News

County enters into agreement with PACE

Body
The Pecos County Commissioner’s Court officially established the PACE Authority – Property Assessed Clean Energy – during the April 24 commission meeting, becoming one of 86 counties in Texas to establish the program. PACE, simply, is a financial tool to encourage property owners to upgrade facility infrastructure with little or no capital outlay.
court

Capital Highlights: Dueling tax proposals in the Lege

Body

The Texas House passed a bill promising $17 billion in tax relief, a measure that is at odds with the Senate’s tax break plan, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The House bill would lower by half a home’s cap on appraisal increases. It passed overwhelmingly, 141-9. However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, said that body will not approve it, preferring its plan to raise property exemptions from $40,000 to $70,000.

Texas Capitol

Senate approves $308 billion budget

Body

The Senate gave unanimous support Monday to a plan that would spend $308 billion in state and federal funds over the next two years.

Lawmakers came into Austin with $32 billion left over from the last budget and have used that surplus to increase salaries for state employees, teachers, healthcare workers, increase benefits for retired teachers, and to enact the largest property tax cut in state history.

Texas Capitol

Leadership Fort Stockton now taking applications for 2023-24 class

Body

The Fort Stockton Adult Leadership Program provides both professional and personal growth opportunities through education and experience for adults over the age of 18 in the community.

The Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce and leadership program encourages businesses to enroll managers and team leaders in the program – participants gain useful leadership skills and develop community connections that benefit not only themselves but their employers as well.

Leadership Fort Stockton Logo

El Buen Vecino to hold rummage sale April 22

Body
As the only location in Fort Stockton for gently used clothing and housewares, El Buen Vecino fills a need in a city that has no Goodwill, or Thrift Stores. Operated by volunteers out of an old building owned by the First Methodist Church, El Buen Vecino has been helping people for decades.
El Buen Vecino’s building at 408 S. Valentine. Courtesy Photo

3 contested races set for May 6 election

Body
Three new candidates will be elected to local government boards or councils in the upcoming May 6 election. The Fort Stockton Mayor seat, City Council Place 1, and Fort Stockton ISD School Board Ward 1 have at least three candidates apiece running for one seat.
vote

County amends taser contract for Sheriff’s Department 

Body

The Pecos County Sheriff’s Department will soon receive 25 new Axon Tasers in the amount of $20,000 for use by its deputies. 

The item was approved in March but was amended at the April 10 Pecos County Commissioner’s Court meeting after the court previously approved $15,000. 

“We’re going to have to split this between this year and next year for $5,000,” said Pecos County Judge Joe Shuster. “We’ve already agreed to the $15,000.” 

Sheriff T.J. Perkins said the tasers will be a valuable asset to the department. 

Sheriff

Big Bend Open Road Race festivities begin April 20 in city

Body

The most challenging road race in the world is back this weekend. 

The roar of engines speeding on Highway 285 is a sign of spring here in West Texas, just as sure as the thawing of land in the north, the start of the NBA playoffs, and Opening Day in baseball tell America that winter has concluded. 

This year marks the 26th time the fourth Saturday of April will see the closure of Highway 285 for the Big Bend Open Road Race. 

banner
Subscribe to News