Commissioners approve $82,000 from unclaimed funds for local nonprofits and small‑town projects

The Lubbock County Commissioners Court voted to allocate unclaimed funds to multiple community organizations and projects on June 22. The court approved $7,500 for the West Regional Area Special Olympics, $30,000 to the FiberMax Center for Discovery for bridge funding to complete an Ag literacy wing, $20,000 to the Lubbock Youth Orchestras for facility fees and instructor support, and $25,000 to the Slayton Economic Development Corporation to continue downtown revitalization work.

FiberMax Executive Director Lacey Holting described construction setbacks after a design firm ceased operations and requested one‑time bridge funding so planned summer programming can continue and the new wing can open in August. "This is a one time request... we hope as soon as the plans are to open it in August of this year," Holting said, asking the court for help to cover recovery and completion costs. Lee Schroeder, manager of the Lubbock Youth Orchestras, told the court the program grew to roughly 150–160 students and requested support for facility fees and instructor support, noting the program costs "about $100,000 a year" and that tuition covers roughly two‑thirds of the budget.

Commissioners said the requests align with community outreach and economic development goals; the Slayton presentation stressed downtown strategies such as sidewalk repairs, vacant property registries and events to attract visitors. All four funding items passed on motions and seconds during the meeting.