Commissioners allow county judge to accept donations to offset Taiwan trip expenses

The Commissioners Court on Monday voted to permit the County Judge to accept donations or cost offsets related to an upcoming trip to Taiwan during the week of March 14–20, 2025, where Judge Ricardo Samaniego will speak on local government use of artificial intelligence at an international smart‑city summit and meet with economic development partners.

Judge Samaniego told the court he was invited to present at the 12th annual Smart City Summit and Expo in Taiwan and to meet with representatives of Taiwanese firms and with the Borderplex Alliance about potential El Paso County economic development opportunities. He said the delegations coordinating the visit had offered to underwrite certain travel items; county counsel advised the court that the county may accept donations for county‑related travel pursuant to the local government code but that the judge must vet any offered donation in advance with legal staff.

Anna Schumacher and Christina Sanchez of the County Attorney’s Office reviewed the legal framework for accepting donations for county purposes. Schumacher explained that expenses tied to an official speaking role—transportation, lodging and registration—are the typical items that may be covered when a county official is providing services or appearances at an event; the item on the agenda was to permit acceptance of such donations and to require disclosure to the county attorney of any offered support.

Commissioners approved the request by majority vote after asking that the judge return with a post‑trip briefing that lists meetings, companies contacted and any donations received or accepted to ensure transparency. The motion carried by voice vote.