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Dimmit County court fails to set four‑year term, open application process for fire chief after public opposition
Summary
A motion to set a four‑year term for the county fire chief and open a one‑month application process failed on a 2–2 vote with County Judge Martha Ponce abstaining after public commenters urged retaining Chief Carmona. Commissioners who opposed the motion said they were not prepared to remove the incumbent.
A proposal to establish a four‑year term for the Dimmit County fire chief and begin a one‑month open application process failed at the commissioners court meeting on Jan. 5, 2026.
Commissioner Julissa Talamantes moved to set the term and solicit applications; Commissioner Jose A. Urenda seconded. The motion failed on a recorded 2–2 vote with County Judge Martha Alicia Gomez Ponce listed as abstaining. Commissioners Alonso Carmona and Valerie Rubalcaba voted against the motion, and the court did not adopt the change.
The item had prompted public comments at the start of the meeting. David Torres, Nicholas Burke and Juan Villarreal each told the court they opposed replacing "Chief Carmona," praising his dedication and service. Those public remarks were entered as comments specifically tied to the fire‑chief agenda item.
Supporters of the motion, led by Commissioner Talamantes, asked the court to set a formal term length and open a standard application window so the county could consider applicants in a transparent process. Those who voted against the motion said they were not ready to remove the incumbent and indicated concerns with immediately initiating a replacement process.
No alternative motion passed during the meeting, so no application process or term change was established. The court did not vote to remove, appoint or otherwise change the employment status of Chief Carmona during the session.
The motion and its outcome were recorded in the minutes; the item will return to a future agenda only if a commissioner places it there or the court votes to revisit it.
