Public hearing on a proposed 90-day moratorium on large-scale data centers drew more than a dozen public commenters raising water, noise, health and equity concerns; council approved several ordinances and assessments by unanimous votes and recessed to executive session earlier in the afternoon.

Discussion Points

•Callers requested a 1,000‑foot setback, bonds for remediation, and detailed study of water and noise impacts.
•CFO explained original and final cost projections and rationale for rescinding current lien.
•Council did not take formal action; staff will return with development standards and UDC amendments.
•Council moved to rescind and direct staff to reestablish assessment and notice procedures.
•Council observed a brief memorial and moment of silence for Stephen Green.
•Multiple residents urged a 90‑day pause and stronger setbacks, guardrails and water/power analysis.
•Ordinance changes petition requirement from all abutting owners to two‑thirds.
•Planning staff described schedule and statutory minimum timing for two public hearings and the ordinance readings.
•Public asked for ordinance enforcement and remediation planning as part of moratorium review.
•Speakers described existing industrial clustering in East/North Lubbock and historical enforcement concerns.
•Speakers recounted historical zoning and alleged enforcement failures that concentrated polluting industries in East/North Lubbock.
•Staff clarified no assessment and petitioners are responsible for collecting funds.

Decisions

•First reading passed to release the assessment lien; resolution to set assessment method approved.
•No formal action; ceremonial acknowledgement only.
•No formal vote on the moratorium was taken on Nov. 10; council will hold a second public hearing Dec. 10.
•No immediate enforcement action taken; council will hear the moratorium and UDC changes later.
•No policy or setback was adopted on Nov. 10.
•Ordinance approved on second reading, 5‑0.

Directions

•City staff will include development standards and setbacks in future council consideration; public comment continued to be invited for Dec. 10.
•Speakers requested staff evaluate enforcement of existing ordinances and include equity/remediation language in future UDC amendments or codes.
•Staff to implement new petition process and publish forms/process guidance.
•Staff to prepare reassessment documents and public notices for Dec. 1 hearing.
•Staff will return development standards and UDC amendments to council for further consideration (Dec. 1 and Dec. 10 cited for Planning & Zoning and council agendas).

Nov

Commissioners Court

Lubbock County Commissioners Court met Nov. 9, 2026, approving routine budget adjustments and several memoranda of agreement with ICE for three constable precincts after extended debate about liability, funding and operational impacts.

Discussion Points

•Auditor's office presented amounts and requested approval.
•Commissioners asked whether stipend and payment parameters are included in the MOA; counsel said they are in an external pamphlet.
•Concerns were raised about possible ICE software access to county infrastructure and whether the MOA adequately protects the county.
•County counsel said stipend amounts are referenced in an external pamphlet, not in the MOA language.
•Dissenters cited open-ended costs and liability; supporters pointed to equipment and training benefits.
•Each volunteer fire department outlined equipment needs: communications gear and hose (New Deal), rescue spreaders and hand tools (Woodrow), SCBAs and hose (Woolforth).
•Judge and commissioners focused on whether MOA includes financial guarantees and what liabilities the county might assume.
•Motions to approve carried by voice vote.
•Motion used unclaimed funds and was approved by the court.
•No items pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion.
•Office provided monthly and fiscal‑year totals and venue bank balances; comparisons to prior periods were presented.
•Organizer outlined event scope and estimated last year's attendance at about 1,200 people.
•Presenters described MOA task force model and training; commissioners questioned workload and undefined costs.
•Presenters emphasized benefits of equipment, training and reported stipend materials available separately.

Decisions

•Approvals granted and county staff to process disbursements.
•Approved $1,000 funding for Poncho Claws.
•Court approved budget transfers, amendments, and claims payments.
•Court authorized judge to sign MOA for Precinct Four (3–2).
•Court authorized judge to sign the precinct two MOA (3–2).
•Court authorized the county judge to sign the MOA for Constable Precinct One (3–2).

Directions

•Constable offices to coordinate with county counsel to provide clarifications as requested.
•County judge and staff to seek clarifications and additional information to be presented at next session (judge requested follow-up).

Nov

Commissioners Court 11/09/2026

Lubbock County Commissioners Court met November 9, 2026. The court approved routine minutes, budgets and claims, awarded $1,000 to a community holiday event, heard a revenue report from the tax office, approved surplus-property transfers and multiple 287(g) memoranda of agreement with ICE for three constable precincts after debate about liability and funding.

Discussion Points

•Civil district attorney said the MOA as written does not include payment parameters; stipend information exists in a separate pamphlet.
•Commissioners supported community events funding from unclaimed funds.
•Constable representatives said MOA formalizes existing practice and could provide stipend funding and equipment.
•County counsel: stipend/payment details are not included in the MOA.
•Critical-needs funding for volunteer fire departments approved for communications, rescue tools and SCBA/hoses.
•Monthly hotel and short-term rental collections increased year-over-year by 23% for the month and 13% for the fiscal year to date.
•Opponents: MOA lacks protection for county and does not guarantee stipend funding.
•Opponents: questions about liability, IT, and paperwork burden.
•Opponents said MOA lacks explicit funding/compensation and raises liability and IT concerns.
•Organizer described event programming and estimated attendance of about 1,200.
•Proponents: MOA aligns with existing practices and allows precincts to be eligible for funds and equipment.
•Proponents: MOA allows precincts to be eligible for funds and equipment.
•Routine approvals of minutes, budget adjustments, and claims were completed.
•Surplus property sale and transfer to school-district police were authorized.
•Venue Bank balance and disbursements through Oct. 30, 2026 were reported.

Decisions

•Approved $1,000 funding for Poncho Claws (unanimous).
•Authorized county judge to sign MOA for Precinct Two (3–2).
•Authorized the county judge to sign MOA for Precinct Four (3–2).
•Authorized the county judge to sign the MOA for Constable Precinct One (3–2).
•Multiple administrative motions carried as part of consent and individual agenda items.
•Revenue report accepted by the court.

Directions

•Auditor's office to disburse funds and file payment record.
•County counsel to review MOA for liability and termination language.
•County judge's office and counsel to return with attachments, clarifications and IT impact analysis.
•Staff to provide stipend/financial pamphlet attachments and counsel review at next session.
•Staff to return with clarifying exhibits and a written summary of the funding mechanism and IT impacts.

Nov

Planning & Zoning Commission - November 5, 2026

Public commenters pressed the Planning & Zoning Commission on a contested rezoning to allow a permanent asphalt batch plant in East Lubbock and on draft rules for large-scale data centers; the commission declined to recommend approval of Zone Case 3564 and advanced UDC data-center regulations to council with a staff-study amendment.

Discussion Points

•Adjacency to existing industrial/commercial uses and future arterial designation.
•Applicant described TCEQ permits, baghouse dust control and temporary/movable nature of the plant.
•Commissioners questioned setbacks, ownership of an included residential parcel, enforcement and worker protection.
•Compatibility with arterial frontage and surrounding AC zoning to the west.
•Final votes and transmittal to City Council.
•Power-usage study: rely on ERCOT/PUCT study where applicable
•Residents described dust, asthma impacts and cited the future land-use map.
•Setbacks (300 ft for data centers; 500 ft for generation) and noise limits (57 dB at property line)
•Water threshold and decommissioning requirements.

Decisions

•Commission voted 6–0 to recommend the UDC amendments as amended.
•Four formal outcomes recorded; items forwarded to City Council on specified dates.
•Motion to approve the rezoning failed 5-1; no recommendation to approve was forwarded; item will be considered by City Council.
•Recommend approval 5–1; forward to City Council.
•Recommend approval 6–0; forwarded to City Council.

Directions

•Amend UDC language to state ERCOT/PUCT power study shall satisfy city requirement.
•Staff will forward the record and recommendation to City Council for Dec. 1 first reading.

Nov

City Council Meeting - November 3, 2026

The Lubbock City Council met Nov. 3, 2026, heard a public comment urging a fair approach to alley paving, approved an ordinance creating a neighborhood-initiated alley paving process, awarded a $5.678 million construction contract for Highland Oaks water improvements funded by a PID, and held a work session on proposed charter amendments including petition thresholds, council pay and residency rules.

Discussion Points

•City Attorney explained legal framework for home-rule charter authority and recounted 2021 Charter Review Commission proposals.
•City Manager described language as conformity with previous council resolution calling for a review of data-center impacts.
•Council debated petition thresholds (percentage of registered voters vs. percentage of turnout vs. fixed signature number), council compensation amounts, residency requirements and election timing.
•Council discussed petition consent and whether unanimity or supermajority should be required; concerns raised about a single nonpaying owner blocking projects.
•Council had no further questions and approved adding the item to the legislative agenda.
•He suggested raising the city share above 10%, hardship exemptions, longer payment plans, and use of grants or bonds.
•Multiple agenda items included staff briefings and public comment; council approved items by voice vote.
•Staff presented ordinance to remove assessment portion and have city manage engineering and construction; petitioner-funded feasibility study of $1,000 would produce 30% design and total cost; staff estimated paving costs $70,000–$110,000 per block without utility relocation.
•Staff presented project history; Highland Oaks residents voluntarily annexed to receive city water; project will be PID-funded and not paid by existing ratepayers.
•Staff recommended awarding contract to MH Veil Constructors with low bid of $5,678,000; total project budget including contingencies $6,721,000.
•Staff warned the council that charter amendments must follow state election timing and publication requirements.
•Steven Sanders raised equity concerns about petition-funded alley paving, citing potential liens and high per-household costs.
•Work session discussed charter amendments; no votes in work session.

Decisions

•Council approved the ordinance by voice vote.
•Council authorized the contract and total budget authorization by unanimous voice vote.
•Items 4.1/4.2, consent agenda (with 5.4 taken separately), 6.1 (ordinance), 6.2 (contract) and 6.3 (resolution) approved.
•No formal votes taken; work session is advisory.
•Resolution to add the item to the legislative package was approved.

Directions

•Issue notice to proceed no later than Dec. 1; include incentives and liquidated damages in contract; update assessment plan in public hearing next week.
•Staff to draft final ordinance language reflecting council direction and return to council for final approval before petitions are accepted.
•Staff to draft specific ballot language and legal analysis; return to council at first meeting in December for further discussion.
•Staff to follow up with the city's legislative delegation on the issue.
•Staff to prepare final ordinance language and implementation steps for alley paving; staff to prepare bond/assessment materials for Highland Oaks; staff to draft charter amendment language for December meeting.

Oct

City Council Meeting - October 27, 2026

The Lubbock City Council canceled its Oct. 27, 2026 meeting after a presidential visit created a scheduling conflict that would have left the council without a quorum; most agenda items carry to Nov. 3 and four zoning public hearings will be reposted for Dec. 1.

Discussion Points

•City Attorney: without a quorum, the council cannot legally hold the meeting.
•City Manager: most agenda items can carry to Nov. 3; four zoning hearings require reposting and will be heard Dec. 1.
•City Manager proposed tentative start times for Nov. 3 (executive session ~2:00 p.m.; council meeting ~3:00 p.m.; work session 5:30 p.m.).
•Four posted zoning hearings require a publication period of about 15 days.
•Presidential visit to Lubbock would cause many council members to be absent, threatening a quorum.
•Those hearings will be scheduled for Dec. 1 and cannot be heard at the canceled Oct. 27 meeting.
•Work session would be held on the second floor to provide a work-table environment for the charter review.

Decisions

•Council voted to cancel the Oct. 27 meeting and carry items to next meetings
•Schedule presented as tentative; no formal approval recorded.
•Zoning hearings moved to Dec. 1 due to publication requirements.

Directions

•City staff to carry non-zoning agenda items to Nov. 3 and repost four zoning hearings for Dec. 1.
•City staff to repost the four zoning hearings for Dec. 1.
•Staff to prepare Nov. 3 schedule and set up 2nd floor for a work session.

Oct

Commissioners' Court-2026-10-26

Regular meeting of the Lubbock County Commissioners Court on Oct. 26, 2026; routine financial items and multiple contracts, procurement awards and road/roadwork items were approved; a contingent-fee collections contract and related written findings drew brief public concern about personal data and property consequences.

Discussion Points

•A court member clarified that the county will not sell personal information.
•Auditor presented transfers and amendments and presented monthly reports.
•Commissioners thanked donor and contractor for assistance and noted improved access for first responders.
•Court approved the application.
•Donor Hedge Martin will fund conversion; staff to fit work into maintenance schedule.
•List of specific equipment purchases and replacements.
•No substantive discussion recorded.
•Purchasing recommended exemption to retain Purdue et al. for collections.
•Roosevelt VFD will pair award with $20,000 local contribution to buy a filling system for SCBA bottles.
•Sheriff's Office presented the annual equitable sharing report to DOJ.
•Survey limits extended to better evaluate drainage to address flooding near a school.
•The court adopted required written findings and approved the contingent-fee contract.
•This is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate localized flooding concerns.

Decisions

•Acceptance of donation approved.
•Agreement accepted.
•Amendment approved; county judge authorized to sign.
•Application approved.
•Approve transfers, amendments, claims, and accept unaudited reports.
•Procurement exemption approved; contingent-fee contract approved.

Directions

•County judge authorized to sign contract and written findings.
•Road & Bridge to perform extended survey and evaluate drainage.
•Road & Bridge to schedule work for FY27 when possible; otherwise in FY28.

Oct

Commissioners' Court

The Lubbock County Commissioners Court met Oct. 26, 2026. The court approved routine financial actions (payments, budget transfers, monthly unaudited reports), authorized contracts for delinquent-fine collections and a contingent-fee contract, approved county road work and donations, and heard reports from the sheriff's office, constable and road and bridge staff before adjourning into executive session.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners moved and approved both funding applications.
•Commissioners thanked crews for clearing fallen trees and discussed scheduling projects within maintenance rotations.
•Commissioners thanked donor and contractor for assistance.
•Dan Corbin presented the annual equitable sharing certification to DOJ as the FY26 report.
•Donor (Hedge Martin) willing to fund conversion; county staff will schedule the work.
•Mrs. Williams presented transfers and amendments totaling $37,770 and $251,857, respectively, and requested approval of monthly unaudited reports for August and September 2026.
•Presenter reported September fee totals of $14,900 for Precinct 1.
•Purchasing recommended an exemption for the named firm and presented a contingent-fee contract and required written findings under state law.
•Roosevelt will use awarded funds and $20,000 in department funds for an SCBA filling system; the other department listed equipment purchases to be funded.
•Staff described need to extend survey limits to evaluate drainage to the highway; commissioner emphasized school flooding concern.
•Staff reported open positions (equipment operator, truck driver) and open work order counts across divisions.
•Staff reported the pit operations start date (Jan. 1) and that the county has been purchasing crushed material while rotating pit locations.

Decisions

•Both critical-needs applications approved.
•Court accepted the donation and approved conversion; scheduling to be determined.
•Court approved Amendment 1 to Kimley Horn contract for extended survey work.
•Court awarded the pit-run agreement and authorized the county judge to sign the contract.
•No formal action recorded beyond acceptance of the report; staff will incorporate project work into maintenance schedules.
•The court accepted the precinct's report; no further action requested.
•The court approved the equitable sharing agreement/certification.
•The court approved the procurement exemption, findings and contingent-fee contract; commissioners publicly stated the county would not sell personal information.
•The court approved the transfers, amendments, payments, and accepted the two monthly unaudited reports.

Oct

Transportation Policy Committee 10/20/2026

The Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee met Oct. 20, 2026. Members elected Dr. Jennifer Wilson as chair and Commissioner Mike Dolby as vice chair, approved a 2027 meeting calendar, authorized staff to submit roadway functional-classification recommendations to TxDOT, initiated public review for a Metropolitan Transportation Plan and TIP amendment to add $40,000,000 in TxDOT Category 1 funding for Slide Road/Loop 88, heard a Loop 88 administrative modification report, and received staff reports including an anticipated $700,000 carryover and a staff departure.

Discussion Points

•Estimated carryover ~$700,000 pending TxDOT work-order allocation.
•Extent of proposed classification changes (~80 local segments reviewed).
•Four segments classified below federal funding threshold; TIP and MTP projects largely protected.
•Nominations previously submitted for chair and vice chair.
•Outgoing chair handed meeting to the newly elected chair.
•SPAG accepted rental-space negotiations and LMPO expects to finalize logistics for a Jan. 1 move.
•Staff departure: Caitlin will leave in two weeks; ArcGIS position to be reposted.
•Staff described alignment with fiscal year and fewer holiday conflicts.
•Staff held two public meetings on the TIP administrative modification and received no adverse comments to date.
•The additional $40,000,000 in TxDOT Category 1 funding requires MTP and TIP updates.

Decisions

•Authorization to submit to TxDOT approved unanimously.
•Calendar approved.
•Commissioner Mike Dolby elected vice chair.
•Dr. Jennifer Wilson elected chair for two-year term.
•Initiate public review for MTP and TIP amendment for Loop 88/Slide Road.

Directions

•LMPO staff to post public notice and begin the amendment public-review process.
•LMPO staff to submit classification recommendations to TxDOT.
•Staff to provide full carryover accounting at November meeting.

Oct

City Council Meeting 101326

The Lubbock City Council discussed restarting a charter-review process targeting a May 2027 election, rejected a 45-day extension to a purchase-and-sale agreement for the Ty Cook generating facility, approved multiple board appointments including a contested Electric Utility Board seat, and adopted a reimbursement resolution related to planned bond-funded capital projects.

Discussion Points

•City Secretary read qualifications and board demographics.
•Council debated technical qualifications versus committee recommendation and representation.
•Council favored Dr. Castro Quirino’s business/compliance background for EUB oversight.
•Mayor read city statement confirming passing of former councilman Randy Christian.
•Public commenter asked council to pursue compensation for mayor and council.
•Some councilmembers argued buyer had adequate time and should close; others said additional time was low risk given work done.
•Staff clarified certain inspections (borescope) began later in the process.
•Staff corrected a typographical error in the backup (46th vs 146th Street).
•Staff explained that the resolution allows reimbursement of prior expenditures from future bond proceeds and that the listed projects match the approved budget.
•Staff presented timing windows for May 2027 (call Jan 21–Feb 2) and November (call Jul 19–Aug 9).
•Staff reviewed prior charter review efforts (2010, 2021) and said council can use prior committee work.
•Staff said Adacon requested a 45-day extension and offered $200,000 in consideration.
•Staff stated only voters can amend the charter; council may place single-topic questions on ballot.

Decisions

•Dr. Sonia Castro Quirino appointed to EUB (4–3).
•Motion to approve 45-day extension failed 3–4; extension not granted.
•Resolution adopted unanimously.

Directions

•Council directed staff to prepare a council-led charter-review process and to prepare materials toward the May 2027 election call window.

Oct

Commissioners' Court-2026-10-12

Lubbock County Commissioners Court met Oct. 12, 2026, approving routine minutes and payments, hearing a tax-office revenue report, approving several procurement and contract items, and voting 3–2 to reclassify one public‑works position while approving a second retitle unanimously. Public commenters raised concerns about Road & Bridge hiring and transparency.

Discussion Points

•Claims totaling $4,798,538.13 were presented for authorization; auditor presented $13,000 financial matter with no amendments.
•HR presented that changes are retitles/reclassifications, not new hires.
•Monthly totals and year‑to‑date comparisons were presented; monthly total down 1% compared with prior August but fiscal year totals up 26%.
•Recommendation to proceed with loan so truck returns to service.
•Safety concerns cited for one property (Kaye Thomas) and led to postponement.
•Staff argued coordination with development services could reduce future corrective costs.
•Staff confirmed other pits (5S Farms and Kalec Farms) are current county sources.
•Staff reported processing of about 8,000 DPS records and use of temporary workers.
•Staff requested designation of an authorized signatory for the reimbursement application.
•Vacancies: Unpaved roads 32 open positions, paging/ROSE 36, signs had 11 open work orders, fleet maintenance ~79 open work orders.
•Vehicle out of service for six months; plan to replace chassis and refurbish components.
•Whether to combine Public Works with Road functions; concerns about consolidation and qualifications.

Decisions

•Amendment carried; court authorized county judge to apply for the grant.
•Both items approved by voice vote.
•First reclassification approved 3–2; second retitle approved unanimously.
•Loan agreement authorized; motion carried.
•Postponed item 22 to Oct. 26; items 23 and 24 authorized.
•Report received; no action taken.
•Report received; no immediate hiring or budget actions taken.

Directions

•Amend motion to designate county judge as authorized signatory; apply for reimbursement by Oct. 19.
•Authorize county judge to sign loan agreement.
•Revise contract language for postponed item and return Oct. 26.
•Staff to continue recruitment and address high‑priority work orders.
•Vote each position separately (amendment carried).

Oct

Commissioners' Court

Lubbock County Commissioners Court met Oct. 12, 2026. The court handled public comments including allegations about Road & Bridge hiring practices, approved financial claims and several contracts, received a tax/venue collections report, authorized a Secretary of State reimbursement grant (designation changed to the county judge), approved personnel reclassifications (one split 3–2), loaned $80,000 to Abernathy for a brush truck, approved multiple pit-run caliche contracts, heard a roads/maintenance staffing report, and adjourned at 10:27 a.m.

Discussion Points

•Abernathy's brush truck out of service for six months; loan will fund replacement cab/chassis and refurbishment.
•Commissioner expressed opposition to combining Public Works with Road Commissioner responsibilities.
•Fiscal‑year totals and venue bank balance reported.
•Halford: ~8,000 records received from DPS; about 1,000 remaining.
•He alleged racist comments and retaliation in hiring and requested an audit and the 'no‑hire list'.
•HR: positions are retitles/reclassifications, not new hires.
•Item 22 postponed due to safety and contract language concerns.
•Items 23 and 24 authorized to proceed as presented.
•Monthly hotel and car tax totals presented.
•Most roads reported as passable; ongoing crew work to address issues.
•Request to designate a signer for grant application to meet Oct. 19 deadline.
•Shipley opposed creating multiple high‑paying positions in Road & Bridge.
•Staffing gaps: 32 open positions in Unpaved Roads, 36 in Paving, 11 open sign work orders, ~79 fleet work orders.

Decisions

•Court approved amended authorization to have county judge apply for and accept the grant.
•Court authorized loan agreement.
•Item 22 postponed; Items 23 and 24 approved.
•Reclassification approved 3–2; retitle approved unanimously.

Directions

•Amend authorization to designate county judge as authorized signer.
•Procurement/Public Works to return revised contract and safety assessment on Oct. 26 for Item 22.

Oct

Planning & Zoning Commission - October 1, 2026

Planning & Zoning Commission work session and regular meeting on Oct. 1, 2026, focused on proposed Unified Development Code amendments for large-scale data centers (definitions, use classifications, water reservation fee, setbacks, studies, and enforcement), followed by multiple zone-case hearings and votes forwarded to city council.

Discussion Points

•500-foot setback applies to power components and only when adjacent to nonindustrial districts.
•Annexation remains a council decision; nonconforming uses are possible if annexed sites do not meet new standards.
•Applicant described the property as a seven-tenant, ~31,000 sq ft facility.
•Applicants said the building was awarded by LISD with restrictions preventing sale and described renovation progress, vandalism issues and program partnerships.
•Commissioners suggested the applicant consider light industrial and do more outreach; some commissioners signaled likely no votes at council given opposition.
•Commissioners weighed community benefit vs lack of current funding and neighborhood opposition.
•Developer proposed a brick-front, mixed warehouse-office product and argued it would add investment and jobs.
•Evidence-based enforcement focused on average usage and the 10% expansion trigger.
•Neighbors argued MU3 zoning is permanent and could enable future commercial uses ('spot zoning').
•Neighbors worried about property-value impacts, noise and odors and opposed heavy-commercial adjacent to residences.
•Public commenter opposed data centers anywhere in the city and urged specific-use permitting and water fees.
•Requested increased buffer (500 feet), stronger screening (8–10 foot fence) and generator maintenance limited to weekdays 8–5.
•Staff recommended LI as a more restrictive and appropriate zoning given surrounding uses.
•Studies (water/power) could be required at application or permit stage; licensed professionals recommended.
•Thresholds under consideration: ERCOT 75 MW vs 100,000 gallons/day water threshold.
•Two regulatory tracks proposed: limited use (permit-level) vs specific use (requires commission and council approval).
•Water reservation fee for planning (not limited to data centers).
•Zoning citation enforcement capped at $2,000/violation/day; civil action and injunctions possible.

Decisions

•Forward to city council 10/27/2026 at 2:00 p.m.
•Forward to council for first reading 10/27/2026 at 2:10 p.m.
•Motion to forward failed 0–7; applicant invited to consult staff

Sep

Special Recognition Ceremony - September 29, 2026

City of Lubbock ceremonial meeting: mayor and council recognized local organizations, volunteers, interns and employees; presented board and commission appointments; highlighted the opening of the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery and a July 23 employee rescue. Event focused on awards and community acknowledgments.

Discussion Points

•City emphasized the family's room availability and volunteer needs.
•City recognized a recurring community memorial and thanked the bank for maintaining tradition.
•Facilities staff recognized for event work; Carrillo recognized for on-scene rescue; multiple employees completed certifications.
•Hispanic Heritage Month recognized; youth achievements highlighted; AVID Day and student internships praised.
•Mayor framed the recognition as a celebration and public invitation to visit the center.
•Multiple appointees named and certificates presented; mayor explained PID meaning.

Sep

Commissioners Court-2026-09-28

Lubbock County Commissioners Court met Sept. 28, 2026, for a 9 a.m. work session on reorganizing Public Works and a regular session that approved budget transfers and payments, adopted fiscal policies, authorized insurance renewals and agreements with volunteer fire departments, set a speed limit on County Road 6300, and heard updates from A&M AgriLife Extension and county road staff.

Discussion Points

•Auditor summarized totals for transfers and amendments.
•Commissioners asked clarifying questions then voted to approve.
•Commissioners discussed related right-of-way drainage issues and prior sign requests.
•Commissioners discussed the need for a live after-hours answering service to improve initial response for death investigations.
•Contract status update: 6 of 11 agreements returned and additional expected.
•Extension ran vector management, tree-care and beekeeping programs and continues youth nutrition and physical-activity initiatives.
•He requested public access to the court-ordered audit.
•Livestock validation numbers decreased to 185 steers; sheep and goat validation planned for October.
•ME presented the fee schedule and compared fees with other counties.
•Proposal framed as retitling/reclassification with no immediate budget increase if hires align with prior salaries.
•Recent storms produced washouts and right-of-way obstructions that crews will address when conditions permit.
•Retitle Environmental Health Manager to Floodplain and Right-of-Way Administrator to centralize permitting and inspections.
•Roosevelt received unexpected grant funds and requested interim county loan; Woodrow requested standard loan for equipment including a Rosenbauer Quint.
•Shipley raised allegations of racial comments and unfair hiring practices in Road and Bridge.
•Staffing vacancies exist in equipment operator positions and environmental health manager.
•Staff noted ~40 residences/commercial properties and truck traffic.
•Two staffing models proposed: Assistant Director (engineer) vs. Development Services Manager (construction/land development experience).
•Work-order backlog: unpaved 9, paved 32, signs 11, parks 17, fleet ~69.

Decisions

•45 mph signage approved for County Road 6300.
•Adopted FY27 ME fee schedule and authorized after-hours answering service contract.
•Authorizations approved to allow departmental equipment purchases and contract execution.
•Court agreed in principle to explore an AD O3 combined posting and asked staff to return with formal job descriptions and reclassification proposals.
•Court approved transfers, payment of claims, and renewed fiscal policies.
•No formal court action recorded during the public-comment item.

Directions

•County judge authorized to sign agreements and loans; departments to return executed documents.
•Post position with preferred engineering qualifications and evaluate applicants; consider 6-month hiring window to pursue engineer candidate before shifting to alternative option.
•Proceed to execute the Alliance Communications contract for after-hours service.
•Public Works to install signs and address right-of-way and drainage material.
•Public Works to remove right-of-way material and schedule repairs when surfaces dry.
•Staff to draft combined job description(s) and reclassification language for court consideration.

Sep

Commissioners Court

Lubbock County Commissioners Court held a 9 a.m. work session and a regular session on Sept. 28, 2026, that centered on reorganizing Public Works/Road & Bridge staffing and job descriptions, plus routine financial, public-safety and service-agreement actions. The court also heard a public commenter raise workplace misconduct allegations and received updates from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and county roads staff.

Discussion Points

•Adopt FY27 fee schedule for ME services.
•Allegations of racial comments by supervisors; claims of corrupt hiring practices; request for public access to an audit.
•Auditor presented transfers, amendments and claims totals.
•Authorize a live after-hours answering service to improve caller experience.
•Livestock validation numbers and programming updates.
•Need to centralize permitting and floodplain administration.
•No debate recorded; motions carried by voice vote.
•Public-safety rationale for 45 mph signs on County Road 6300.
•Recruiting for an open agronomy position.
•Retitling is proposed to avoid adding headcount.
•Roads staffing and open work orders following recent storms.
•Roosevelt VFD received unexpected grant funds and intends quick repayment.
•Status of volunteer fire department contracts; assistance for equipment purchases.
•Tradeoff between hiring an engineer vs a development manager.

Decisions

•Fee schedule and service agreement approved.
•Financial items approved.
•Loan agreements and authorization for judge to sign were approved.
•No final reclassification adopted at meeting; direction only.
•Signage approved; repair work to proceed.

Directions

•Roads to remove material in right-of-way and address washouts when conditions allow.
•Staff directed to draft one combined job description and classification for return to the court.

Sep

Transportation Policy Committee - September 22, 2026

The Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee met Sept. 22, 2026. Members discussed options for relocating MPO office space — including differing IT pricing scenarios — and voted to authorize the executive director to negotiate a lease with “tenant B.” The committee also took nominations for chair and vice chair, authorized procurement for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) 2055, approved year-end accounting adjustments and heard staff reports on freight modeling and a national award.

Discussion Points

•Attendance and workload were cited as considerations when nominating leadership.
•Benefit-cost analysis cost corrected to $29,000 and will be covered from unencumbered task funds.
•Committee discussed balancing city and county representation for chair/vice chair.
•Comparative analysis of tenant A and tenant B covering square footage, public meeting space, IT and security.
•MPO presented a transportation demand/freight model developed with SPAG using probe and GIS data.
•MTP must be adopted on schedule to remain in compliance with federal cycles.
•Reconciliation status: revenues ~95% reconciled; expenditures ~90% processed.
•Staff projections showing escalating city IT charges and clarifications about double-billing for GIS services.
•Staff proposed procurement timing and possible use of TxDOT contract vehicles to expedite the process.
•State committees and ports received data; MPO to present findings at state freight conference.

Decisions

•Authorize accounting adjustments (motion carried).
•Authorize executive director to negotiate lease with tenant B (motion carried 5–0; county judge recused).
•Authorize solicitation and negotiation for MTP 2055 procurement (motion carried).
•Doctor Wilson nomination forwarded to full TPC (5–1). Chris Mandrell nominated for vice chair (6–0).

Directions

•Authorize staff to solicit and negotiate consultant services.
•Coordinate with TxDOT and TAC on procurement approach.
•Execute accounting adjustments to close the fiscal year; use identified UPWP pockets to fund the analysis.
•Forward nominations to full TPC for October consideration.
•Staff to clarify IT/GIS line items with city finance and IT; pursue RFP if necessary.

Sep

City Council Meeting - September 22, 2026

Lubbock City Council met Sept. 22, 2026. The council began an executive-session recess, held ceremonial recognitions, heard citizen comments urging a moratorium on large-scale data centers, approved several consent and funding items (including a community health worker grant and homeless shelter amendments), and voted to begin the process for a 90‑day moratorium on large-scale data centers.

Discussion Points

•Applicants described outreach and design intentions; P&Z recommended approval in each case.
•Commercial: $5M minimum investment, 25 new jobs, up to 5 years abatement.
•Council emphasized project's fit for distribution/manufacturing, not data centers, and confirmed no tax abatements were offered.
•Each case summarized with location, existing zoning, future land‑use designation and response map of notifications.
•Funding ($122,586) covers two years and position will be a full city employee with benefits.
•Impact fees are collected and maintained per law; balances are restricted by service area and may be used to support bond projects identified in the original impact‑fee study.
•Industrial: $10M minimum, 25 new jobs, up to 10 years abatement; data centers removed from priority list although council may consider other projects.
•Large‑scale data centers were defined in the resolution using thresholds for electricity (75 MW) and water usage (100,000 gallons/day).
•Petition group presented signatures and asked for moratorium time to create safeguards.
•Program focuses on homeless and at‑risk populations with partner MOUs for case management and transitions to permanent housing.
•Project: 350,000 sq ft tilt‑wall cross‑dock building, $40M private investment, developer to build and LITA to reimburse $500,000 for road work.
•Resolution would direct the city manager to begin statutorily required notice and hearing process for a 90‑day moratorium on large‑scale data centers.
•Role defined as community health worker focusing on outreach, linkage, navigation and potential pathway to other health department positions.
•Some councilmembers urged waiting for state legislative action; supporters said local pause is needed to develop local standards and hear independent experts.
•Speakers thanked council members for engagement and negotiation on resolution language.
•Total grant amount ~ $3.6M; funds originate from HUD under ARPA (received 2021) and must be expended by 2030.

Decisions

•Council approved rezoning items 6.1–6.5 unanimously.
•Council approved the amendment as part of consent agenda.
•Council approved the economic development agreement as part of consent items.
•Council approved the memorandum of agreement as part of consent items.
•Council approved updated guidelines unanimously.
•Council received the SEAC semiannual report; no action required.
•Initiate chapter 212 process for a 90‑day moratorium; resolution approved by council (5–2).

Directions

•City manager to publish 30‑day notice, hold two public hearings, and schedule a 90‑day work session with independent experts; include data‑center impacts on the city legislative agenda.
•Community Development to continue coordinating with partners and to report status to council.
•LITA/City staff to finalize reimbursement conditions and monitor project milestones.
•Planning staff to proceed with ordinance language and mapping updates.
•Public Health to proceed on hiring and onboarding per grant terms.
•Staff to continue SEAC notifications at each scheduled meeting and provide periodic updates.
•Staff to publish updated guidelines and continue to evaluate abatement requests case by case.

Sep

Commissioners Court-2026-09-21

Lubbock County Commissioner’s Court on Sept. 21, 2026 approved routine contract and permit items and passed a resolution supporting the criminal district attorney’s request that the Texas Rangers investigate apparent payroll irregularities involving the appointment and pay of Mark Muir; the DA said her office is already pursuing an investigation.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners approved permit on voice vote.
•Commissioners approved the purchase without extended debate.
•Commissioners approved without extended debate.
•DA Stanek said her office is already investigating and would not comment further while it is pending.
•Item described as standard/administrative; minimal discussion recorded.
•Lopez described event purpose and attendance; estimated cost $750 to cover lunches for ~30 attendees.
•ME office requested renewal to continue post-mortem services.
•One commissioner argued the resolution is necessary to restore public trust; another said while they supported the content they would vote no due to legal concerns about the resolution text.
•Public commenters and several commissioners called for an independent outside investigation into payments to Mark Muir during a period when Jason Corley was not serving.
•Staff indicated SEGRA was ready and work would proceed on County Road 7000.

Decisions

•Authorization approved.
•Permit approved.
•Purchase approved.
•Resolution passed 3-1; no specific enforcement steps or timelines for outside agencies were mandated by the court.

Directions

•Captain Lopez to proceed with purchase for Oct. 7-8 event.
•County judge authorized to execute extension.
•Permitting staff to coordinate with SEGRA for installation.
•Staff to execute renewal.
•The court adopted a nonbinding resolution expressing support for an independent investigation and restoring public trust.

Sep

Commissioners Court

The Lubbock County Commissioners Court met Sept. 21, 2026, and voted 3-1 to approve a resolution supporting the criminal district attorney's request that the Texas Rangers investigate apparent payroll irregularities involving payments to Mark Muir and related actions. The meeting also approved routine items including a food purchase for a jail reentry training event, a lease extension for the regional public defender's office, a forensic pathology services renewal, and a utility permit for aerial fiber installation.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked about attendee numbers and funding source.
•DA said the resolution was unnecessary because her office is already investigating through appropriate means.
•Item described as a standard renewal for office space.
•Lopez described the event and expected attendance of about 30 people.
•Medical Examiner requested the renewal as routine.
•No substantive discussion occurred on the record.
•No substantive public discussion occurred.
•One commissioner urged caution, citing potential defamation and limited county authority to compel law enforcement agencies.
•Residents alleged dual payroll payments to Precinct 2 and questioned paperwork and benefits.
•Residents called for the Texas Rangers to investigate and for public accountability.
•Supporters argued an independent, outside investigation is necessary to restore public trust.

Decisions

•Court adopted resolution supporting DA\u0002s request for an independent investigation by the Texas Rangers; vote 3-1.
•Motion approved; item closed.
•Motion to approve carried; item closed.

Directions

•Approved purchase and authorized county purchase card use.
•Authorized county judge to execute renewal.
•Authorized county judge to execute the renewal agreement.
•No formal direction or additional investigative assignment to county staff was adopted; the court passed a nonbinding resolution to support an external investigation.

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