By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
All five members of Val Verde County Commissioners Court were present for the meeting.
Citizens address court on multiple issues
Seven members of the public spoke during the “Citizens’ Comments” portion of the agenda.
The first speaker addressed speed bumps on Bayview Drive. Five additional speakers voiced opposition to the placement of a high-voltage electrical transmission line across their properties in central and northern Val Verde County. The final speaker raised concerns about the need for additional streetlights along Cienegas Road in the southern part of the county.
Court votes to intervene in power line case
Commissioners voted 5-0 to file as an intervenor in a case involving the proposed route of a 765-kV transmission line running approximately 370 miles from south San Antonio to Fort Stockton.
As part of the motion, the court approved setting aside $25,000 for the county attorney’s office to begin the effort. After hearing from residents, receiving a petition signed by about 50 landowners and discussing the issue with County Attorney David Martinez, the court voted unanimously to move forward.
County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. said he wanted assurance the county could withdraw if costs became too high. Martinez said the county would be able to leave the suit if necessary.
Court proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
Commissioners voted 5-0 to designate April 2026 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. asked Roxanne Carter of CASA of Val Verde to read the proclamation, which noted 50 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect in the county and urged residents to work toward improving the quality of life for children and families.
The proclamation also called on the community to work together to reduce child abuse and commended local child welfare and law enforcement agencies.
Lease for 60-acre property terminated
Commissioners took no action regarding the termination of a lease between the county and Monsa Ltd., owned by Francisco Mondragon, for 60 acres of land north of Walmart along Veterans Boulevard.
The property had been used for youth sports practice fields. According to the lease agreement, either party may terminate the agreement. Monsa Ltd. notified the county it intends to end the lease to sell the property.
Court approves use of Tony Faz Annex
Commissioners approved multiple requests related to the Judge Antonio “Tony” Faz County Annex.
The court approved a request from the Texas Department of State Health Services to use the community room for weekly meetings from April 8 through May 13. Members also ratified use of the annex on March 16 for a Del Rio Mental Health Group meeting.
Additional approvals included relocating Narcotics Anonymous meetings, expanding SJRC Belong into an adjoining room, hosting an Easter event April 2, and allowing CASA of Val Verde to host a volunteer appreciation event April 22.
The court also approved a request from MJ Ybarra to use the annex for the “Fairy Godmother Closet” prom assistance project from March 24 through April 30.
Streetlight upgrades approved for Cienegas Road
Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve upgrades to 10 streetlight arms along Cienegas Road, increasing their height from 6 feet to 10 feet. The $3,014.84 cost will be paid from the Precinct 4 operating budget.
The court also approved upgrading nine streetlights from 250-watt high-pressure sodium to 250-watt LED fixtures at a cost of $1,240.74, also funded through Precinct 4.
No action on additional streetlight requests
Commissioners took no action on requests from Precinct 4 Commissioner Gustavo “Gus” Flores to install new streetlights at six locations along Cienegas Drive.
Flores made motions for approval, but each failed due to lack of a second, and no votes were taken.
County to host procurement “Shop Day”
Commissioners approved allowing the county’s purchasing department to host a “Shop Day” event March 31.
The event will give county employees an opportunity to view surplus inventory and engage with purchasing staff, promoting collaboration and awareness of procurement processes.
Court approves HOT funds for birding festival
Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve $5,000 in hotel occupancy tax funds for the Texas Ornithological Society’s “Birding the Border” Festival, scheduled April 30 through May 3.
The event includes excursions to local birding sites such as San Felipe Creek and private ranches. County Auditor Matthew Weingardt confirmed the funding request complies with state regulations governing the use of HOT funds.
