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Votes at a glance: childcare tax exemption, auditor engagement, agenda deletions and litigation motion
Summary
The Socorro City Council approved a 100% ad valorem tax exemption for qualifying childcare facilities, authorized an auditor for the FY2023–24 audit, deleted three agenda items, and denied a court-related request in a pending lawsuit.
At Monday’s Socorro City Council meeting the council took several administrative and legislative votes with little or no public comment.
Childcare property tax exemption: The council adopted on second reading an ordinance implementing a 100% ad valorem property tax exemption for qualifying childcare facility properties. Deputy City Manager Victor Pittas explained the exemption implements Proposition 2 (a local childcare facility tax-relief measure approved in November 2023) and said qualifying facilities must meet state guidelines; Pittas cited participation in the Texas Workforce Commission childcare scholarship program as an example of a qualifying condition. "At this point, we're looking at a 100% ad valorem exemption," Pittas said. The motion to adopt passed on voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Auditor engagement: The council authorized engagement of SB and G Certified Public Accountants to perform the fiscal year 2023–24 audit and authorized the city manager or designee to execute the service agreement. Staff noted the city is required to complete an annual financial audit and presented the engagement letter describing services and fees. The motion passed on a voice vote.
Agenda changes: Council moved to delete agenda items 17, 18 and 19 and approved that motion by voice vote.
Litigation item (item 20): On a recorded item regarding litigation, the council considered "Rudy Cruz Junior versus Ivanka," case number 2024-DCV-3935 in the 168th District Court of El Paso County. A motion to deny the request made by a party described in the record passed. The transcript records a council motion and a second followed by the chair's declaration "Motion passes." The mayor was advised to abstain from the item and the mayor pro tem handled the item call during the vote.
