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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Audit showing Lubbock County added to reserves reignites budget dispute
Commissioners say the results support their decision to adopt the no-new-revenue tax rate, while County Auditor Kathy Williams says one-time savings and investment earnings should not be treated as dependable annual revenue. An outside audit showing that Lubbock County finished the 2024-25 fiscal year without drawing from its reserves has…
Meurer’s effort to claim Lubbock County Precinct 2 seat faces repeated legal setbacks
Questions about appellate jurisdiction, the effect of a written trial-court order and Meurer’s status as an officeholder have complicated his challenge. Jason Corley remains commissioner while the underlying dispute continues. Mark Meurer’s attempt to take control of the Lubbock County Precinct 2 commissioner’s office has encountered a series of procedural…
Lubbock County denies game-room lawsuit claims; temporary order relaxes restrictions while case proceeds
Retired visiting Judge Patrick Pirtle is overseeing the case after the original judge recused himself. LUBBOCK, Texas — Lubbock County has denied allegations that commissioners exceeded their authority when they imposed tighter restrictions on game rooms, but a temporary agreement now prevents the county from enforcing two disputed provisions while…
Chick-fil-A plans $46 million Lubbock distribution center, creating about 80 jobs
The company’s total capital investment is expected to reach $50 million, supported by a local incentive package valued at approximately $3.55 million. LUBBOCK, Texas — Chick-fil-A Supply plans to construct an approximately 86,000-square-foot distribution center near Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, bringing an estimated 80 full-time jobs to the city.…
Lubbock County Expo Center advances, but financing remains tied to private-funding conditions
The county’s oversight board required the private Expo Center organization to secure donations or financing before the county issues approximately $32 million in revenue bonds. LUBBOCK, Texas — Plans for the long-delayed Lubbock County Expo Center have moved closer to financing and construction, but county officials have not offered an…
Brayden Rose steps down from Lubbock City Council as District 4 voters choose successor
Rose cited his son’s increasing care needs and said his responsibilities as a father, husband, business leader and council member had become too difficult to balance. LUBBOCK, Texas — Brayden Rose’s resignation from the Lubbock City Council has led to a special-election runoff that will determine who completes the remainder…