County OKs negotiating short‑term lease with TAMU‑Kingsville for clinical medical assistant training

Jim Wells County Commissioners Court on July 14 authorized the county judge to negotiate a lease with Texas A&M University‑Kingsville (TAMUK) for use of the unleased portion of the fourth floor at 601 East Main (Bank Annex) through Dec. 31, 2025, to host a clinical medical assistant training program.

Brenda Ballard, director of career services and workforce development at TAMUK, told the court the 12‑week program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and selected Saturdays for clinical lab sessions, with a class start date of Aug. 4 and 25 students already registered. The program includes certification testing and reported pass and job placement rates: "We have 98 percent pass rate on the certification exam ... and a 100% job placement," Ballard said. She said 18 students were working with Texas Workforce Solutions and most of those registrations would likely be paid by Workforce Solutions. The court specified the lease term would not extend past Dec. 31, 2025.

County officials discussed logistics, including that the county's fourth‑floor conference room would be used for evening classes and a few Saturdays; staff noted elevator access and a backup plan if use conflicts arise. The court approved authorization to negotiate the lease by motion and voice vote.

Why it matters: the arrangement is framed as a workforce development partnership to reduce travel burdens for students from Jim Wells County and to provide career‑track credentials locally. Officials said the county will not charge rent initially; any future fee structure would be considered later. The court asked staff to report back if use or remodeling needs conflict with existing occupants.

Next steps: negotiate lease details, finalize schedule and facility preparations before the Aug. 4 start date, and report back to the court on facility impacts and any fees if needed.