Public Meetings - El Paso, Texas

The El Paso Mass Transit Department Board convened on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:35 a.m. in council chambers. Board Chair Johnson presided, with members Chavez Acevedo, Maldonado Rocha, Nino, Fierro, Limon, and Canales present. Board member Boyar Trejo was excused. The board unanimously approved all agenda items, including consent agenda items, a purchase order for ticket vending machine parts, a grant application for paratransit software, and a grant application for fuel compressor station replacement. Consent Calendar - The board approved the consent agenda (items 1–4, including the excusal of board member Boyar Trejo) unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Patricia Osman, a member of the public, expressed strong criticism of the Sun Metro transit app, stating that it is "utterly useless" for route planning and that the app is not properly maintained. She also raised safety concerns about bus drivers operating too close to bicyclists, referencing recent bus accidents. Osman compared El Paso's transit system unfavorably to systems in Boston, Washington, D.C., New York, and San Diego, and accused the board of not caring about "the least of us." Discussion Items - Item 5 (Purchase Order for Ticket Vending Machine Parts): The board discussed and approved a motion to authorize the director of purchasing and strategic sourcing to issue a purchase order to Genfair LLC for sole-source ticket vending machine parts and fare box parts for a three-year term at an estimated cost of $225,000. No additional discussion. - Item 6 (Grant Application for Paratransit Software): Deputy Transit Officer Charity Muro presented a request to apply for a Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 grant (Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities) through the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization. The grant would fund paratransit software for the LIFT service, which took over 224,000 trips in 2025. The request is for $212,800 per year (total $425,600 for FY2026-2027), with a local match of $53,200 per year (total $106,400). The board approved the motion unanimously. - Item 7 (Low or No Emission Grant Program Application): The board discussed and approved a resolution to apply for a FTA Low or No Emission grant program for FY2026 in the amount of $5,555,000, with a local match of $1,388,750. The funds would replace aging fuel compressor stations (installed around 2012-2014) at the transit operations center. Anthony Coser, Director of Public Transportation, emphasized the importance of such grants in reducing local taxpayer burden and noted that the compressors are causing fueling difficulties. The board approved the motion unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (items 1–4) unanimously. - Approved item 5 (purchase order for ticket vending machine parts) unanimously. - Approved item 6 (grant application for paratransit software) unanimously. - Approved item 7 (grant application for low/no emission grant program) unanimously. - All votes were taken with a motion and second, and no opposition was recorded.

The El Paso City Council convened a work session on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 9:02 a.m. in Council Chambers, with Mayor Renard U. Johnson presiding. The meeting included a detailed housing market analysis presentation by the Concord Group (prepared for Housing Opportunity Management Enterprises – HOME) and discussion and approval of amendments to the city’s State Legislative Agenda for the 90th Texas Legislative Session. The council also recessed into executive session to discuss six items, returning at 4:45 p.m. to take action on several. The work session adjourned at 4:49 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Osman criticized the housing analysis as skewed, arguing it ignores the need for higher-wage permanent jobs and the impact of a $7.25 minimum wage. She stated that multi-generational households skew income data and that the focus on building does not address the root cause of poverty. - Ms. Turner, a resident with a disability, testified that her rent increased 10% this year (not the 7% cited in the report) and that she faces additional fees for amenities she cannot use. She expressed frustration with inaccessible apartment design, rising utility costs, and the requirement to use third-party payment services, stating, “I can’t afford to live here anymore.” Discussion Items Item 1: Housing Market Analysis by the Concord Group (26-0986) - Tim Cornwall (Concord Group) and Jerry Sishon (HOME CEO) presented a 2026 report on market-rate rental, affordable rental, and for-sale housing in the El Paso MSA. - Key findings: - El Paso’s population is nearly flat (0.1% growth over five years), but household formation is increasing (0.7% growth) as households shrink (fewer children, more singles). - Net new households per year (≈1,700) are predominantly high-income (almost 3,000 households earning $100k) while low-income households are displaced (≈1,300 lost annually). - Rents have risen 32% since 2019, with a 7% increase in the last 12 months; stabilized occupancy is 96%. - The number of renter households earning over $150,000 has doubled in five years; those earning $75,000–$100,000 increased 75%. - Supply is critically constrained: only 540 market-rate units are in the pipeline through 2030, while annual need is 1,300 (a shortfall of 5,600 units). Affordable rental is 2,100 units short. - Entry-level homes (under $200,000) have nearly disappeared—now just 17% of sales vs. the pre-COVID majority. - Jerry Sishon noted that rising construction costs and interest rates (up 80 basis points in six months) are limiting new development, and families are being pushed to outskirts (Anthony, Las Cruces, Socorro) or into severe cost burden (50% of income on rent). - Council questions: Councilmember Canales linked the findings to failed zoning reforms from a year ago and stressed the need for production-enhancing policies. Councilmember Maldonado-Rocha asked about stalled projects in Central and Northeast El Paso; Cornwall cited financing and cost challenges. Councilmember Boyar Trejo noted the omission of Ysleta ISD from the major employers list. - City Manager’s Office update: A comprehensive housing strategy, including policy implications, will be brought back in late October/November. The Housing Finance Corporation has secured $25 million for first-time homebuyer assistance. Item 2: Amendments to the State Legislative Agenda (26-0982) - Alejandra Gorski (Strategic and Legislative Affairs) presented four amendments to the agenda adopted in February 2026, reflecting council directives and emerging issues: 1. Data center policy framework – Supports legislation that requires clear public benefits, environmental considerations, transparency, and prevents preemption of local incentive regulation. Includes ratepayer protections for utility cost impacts, and coordination with the Texas Municipal League (TML). 2. Impaired driving prevention – Seeks funding and partnerships for education, roadway safety improvements, and alternative transportation to reduce DWI-related crashes. 3. Ratepayer protections from data center utility costs – Ensures protections extend to El Paso Electric (non-ERCOT region) and safeguard small businesses and residents. 4. Behavioral health facility support – Broadens advocacy for state funding for community-based behavioral health services and crisis care. - Councilmember Canales moved an additional amendment: “Support statewide policies and legislation that enhance support for people with disabilities, bolster long-term services and supports (LTSS), improve employment and economic opportunities, and strengthen physical accessibility infrastructure.” The amendment was seconded and passed unanimously. - Council discussed ongoing coordination with TML, deadlines for further amendments (staff recommended providing at least a week’s notice for any future additions), and the process for letters of support/opposition. Councilmember Limón requested future collaboration on homelessness and affordable housing. - Public comment: Ms. Osman questioned the need for contracted lobbyists given the city’s existing legislative team and local delegation, and criticized the cost. - The amended legislative agenda was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 1 (Housing Analysis): Received as information. Staff will bring a comprehensive housing strategy in late October/November. - Item 2 (Legislative Agenda): Resolution to adopt amended State Legislative Agenda passed unanimously (including the disability-support amendment). - Executive Session Actions: - EX1 (Joseph Pickett v. City of El Paso): No action. - EX2 (State of Texas v. City of McAllen et al.): No action. - EX3 (El Paso Electric Company natural gas facility – PUC docket): A motion to authorize the city attorney to send a counter offer was made but lacked a second, so no action taken. - EX4 (Economic development opportunity HQ25-5205): Motion to continue negotiations passed 5-2 (Acevedo and Limon voting nay; Councilmember Acevedo expressed concern over project credibility after years of back-and-forth). - EX5 (Economic development opportunity HQ26-ECON-1245): Motion to continue negotiations passed 6-1 (Limon voting nay). - EX6 (Legal consultation on appointed employees): No action.

This meeting was a continuation of collective bargaining negotiations between the City of El Paso and the El Paso Firefighters Association Local 51. The main topics included resolving pending items from the July 14 meeting, reviewing the city's economic proposal, and discussing a proposed financial hardship clause (often referred to as the "Austin Clause"). The union rejected the clause and offered alternative language, and both sides exchanged proposals on pay and benefits. Pending Items from July 14 Meeting - FTO Coordinators: The city proposed changing the language to three Field Training Officer (FTO) coordinators per shift. Agreement was reached. - Item 26 (credit amount): The union provided a handout for additional information. The city recommended adding language that the credit amount will be equal to [specific amount to be verified], and numbers will be reviewed. Agreement on the language was reached. - Committees: For the Medical Wellness Advisory Committee, both sides agreed to include language on recommending best practices for annual physicals, keeping minutes of all committee meetings, and providing an annual report to both the fire chief and the association. Committee membership set at nine members, with a minimum of five for quorum. Clarification that NFP 1582 will be used as a guiding document for recommendations, not adopted outright. - Peer Support and Firestar: Confirmed that peer support is included in the specialty team incentives, as agreed at the previous meeting. City's Economic Proposal - Sasha Andonowski from the Office of Management and Budget presented the city's proposal: - COLA: 3% (same as current contract) - Embedded fire step increase: 5.5% - Addition of Step 12 starting September 1, 2029 (FY2030) - Healthcare: Employee share increase from 22% to 10% (city proposing 10%) - Sick leave vacation payoff starting April 2028, vacation payoff starting December 2028 - Longevity increase: $7.50 per month in FY2027 and FY2028, increasing to $10 per month in FY2029 and FY2030 (accepted) - Education and certification incentives to start September 1, 2026 (FY2027) - Special teams incentive increase from $75 to $100 (agreed) - Health savings accounts maintained at $500 for individual and $1,000 for family - Total cost of city proposal over four years: $42.9 million. - Robert Cortinas, Chief Financial Officer, noted that the longevity and 12th step are very expensive: adding the 12th step alone has an impact of over $3 million due to the number of members affected. Discussion of Financial Hardship Clause ("Austin Clause") - The city proposed a clause that would allow renegotiation if state law changes materially reduce the city's legal authority to generate or expand revenues, or if voters reject a tax rate increase needed to fund the budget. The clause would trigger a 30-day negotiation period; if no agreement, the CFO would report to city council, which could then adjust the agreement for that fiscal year. The clause would only apply in those specific situations. - Union Response: Vice President Jesse Esther Land Reese read an official statement rejecting the clause. Reasons included: similar clauses in Austin led to concessions due to Austin's unique financial burdens (phasing in a fourth operational shift, four-person staffing, consolidating EMS), which do not apply to El Paso. The union believes the current collective bargaining agreement already provides for open dialogue and that the clause once implemented would never be removed. The union proposed alternative language to be added to Article 1: "In the event that circumstances outside the control of the city administration arise, to include state legislative action that may negatively impact the terms agreed to within this document, both sides agree to meet and confer to discuss mutually beneficial solutions." - The city acknowledged the union's position and agreed to review the proposed alternative language. Pay and Step Counterproposal - The union countered on pay: 4% COLA and immediate implementation of the 12th step (instead of starting in 2029). - Robert Cortinas responded that going above 3% would require adjusting other costly items (e.g., step, longevity, sick/vacation payout, incentives) to keep costs balanced. He noted that the new costs from those items total about $6 million per year, and the overall city proposal is about $10 million per year (similar to the police agreement), up from the current $7 million per year. The union clarified that implementing the step on signing date (September 1) would mostly affect members who already reached their annual step, so the full impact would be delayed. - Both sides agreed to regroup and come back with new proposals. The meeting ended with plans to send an invite for the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Agreement reached on FTO coordinators (three per shift). - Agreement on item 26 credit language pending verification of numbers. - Agreement on committee structure: 9 members, quorum of 5, minutes and annual reports, use of NFP 1582 as guiding document. - City's economic proposal presented: 3% COLA, Step 12 in 2029, 10% healthcare share, total cost $42.9 million over 4 years. - Union rejected the financial hardship clause; city will review union's proposed alternative language. - Union counterproposed 4% COLA and immediate Step 12; city indicated trade-offs would be needed. - Next meeting to be scheduled.

The El Paso City Council met on August 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:35 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, and action on a wide range of items, most notably the adoption of the FY 2026-2027 budget after extended debate, a formal request to state and federal regulators regarding a Marathon Petroleum refinery emissions event, and a letter to Governor Greg Abbott seeking clarification on data center development directives. The council also approved discretionary fund allocations, utility affordability advocacy, and several routine items. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the August 4, 2026 meeting. - Approved the termination of Contract 2024-0095R with WestStar Title, LLC for default and disqualified the company from city contracts for three years. - Authorized an interlocal agreement with the Texas Municipal League Joint Self-Insurance Fund for Group Critical Illness Coverage per HB 4144. - Approved appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions, including the Municipal Management District No. 1, City Accessibility Advisory Committee, Women’s Rights Commission, and others. - Noted P-Card transactions and campaign contributions. - Awarded Solicitation 2026-0229R for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update to H2O Partners, Inc. ($88,010). The consent agenda was approved unanimously with revisions (postponement of item 4 and item 6, and a correction to item 13). Public Comments & Testimony - Jesse Romero (item 27) urged council to act as fiduciaries for taxpayers. - Mark Wancho (item 31) spoke in support of the Borderland Mountain Bike Association’s Lost Dog Trailhead renovation, highlighting the trailhead’s history and need for upgrades. - Gilbert Morales (item 33) described his family’s health issues linked to the Marathon refinery, including his wife’s lung cancer, and called for action. - Alfredo Borrego (item 33) recounted the August 4-5 emissions event, noted the refinery’s failure to notify residents, and demanded fence-line monitoring and reduced emissions. - Gabriel Garcia (item 33) lived two blocks from the refinery for 63 years, criticized the lack of notification, and urged council support. - Sylvia Cepeda (item 33) presented data from a community survey: 62 people reported health effects, including two hospitalizations. She noted the emissions exceeded limits for sulfur dioxide by 3,600 times and for propylene by 3,200 times. - Ariana Eiker (item 33) called for accountability and transparency, linking the incident to broader concerns about corporate influence. - Linda Favela (item 33) stated the refinery canceled a meeting with neighborhood associations and requested an emergency alert system. - Claudia Contreras (item 33) praised first responders and called for a lawsuit against Marathon. - Jay Mania (item 34) criticized Governor Abbott’s data center directives and Meta’s lack of concern for El Paso. - Talon Montoya (item 34) warned that the data center would create a public health crisis and urged council to act. - Michael Clark (item 27) asked council to consider homeowners’ affordability, arguing that property taxes should not be a “piggy bank.” - Elizabeth Crawford (call to the public) spoke about abortion and the “culture of death.” - Claudia Contreras (call to the public) advocated for stronger animal cruelty enforcement. - Albert Rivera (call to the public) complained about police enforcement of noise ordinances for bars. - John Moise (call to the public) argued that rising non-emergent EMS calls strain the fire department budget and blamed public health mismanagement. - Patricia Osman (multiple items) criticized the city’s handling of contracts, campaign contributions, and discretionary spending, and called for transparency. Discussion Items - FY 2026-2027 Budget Adoption (Items 27-29): The council debated the proposed tax rate of 0.809487 ($132/year average impact) versus alternatives. After multiple amendments failed, a motion to adopt a rate of 0.798000 ($105/year average impact) was approved 6-2. The amendment included $78,000 for public spay/neuter services. The city manager stated the budget does not cut services or employee positions. The corresponding tax levy ordinance was approved 6-2. (Vote: 6-2, with Representatives Trejo and Limon dissenting.) - Marathon Petroleum Refinery Emissions (Item 33): The council unanimously approved a letter to the TCEQ and EPA requesting a joint public meeting within 30 days (or as soon as available) to address the August 4-5 emissions event. The letter also requests enhanced monitoring and community notification. The vote was 8-0. - Data Center Directives Letter to Governor Abbott (Item 34): The council unanimously approved a letter seeking clarification on whether the governor’s directives apply to non-ERCOT areas like El Paso. The letter will be drafted by the city attorney and signed by the mayor. (Vote: 8-0.) - Utility Affordability Advocacy (Item 30): Unanimously approved direction to amend the state and federal legislative agendas to include policies strengthening consumer protections, transparency, and affordability for utility ratepayers. (Vote: 8-0.) - Lost Dog Trailhead Renovation (Item 31): Unanimously approved the use of $10,000 in District 1 discretionary funds for the Borderland Mountain Bike Association’s trailhead renovation. (Vote: 8-0.) - Chihuahuita Recreation Center Computers (Item 32): Unanimously approved $2,000 in District 8 discretionary funds for computers. (Vote: 8-0.) - Other Items: First reading of ordinances for a helistop, utility easement vacation, and hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals (items 19-21) were approved unanimously. Public hearings and second readings for property conveyance, risk management office creation, and bridge toll simplification (items 22-26) were also approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Budget Adopted: The FY 2026-2027 budget was adopted with a tax rate of 0.798000, generating $3.1 million in contingency for future collective bargaining. The average homeowner impact is $105/year ($9/month). The vote was 6-2 (Trejo, Limon opposed). - Marathon Refinery Letter: The council will send a formal request to TCEQ and EPA for a public community meeting, fence-line monitoring, and improved notification. Unanimous. - Data Center Letter: A letter to Governor Abbott will be drafted by the city attorney, seeking clarification on the applicability of his directives to El Paso’s non-ERCOT grid. Unanimous. - Utility Advocacy: The city’s legislative agendas will be updated to prioritize utility affordability and consumer protections. Unanimous. - Discretionary Funds: $10,000 for Lost Dog Trailhead and $2,000 for Chihuahuita Recreation Center computers were approved. - Routine Approvals: Consent agenda, first readings, and other ordinances passed unanimously.

The El Paso Mass Transit Department Board convened a special meeting on August 18, 2026, at 11:39 a.m. to discuss and act on the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget for Sun Metro. Board members present included Chair Johnson and members Chavez Acevedo, Maldonado Rocha, Boyar Trejo, Nino, Fierro Limon, and Canales. No public comments were received. The board unanimously approved the budget resolution. Discussion Items - The board received a presentation from city staff on the proposed budget for Sun Metro. The budget increases by $2.1 million, primarily driven by growth in the dedicated half-cent sales tax. Sun Metro receives additional funding from grants and bus fare revenue. The budget includes a decrease of 13 full-time equivalents (FTEs). Over $5 million will be added to the fund balance for future bus replacements and capital investments. The presentation also covered route changes under the Sun Metro Rising program and fleet replacement plans. - Board member Canales highlighted a fee reduction in Schedule B for the Union Plaza Transit Terminal parking: the daily maximum hourly parking fee decreases from $15 to $10, based on a comparative study of area parking garages. This was noted as an affordable downtown parking option. - Board member Chavez asked about a state grant for the Vets Ride Free program. Sun Metro Director Colonel DeKaiser responded that he and Senator Blanco testified at the state capitol to secure the grant, which was in jeopardy without their in-person advocacy. The program provides thousands of rides annually to veterans, enabling access to hospitals and other services. Colonel DeKaiser also noted that his daughter deployed to the Middle East that day, expressing pride in her service. Key Outcomes - Board member Sierra moved to approve the budget resolution, seconded by board member Chavez. The motion passed unanimously. - The meeting adjourned after the vote.

A special meeting of the Mass Transit Department Board (Sun Metro) was held on August 17, 2026, at 12:22 p.m. to conduct a public hearing on the proposed FY27 budget (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027). The hearing was closed with no public testimony, and the final vote was postponed to August 18, 2026. The board also approved a consent agenda item to excuse an absent member. Consent Calendar - Approved a motion to excuse Board Member Trejo from the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak or came forward to testify on the proposed FY27 Mass Transit budget. Discussion Items - The board held a public hearing on the FY27 budget for the Mass Transit Department (Sun Metro), as required by state transportation code. No discussion or deliberation occurred following the hearing. - Board Member Canales noted that Board Member Trejo was not present at the start of the meeting, prompting the need to formally excuse her absence. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed at 12:23 p.m. by a unanimous motion (moved by Board Member Nino, seconded by Board Member Limon). - The final vote on the FY27 budget was postponed until August 18, 2026. - The consent agenda to excuse Board Member Trejo was approved unanimously. - The special meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m., with the work session remaining in recess until 1:30 p.m.

The El Paso City Council held a work session on August 17, 2026 starting at 9:00 AM and ending at 5:21 PM. The meeting included an annual stormwater utility report, a resolution for an updated Sister Cities Agreement with Chihuahua, and executive session discussions on utility matters, economic development, and legal consultations. The council took action on three executive session items and unanimously approved the Sister Cities resolution. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Osman spoke against the stormwater utility report (Item 1), criticizing the utility’s approach and alleging projects cause harm. She stated that residents do not trust El Paso Water and that the fee has not been used effectively. - Ms. Osman also spoke against the Sister Cities Agreement (Item 2), questioning the city’s authority to enter international agreements, citing security risks, and objecting to existing sister city relationships. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Annual Report by El Paso Water on Stormwater Utility - Gisela Dagnino, Chief Operations Officer for Stormwater, presented the annual update. Key points: - The stormwater utility was created after the 2006 flood disaster to develop a master plan, fund maintenance, and reduce flood risk. - Since 2008, over $400 million has been invested in drainage infrastructure. For every $1 paid in fees by a typical residential customer, $2.38 has been invested back into the community. - The original master plan estimated $650 million in construction needs; the remaining cost has grown to approximately $875 million due to rising costs, evolving standards, and city growth. - Completed four construction projects in the last fiscal year; five under construction; three preparing for construction; 15 in planning and design. - The system is maintained by a team of 41 front-line staff covering the entire city. - Secured over $24 million in grant funding; another $28 million requested. - 21,000 properties have been removed from the flood zone since the utility’s inception. - Council members discussed maintenance schedules, partnerships with TxDOT, the Army Corps of Engineers, weed control, graffiti, and affordability concerns. Representative Acevedo requested updated project priority lists and CIP information. Representative Fierro asked about public outreach. - Item 2 – Resolution to Execute Updated Sister Cities Agreement with Chihuahua, Mexico - Israel Alvarado, Business Service Coordinator, presented the proposed agreement. Key updates: - The original agreement was signed in 2002 and expanded in 2008. The 2026 update broadens cooperation to include innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and stronger foreign direct investment collaboration. - No financial obligations for the city. - The agreement supports the city’s international policy agenda adopted in April 2025. - Anticipated signing during Mayor Johnson’s visit to Chihuahua on August 25, 2026. - Council discussion confirmed federal authorization for sister city agreements; no expenditure required. Executive Session Items (Closed to Public) - The council retired into executive session at 9:56 AM and reconvened at 1:32 PM after a special meeting. They discussed seven items under Texas Government Code sections on attorney consultation, real property, economic development negotiations, and personnel. The following actions were taken in open session: - EX1 (Application of El Paso Electric Co. System Resiliency Plan) – No action. - EX2 (El Paso Electric Co. Petition to Extend EV Ready Pilot Program Tariffs) – Initially approved, then reconsidered and approved again. Motion carried: the city attorney (in consultation with city manager) is authorized to accept the settlement and execute necessary documents. - EX3 (Application of El Paso Electric Co. to Change Rates) – No action. - EX4 (Legal Consultation on Chapter 380 Agreement with Wurldwide LLC) – No action. - EX5 (Economic development opportunities – Bafar Holdings Inc.) – Motion passed (5-0, with Representative Chavez abstaining due to family ties) directing the Economic and International Development Department to return an amendment to the Chapter 380 agreement for council consideration at the next meeting. - EX6 (Economic development opportunities – L & F Distributors LLC) – Motion passed unanimously (Representatives Trejo and Canales absent) directing the department to return an amendment for council consideration. Mayor and Representative Acevedo disclosed campaign contributions from principals of the organization. - EX7 (Legal consultation on employee evaluations and duties) – No action. Key Outcomes - Approved (unanimous): Resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an updated Sister Cities Agreement with Chihuahua, Mexico. - Approved (after reconsideration): Settlement in El Paso Electric Company’s EV Ready pilot program tariff extension (EX2). - Approved (5-0, one abstention): Directive to staff to return an amendment to the Chapter 380 agreement with Bafar Holdings Inc. (EX5). - Approved (unanimous): Directive to staff to return an amendment to the Chapter 380 agreement with L & F Distributors LLC (EX6). - No action taken on EX1, EX3, EX4, EX7. - The work session adjourned at 5:21 PM.

The special meeting on August 17, 2026, convened at 9:57 a.m. with Mayor Johnson presiding and all council members present. The agenda focused on two public hearings: the proposed FY2027 budget (item 2) and the ordinance levying the FY2026-2027 tax rate (item 1). City Manager's Office representative Robert Cortina delivered a comprehensive budget presentation, detailing a proposed tax rate increase of 4.9 cents per $100 valuation, which would result in an annual increase of $132 for the average single-family home. The council heard public comments and then voted to close both public hearings and postpone the final votes to August 18, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Patricia Osman: Opposed the tax increase, criticizing city spending on AI, police pensions, and elected officials' salaries. She argued that property values are rising regardless of the tax rate, and that the city should reduce its own costs rather than burden residents. - Sam Armijo: Urged the council to adopt the no-new-revenue tax rate, proposing approximately $21 million in budget deferments and reductions, including using five days of the unrestricted reserve fund to release $9 million. He asserted that this could be done without affecting essential services. - Leo Arcos: Quoted Exodus 18:21, accusing council members of accepting campaign money from special interests and failing to follow the city's strategic plan. He called for leadership that prioritizes residents over agendas. - Jesse Romero: Stated that he ran for council on a platform of increasing revenues, not reducing taxes. He questioned the impact of Meta's arrival, the use of outside contractors, and urged the council to honor promises to cut taxes. Discussion Items - Budget Presentation (Robert Cortina): The FY2027 budget was developed starting in February 2026, with a proposed general fund of $655 million. Key challenges include a loss of taxable value ($13.5 million increase in exemptions), the need to fund public safety (60% of the general fund, $371 million), and ongoing fire union negotiations (city's last proposal: $43 million over four years). The proposed tax rate of 0.809487 per $100 valuation (introduced July 24) would generate an additional $9.67 million, allocated to park lights, street lights, animal services, and a contingency account for future collective bargaining agreements. Cortina emphasized that using fund balance to balance the budget is unsustainable and that the city must maintain a 60-day operating reserve (currently projected at 65 days). He also noted that all civilian employees would receive at least a 2.5% raise, with no increase in health care contributions. - Council Questions and Statements: - Representative Canales: Clarified the tax rate increase is 4.9 cents, not 0.49 cents. He discussed the importance of fund balance, bond ratings, and long-term sustainability, expressing support for the proposed budget despite the difficulty. - Representative Acevedo: Asked about utility cost increases ($800,000 to $24.3 million) and the risk of not passing the budget, which could lead to cuts in quality-of-life services (parks, libraries, senior centers). She noted that 6,000 city employees rely on the city for paychecks and that the budget is a result of compounding factors. - Representative Trejo: Emphasized the need for economic development and reviewing 380 agreements. He acknowledged the tough decision and supported the proposed tax rate. - Representative Nino: Asked about the city's recovery from a 9-day reserve in 2014 to 65 days, noting that previous councils prioritized building the fund balance. She stressed the importance of long-term financial health and avoiding a future $18 million deficit. - Representative Fierro: Asked about impacts on public safety if the budget is not approved. Cortina responded that everything would be on the table, including potential effects on police and fire academies. - Representative Limon: Asked about the distinction between general fund and other funds (enterprise, special revenue). Cortina explained that funds like hotel occupancy tax and economic development are restricted by state law and cannot be used for property tax relief. - Mayor Johnson: Asked why the city is in this position (loss of revenue and increased obligations). He noted that the council lowered the tax rate last year and that economic development, including Meta, will help the tax base. - Mayor Pro Tem Chavez: Asked about the no-new-revenue rate. Cortina confirmed that even with no-new-revenue, property taxes may increase due to rising property values. - Representative Maldonado Rocha: Asked about the tax rate increase from the May proposal to the current. Cortina clarified the different state-required calculations and the confusion they create. Key Outcomes - The council voted unanimously to close the public hearing on the proposed budget at 12:15 p.m. and postpone the final vote to August 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. - The council voted unanimously to close the public hearing on the tax rate ordinance at 12:20 p.m. and postpone the final vote to August 18, 2026. - No final votes on the budget or tax rate were taken during this meeting; both will be adopted on August 18, 2026. - The adoption of the tax rate ordinance requires a 60% supermajority (5 out of 8 council members) to pass.

The El Paso Mass Transit Department Board met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting was brief, addressing only a consent agenda before adjourning at 11:12 AM. The board then recessed until 2:30 PM for the regular city council meeting. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from a previous meeting. - Field Test Agreement with Chevron Overnight Company, LLC: The board approved a resolution authorizing a field test agreement with Chevron Overnight Company, LLC to test oils on buses operated by Sun Metro. The agreement will begin on the date of execution and end on September 1, 2029. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items No separate discussion items were raised; the meeting focused solely on the consent agenda. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda, consisting of items 1 and 2 (minutes and the Chevron field test agreement), was approved unanimously via a motion and second by board members (motion by Board Member Nino Fierro, seconded by Board Member Fierro, with executive note by Board Member Canales). - The meeting was adjourned at 11:12 AM, with the board taking a recess until 2:30 PM for the regular city council meeting.