Upgrades to a wide variety of parks and public facilities are in the works across El Paso County in the wake of a vote by the El Paso County Commissioners Court.
Members of that body have started the process of approving up to $59 million in certificates of obligation designed to fund the projects.
Although not yet officially finalized, the list of projects includes upgrades to the downtown El Paso jail; new construction at the El Paso Medical Examiner’s Office; and roof and sewer repairs at the Juvenile Justice Center.
Funding may also be applied to the upgrades at the Fabens Airport; renovations to the Manny Martinez Annex; and an expansion of an employee clinic at the county courthouse.
According to the resolution approved by commission members, the funded work may also include street, road, sidewalk, alley, lighting, and culvert projects.
As a funding mechanism, the certificates of obligation require no new taxes, and are enacted without the approval of county voters.
In launching the funding mechanism process, a note of intent is being published by the commission, to be followed by public meetings throughout January and, finally, a vote to approve the debt issuance on January 30.
By Garry Boulard
