EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Commissioners Court approved two major funding initiatives totaling about $209 million in new debt on Monday, May 12.
The County says moving forward with the initatives will “shape the future of local instrastructure” and improve quality of life.
The commissioners authorized the issuance and sale of up to $155 million in Texas general obligation (GOs) bonds which were approved by the voters during the November 2024 election.
“These bonds will be used to improve our parks, build a new animal shelter, and build a new medical examiner’s office,” the County said in its news release.
In a separate action, the Commissioners Court also approved the issuance and sale of up to $54 million in certificates of obligation.
The two actions combined will translate to the issing of nearly $210 million in new debt by the County.
The cerificates of obligation, which will not increase the County’s debt service property tax rate, will be used for essential infrastructure projects, including flood control, roadway safety projects, and first-time water and wastewater service to several residents.
Here is a breakdown:
The El Paso Commissioners Court authorized the next steps needed to implement the $155 million general obligation (GO) bond package approved by voters in November. The bonds are scheduled to be sold on or around June 10 with proceeds expected by July 8.
“These investments reflect what voters identified as their top priorities. As noted in the November ballot, these initiatives will increase property taxes to pay for these much-needed projects,” the County said.
Key projects include:
• Proposition A – $95.6 million for construction and renovation of several regional and neighborhood parks, including Ascarate Park
• Proposition B – $26.7 million for a new, state-of-the-art Office of the Medical Examiner
• Proposition E – $32.7 million for a new County Animal Shelter to improve animal welfare services
“These are not just projects. They are the voters’ priorities made real,” County Commissioner Sergio Coronado said. “This voter-approved investment is being carefully implemented to deliver maximum community benefit as quickly and transparently as possible.”
In a separate action, the Commissioners Court formally approved the issuance of up to $54 million in certificates of obligation (COs) to fund core public-purpose infrastructure needs, the County said.
These certificates of obligation, unlike the voter-approved bonds, will not increase the County’s debt service tax rate, the County said.
Monday’s approval aligns with the County’s notice of intent to issue COs on March 24 and it follows a 45-day public notice period during which the County hosted several community meetings throughout the County.
Key projects supported by the COs include:
• Clean drinking water and sewer services – $33.5 million
o First-time public water service for families in the Hillcrest Estates neighborhood
o Sewer infrastructure for 400 homes in the Ponderosa, Schuman Estates, Western Village and Serena Acres neighborhoods
• Flood Control – $2.5 million
o Major drainage improvements along 1st Street in Canutillo
• Roadway safety – $16 million
o Repairs and upgrades to Ascencion Road and other roads
• Facility Modernization – $2 million
o HVAC system replacement at the County’s Family Youth Services Center on Delta Drive
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