The County of El Paso Commissioners Court met in work session on Monday, February 02 at 9:30 a.m. and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:

El Paso County SCORES for Being Green Efficient

(El Paso, TX) - The El Paso County Commissioners Court members received an incentive check for $21,000 for the success achieved through the El Paso Electric SCORE Program in 2008.

Last year, County Judge Anthony Cobos directed the court to adopt an energy efficient policy, which has resulted in thousands of dollars in savings of taxpayers' money.

Among the changes were; energy-efficient lighting, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC), and finally roofing upgrades. These improvements were completed in several county buildings, including the jail and the courthouse.

The total energy savings were of 440,834 kWh, which equals about $44,000 annually.

The SCORE program is an initiative of El Paso Electric aimed to help the improvement of energy efficiency technology and reduce energy operating cost in governmental entities and school districts.

       County-City officials to Explore Options to Manage County Parks

County Commissioners Anna Perez and Veronica Escobar were authorized by unanimous vote to proceed with negotiations with the city of El Paso regarding the future potential plans for the Sportspark and Ascarate Park.

After meeting with city officials the County Commissioners will present a proposal for Commissioner's Court consideration.

East-Central city Rep. Emma Acosta told the present members of the court that "continuing the discussion will enable the opportunity for both governmental entities to develop solutions, bring efficiencies and offer quality of life at a reasonable cost to taxpayer's families."

  Decision on former Farah Property Tax Incentives Delayed                                

Members of Commissioners Court postponed the discussion for three weeks to authorize a tax incentive proposal regarding the former Farah property.

The discussion item was included in Monday's agenda by County Commissioner Pct.1, Anna Perez, which was absent from the meeting on maternity leave.

County Commissioner Pct. 2, Veronica Escobar, made the motion to postpone any decision until her colleague was present for a full discussion and vote.

County Judge, Anthony Cobos, also made a motion to order the applicant and the county's auditor's office to provide names of individuals and entities with any interest in Hawkins Regency LLC and any parent company and include official documentation.