The Jeff Davis County Commissioners Court will hold a special meeting Monday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. to revisit a request for payment to Aztec Contractors for work performed on the county’s new community center — a project tied to a delayed $1.3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
According to the posted agenda, commissioners will “discuss and take desired action” on a payment not to exceed $300,000. The funds would be reimbursed once the HUD grant is fully disbursed. However, concerns have emerged over the source of the interim payment.
At a recent regular meeting, commissioners tabled a similar request amid discussion of whether the payment should come from the county’s general fund or investment reserves. Critics say using these funds could temporarily strain county finances or reduce interest income from investments — potentially breaking past assurances that the community center would not require any taxpayer dollars.
The County Judge, Curtis Evans, who signed the original contract with Aztec, has also been linked to one of the project’s subcontractors: Curtis Evans Ranch Construction, Inc. (CERCI). That connection has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest and whether Judge Evans should recuse himself from voting on the payment.
County officials have indicated that HUD funding is now in its final stages, with wiring instructions already submitted. The funds are expected to arrive within weeks. In the meantime, the county has reportedly used other grant dollars to continue project work but now has only about $10,000 in unrestricted funding available.
Judge Evans has stated that Aztec may charge interest on unpaid invoices, though some argue this potential cost may be less than the interest the county is currently earning on its investments.
The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more and provide input. As always, public comments will be limited to five minutes per person in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
