Local Government

Governor Greg Abbott was joined by Lubbock's senator Charles Perry on Tuesday for the signing of two bills directed at helping rural healthcare systems. Our Brad Burt has more on the resources the bills provide for rural counties and hospitals. Meanwhile, the City of Lubbock is encouraging residents to apply for boards and committees. Our Sean Ryan reports on the open positions and how to apply. Click here for more information.

Yesterday, Lubbock City Council gave final approval to the new city budget and tax rate for homeowners. The new tax rate will be an average $15.33 increase for a $224,000 property. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and our reporter Bishop Van Buren spoke with a local expert about mental health awareness and ways to help those who might be struggling. Texas Tech University students can speak with counselors and find resources at a Mental Health Pop-Up tomorrow at Red Raider Plaza from 1-3 p.m. The National Suicide Prevention hotline is 988, and the crisis text line is 741-741.

September is National Literacy Month and today is International Literacy Day. Our Sean Ryan reports on the nationwide and local push and to strengthen community learning. You can sign up for a card at any of the Lubbock Public Library locations or by visiting the website lubbocklibrary.com. Last week's budget discussion from Lubbock's city council ended with a 2.2% increase to the tax rate for homeowners. The council is expected to hold a final vote on the budget and tax rate in its meeting tomorrow.

A coalition of citizens from District 2 have filed for a petition to recall city council member Gordon Harris. Our Brad Burt reports on the petition and Harris' response. The petition group has 30 days to collect more than 900 signatures, making the deadline October 2. The group will hold an information meeting at the Southwest Digest on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A coalition of citizens and organizers from Lubbock's District 2 began a petition this week to recall councilman Gordon Harris. Aimed at accountability and transparency, one member of the group says he has also filed complaints with the Texas Ethics Commission regarding campaign finances.

Following the approval of new funds from the state, Lubbock ISD’s Board of Trustees approved new items in its budget for this school year. Our Brad Burt reports that this includes an average 13% pay increase for certified teachers and 14% for paraprofessionals. Lubbock’s city council will be holding public hearings today regarding its tax rate and the city’s 2025-26 budget. Citizens can sign up to speak outside the council chambers before the meeting begins at 2 P.M.

The long-anticipated park in downtown Lubbock has raised enough funds to begin construction. Officials expect construction to take 9-10 months, and be completed by the end of next year. Dove hunting season begins in Texas today. Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton has the details. Lubbock's city offices are closed today for Labor Day, affecting residential trash collection, landfill operations, libraries, museums, community and recreation centers, and public health.

Just five years after Lubbock’s city council voted to establish roadway impact fees for developers, an all new council has reduced them to nothing. Developers argue the costs passed down to new homes and businesses were inhibiting new growth, but former city leaders say they enacted impact fees to make sure Old Lubbock isn't left behind.

The Texas Tech University System has entered a new partnership with the FBI focused on focus on strengthening national security, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on the signing ceremony. Last week, the City of Lubbock was dealing with cybersecurity concerns of its own, resulting in the temporary shutdown of its systems. Our reporter Samantha Larned has the latest from the city.

Lubbock’s city council moved ahead quickly with a second vote on changes to the city’s roadway impact fee rates. The second reading took places in a special council meeting Monday night at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Tower. This story has been updated.