County leaders set to discuss several key issues

On Monday commissioners will gather to discuss the Sheriff’s radio request. Two weeks ago tempers flared as debate trudged on for more than three hours.

On Thursday a meeting was held to clarify budget concerns. The county auditor highlighted several possible locations of savings within a list of 2012 bond projects that could makeup for the $5.3 million shortfall for the new radio system.

While the debate surrounding radios could take up a large chunk of Monday’s meeting, and the media coverage surrounding it a second key item is listed for debate during the next county meeting: a new position within the county.

County Judge Veronica Escobar requested an item to be put on the agenda calling for the creation of a Commissioner’s Court Administration. That would involve switching a member of her office to the new administration with a new title of County Administrator.

According to documents attached to the agenda item, that position would be in charge of several positions and offices including: Medical Examiner, Public Defender, Chief Technology Officer, Public Works Director, Director-Family and Community Services, Human Resources, Mental Health Support Services and the Executive Director of Domestic Relations.

In the past other commissioners have spoken against a position of that nature, stating that it’d be similar to a city manager position the city of El Paso has.

Stay tuned to ABC-7 on Monday for the latest details on this story. Follow Matthew Smith on Twitter at @MattSmithABC7 for live updates.