Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What El Paso County’s new 2027 budget means for your tax bill

Be sure to catch Hooters El Paso To Host Friendraiser for Local Girls Soccer Team, West Texas Rush Mesa on the El Paso Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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Good day El Paso! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What El Paso County's new 2027 budget means for your tax bill
  • How El Paso's new tattoo shop inspections could affect your favorite studio
  • How a new medical examiner's office could change services in El Paso.

Also on today's calendar: Hooters El Paso To Host Friendraiser for Local Girls Soccer Team, West Texas Rush Mesa and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms, with a high of 92 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: An afternoon t-storm; warm, temps: high: 95, low: 72.
  • Friday: Warm; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 94 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. El Paso County approves 2027 budget, meaning relief for some taxpayers (elpasotimes.com) — El Paso County commissioners have approved a $540.7 million 2027 budget that keeps the no-new-revenue tax rate, meaning some homeowners' bills stay flat while those with higher appraisals will still pay more. The plan boosts funding for the Sheriff's Office, raises the county minimum wage to $16 an hour, and includes cost-of-living increases for employees amid rising state-mandated costs.
   

2. El Paso city leaders approve tattoo shop pre-inspection ordinance (kfoxtv.com) — El Paso tattoo studios now must pass a city inspection before they can get or renew their registration, closing a loophole that let some operate before being checked. City officials say the new pre-inspection rule protects public health, while local artists acknowledge the risks of unsafe practices involving bloodborne pathogens. Shop owners should prepare for inspections within 10 business days of applying.
   

3. El Paso County breaks ground for Office of the Medical Examiner (kvia.com) — El Paso County has broken ground on a much larger Office of the Medical Examiner in Far East El Paso, funded by $26.7 million voters approved in Proposition B. The new State Jail Road facility will replace the smaller South-Central office, expanding forensic services to keep pace with the county's growing population and improve support for families during sudden death investigations.
   

4. El Paso City Council votes to remove Flock cameras, restrict future contracts (ktsm.com) — El Paso City Council has unanimously ordered the removal of 150 fixed Flock license plate cameras from city property within 60 days and required council approval for any future similar contracts. While mobile readers in police vehicles remain, the move responds to privacy and data-sharing concerns, as well as the governor's funding suspension, and could affect how local police investigate crimes and auto thefts.
   

5. EPISD trustees unanimously adopts new tax rate (kfoxtv.com) — El Paso homeowners in EPISD will see a higher school property tax bill this year after trustees unanimously approved a new rate of $1.0745 per $100 of value. District officials estimate the average bill will rise by about $114, though more than 20,000 owner-occupied homes will owe no school taxes because of expanded exemptions and protections for seniors, disabled residents, and some veterans.
   

📸 Around El Paso

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am so very grateful and honored to receive my Induction into "The Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall Of Fame" for "Grand Master" class of 2026.
    I cannot begin to describe how much this immense honor means to me. I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to John Crudup to include all the… (Nextdoor North Hills East)
  • Hello neighbors!
    Where can I donate baby boy clothes and other stuff? Places that don't resell (Nextdoor Hidden Valley)
  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Team Member 39448 in El Paso. Apply here.
  • Five Below posted a job opening for Customer Service Manager in El Paso. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near El Paso here.

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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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