County judge plans meeting with police before making decision courthouse closure

El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar told ABC-7 she has the authority to shut down the county, which means closing all courts, annexes and services on Feb. 17, but she has not made a decision yet because she said there are still some options she has to consider, such as safety and street closures.

Escobar spoke with the Office Of Emergency Management on Wednesday and learned that several Downtown streets might have to close. She said depending on which streets will close and how those closure will affect operations at the courthouse play into her decision.

However, Escobar said, the information given to her keeps changing, so she has requested a meeting about the closures and a map explaining where they may be.

“We will keep our employees informed, let them know what routes are open what routes aren’t open,” Escobar said.

Escobar said the meeting and decision can happen as early as Thursday but no later than next week.

Escobar said she will also take input from commissioners court before making her decision.