A year after its planned groundbreaking, a federally funded $3 million project to convert a former retail building into a community center and emergency shelter on Cemetery Road remains far from completion. The project, located at 601 E. Cemetery Rd., sits one mile from the Fort Davis courthouse — about a 20-minute walk from the town center.
Originally scheduled to be completed by May 1, 2025, the 10,000-square-foot facility was intended to house community functions and provide shelter in emergencies. Jeff Davis County had completed an environmental review in 2024, confirming no underground storage tanks or wildlife issues that could delay construction. The county selected Aztec Contractors of El Paso for the renovation work.
The former Fort Davis Outfitters store was repurposed as part of a federally supported initiative. The county relied on grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as well as a $125,000 award from the Permian Basin Area Foundation to purchase kitchen equipment separately via BuyBoard to reduce costs.
But construction progress has lagged, and the project’s financing has become a focal point of public concern. Though county officials say HUD funding is in its final disbursement stages, the expected $1.3 million federal grant has yet to arrive. A proposed interim payment of up to $300,000 to the contractor — set to be reimbursed once HUD funds clear — was recently tabled amid debate over whether the money should come from the general fund or investment reserves.
Critics argue that either option could contradict earlier assurances that the community center would not tap taxpayer dollars. With only around $10,000 remaining in unrestricted funds, concerns have grown about the project’s immediate financial viability.
Further complicating the matter, sources say one of the subcontractors on the project is Curtis Evans Ranch Construction, Inc. (CERCI), a company associated with County Judge Curtis Evans, who signed the contract with Aztec Contractors. That connection has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest and whether Judge Evans should recuse himself from any vote related to project payments.
Judge Evans has warned that Aztec may begin charging interest on unpaid invoices, though some officials have countered that even with added interest, delaying payment may be financially safer than liquidating interest-earning investments prematurely.
While county officials express confidence that the federal funds are on the way — with wiring instructions already submitted — the grant has not yet been received. According to public records, the scope of work involves significant interior renovations to convert the existing space into a fully functional community facility.
As delays continue, some residents question the wisdom of placing a $3 million facility so far from the town center. With other pressing community needs, critics have described the project as an ill-placed and overfunded boondoggle.
For now, the Jeff Davis Community Center remains unfinished — and unfunded — as the county waits on Washington and debates how much local risk it’s willing to take in the meantime.
