Public Meetings - El Paso, Texas

The El Paso Mass Transit Department Board met twice on June 23, 2026: initially at 11:30 AM and reconvened at 4:32 PM. The board considered an intergovernmental support agreement (IGSA) with Fort Bliss for a free microtransit service (Torch Transit) and a contract termination resolution. Both items were approved unanimously. No public comments were presented. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda included the approval of meeting minutes and resolutions for items 3 and 4. Item 4 was moved to the regular agenda to allow Fort Bliss garrison commander Colonel Mike Soika to speak. Item 3 was initially tabled pending information from items 4 and 5 (which were addressed in the regular council meeting) but later taken up after reconvening. The minutes were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - Item 4 – IGSA with Fort Bliss for Microtransit Service - Anthony (Sun Metro) presented the first-ever Department of War partnership using an IGSA for microtransit, named Torch Transit. The service will be free to soldiers and dependents at zero cost to city taxpayers, funded by the Army. It will operate 84 hours per week with a capacity of 60 trips per day, expandable based on demand. The service is curb-to-curb on Fort Bliss and connects to Sun Metro’s fixed-route system at three locations (Dyer, Freedom Crossing, William Beaumont). It will add about 25 staff positions. Colonel Soika emphasized the financial burden on soldiers (spending $300–500/month on transportation) and the quality of life improvement. Board members expressed strong support, noting the success of a similar microtransit launch in District 5. The item was approved unanimously. - Item 3 – Termination of Contract with Trans America Protection Corporation - This resolution terminates contract 2023-0188 for armored car services due to the contractor’s failure to comply with provisions and recommends disqualification from city contracts for three years. Board members asked clarifying questions about mishandling of funds; the Assistant City Attorney advised tabling this item until after discussion of items 4 and 5 in executive session (though it was later debated in open session). After reconvening at 4:32 PM, the board approved the resolution unanimously. Key Outcomes - Vote on Item 4: Motion by board member Limon, seconded by Chavez – approved unanimously. - Vote on Item 3: After being tabled earlier, motion by board member Canales, seconded by Limon – approved unanimously upon reconvening. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (excluding tabled items). - Next Steps: Sun Metro will begin a six-month mobilization period for Torch Transit, including vehicle purchases and app development. The contract termination with Trans America Protection Corporation takes effect June 23, 2026, with a three-year debarment.

On June 22, 2026, the City of El Paso and representatives of Firefighters Local 51 met to discuss the union's proposals and the city's responses. The meeting covered wages, incentives, examinations, drug and alcohol testing, overtime, leave, insurance, and other working conditions. Several proposals were accepted, some rejected, and others sent to committees for further evaluation. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for June 25, 2026. Wages and Compensation - Item 1 (Wage increase): Local 51 proposed four 7.5% pay increases upon signing and each September from 2027-2029. The city countered with a 2.5% increase plus a 5% step increase in the first year, followed by 2.5% increases in subsequent fiscal years, with exact dates to be determined. - Item 3 (FTO pay): City accepted combining FTO and mentor pay at 5% above normal pay, with effective date to be determined. - Item 4 (Bilingual pay): $500/year after passing city language test. City will continue research. - Item 5 (Medical mentor pay): 5% above normal pay for precepting EMTs/paramedics, combined with Item 3, effective date to be determined. - Item 6 (Communication assignment pay): 5% increase for FD personnel assigned to communications. City rejected due to existing policies (8 for 24 and overtime). - Item 7 (Education pay): Increase of $50/month per degree level. City rejected due to financial constraints; tuition assistance program continues. - Item 8 (Longevity pay): $10/month per year of service, max $250/month. City accepted, effective date to be determined. - Item 9 (TCFP certification pay): Increase by $50/month per certification level. City accepted. - Item 10 (Flight medic/critical care pay): 5% for ground critical care, 10% for flight paramedic (5%+5% or 5%+10%). City counter: working on policy for critical care paramedic 5% incentive pay. - Item 11 (Specialty teams pay): Increase from $75/month to $100-$150; add critical care and peer support; stack max two for $300. City countered: support addition and stacking max $150, no increase currently. - Item 12 (Working out of class pay): Increase to 10%. City rejected, no counter. Examinations and Promotions - Item 1: Change 30- and 60-day requirements from days to calendar days. City accepted. - Item 2: Language cleanup for paramedic certification points. City accepted. - Item 3: Change from three to four assistant chiefs in exam section. City accepted. - Item 4: Increase promotional committee to 9 members and expand duties. City accepted. - Item 5: New paragraph for promotions involving specialized assignments/40-hour positions. City counter: combine with Item 4 for committee research. Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy Local 51 proposed: 30-day suspension only if employee fails rehab within 180 days; no post-accident testing if not at fault. City opposed, stating safety-sensitive positions require immediate disciplinary action and post-accident testing for safety and regulatory compliance. City willing to discuss rehabilitation access and return-to-duty requirements while preserving management authority. Extra Board and Overtime - Item 1 (Comp time): New section allowing comp time accrual at 1.5 hours per hour worked and 1 hour travel. City accepted. - Item 2 (Comp time accrual limits): Increase max accrual to 480 hours and payout to 240. City counter: increase accrual to 240 hours and payout to 120. Leave, Vacation, and Sick Leave - Item 1 (Vacation slots): Increase from 44 to 47 per shift. City rejected, citing staffing evaluation. - Item 2 (Vacation sellback): Create program mirroring sick leave sellback (56-hour employees: max 180 hours sellback, 40-hour: 120, minimum balance 600 hours). City accepted with conditions: effective date to be determined. - Item 3 (Vacation accrual rates): Increase accrual by 0.25 days/month across tiers and add 5-10 year tier. City rejected. - Item 4 (Maximum accrual): Increase from 75 to 90 days. City rejected. Insurance, Health and Safety, Uniforms - Item 1 (Promotional date adjustment): Move effective date to account for fiscal year. City noted no promise of October 1st. - Item 2 (Badges and insignia): Provide at no cost upon promotion. City accepted, pending language. - Item 3 (Uniform allotment): Provide every October 1st. City counter: November 1st. - Item 4 (Health and Safety Committee): Restructure with 9 members, co-chairs, and expanded duties per HB 4144 and NFPA 1582. City accepted restructuring to 9 members. - Item 5 (Peer support program): Formalize under Health and Safety Committee. City accepted. - Item 6-8 (Health care trust): Create committee to research feasibility. City accepted creation of health care trust committee and discipline review board, but rejected implementing a full health care trust system by end of contract (saying three years insufficient). City proposed evaluating discipline review board as alternative to civil service. Other Proposals (City's Retained Prerogatives, Facilities, Electronics, Dues, Committees) - Item 1 (Operational control): City retains control but agrees to communicate with Local 51 and fire chief on outsourcing non-emergency functions (e.g., civilian call takers, infection control officer, annual physicals). City accepted the proposal requiring MOU for changes to job specifications. - Item 3 (Fire station repairs): Create tiered system for repairs (habitability/critical/urgent) with timelines. City counter: send to newly proposed Equipment Apparatus and Facility Committee for evaluation, citing difficulty meeting timelines due to construction demands. - Item 5 (Personal electronic devices): No obligation to use personal devices for city business. City accepted. - Item 6 (40-hour operations): Delete outdated section regarding former EMS employees. City accepted. - Item 7 (Dues deduction): Amend for electronic deduction. City accepted. - Item 8 (New labor management committees): Establish six committees (medical wellness, equipment apparatus facility, professional development/promotional, paramedic advisory, rules and regulations, fitness), each with 9 members and quorum of 5. City accepted. Key Outcomes - Many financial proposals were conditionally accepted with effective dates to be determined due to late budget season. - The city rejected wage increases, education pay, vacation slot increases, and accrual rate increases. - New committees were created for health care trust, discipline review, and various labor-management issues. - A follow-up meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2026 to continue discussions.

This meeting on June 18, 2026, began with a labor market analysis presentation from Human Resources (Monica) to address questions from the prior meeting. HR explained how El Paso's cost of living compares to benchmark cities, the use of the Economic Research Institute (ERI) for geographic adjustments, and the city's compensation strategy for uniformed versus non-uniformed positions. The second half of the meeting featured a presentation from the financial team on the preliminary fiscal year 2027 general fund budget, highlighting significant revenue losses, a proposed tax rate increase, and council direction to find additional cost savings. The meeting concluded with a discussion of next steps, including setting the next meeting for July 15, 2026, and updates on requested healthcare data and contract language changes. Discussion Items - Labor Market Analysis & Compensation Strategy – Monica from HR presented a slide comparing El Paso's cost of living to market cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Phoenix. El Paso's overall cost of living is the lowest among those listed. The data, sourced from the Economic Research Institute (ERI) and using 2024 figures, shows El Paso has a local index of 1.00. Other cities have higher indices (e.g., Austin at 1.210), meaning compensation in those cities is about 21% higher than in El Paso. Geographic adjustments allow for apples-to-apples comparisons. HR clarified that ERI is currently used only for police uniformed positions (per union contract), not for non-uniformed positions. Non-uniformed compensation is set by grade minimums, not actual salaries, and the city typically lags the market except for hard-to-fill positions like veterinarians. A chief added that they have struggled to recruit veterinarians due to private-sector competition. - Firefighter Recruitment Concerns – Vice President Jesse Eschline asked for clarification on the cost of living data, noting that the median home price of $180,000 (2024 data) seems low. He also questioned why firefighter positions are not considered high-demand, given recruitment difficulties. HR responded that while they receive many applicants, only a fraction are qualified and attrition is increasing as firefighters leave for higher-paid departments. The budget director later emphasized that the city rarely does market studies for non-uniformed positions and that high-demand designations are reserved for jobs with very low applicant pools (e.g., veterinarians), not for large groups like firefighters. - Preliminary FY27 General Fund Budget – The financial team presented a challenging budget outlook. Key points: - Property tax revenue is decreasing due to a voter-approved business personal property exemption increase (from $2,500 to $125,000 per location) and the disabled veteran exemption. Estimated revenue loss: $7 million from the business exemption and $3.6 million from disabled veterans. - The city is also backing out the use of fund balance (reserves) that had been used to balance previous budgets, and federal ARPA funding has ended, requiring police positions funded by ARPA to shift back to the general fund. - Combined with increased debt service, the total impact is approximately $21 million. - Proposed tax rate increase: from $0.76 to $0.783 per $100 of assessed valuation (a 3.5% cap). This would raise the average tax bill by $105.39, based on an average home value of $233,000. - The state’s property tax cap does not exclude police and fire costs, limiting the city’s ability to fund public safety. - Preliminary budget cuts include unfunding about 75% of non-uniformed vacant positions (only 25% can be filled). - City council directed staff to find additional efficiencies and cost reductions beyond what was already presented. - Upcoming Presentations – The budget director noted that community presentations will begin the following Monday, and another council workshop is scheduled for June 22, 2026. Final budget approval is expected August 18, 2026. Key Outcomes - Next Meeting Date – The group agreed to hold the next meeting on July 15, 2026 (Monday), at the same time. Staff will bring responses to the language cleanup requests for uniform policy changes (titled Health and Safety items 1-5) and begin reviewing them item by item. - Healthcare Data Request – The requested healthcare data from Aetna is still pending due to the volume of data and HIPAA concerns. A consultant reported progress, but the data must have names removed. Staff will work on establishing a committee to review the data over the next four years, including defining the committee’s structure and meeting frequency. - Uniform Policy Language – Fire administration is reviewing the uniform policy language to address confusion caused by outdated wording. Changes will be presented at the next meeting. - Legislative Advocacy – The budget director encouraged members to assist with advocacy at the next state legislative session to seek more flexibility in funding city services under property tax caps.

This was a negotiation session between the City of El Paso and the El Paso Association of Firefighters (Local 51), held on June 18, 2026. The city presented a counterproposal to the union's initial request from April 7, 2026, and the union presented additional proposals on leave, uniforms, and health and safety. The meeting focused on compensation comparisons using Economic Research Institute (ERI) data and next steps. Discussion Items - City's Proposal Recap (Sasha Andonoski, Office of Management and Budget): The city's proposal from April 7, 2026, included cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) of 2% for each of the next four years (reduced from the current 3%), and a 5% increase in entry salary for firefighters by removing Step 2 and starting at Step 3. The city also proposed combining Fire Suppression Technician (FST) steps, removing Steps 6 and 7 for higher ranks, and adding new steps for firefighters, FSTs, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, and assistant chiefs. A 5% paramedic assignment pay was proposed for those working on aircraft transport units. The total estimated variance from the current contract for the city proposal was $37.7 million. - Union's Initial Request (Captain Jay Nicholson, President, Local 51): The union's original proposal called for compensation increases of 5% step increases plus 7.5% COLA (total 12.5% annually) and increases to most incentives. The total estimated variance was $66.5 million, a $28.8 million difference from the city's proposal. - Market Ranking Analysis (Presenter from OMB): Using ERI data to adjust for cost of labor and goods across 10 comparison cities (6 Texas, 2 Arizona, 1 New Mexico, plus El Paso), the city showed current Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 rankings for each fire rank. For FY2027, data from four cities (Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and El Paso based on projections) were used, with Tucson removed. Key rankings for FY2027: Firefighter adjusted minimum rank 6 (middle ground 4), adjusted maximum rank 3; Fire Suppression Technician minimum 7, maximum 3; Lieutenant minimum 5, maximum 4; Captain minimum 5, maximum 4; Battalion Chief minimum 4, maximum 2; Deputy Chief minimum 5, maximum 5; Assistant Chief minimum 7, maximum 7. Most ranks showed improvement or stability, except Assistant Chief which slipped from 6 to 7 at the maximum. - Union's Additional Proposals: - Extra Board and Overtime: Proposal to standardize comp time accrual at 1.5 hours per hour worked, including one hour of travel time; increase maximum comp time accrual to 480 hours and payout upon separation to 240 hours (aligned with FLSA). - Leave: Adding three new vacation slots per shift (based on percentage carryforward); creating a vacation holiday sellback option to reduce large leave blocks; increasing vacation accrual rates by 0.25 days per month per tier, including a new tier for 5-10 years and 20+ years; increasing maximum vacation holiday accrual from 75 to 90 days. - Uniforms and Health & Safety: Changing uniform allotment from initial to annual, removing 'work jacket and tie'; providing badges and insignia at no cost upon promotion; setting uniform allotment date to October 1 each year; amending the health and safety committee to align with NFPA 1581 and new Texas legislation (HB 4144 and HB 198, the Wade Canon Act); formalizing a peer support team program; creating a labor-management committee to study a healthcare trust for uniformed personnel; discussing insurance structure changes for recently retired firefighters; and exploring a health care trust similar to models in Fort Worth and Houston. - Administrative Language Cleanup: Both sides acknowledged pending language cleanup items to be compiled and reviewed at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken during this meeting. - The parties agreed to schedule a subsequent meeting for the following week (late June 2026), pending room and team availability. The city will send proposed dates by the end of the day. - The city requested and received clarification on the 'adjusted minimum' and 'adjusted maximum' terminology used in the ERI market rankings. - The union will provide a final packet of administrative language cleanup items to the city.

This meeting was a continued negotiation session between city representatives (Office of Management and Budget, Human Resources, and others) and the El Paso Firefighters Association (union) regarding the collective bargaining agreement. The city presented updated cost estimates and pay scales for its latest proposal, while the union presented administrative asks and a summary of its priorities. No votes were taken; the session focused on information sharing and discussion ahead of a future meeting. Discussion Items - City Presentation of Proposals and Cost Estimates: The city’s budget director (name not given) reviewed the union’s April 17 and May 5 proposals. The union’s request to increase compensatory time accrual from 240 to 480 hours was estimated to cost $65.8 million over the life of the contract. The city’s previous proposal (April 17) offered 3% COLA for four years with step adjustments starting at step three (7% upfront increase). The new city proposal (presented at this meeting) increases COLA to 2.5% per year and adds a 5% step adjustment, totaling 7.5% upfront increase. Estimated cost: $10.5 million in the first year and $40.1 million over the contract life. Pay scales for 2028, 2029, and 2030 were shown, with starting firefighter salary rising from $50,640 to $54,506 (7.5% increase). - Specialty Teams Update: Randy Marker (city) noted current authorized specialty team members (196, paid per CBA) and proposed adding critical care and peer support members, bringing the total to 272 authorized. - ERI (Economic Research Institute) Study and Comparisons: Addisendigera (city manager’s office) presented updated ERI rankings: Lieutenant moved from 5 to 4 (then to 4 to 3) and Captain moved from 5 to 4 to 5 to 3. Union representatives questioned the accuracy of 2027 comparisons, noting that some cities (e.g., Phoenix, Corpus Christi) were omitted because their pay scales were not yet published, potentially inflating El Paso’s ranking. The city acknowledged this and stated they only use verified data, offering to continue updating as information becomes available. - Union’s Administrative Proposals: Union President Captain J. Nicholson presented eight items: (1) Limiting use of fire department personnel for non-firefighting/EMS functions; (2) Allowing electronic distribution of documents; (3) Categorizing station repairs by severity with timelines; (4) Prohibiting requirement to use personal electronic devices for city work; (5) Deleting an obsolete section; (6) Removing former EMS text on 40-hour operations; (7) Updating language for electronic deduction of union dues; (8) Creating a new article on labor-management committees (Medical Wellness Advisory, Professional Development, Paramedic Advisory, restructured Rules & Regulations and Fitness committees, expanding from 7 to 9 members). - Union’s PowerPoint Summary of Requests: Nicholson highlighted the union’s 7.5% annual increase demand (COLA and step), noting that many incentive pays (e.g., paramedic, bilingual) currently have zero pay. He called for cleanup of insurance/health and safety language, recognition of the peer support team as a specialty team, exploration of a healthcare trust (citing potential savings from House Bills 4144 and 198), changes to vacation/sick leave accrual (from 75 to 90 days), comp time alignment with FLSA, and improvements to discipline and promotional exams. Nicholson emphasized the department’s achievements: ISO Class 1 (only 504 of 30,000 departments), CPSE accreditation (337 worldwide, 128 also ISO Class 1), and high EMS volume, all done with less staffing and less money than NFPA 1710 standards. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were made; negotiations are ongoing. - The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, but may be rescheduled due to city budget briefings. The city will confirm dates. - The union requested a copy of the city’s presentation slides. - Both sides agreed to continue discussions on the ERI methodology and updating comparisons as data becomes available.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on June 3, 2026, but the official date provided is June 10, 2026. This summary uses the official date. This was a historic joint meeting of the El Paso City Council and the Ciudad Juarez City Council, the first such gathering since November 13, 2019. The meeting focused on strengthening binational ties, including the adoption of a renewed Sister Cities agreement and a proclamation recognizing a strategic partnership with Concanaco Servitur Mexico. Proclamation: El Paso Canaco Servitú Binational Partnership Day - Senior Business Analyst Israel Alvarado presented a proclamation recognizing the strategic partnership between the City of El Paso and Concanaco Servitur Mexico, which represents over 5.2 million businesses across 258 chambers in Mexico and covers about 60% of Mexico's formal employment and 64% of its GDP. - The proclamation declared June 3, 2026 (the date of the meeting per the transcript) as "El Paso Canaco Servitú Binational Partnership Day." - Maestra Daniela Martinez Rodriguez, Vice President of Foreign Trade for Concanaco Servitur Mexico, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of the MOU signed in December 2025 and the economic integration of the region. Public Comments & Testimony - John Beckham (NADBank): Spoke in support of the binational relationship, highlighting NADBank's role in financing 31 projects in the region totaling over $240 million, catalyzing $640 million in investment. He noted that NADBank has trained 430 employees for El Paso Water and the Junta Municipal de Juarez. He congratulated the signing of the Sister Cities agreement. Discussion Items - Introduction of Council Members: Mayor Renard Johnson introduced El Paso City Council members (Diana Maldonado Rocha, Cynthia Willard Trejo, Ivan Nino, Art Fiero, Lily Limon, Chris Canales). Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuellar introduced Juarez City Council members (Syndica Ana Carmen Estrada, Regidor Alejandro Daniel Acosta Abina, Mayra Karina Castillo Tapia, Luz Clara Cristo Sosa, Mireya Porras Armendaris, Dina Salgado Sotero, Jose Eduardo Valenzuela Martinez, Sandra Valenzuela Martinez). - Presentation on 2026 International Policy Agenda: A representative from Economic and International Development outlined three objectives: strengthening relationships with Mexico's three levels of government, improving border infrastructure, and facilitating trade and foreign direct investment. The agenda has been elevated to the same priority level as the state and federal legislative agenda. - Council Member Remarks: Several council members expressed support for the binational relationship. Representative Chris Canales emphasized that the border is a connection, not a divide, and that the relationship between El Paso and Juarez is resilient despite political challenges. - Sister Cities Agreement Presentation: Adriana Pulesio (International Business and Trade Development Manager) and Martha Vela (Sister Cities International board member) presented the updated Sister Cities agreement. Vela highlighted the history of Sister Cities International (founded 1956) and the importance of citizen diplomacy. The agreement was described as a renewed commitment to economic development, cultural exchange, education, tourism, and mutual understanding. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval of Sister Cities Agreement: The El Paso City Council voted unanimously (all ayes) to approve the updated Sister Cities agreement between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. Motion by Representative Lily Limon, seconded by Representative Ivan Nino. - Signing Ceremony: Mayor Renard Johnson and President Municipal Cruz Pérez Cuellar signed the Sister Cities agreement, witnessed by council members from both cities. - Proclamation Adopted: The proclamation recognizing the partnership with Concanaco Servitur Mexico was adopted. - Adjournment: The special meeting was adjourned at 4:00 PM.

The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:01 AM in Council Chambers, with Mayor Renard Johnson presiding and all eight representatives present. The meeting included five proclamations, public comment, a consent agenda with numerous postponements, and extended debate on a motion to direct staff to negotiate termination of the Chapter 380 economic development agreement with Worldwide LLC and Meta Platforms. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 PM. Proclamations - Aphasia Awareness Month (June 2026): Declared by the mayor after remarks from the El Paso Aphasia Connection Center. Speakers noted that every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke, 30% of survivors develop aphasia, and an estimated 20,000 El Pasoans live with the condition. The center serves uninsured and underinsured individuals across the region. - Northeast Rotary Club United for Good Day (June 9, 2026): Recognized the club's 67-year history and community service, including over $1 million donated since 2000. Jimmy Malver (27-year member) highlighted the club's Feed the Pig tradition, which supports polio eradication, and noted that 61-year member Sherman Barnett has perfect attendance. - Responsible Fatherhood Month (June 2026): Declared after remarks from pastors and community leaders emphasizing the importance of father presence. Statistics cited: 1 in 4 U.S. children live in father‑absent homes. - Rebuilding Together El Paso Day (June 9, 2026): Recognized the organization’s work since 1991, assisting 1,500 homeowners with critical repairs. They mobilize about 600 volunteers per year and run a 'She Builds' program empowering women in home maintenance. - ALS Awareness Month (May 2026): Declared after remarks from a local ALS advocate and a veteran county service officer reading a statement on behalf of a veteran with ALS. The disease disproportionately affects veterans. Public Comments & Testimony - Call to the Public (10:00 AM): 11 speakers addressed topics including animal cruelty (request for TNR program and animal cruelty unit funding), religious views on Pride Month symbols, city events blocking church access (St. Clement's), a request for a municipal tree inventory, raw milk sales and food freedom, and First Amendment rights. - Consent Agenda Public Comment: One speaker criticized city solid waste liens, urging volunteer programs instead of fines. - Item 37 Public Comment: Over 180 registered speakers, heard from approximately 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (with a lunch recess). The overwhelming majority urged the council to vote in favor of initiating termination negotiations. Key positions included: - Many residents, community organizations (e.g., Sembrando Esperanza, Amanecer People's Project), and small business owners expressed concerns about water scarcity, air pollution, utility cost increases, noise, and lack of public input. - Several physicians and health professionals highlighted studies linking data centers to increased particulate matter, respiratory illness, and premature deaths. - Union representatives (IBEW 960) and construction workers argued the project provides thousands of jobs and that canceling would harm working families and the city's reputation. - The El Paso Chamber of Commerce and the El Paso Association of Contractors opposed cancellation, citing legal liability and the need to honor contracts. Discussion Items - Item 37 – Meta/Worldwide 380 Agreement: The motion was to direct the city manager and city attorney to initiate negotiations to terminate the Chapter 380 economic development agreement and related incentives. Outside counsel Sandy Gomez (Husch Blackwell) presented on the three contracts (purchase & sale, tax abatement, 380 agreement) and noted there is no termination‑for‑convenience clause. She outlined potential litigation risks: $8.5 million land repurchase, actual damages, and up to $800 million in conservative exposure. Council debate centered on whether the project has changed significantly (expanded 10x since 2023), the adequacy of 50 minimum full‑time jobs, water usage, and the city's financial exposure relative to its $655 million general fund. Representatives Acevedo and Limon (co‑sponsors) argued the community overwhelmingly opposes the deal and that Meta has not met promises (e.g., renewable energy). Representatives Trejo, Chavez, and others expressed fiscal concerns and noted the project would continue even if the agreement were terminated. - Item 34 – Campaign Visit Cost Policy: Approved direction to develop a policy requiring an upfront deposit from candidates visiting the city to cover public safety and venue costs, after the city was left with a $600,000 unpaid bill from a prior event. - Item 35 – Hotel Occupancy Tax on Short‑Term Rentals: Approved a resolution authorizing collection of hotel occupancy taxes from short‑term rentals, estimated to generate about $3.4 million annually. Implementation within 90–180 days. - Item 36 – District 6 Discretionary Funds: Approved $2,000 for the new Adopt‑a‑Street program. - Item 39 – Buy El Paso Rewards Program: Approved a $200,000 Chapter 380 agreement with the Better Business Bureau to continue a rewards program supporting local businesses. Reported economic impact of $4.7 million and a 17:1 return on investment. Key Outcomes - Item 37 – Failed. Motion to direct staff to negotiate termination of the Meta agreement failed on a roll‑call vote: 2 yeas (Acevedo, Limon) to 6 nays (Chavez, Rocha, Trejo, Nino, Fierro, Canales). The mayor did not need to break a tie. - Item 34 – Approved 6‑2 (Chavez and Rocha opposed). - Item 35 – Approved unanimously (with a revision adding Representative Canales as co‑sponsor). - Item 36 – Approved unanimously. - Item 39 – Approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda was approved with numerous postponements (two weeks) and one revision. - The council also approved introduction of ordinances on items 24 and 25, the sale of property (item 27), and a zoning change at 1401 N. Mesa (item 30).

The El Paso City Council held a work session on Monday, June 8, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM and adjourning at 9:39 AM. The meeting included an executive session and subsequent unanimous votes on four items related to Texas Gas Service rate adjustments and intervention in utility proceedings before the Texas Public Utility Commission. Mayor Johnson presided, with all council members present or joining later (Representatives Canales, Niño, and Acevedo arrived at 9:04, 9:06, and 9:07 AM, respectively). Executive Session - The council voted unanimously to retire into executive session at 9:00 AM under Section 3.5A of the El Paso City Charter and Texas Government Code Chapter 551, Subchapter D, to discuss three items: (1) Texas Gas Service Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program interim rate adjustment (PUC No. OS-26-00030734), (2) rate case severed from Texas Gas Service Company’s statement of intent (OS-25-0002924), and (3) distribution cost recovery factors and power cost recovery factors. The council reconvened at 9:32 AM and proceeded to vote on each item. Discussion Items - EX1 – Texas Gas Service GRIP Interim Rate Adjustment (Incorporated Areas): A motion was made and seconded to deny the interim rate adjustment application filed March 10, 2026, under docket OS-26-0030734. The motion also directed the city attorney to take all steps necessary to effectuate this denial. The motion passed unanimously. - EX2 – Texas Gas Service Rate Case Settlement (Unincorporated Areas): A motion was made and seconded (by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez and Representative Limon) to authorize the city attorney, in consultation with the city manager, to approve a settlement in the rate case severed from OS-25-00028202 (docket OS-25-0002924) and to execute all required documents. The motion passed unanimously. - EX3 – Intervention in Power Cost and Distribution Cost Recovery Factor Filings (Two Motions): - First motion: Authorized the city attorney, in consultation with the city manager, to (1) file a motion to intervene in all purchased power capacity cost recovery factor filings docketed at the Texas Public Utility Commission that affect El Paso ratepayers, (2) hire outside counsel and consultants, and (3) take all steps necessary. The motion passed unanimously. - Second motion: Identical authorization but for all distribution cost recovery factor filings. The motion also passed unanimously. - EX4 – Intervention in El Paso Electric Company Solar/Battery Storage Facilities: A motion was made and seconded (by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez and Representative Canales) to authorize the city attorney, in consultation with the city manager, to hire outside counsel and consultants and file an intervention in El Paso Electric Company’s application to amend its certificate of convenience and necessity to include the Copperhead and Black Mountain Solar Battery Storage Facilities (PUC docket 59690). All steps necessary were authorized. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All four agenda items (EX1, EX2, EX3 with two motions, EX4) were approved unanimously by the council. - The council denied Texas Gas Service’s GRIP interim rate adjustment for incorporated areas. - The council authorized settlement of the Texas Gas Service rate case for unincorporated areas. - The council authorized intervention in multiple utility proceedings before the Texas Public Utility Commission, including power cost and distribution cost recovery filings and the El Paso Electric Company solar/storage facility certificate amendment. - The work session adjourned at 9:39 AM.

The El Paso City Council held a special meeting on February 24, 2026, from 9:12 AM to 4:14 PM, with several recesses for breakout sessions and lunch. The meeting focused on day two of a strategic planning process to develop a two-year action plan based on community input, personas, and feedback from the previous day. Council members, staff, and facilitators engaged in pillar-based breakout sessions to refine core strategies across five pillars: Economic Mobility, Public Safety, Infrastructure, Quality of Life, and Good Governance. The meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of the proposed two-year action plan. Public Comments & Testimony - Carmen Rodriguez (resident) spoke about the prominence of housing issues in the previous day's discussions and expressed concern that the city avoids showing neglected areas to economic development visitors. She urged the council to address dilapidated housing and love all parts of El Paso, noting that housing was included in several council members' stated priorities. Discussion Items - Strategic Planning Overview: Facilitator Julie Balton Muñoz introduced the "placemat" concept—a two-page document summarizing adopted pillars, goals, and core strategies—and explained the day's shift to strategy development using pillar profiles and personas (e.g., Marisol, Tom, Bob). - Pillar Breakout Sessions: Council members and staff rotated through five breakouts (Economic Mobility, Public Safety, Infrastructure, Quality of Life, Good Governance), each lasting 30 minutes. They used worksheets to validate, refine, and add initial core strategies, guided by prompts on feasibility, constraints, and cross-cutting themes. Cross-cutting themes included making services easier to find, maintaining existing infrastructure, improving communication, using community feedback, and supporting safe, healthy, connected neighborhoods. - Economic Mobility: Focus areas included employer-aligned skills training with emphasis on small-to-medium business growth, reducing workforce participation barriers (e.g., child care), and expanding housing options. Council added a request to include child care as a barrier example and to specifically call out tourism as a key industry. - Public Safety: Core strategies were refined to include investing in community safety programs, training, and equipment, with emphasis on trust-building through community policing and partnerships. The phrase "expand investment on community safety programs" was added. - Infrastructure: Strategies were modified to "expanding investment in street maintenance and roadway improvements," and focus areas included funding alternatives, capacity to implement, maintaining existing facilities first, and providing visual tools for residents. The importance of communicating progress was stressed. - Quality of Life: Language shifted to "spotlighting current community offerings and amenities" and "encourage gathering, recreation, and cultural expression across neighborhoods by continuing to build experiences." Added focus areas included completing the parks master plan, climate and sustainability, and meeting underserved residents where they are. - Good Governance: Strategies were refined to "creating clear, accessible communication pathways for community input and engagement," "sharing a visible sense of progress" (including meaningful wins), and "identify and implement sustainable fiscal opportunities." Emphasis was placed on collaborating with council district offices, engaging youth through social media, and improving internal and external communication. - Lunch and Lotería Activity: During the lunch recess (12:02 PM to 1:00 PM), a Lotería game was played, fostering team bonding. - Final Refinements and Presentation: After the breakouts, facilitators presented synthesized feedback and proposed refinements. Council members provided final input, which was incorporated into the action plan framework. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Two-Year Action Plan: Representative Acevedo moved to adopt the two-year action plan as proposed, seconded by Representative Canales. The motion passed unanimously with all present members voting aye. The plan covers FY27–FY28 and will be finalized into a laminated "placemat" document for use in budget development, communication strategies, and departmental work plans. A community survey refresh and plan update are scheduled for the following year. - Meeting Adjournment: The special meeting adjourned at 4:14 PM.