Alice and Jim Wells County Leaders Pivot After Failed Bond

Local leaders in Alice and Jim Wells County began 2026 by publicly recalibrating plans for infrastructure and economic development after recent funding setbacks. On Jan. 6, Mayor Cynthia Carrasco and County Judge Pedro "Pete" Trevino Jr. outlined a new approach centered on collaboration, fiscal triage, and courting private investment to make up for the shortfall.

The city had anticipated using a $10 million bond and grant awards to fund street repairs and ongoing drainage projects. With that revenue no longer available, Mayor Carrasco said the city must prioritize projects within a tighter budget. "We have to now look at our budget. Kinda figure out what's the most effective approach to get some of our streets and some of our infrastructure done without having the extra revenue," Carrasco said.

Both leaders emphasized economic development as a route to long-term fiscal stability. Attracting industry to Alice, they said, would expand the tax base and generate new revenue for the kinds of public works residents expect. "They're very competitive. So it's going to take a group effort to try and figure out how can we get this and attract those individuals to Alice, Texas," Carrasco said. Judge Trevino stressed that sales tax receipts have been a strength even as officials seek broader revenue sources. "We want to do everything we can to bring in new money and to expand our tax base. Our sales tax have been pretty good," Trevino said.

Officials pointed to several multi-million-dollar projects already underway that will require attention and funding in the coming years. The Tecolote Water Project and the San Fernando Creek Drainage Project remain priorities because their completion will affect public health, flood mitigation, and the utility capacity needed to support new development.

City leadership also called for a community-centered effort to improve the area's image as part of recruitment efforts. Mayor Carrasco urged residents to share positive news and accomplishments on social platforms as a way to influence outside perceptions. "Keep talking about Alice. You know - positive," Carrasco said. "When posts are posted on Facebook. What we have to offer. What good we've done." Judge Trevino framed the new coordination as a strategic win for the region. "The biggest accomplishment is that we're all going in one direction now. And when we're going in one direction that means that we all see the light in the tunnel," Trevino said.

Leaders said they will track progress throughout the year with an emphasis on transparency and tangible results residents can see, from smoother streets to improved drainage and an expanded economic base. For residents, the coming months will reveal how quickly local officials can convert cooperative planning into the projects and services that matter most to the community.