners told reserve may fall below policy targets","audioSeconds",1152,"startMs",5543000,"endMs",6695000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5430009-b7a4ef03c4e2dfd5371747cbc6ed3e8e&start=5543&end=6695","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5430009-b7a4ef03c4e2dfd5371747cbc6ed3e8e/thumbnail_5543000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164220/El-Paso-County/Texas/County-budget-team-warns-FY26-will-rely-heavily-on-fund-balance-commissioners-told-reserve-may-fall-below-policy-targets","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164220-3e953964885561a56b6cc3e6a6f9af7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437795&Signature=JLjCcs0P7AAyHeAR1he1j5BfkgPWpwg2y1UH2NAOjR3A-0zgJ75i1o2QyGM2ONmraUnFAC6Go0fxJMIuSIOuYEMi1rWr9a3o5ICKHtc~VTByrBG6ljXsYiFRtr83DQSvmELIKU4DO0YygMbCt-RRya273GuxsNAhhtDLNF8EZyPGCEmiJwmmyGS77T8-LXGevlhP4Ppw4vFg6mfl1DWxzW8Faxe5h6x2Xo-m9hIk1ZLBNmkcH-Pns4oI7iAVUdqUVPprfzZjQelUsgO6gw9IsHMhPWX~aHiX50rAWIQ5vrBWf2YNAkr8oFT5LZYyuGlzbuIgx~RXhIUaxCE~fJxHmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","El Paso County, Texas","date","2025-07-19T20:11:58.977Z","article","El Paso County budget officials on Thursday provided a third-quarter financial update and an early look at the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, warning commissioners that the draft would rely heavily on fund balance and showing a projected reserve below the county's policy goal.

Budget and financial staff said revenues for FY25 through June were roughly $343 million collected year-to-date (about 89.5% of the year's estimate) with year-to-date expenditures around $282 million. The county's proposed FY26 general-fund budget totals roughly $469 million, with recommended personnel spending at approximately $314.7 million. Staff said those figures reflect several adjustments from FY25 and that operating restorations cut last year remain incomplete.

Why it matters: County staff told the court the FY26 draft uses an estimated 73% of the projected FY25 fund balance to reach a balanced budget, leaving a projected reserve of about 4.7% (below common policy targets of 6' 8%). Staff said certified property values and final revenue estimates to be provided by the County Auditor in early August could change the picture before any adoption votes.

Key numbers and context
- Year-to-date FY25: Revenues collected (through June) $343 million (89.47% of annual estimate); expenses year-to-date $282 million. June was an estimated month and is subject to final audit (Gabby Federal, Budget & Finance).
- FY26 draft: Proposed general-fund budget approximately $469 million with recommended salaries at $314.7 million and operating budget reductions of roughly $6.3 million compared with the FY25 revised budget.
- Fund balance/reserve: Using the current certified estimates, staff said FY26 would require drawing about 73% of the available fund balance; that would leave a projected reserve of about 4.68%, short of a 6% policy reserve by roughly $6 million and short of an 8% target by $15 million.
- Revenue drivers: The County Auditor's revenue update (June estimates) shows sales tax and federal-prisoner revenues driving some of the decline; staff said they expect revenue certification after property values are finalized in early August and that the draft budget will be updated accordingly.
- Expenditure pressure: Departments highlighted anticipated recurring needs for equipment, public-safety costs and contractual increases; staff noted specific pressures in public-safety and indigent-defense monitoring and recommended a $3.5 million reserve for higher-cost felony indigent-defense cases.

Commissioner/staff exchanges and next steps
- Commissioners asked for detail on public-works reductions and whether those were one-time transfers tied to capital projects; auditors and staff said much of the year-over-year decrease related to transfers to CIP or one-time items (e.g., a prior large transit-center transfer and a lesser CIP transfer in FY25).
- Staff said they will continue to refine numbers before the August 11 budget hearing and that certified revenue figures tied to property values will be incorporated. Budget staff also told commissioners they expect to brief the court on options to restore certain capital or operating budgets in future years.

Ending: Staff recommended the court await the county auditor's certified revenues after the tax-rate process in August, and return to the court for adoption-specific hearings; commissioners asked staff to continue exploring targeted restorations for public-safety and critical capital replacement where possible.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 17, 2025 El Paso County Commissioners Court Special Session Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Budget officials told the El Paso County Commissioners Court that the FY26 draft budget relies heavily on fund balance, leaving a projected reserve of roughly 4.7% if current certified revenue estimates hold, short of county targets.","taxTitle","taxId",2703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6164225,"County staff weighs targeted restoration, aeration and access improvements at Escarate Lake after technical study and public input",1262,1112000,2374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5430009-b7a4ef03c4e2dfd5371747cbc6ed3e8e&start=1112&end=2374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5430009-b7a4ef03c4e2dfd5371747cbc6ed3e8e/thumbnail_1112000.jpg","/articles/6164225/El-Paso-County/Texas/County-staff-weighs-targeted-restoration-aeration-and-access-improvements-at-Escarate-Lake-after-technical-study-and-public-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164225-b265fb18a3b0bbf17558f1350aa5d382/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437795&Signature=JmQD1MtbHzQZ00lq7bPbGXu19FKV~tofBolsVfX7-Fnv656rTOx~9iKy7wiT1nE06dmmqXIh9Mu-eb~SJ3NJaiLuvX1YNqXFd6kMbg7i2JNuCE31cQ-2FZu9rnRY9kv2t8~6WPXa8kD-ABc98ByWj~a6aKG66So3tgRGL47klP0R4mX6ZC4DGqZb19wdC4-Pb-rQtpBHCOO4tEVKICEHES4K6fZhMIF8OZ-TJ3Ku2fkqGiwxHqbnHqji5J5PeXloCv-jm4175yNFj5vhSrRYHY7VfwSSZQWTl78noDJW~AuEDsAoNoKK6NN91xKWEqNaISqEqQ4IoaNUr9jp3bqxBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","El Paso County Public Works on Thursday presented technical findings and community feedback on restoration options for Escarate Lake and the surrounding Scott At The Park site, including cautions from University of Texas at El Paso scientists about large-scale dredging and proposals for smaller, targeted interventions.

The county shared an AECOM bathymetry study showing the ponded lake's depth is generally between 4 and 7 feet, rather than the 10 feet indicated in original construction plans. A subsurface clay liner of about 10'12 inches was confirmed, and investigators found about 6'10 inches of organic sediment on top of the liner in many areas, not the large sediment depths community members had feared.

Why it matters: The depth and liner findings change the tradeoffs of restoration options. Experts from UTEP and other consultants said extensive dredging could alter hydrology and water turnover, increase ecological disruption and threaten the lake's natural ecosystem. County staff recommended a more cautious approach focused on targeted sediment removal, tree plantings to reduce nutrient inflow, improved aeration, well upgrades and expanded public access.

Key findings and options presented
- Bathymetry and liner: County staff reported the lake's depth ranges 4' 7 feet; a clay liner (10'12 inches) exists in places; average organic sediment was measured at about 6'10 inches in sampled areas (Public Works presentation).
- Risks of dredging: UTEP environmental scientists and county consultants warned that large-scale dredging could change thermal stratification, reduce natural oxygen exchange, disrupt groundwater interaction and harm the lake's long-evolved ecology. Targeted removal of deeper sediment pockets was recommended where feasible to minimize hydrologic impacts.
- Recommended enhancements: Staff outlined a package of proposed improvements including shore stabilization, larger LED aerators for water quality and aesthetics, upgrading or drilling new wells to improve water quality and supply, improved ADA access and additional fishing and veteran-access amenities requested during a community meeting.
- Community priorities: In a public meeting earlier in July the county heard requests for improved ADA access, fish-stocking and feeder fish programs, bait sales or vending, better lighting, speed bumps, and improved trail and parking configurations. Staff said camping or RV accommodations were also raised as possible amenities.

Quotes (from the record)
- \"We learned about the water loss, the leakage in the lake, the quality, the depth, and we did some soil testing...the lake depth was only 4 to 6 feet at that point.\" — Public Works presenter Lydia (first referenced in transcript at 1205.375).
- \"One of those [UTEP] concerns is that the dredging could actually indeed, you know, create some problems that maybe we didn't think about...going in and dredging or digging deeper could really disrupt this lake hydrology.\" — Tim Fulton, Parks Director (first referenced in transcript at 1402.005).

Court and next steps: Commissioners thanked staff for the presentation and emphasized the need to preserve ecological function while improving recreational access. Staff said the operations most feasible in the near term are well work and targeted aeration improvements; other measures would be coordinated with the larger bond-funded park redevelopment project and refined after additional design work and public outreach.

Ending: County staff will continue environmental testing, coordinate with El Paso Water and UTEP, and fold Escarate Lake's enhancement scope into larger park bond projects; any engineering designs and procurement steps will be brought back to the commissioners for approval.","Public works presented a study showing Escarate Lake is shallower than expected and staff and UTEP experts cautioned against wholesale dredging. The county proposed targeted sediment removal, new aeration, deeper wells and improved recreational access; commissioners and staff emphasized community input and ecological caution.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6164230,"El Paso County narrows but preserves flexibility on business wage rules as economic development policy is revised",2909,2417000,5326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5430009-b7a4ef03c4e2dfd5371747cbc6ed3e8e&start=2417&end=5326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5430009-b7a4ef03c4e2dfd5371747cbc6ed3e8e/thumbnail_2417000.jpg","/articles/6164230/El-Paso-County/Texas/El-Paso-County-narrows-but-preserves-flexibility-on-business-wage-rules-as-economic-development-policy-is-revised","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164230-f56f78aa9f8b9ab813228078473062b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437795&Signature=IPQ2XjFmS39NCnBOJmfPblDch6D8MEgy2K8eeqeOW39eMj~siNAf22TUdZnyDoiUvst1l16IoQ16YIEksq0M3pzpIJ8cSD-sUKwVwea1mt7d5iCPesQ1M40bGHq4pXrjnzDF~Elavq6d72RxuzMF~U0ozQkCpOirJKOuPWgyXQT6Ti7V1bEJJdgL1h6UhEzk-lvY94d17k2Hxmt3gf7vtUJ6gXwnCVgL7mHLVSEiISFLR01d-tn-P~Q4oett3SQbbjJcevgNPiK-h3E0RIAKqzCNIBmdqu7eIu7AXzenOOf1nKXT0L5zQhhd3XDVVjXcFT-fKlbKOevmmt4NHmdWcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","El Paso County Commissioners on Thursday reviewed a substantially revised economic development policy that consolidates separate incentive programs into a single document and adds new grant funds, targeted investment zones and bonus incentives. The policy sets the county's median-wage standard as the expectation for jobs created by incentive recipients, but commissioners directed staff to retain case-by-case flexibility and build firm upscaling requirements when lower-wage proposals are considered.

County Economic Development Director Roberto Ransom briefed commissioners on the draft policy, which folds the county's Chapter 3.12 tax abatement policy and Chapter 3.81 tax rebate rules into one streamlined document and adds a new strategic grant fund for small and historic preservation projects. \"Should we bring these opportunities forward to commissioner's court, for your consideration, even if they fall short on the wage requirement?\" Ransom asked. He said county staff would collect payroll distributions in applications and bring detailed wage information to the court for any exception requests.

Why it matters: Commissioners repeatedly said the county should not subsidize low wage jobs, but several members also warned that a hard rejection rule could cost the county large projects that otherwise create many jobs and broader economic activity. The court asked for an explicit process that balances wage standards with pragmatic recruiting needs and partner contributions.

Most important points
- Baseline wage requirement: The draft requires that \"all new jobs created must meet or exceed the county's median wage of $18.21,\" a figure staff said will be updated annually using Bureau of Labor Statistics data (Christian Martinez, Economic Development). Commissioners endorsed the median wage as the policy floor but asked for an exceptions clause and implementation guidance.
- Case-by-case exception with conditions: Commissioners directed staff to bring any lead that does not meet the wage minimum to the court for review and to require: (a) evidence of broader economic benefits, (b) a plan to increase wages over a defined period, and (c) reduced incentive amounts if the wage threshold is not met. Several commissioners recommended a stair-stepped incentive tied to wage improvements.
- New grant fund and targeting: Staff proposes a strategic grant fund (20% of the Economic Impact Fund) split among medium/small/micro business grants and historic-preservation grants. The court agreed the new sub-fund should roll over unspent dollars year-to-year rather than returning immediately to the primary fund.
- Tenant and build-to-suit incentives: The draft adds eligibility for real-property incentives to tenants (including built-to-suit) in addition to property owners, subject to documentation that tenants pay taxes or improvements; commissioners asked staff for options on limiting or expanding eligibility for vacant buildings versus new construction.
- Historic preservation and targeted zones: The policy updates investment zones (downtown, Mission Trail, Alameda corridor, East Montana, etc.) and makes preservation grants countywide with an equity-minded approach to precinct representation.
- Bonus incentives and caps: Staff proposed bonus points (2.5% per qualifying category) for climate-conscious development, childcare, community stewardship and employee benefits. Commissioners favored shorter bonus terms and a cap (direction: maximum 10 years total for combined bonus incentives) and asked for 5-year reviews and stricter scrutiny of claimed benefits.

What commissioners directed staff to do
- Keep the county median wage as the basic eligibility standard but retain a formal exceptions process where commissioners review lower-wage proposals with a required employer plan to raise wages over time. Commissioners asked staff to codify a percentage test (examples discussed: 90'95% of jobs at or above median) and recapture provisions.
- Establish a strategic grant fund as a sub-fund of the Economic Impact Fund; allow unused amounts to remain in that sub-account and be reallocated in subsequent cycles.
- Cap combined bonus incentives at 10 years and require periodic review (suggested 5-year check-ins) and tougher documentation for benefits that earn bonus points.
- Provide clear application templates showing wage distributions, national/other-market wage comparisons, benefits packages, and specific upscaling milestones for any exception requests.

Context and next steps: Staff said a legal review is ongoing and the policy will return for final adoption and a public awareness campaign. Staff will incorporate the court's direction on wage exceptions, bonus terms and tenant incentives, then return with a final draft and implementation schedule.

Quotes (from the record)
- \"Should we bring these opportunities forward to commissioner's court, for your consideration, even if they fall short on the wage requirement?\" — Roberto Ransom, Director, El Paso County Economic Development (first referenced in transcript at 2417.79).
- \"All new jobs created must meet or exceed the county's median wage of $18.21.\" — Christian Martinez, Economic Development Manager (first referenced in transcript at 2731.08).

Ending: Commissioners praised the rewrite for clarity and asked for additional application requirements to support accountable decisions. Staff will return with a revised draft that incorporates the court's requested exception criteria, grant fund rules, and bonus-incentive caps.

","County staff presented a consolidated economic development policy that combines tax abatements, tax rebates, new small-business grants and targeted investment zones. Commissioners asked staff to keep wage standards as the baseline but allow case-by-case exceptions with stronger reporting, ramp-up plans and stepped incentives.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County budget team warns FY26 will rely heavily on fund balance; commissioners told reserve may fall below policy targets

County staff weighs targeted restoration, aeration and access improvements at Escarate Lake after technical study and public input

El Paso County narrows but preserves flexibility on business wage rules as economic development policy is revised