The City of Socorro on Dec. 12 approved an agreement with the State of Texas to bring a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) community-service work program to the city.

Council approved a motion authorizing the city manager or designee to execute a contract with TDCJ after TDCJ officials described how the program operates. Teresa Martinez, senior warden of the Rogelio Sanchez State Jail, told council trustees who serve in the community are classified and approved by corrections officials and supervised by detention staff. "One officer can supervise up to 15 inmates at a time," Martinez said, describing work crews used for cleanup, trail maintenance and other public works tasks in neighboring jurisdictions.

Martinez and Lieutenant Mark Segura said similar crews assist local governments on litter control, event cleanup and other labor needs; they listed prior partners including the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Parks and Wildlife, Texas A&M and the Department of Public Safety. Councilmember Ruben Reyes recounted his county experience, noting crews were respectful and helpful.

City legal staff said they had not yet received final contract documents for review, and council asked staff to circulate the paperwork for review before execution. After questions, council moved, seconded and approved the item by voice vote.

The contract authorizes use of trustee labor under TDCJ supervisory rules and assigns the city manager authority to finalize implementation; council did not record a roll-call tally in the public proceedings. Next steps include staff review of the interlocal or contract documents and scheduling any operational details required for public-works coordination.