Val Verde County Commissioners Vote to Keep Morning Meetings

Val Verde County Commissioners Court votes to keep monthly public meetings in the mornings in a 3-2 vote during the September 25, 2024 Commissioners Court Meeting.

After a recent move to hold at least one of their monthly public meetings in the afternoons/early evenings upon requests from constituents for more transparency and accessibility, the Val Verde County Commissioners Court has moved their meeting times back to Wednesday mornings. 

This decision comes shortly after a compromise between the commissioners court and the community was made in response to many constituents expressing that at least one afternoon meeting would benefit those who work 9-5 hours but would still like to be involved and present.  

“As public servants, public meetings should be available at the times most convenient for the most citizens, so I support evening meetings,” Jake Carsten of the Del Rio Parks Foundation stated during public comments. 

“It is very important in a democracy that we have as much participation in the Democratic process as possible, this is what makes our government unique, changing the meeting time to the evenings, while inconvenient for some, will allow many more of your constituents to show up and participate, which is good for everyone,” stated citizen, Patricia Grace. 

Nonetheless, the motion was made by Precinct 4 Commissioner Gustavo Flores and seconded by Precinct 1 Commissioner Martin Wardlaw. Commissioners Vasquez and Nettleton opposed. Judge Lewis G. Owens passed the motion 3-2, moving to officially hold both monthly Commissioner Court meetings in the mornings starting October 9, 2024. 

“I don’t want to be the deciding vote, but if I am then I would vote to keep the meetings the way they are,” Judge Owens stated as the motion was presented and ultimately passed on September 25, 2024.