By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Writer’s note: The writer did not attend the meeting and viewed it later via video on the county’s website.
All five members of Val Verde County Commissioners Court were present.
Citizens praise youth soccer league
Two residents addressed the court during the citizens’ comments portion of the meeting, speaking about the positive impact of the Del Rio Laughlin Youth Soccer Association (DRLYSA).
One speaker shared his experiences with the league as a parent, coach and referee, while the second spoke as a parent and coach. Both thanked the court for its support in providing facilities for youth soccer and said the league has had a positive influence on young athletes in the community.
Court decides soccer field leases
Following citizens’ comments, County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. moved up three agenda items related to leases for county soccer fields involving the DRLYSA and the Furia Soccer League.
After hearing from a representative of the Furia Soccer League, the court voted 5-0 to approve a lease with the DRLYSA for use of the county’s soccer fields from Jan. 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. The action makes the fields unavailable to the Furia Soccer League.
Commissioner Pct. 2 Juan Carlos Vazquez and Commissioner Pct. 4 Gustavo “Gus” Flores told the Furia representative that soccer fields are being developed in their precincts. Owens asked the representative to meet with county officials to discuss the number and dimensions of fields needed. Flores said the fields in his precinct would be ready by the start of 2027.
Funding approved for Alamo Letter plaque
Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve $5,000 for the Val Verde County Historical Commission to participate in the Alamo Letter Society initiative to place a bronze plaque on the courthouse square.
Ramiro Guzman, vice chair of the historical commission, said the plaque will feature Col. William Barrett Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter from the Alamo. He said the society’s goal is to place a plaque at all 254 Texas courthouses. Guzman said the commission will plan an unveiling event once the plaque is received.
Residents may learn more at alamoletter.com.
Agreement approved for ambulance grant
The court voted 5-0 to allow Owens to sign a memorandum of understanding with Val Verde Regional Medical Center related to ambulances.
Owens said the county has an opportunity to apply for two ambulances, with priority given to the hospital. The second ambulance would be designated for Frontline, a private service that works with the hospital.
Lighting projects approved in Precinct 2
Commissioners approved, by a 5-0 vote, agreements with AEP for the installation of two LED lights in Precinct 2.
One light will be installed at the entrance to Chisholm Trail from U.S. Highway 90 at a cost of $1,119.40, and the second at the entrance to Quail Run from U.S. Highway 90 at a cost of $1,336.68. Both will be paid for from the Precinct 2 operating budget.
Veterans service officer gives quarterly update
The court took no action following a quarterly update from County Veterans Service Officer Enrique Trevino.
Trevino said his office recorded 3,500 walk-ins in 2025 and completed 470 out-of-town trips and 130 local trips to transport veterans to medical appointments and to pick up medications. He described the transportation program as a “big success” that has reduced burdens on local veterans.
Trevino also said his office recently worked with other county agencies to assist a veteran in crisis, an effort he credited with saving the veteran’s life. He announced plans for monthly workshops for veterans to be held on the first Friday of each month at the Val Verde County Library.
He said one of the most important measures tracked by his office is the number of veterans receiving benefits, which he said translates into millions of dollars returning to the local economy. Court members thanked Trevino for his work.
Replat revision approved
Commissioners voted 4-0-1 to approve a revision of a replat modifying the remainder to Lots A and B and establishing Lot 4 of the Chaparral Estates Subdivision, Commercial Subdivision, Lot A, in Del Rio.
Commissioner Pct. 4 Gustavo “Gus” Flores abstained from the vote. County Engineer Carlos Velarde said the subdivision is owned by Flores and is located off Cienegas Road.
Owens said the property was initially planned for commercial use without water or sewer service, but the developer will now install water and sewer taps, allowing for either commercial or residential use. Velarde requested authorization to post the changes on the county website and issue public notices. The revised replat will return to the court in 30 days.
Change order approved for fire station project
Commissioners voted 5-0 to ratify a change order from JESS Contracting for construction of a 50-foot-by-30-foot entrance and exit at the site of the new county fire station.
Owens said the change order is within the project budget and noted the entrance was not included in the original plans.
Hazard mitigation plan updated
The court voted 5-0 to approve the updated county hazard mitigation plan.
Commissioner Flores asked whether the plan must be submitted to the state. County Emergency Management Coordinator Rowland Garza said the plan will be sent to the Texas Department of Emergency Management, which will forward it to FEMA for approval.
Once approved, Garza said the plan will return to the county as a living document that can be updated as needed.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
