Coffee in hand, El Paso? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Family Day Fiesta and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. El Paso County adopts lower tax rate but homeowners may still pay more (elpasotimes.com) — El Paso County commissioners have approved a slightly lower "no-new-revenue" property tax rate, but many homeowners may still see higher bills if their property values rose. Budget officials say residents without valuation increases could save about $17, while others will pay more, and speakers at the meeting urged leaders not to raise their tax burden.
2. Divided El Paso City Council raises taxes after hours of tense budget debate (elpasomatters.org) — El Paso homeowners are facing about a $105 increase in city property taxes after a divided City Council approved a $658.6 million budget and new tax rate for 2027. The decision follows tense debate over service levels, public safety contracts, and council pay raises, and comes as county and hospital district tax rates are also being set.
3. City of El Paso staff recommended 3-year ban on contracts with WestStar Bank, subsidiaries (ktsm.com) — El Paso city staff recommended a three-year ban on contracts with WestStar Bank and its subsidiaries after finding the firm allegedly exceeded its authority under a real estate services contract, but City Council quietly pulled the item for further review. The $300,000 agreement, approved in 2024 to streamline title and closing services for city real-estate deals, remains in place while an additional administrative review is completed.
4. Final reports show Marathon El Paso emitted 60 tons of SO2 (ktsm.com) — State regulators say the Marathon El Paso Refinery released nearly 60 tons of sulfur dioxide during an early August process upset that produced strong odors many El Paso residents reported smelling. Finalized TCEQ reports detail multiple contaminants, intermittent flaring and efforts to limit emissions, while noting monitored air levels stayed below exposure guidelines as the investigation continues.
5. iFLY El Paso permanently closed (kvia.com) — Indoor skydiving venue iFLY El Paso has permanently closed, the company announced in a farewell message thanking local flyers for seven years of memories. The West El Paso attraction, which once benefited from and then lost a city incentive agreement, had hosted inclusive events like All Abilities Night before reopening under corporate ownership in 2025.
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Ok El Paso! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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