Val Verde County OKs Laughlin Grant Application and Facility Moves

The Val Verde County Commissioners Court convened for its last regular meeting of 2025 on December 31 and took 13 specific actions that will influence county operations and community services in the year ahead. The most consequential vote was a unanimous decision to authorize County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. to apply for a $5 million Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) to fund airfield lighting improvements at Laughlin Air Force Base. County leaders said the application will be pursued immediately, a step that could reinforce Laughlin’s operational resilience and sustain economic activity tied to the base.

The court approved use of space at the Judge Antonio "Tony" Faz III County Annex for the South Texas All Abilities Center (STAAC) to establish its Del Rio headquarters. That approval, alongside permission for CASA to host a community mixer at the same annex, reflects a push to expand local access to social services and volunteer programs within county facilities.

A contentious discussion over control and assignment of county office space and buildings produced a split 3–2 vote, and commissioners agreed to continue deliberations. The issue prompted motions from individual commissioners and the court directed further study and committee formation to clarify policies for assigning county-owned space. The outcome will affect how county departments and partner organizations arrange offices and service points across Val Verde County.

Administrative and operational items approved included authorization for the sheriff to host a spay/neuter and vaccine clinic at the Val Verde County Fairgrounds, acceptance of a modest donation to the county library, and approval of a vehicle transfer between county departments. The court also approved adding a county cell phone under an AT&T DIR contract and extended the county’s Spectrum Voice over IP contract, measures intended to maintain and streamline county communications.

The court approved a memorial plan relating to the sheriff’s office and handled a range of routine administrative matters. Several votes were unanimous; others reflected the 3–2 division on facility-control questions. Next steps identified at the meeting include submitting the DEAAG application, forming a committee to examine county building assignments, and implementing approved facility-use agreements.

For Val Verde County residents, these outcomes mean potential infrastructure investment tied to Laughlin AFB that could support jobs and local services, expanded site-based access to social and advocacy organizations, and ongoing refinements to how county space and communication systems are managed. The Commissioners Court indicated follow-up meetings and actions will occur early in 2026 as grant work and committee efforts move forward.