EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso County has been honored for “best practices” by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC).
TAC has recognized El Paso County with two 2024 County Best Practices Awards.
“This biennial honor celebrates counties that develop innovative and effective solutions to meet local government challenges,” the County said in a news release.
The County received awards for its AI Self-Service Kiosks and Volunteer Program, two initiatives that have improved service delivery and community engagement, the County said in its news release.
“The 2024 TAC awards further illustrate that El Paso County is a leader in Texas that continues to focus on our values of excellence, professionalism, integrity, and creativity. Our Commissioners Court has established high standards and we are thankful to County employees who continue to provide award-winning solutions and services for our community,” said Betsy C. Keller, El Paso County chief administrator.
Equipped with artificial intelligence, the kiosks offer navigational assistance, video chats with county representatives, access to legal forms, payment processing outside business hours and information on various County services, the County said.
Available in both English and Spanish, the kiosks have been a “hit” with the community since their introduction in July 2023, logging an average of 405 user sessions per month, the County said.
El Paso County’s AI Self-Service Kiosks also received a 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties in the Information Technology category.
County receives two “best practices” awards from the Texas Association of Counties. Photo courtesy of El Paso County
The Volunteer Program, launched in October 2022 under the leadership of the El Paso County Commissioners Court, aims to increase community involvement and bridge service gaps across the County, according to the news release.
Since its inception, the program has mobilized hundreds of volunteers, contributing over 26,000 hours of service. Projects have ranged from environmental efforts like tree planting and community cleanups to assisting vulnerable populations.
“Counties face a wide array of challenges, and they often need to get creative to address those challenges,” TAC Executive Director Susan M. Redford said. “El Paso County is a shining example of this. We commend them for not one but two outstanding programs.”
El Paso County is one of nine Texas counties to receive a 2024 County Best Practices Award, joining Denton, Guadalupe, Harris, Matagorda, McLennan, Smith, Travis and Williamson counties.
TAC’s Best Practices Awards, presented every two years, honor counties that demonstrate exceptional service delivery, offering models that other counties can replicate, El Paso County said.
El Paso County received the awards during its Commissioners Court meeting on Sept. 30.
For more information about the Texas Association of Counties and the County Best Practices Awards, visit www.county.org.
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