By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
All five members of county commissioners court were present.
Here’s what happened at the meeting:
Court discusses sending letter on railroad companies’ merger
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to postpone action on a request by
Commissioner Pct. 1 Kerr Wardlaw to discuss and possibly act on Val Verde County’s
official position and potential submission of a letter opposing to the proposed merger
between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railroad to the Surface
Transportation Board. Wardlaw told the court he has researched the issue and is opposed
to the merger, citing the possibility it could create a rail company monopoly, reduce
competition and increase costs to the consumer. County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. told
the court at least one large railroad workers’ union has come out in favor of the merger,
and the Oval Office has given its stamp of approval as well. After discussion, members of
the court agreed to research the issue further and discuss it again at a future meeting.
Court okays CASA mixer at Tony Faz County Annex
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to allow the organization CASA of Val Verde to
host a mixer event at the CASA’s offices at the Judge Antonio “Tony” Faz III County
Annex, 315 E. Chapoy St., on Jan. 15, 2026. Commissioner Pct. 2 Juan Carlos Vazquez,
who asked the item be placed on the court’s agenda, noted no alcohol would be allowed
during the event.
Court approves use of county annex for South Texas All Abilities Center (STAAC)
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to allow the South Texas All Abilities Center
(STAAC) to use a portion of the Judge Antonio “Tony” Faz III County Annex, 315 E.
Chapoy St., as its Del Rio headquarters. Zenaida Rodriguez, STAAC missions director,
made a presentation to the court about the work her organization does and the services
that it can offer to Val Verde County residents. STAAC “provides meaningful resources
for individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.”
Divided court votes on office space and control of county buildings
— Commissioners court members voted 3-2 on a motion by Commissioner Pct. 2 Juan
Carlos Vazquez that County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. have control over all the county
buildings on the courthouse square, the CAD building, Dink Wardlaw Agricultural
Center, the Val Verde County Library, the county fire station and the veterans affairs
office. Commissioner Pct. 1 Kerr Wardlaw would have control of the county fairgrounds,
and Vazquez would have control over all the remaining county buildings. Vazquez,
Wardlaw and Commissioner Pct. 3 Fernando Garcia voted in favor of the motion, with
Owens and Commissioner Pct. 4 Gustavo “Gus” Flores voting against the motion.
Court applies for $5 million grant for Laughlin AFB airfield lighting
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to authorize County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr.
to sign the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) application for the
repair of airfield lighting at Laughlin Air Force Base in the amount of $5 million. Owens
said this is the third time for local entities to apply for the airfield lighting grant. Owens
said the county and the city have both applied for the grant before and have been denied
on both previous occasions.
Court applies for grant for Laughlin AFB fitness complex
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to authorize County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr.
to sign the DEAAG application for the construction of a tactical aircrew fitness complex
at Laughlin Air Force Base in the amount of $985,000. Owens said this is the third time
for local entities to apply for the fitness complex grant. Owens said the county and the
city have both applied for the grant before and have been denied on both previous
occasions.
Court approves sheriff’s request to construct memorial to fallen officers
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to authorize Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez to use
$6,400 from the sheriff’s office reserve account for the construction of a memorial.
Martinez told the court the memorial will be a slab of polished black granite inscribed
with the names and dates of service of Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office deputies who
died or were killed in the line of duty over the years. Martinez said the memorial will be
located outside the sheriff’s office and is part of an effort by the sheriff to beautify the
grounds outside the sheriff’s office.
Court authorizes sheriff to host spay/neuter clinic
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to authorize Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez to host
a spay, neuter and vaccine clinic offered by the Border Animal Mission and Helping
Paws Across Borders. The clinic will be held at the county’s 4H barn at the Val Verde
County Fairgrounds on Jan. 16, 2026, through Jan. 20, 2026. The clinic is for dogs and
cats. To request an appointment, area pet parents can email hpabfreeclinic@gamil.com
Court hears thanks from adult probation director
— Reginaldo Rangel, director of the county’s adult probation department, appeared before
the court to formally thank County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. and the commissioners for
authorizing the expansion of the county’s adult probation office. Rangel invited members
of the court to visit the expanded facility.
Court accepts donation for county library
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to accept a cash donation of $40 to the Val
Verde County Library from Mr. and Mrs. Reynaldo Sanchez in memory of Nena
Ramirez. The money will be used to purchase materials related to teaching or libraries.
Court approves adding cell phone to contract
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to approve a cell phone to be added to the
county’s AT&T DIR contract for the Val Verde County Cout-At-Law Adult Drug
Treatment Court. The device is free, and the county will be charged a monthly fee of $30,
which will be paid from the DWI grant.
Court approves new extension to Spectrum contract
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to approve a new extension to the county’s
Spectrum VOIP contract for the Val Verde County Clerk’s office. A recurring monthly
charge of $15 will be funded from the utilities account.
Court approves truck’s move from one department to another
— Commissioners court members voted 5-0 to approve the transfer of a 2007 Ford Ranger
pickup from the county’s information technology (IT) department to its purchasing
department.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
