Government & Development
Expenses rising higher than expected revenue has city looking at challenging budget for fiscal 2026-27
City officials say specialized expenses—such as emergency vehicles, road materials and public-safety facilities—are increasing much faster than tax and fee collections Lubbock officials are preparing for a difficult 2026-27 budget process as modest revenue growth collides with rapidly increasing costs for vehicles, construction materials, employee compensation and other municipal needs. City Manager Jarrett Atkinson and members of the Lubbock City…
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Lubbock Expo Center Proposal Advances, Sending North-Side Plan to County Commissioners
The LGC endorsed a redesigned $67 million venue at North University Avenue and Loop 289, but questions remained about private funding and financial records. A proposal to build the Lubbock County Expo Center on the city’s north side moved forward after a county oversight board endorsed the location, a revised…
Former Lubbock Family Sued Biden Administration Over Palestinian Aid and ‘Pay-to-Slay’ Claims
Editor’s note: The lawsuit was filed in 2022. After surviving two dismissal attempts, it ended in a settlement with the Trump administration in May 2026. The parents of a slain Army veteran with deep Lubbock ties joined a federal lawsuit accusing the Biden administration of violating a law named after…
Lubbock County Candidates Face Questions About Taxes and Employee Pay at Forum
Candidates for county judge and two Commissioners Court seats outlined different approaches to salaries, infrastructure spending and property taxes. Candidates seeking three Lubbock County offices faced pointed questions about employee compensation, elected officials’ raises and the county’s ability to maintain aging facilities without collecting additional property-tax revenue. The discussion came…
Lubbock County Judge Candidate Sued Over Credit Card Debt, Says Old Business Account Caused Mix-Up
LUBBOCK, Texas — Wells Fargo filed a lawsuit against then-Lubbock County judge candidate Wesley “Wes” Houck, alleging that he owed more than $16,000 on a credit account. Houck said the debt came from an old business card he did not realize remained unpaid and that he arranged to resolve the…
Meurer Takes Precinct 2 Fight to Texas Supreme Court as Corley Seeks Reimbursement for Legal Bills
LUBBOCK, Texas — Mark Meurer asked the Texas Supreme Court to return him to the Lubbock County Commissioners Court as the legal battle over who was entitled to represent Precinct 2 entered another phase. At the same time, Commissioner Jason Corley submitted approximately $12,000 in private legal bills to Lubbock…
Jordan Rackler made taxes and Expo Center central to successful Precinct 4 campaign
The Lubbock County commissioner defended his fiscal record and support for the long-planned event center while asking voters for another term. Jordan Rackler entered the 2026 Republican primary asking voters to judge him by two of the most consequential issues of his first term: property taxes and the proposed Lubbock…