El Paso County Voters to Decide on $324 Million Bonds

El Paso County voters will face two significant bond issues on the November 5 ballot: a $323.8 million capital improvement bond and a $396.6 million bond for University Medical Center (UMC) projects. The capital bond includes five propositions aimed at various improvements, such as $105.5 million for renovations of the El Paso County Coliseum and $95.6 million for park enhancements, which would increase property taxes by approximately $60 annually for an average-value home. Simultaneously, the UMC bond aims to expand hospital facilities, including adding surgical suites and a burn center, and would raise property taxes by about $70 annually for similar home values. The Commissioners Court has emphasized community input in developing the bond proposals, which were refined from an initial list of around 100 projects. Both measures are part of an ongoing effort to improve infrastructure and healthcare services in the region. Voter approval is crucial, as a similar bond proposal was previously rejected due to public opposition to tax increases.