Odessa Headlines

Odessa Headlines News and commentary covering Odessa and the greater West Texas region.

08/19/2025

Judge Fawcett and Commissioners Court just voted 4–1 against holding tax rate hearings at a time when working taxpayers can attend.

Commissioner Samantha Russell proposed moving the meeting to a Thursday evening so hardworking families could have a voice—but the majority refused.

All this while pushing forward the largest tax hike in Ector County history.

ECTOR COUNTY TAXES SET TO SKYROCKETJudge Dustin Fawcett has proposed a staggering 37.41% budget increase — the largest i...
08/16/2025

ECTOR COUNTY TAXES SET TO SKYROCKET

Judge Dustin Fawcett has proposed a staggering 37.41% budget increase — the largest in county history. If approved, this budget will reflect a 61.85% increase in county spending over just three years under Judge Fawcett’s leadership.

Make no mistake: if this budget passes, your property tax bill will soar in the months ahead.

Now is the time to act. Contact Judge Fawcett and your County Commissioners today and tell them to stop this runaway spending before Tuesday’s Court meeting:

Precinct 1 – Mike Gardner
[email protected]

Precinct 2 – Greg Simmons
[email protected]

Precinct 3 – Samantha Russell
[email protected]

Precinct 4 – Billy Hall
[email protected]

You can also call:

Judge Fawcett’s office: 432-498-4100

Commissioners’ Court: 432-498-4000

Bottom line: If the proposed budget is approved, Ector County taxpayers will be saddled with a 61.85% increase in county government spending in just three years. Make your voice heard before it’s too late.

Ector County Hospital Board Member Wallace Dunn scores a major legal victory as a judge throws out Matt Coday’s retaliat...
08/11/2025

Ector County Hospital Board Member Wallace Dunn scores a major legal victory as a judge throws out Matt Coday’s retaliatory counterclaim under Texas’s anti-SLAPP law — a clear win for Dunn and a blow to Coday.

While Coday’s $50 million countersuit was dismissed, a former OGWA board member’s defamation case will proceed.

07/24/2025

A recent post by the Texas Public Policy Foundation confirms what many of us already know: governments across Texas are spending taxpayer dollars like there’s no tomorrow.

We’re seeing it firsthand in Ector County. With the $325 million courthouse debt just issued and the new school bonds recently passed, Ector County residents are now on the hook for $1.094 BILLION in debt—and that’s just the principal. Add interest and the total burden climbs another 50% or more.

From bloated courthouse projects to schools that cost twice as much to build as private schools, to wasteful spending like giant jackrabbits, taxpayers are footing the bill for projects that do little to improve our quality of life.

It’s time to start saying NO to these reckless spending sprees and elect leaders who pledge to let taxpayers keep their money where it belongs - in their own pockets.
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Here's the report from TPPF:

According to the Bond Review Board’s most recent data, Texas’ local governments have accumulated an eyepopping $500 billion in debt, which is an increase of almost $40 billion from the prior year. That’s almost $16,000 owed for every man, woman, and child in the Lone Star State.

Most of this debt comes from school districts, which have borrowed more than $200 billion. None of that money goes into the classroom. Instead, it goes to pay for high-priced, fancy facilities and wasteful projects, like $80 million stadiums and a pool no one uses, that have no connection to improving educational outcomes.

These few examples are part of a larger pattern of excess. In fact, Texas spends more money than any other state on new buildings and construction – even more than California and New York, even though they both have higher labor and real estate costs.

How do Texans pay off the debt? Property tax hikes. Despite the state legislature providing $51 billion in tax relief over the last several sessions, local governments keep spending and borrowing, which robs taxpayers of their tax cut to service mounting debt obligations.

How did this happen? A new blockbuster report from my colleague Jorge Borrego breaks down the data for every single House District in the state.

See, many bonds get passed during the May election cycle, which tends to have very little turnout compared to November elections. Borrego’s data shows how frighteningly few people show up for these elections to approve all this debt – some with as little as one person voting. (Yes, ONE total vote.)

Governments know these things and they use it to their advantage to foist more debt onto the public, whether they want it or not.

In TPPF’s most recent polling, fully 80% of Texans say property tax is a significant burden on them or their family. Every single one of these bond elections is a vote to increase property taxes.

Unless Texans start to make the connection, the state will continue careening toward a debt death spiral.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT – JULY 22 MEETING PREVIEWThe Ector County Commissioners will meet Tuesday at 10:00 AM, and s...
07/19/2025

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT – JULY 22 MEETING PREVIEW
The Ector County Commissioners will meet Tuesday at 10:00 AM, and several agenda items raise potential concerns for taxpayers focused on transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Major Overhaul of County Health Benefits
Commissioners will vote on a new health plan proposal from the Texas Association of Counties, which introduces stop-loss insurance, prescription drug management, “CareWay” provider programs, and wellness consulting. While framed as a long-term cost-saving measure, these expanded programs often bring added administrative complexity and need close monitoring to ensure promised savings are realized.

Spending at the Coliseum Continues
The court will consider replacing the Coliseum’s damaged marquee sign. A formal RFP is already underway with proposals due the same day, indicating a significant expenditure. Additional agenda items include contracts for major entertainment events and lease agreements—further commitments tied to the county’s aging facility.

Road Survey by Outside Consultants
A firm called Withers Ravenel Innovation will present a new pavement condition survey and maintenance program. While infrastructure maintenance is critical, hiring outside consultants adds costs and may overlap with existing internal public works capabilities.

New “Library of Things” and Out-of-State Travel
Commissioners are being asked to approve a “Library of Things” lending program and associated legal agreements. Though not a direct budget line item, such expansions often bring new costs for inventory, maintenance, and oversight. Additionally, the Library Director is seeking approval for out-of-state travel to a Colorado conference and a temporary library closure for a foundation-related luncheon.

Environmental Compliance Costs for Airport Project
The county is submitting a required “Documented Categorical Exclusion” (CATEX) to the FAA for a pavement restoration project at Schlemeyer Field. While the CATEX avoids more intensive federal reviews, the level of detail and environmental coordination—covering species like the Texas horned lizard and migratory birds—adds administrative overhead to a routine infrastructure project.

Increased Personnel Costs
Two personnel items stand out: hiring an internal auditor at over $30/hour and rehiring a maintenance tech at a higher step level. These adjustments reflect rising personnel costs and underscore the need for clear justification when budgets are under pressure.

Automatic Renewals for Legal Contracts
The new interlocal agreement with the Regional Public Defender for Capital Cases includes an automatic renewal clause. Ector County’s share of participation is $155,421 per year, even in years when no cases are assigned. Automatic renewals reduce opportunities for periodic review or renegotiation.

Real Estate Deliberations in Executive Session
The final agenda item involves a closed session to discuss real estate related to the USPS Vehicle Maintenance Facility. While permitted under the law, such discussions limit the public’s ability to assess financial and strategic implications until decisions are already in motion.

Meeting Details
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Commissioners Courtroom, 1010 E. 8th Street, Odessa

Odessa Headlines will continue covering how county funds are spent and decisions are made—because informed citizens are essential to good government.

Odessa City Council Preview – Tuesday, July 223:00 PM Work Session | 6:00 PM Regular MeetingCity Hall – 5th Floor Counci...
07/19/2025

Odessa City Council Preview – Tuesday, July 22
3:00 PM Work Session | 6:00 PM Regular Meeting
City Hall – 5th Floor Council Chambers

Here's what's on the agenda and why it matters to taxpayers:

Key Topics to Watch

I-20 Project – $63M+ Fronted by the City
The City of Odessa is being asked to front the full cost of TxDOT’s I-20 widening project—estimated at over $63 million. Although the project includes utility relocation, the City must pay for the entire design, engineering, and construction effort up front, with TxDOT only reimbursing in arrears. Past reimbursements (including a $6 million payment still pending from 2024) show this is no small risk - at least in the short term.

To finance it, the City is considering a State Infrastructure Bank loan at 4.42% interest—but interest is not reimbursable, which could cost taxpayers $2–3 million per year. Even more concerning, officials are looking at using the Water & Sewer Fund (with an estimated $49 million balance) to help cover costs. Under Texas law, that fund is restricted to direct utility purposes. Using it to fund a state highway project could be legally questionable and leave the city unprepared for future water and sewer needs.

Salary Study Raises – Up to $2.8 Million Annually
A consultant has recommended citywide raises to stay competitive in the labor market. Option 1 would add $1.7 million annually to payroll; Option 2 would cost $2.8 million. The proposal also includes one-time payments for employees already above salary range caps. Council must weigh long-term budget impacts before making a decision.

Hospital Parking Lot Agreement
The City is considering an agreement to pave and maintain a parking lot for Medical Center Hospital for at least 10 years. Address inconsistencies in the agenda raise questions, and the arrangement could amount to a long-term taxpayer subsidy for another entity’s property.

Downtown Parking Area Improvements – $937,000+
Nearly $1 million in proposed upgrades to police and municipal court parking areas would be funded with debt issued back in 2019. While infrastructure needs attention, this is another case of long-term obligations being used for current spending.

Security Equipment for Municipal Court – $140,000
Includes a 10-year support contract. While intended to comply with state mandates, the size and duration of the agreement deserve close scrutiny.

Also on the Agenda

Oil and gas lease with Diamondback Energy could generate new revenue for the city

Council will vote to suspend Oncor’s proposed 13% rate increase while it’s under review

Zoning changes aimed at supporting private development and housing growth

Non-binding MOU with Habitat for Humanity to explore city-owned land for future affordable housing projects—without major city spending

Bottom Line
The I-20 project presents the biggest financial risk—fronting $63 million with delayed and partial reimbursement, potential legal issues over use of utility funds, and millions in unreimbursed interest. Other items include possible payroll hikes, long-term maintenance obligations, and debt spending.

Stay informed. Show up. Ask questions. Conservative voices are needed at the table.

Survey Results: Public Divided on $60 Million Library ProposalThe Odessa Headlines community survey continues to shed li...
06/30/2025

Survey Results: Public Divided on $60 Million Library Proposal

The Odessa Headlines community survey continues to shed light on public sentiment surrounding downtown redevelopment projects. While much of the focus has centered on the proposed courthouse, the responses related to the new Ector County library plan reveal a public that values access to library services—but remains divided over how, where, and at what cost those services should be provided.

The survey collected responses from more than 430 active Ector County voters and allowed residents to voice their opinions on library funding, usage habits, and the role of public investment in downtown. The survey was open to all active registered voters in Ector County. No filters were applied based on political affiliation, age, or other demographics. The goal was simple: to gather unfiltered input from the very people footing the bill.

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A Community That Values Libraries
When asked how important it is for a community to have a well-maintained public library:
*57% said it is very important and that every community needs one.
*22% said it is somewhat important if it serves a significant portion of the public.
*Only 21% combined felt libraries were not a top priority or a poor use of public money.

These numbers suggest that residents broadly support the idea of maintaining a public library system—but are more cautious when the discussion shifts from principle to price.

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Public Support for the Library Proposal is Mixed
The proposed library is estimated to cost $60 million, with $30 million funded by Ector County taxpayers and the rest to be raised through private donations. Asked whether they support the project:
*39% said yes, they support the use of $30 million in public funds.
*22% said they would support it only if the full $30 million in private donations is secured first.
*31% expressed opposition outright—either objecting to any public funding or rejecting the proposal regardless of funding sources.
*8% said they were unsure.

In short: while nearly 4 in 10 support the project as proposed, a majority are either opposed or skeptical without additional conditions.

---------------------------------
Library Usage and Awareness: Room to Grow
Responses also provided insight into how often and why the library is (or isn’t) being used:
*39% of respondents said they couldn’t recall the last time someone in their household visited the library.
*Another 21% said it had been more than two years.
*Just 31% said they had visited within the past six months.

When asked why they hadn’t visited recently,
*45% said they hadn’t needed library services, and
*49% said they rely on online resources instead. Additionally,
*15% said the current building is outdated or uninviting, while
*12% said they didn’t feel safe or comfortable there.

Still, among those who use the library, the most common purposes included:
*64% Books or media checkout
*38% Community events
*29% Children’s programs
*23% Quiet reading/study space
(multiple options allowed)

---------------------------------
Will a New Library Draw More People Downtown?
When asked whether a new downtown library would influence how often they visit the area:
* 33% said they would likely visit more regularly.
* 19% said it wouldn’t change their habits at all.
* 29% said “maybe,” depending on what the new library offers.
* 19% said they rarely go downtown and a new library wouldn’t make a difference.

These responses suggest that a new library may draw increased traffic downtown—but only if it offers services and amenities that appeal broadly to the public.

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Summary: A Public Seeking Balance
In total, the survey results point to a public that supports the idea of a library—but is looking for a plan that balances value, location, usage, and fiscal responsibility.

JACKRABBIT REVENUE TO FUND NEW COURTHOUSE COMPLEXSATIRE | The following article is a work of parody. Any resemblance to ...
06/26/2025

JACKRABBIT REVENUE TO FUND NEW COURTHOUSE COMPLEX

SATIRE | The following article is a work of parody. Any resemblance to real fiscal projections, public planning, or common sense is purely coincidental.

In a surprise announcement following the Odessa City Council’s plan to erect a 100-foot stone jackrabbit in downtown Odessa, County Judge Dustin Fawcett revealed a bold new vision: use the enormous projected windfall from "Jack BIG Rabbit" to fully fund the County’s new courthouse/parking garage/post office/public plaza/library downtown revitalization scheme.

“I knew when I saw the City’s plan that they were thinking too small,” Fawcett told Odessa Headlines. “Why settle for a bunny on a rock when we could mount it on top of the new courthouse garage and turn this into the Vegas Strip of municipal projects?”

Fawcett’s revised proposal—now dubbed “The JackRabbit Justice Center™”—calls for placing the mega-rabbit atop the “Garage-Mahal,” as some residents have dubbed the controversial taxpayer-funded parking palace. “Positioned correctly,” he explained, “the ears alone will be visible from I-20, luring motorists like moths to a $325 million flame.”

According to Fawcett, famed economist Dr. Ray Perryman was immediately consulted. “We needed numbers. Big ones. And Ray delivered. He plugged in the new elevation, added a few exclamation points to the spreadsheet, and came back with a revenue projection of over half a billion dollars,” Fawcett said, adding, “I’m no economist, but I am a constitutional conservative visionary.”

The collaboration emerged after Mayor Cal Hendrick appeared at the recent Commissioners Court meeting to voice his enthusiastic support for the downtown courthouse. “When the mayor backed me up, I knew I had to return the love,” said Fawcett. “That’s how government-to-government partnerships work. I support his bunny, he supports my parking garage. The people win and all without a single vote by the taxpayers.”

Mayor Hendrick was equally enthusiastic. “When Judge Fawcett called and said ‘Let’s saddle the rabbit on a garage,’ I knew he was speaking my language,” Hendrick said. “This is exactly the kind of shiny object our citizens need. Let’s face it—we don’t have great roads, the water is sometimes brown, and half the trash doesn’t get picked up. But a 100-foot jackrabbit towering over a courthouse? That’s a distraction the whole community can rally behind.”

Hendrick added, “I mean, look at the crowds of people who come to Odessa just to see the Cloth World spire or the Stonehenge replica at UTPB. Jack ‘BIG’ Rabbit is going to make those attractions pale by comparison.”

Sandra Eoff, owner of the taxpayer-supported downtown Marriott hotel and convention center, praised the concept. “We’re already drafting renderings for jackrabbit-themed hotel rooms and a full ‘Hare of the Dog’ cocktail lounge. I’ve asked our chef to begin testing Hasenpfeffer recipes. We’re confident this will be Odessa’s Eiffel Tower—only taller, and with more ears.”

When asked about concerns over rising costs, displacement of the downtown post office, and lack of transparency, Fawcett was unfazed: “Odessa deserves nice things,” he said, quoting Councilman Craig Stoker. “And what’s nicer than justice, a freakin’ awesome parking garage, and a giant rock rabbit? This will have a much greater tourism impact than the aliens in Roswell could ever dream about.”

Sources say additional enhancements may include a taxpayer-funded carrot-shaped splash pad and a rabbit ear-shaped drone port atop the courthouse dome.

Poll Sparks Concern Over Courthouse Plan, Post Office CostsA recent Odessa Headlines survey of more than 430 residents r...
06/23/2025

Poll Sparks Concern Over Courthouse Plan, Post Office Costs

A recent Odessa Headlines survey of more than 430 residents revealed mounting public concern about the process used to plan and fund the new Ector County Courthouse — particularly the decision to acquire and demolish the downtown post office, which remains under a long-term federal lease.

While the survey also covered the proposed library and other downtown projects, this article focuses solely on the courthouse and post office portion.

The survey was open to all active registered voters in Ector County. No filters were applied based on political affiliation, age, or other demographics. The goal was simple: to gather unfiltered input from the very people footing the bill.

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Key Survey Results

Awareness of the $325 Million in Non-Voter-Approved Debt**

* 51% of respondents were aware the county issued \$325 million in Certificates of Obligation (COs) without a public vote.
* 27% had heard something but didn’t know the full details.
* 22% learned about the issue for the first time through this survey.

Views on Public Input

* 41% said the public should have had “a lot” of input — including meetings, surveys, and full transparency.
* 33% said “some” input would have been sufficient.
* 17% believed voters had already spoken by rejecting prior courthouse bond proposals.
* Only 9% felt minimal or no input was necessary.

Demolishing the Post Office Site

* 47% opposed demolishing the post office, calling it wasteful and poorly planned.
* 37% said demolition may be acceptable if it’s the best long-term location.
* 16% were unsure or conditionally supportive — only if no lower-cost options remain.

The post office property was acquired by the county for approximately $5 million, but the federal lease remains in effect for more than 10 years. Updated estimates place the full cost to buy out the lease and relocate USPS operations at $15–25 million.

---

Public Sentiment — Critical and Supportive

While many respondents were strongly critical of the process, a few offered more supportive or pragmatic views:

> “If we want a courthouse downtown, this is the only real site we have—I’d rather see it done once and right.”

> “Yes, the post office deal isn’t ideal, but the sooner we proceed the better for our community.”

Still, the overwhelming tone reflected frustration with both the funding method and the site selection:

> “I wasn’t aware that the new courthouse was going to require demolishing the post office. That seems like a terrible idea. Why would you spend millions just to tear down a building that’s still under lease? That sounds like government waste.”

> “A new courthouse was voted down, not once but twice. The fact that they bypassed our answer is a slap to the face to every taxpayer who voted against it.”

> “As a taxpayer, I want the answer as to why everything was approved without any public input.”

> “The public officials need to be held accountable. They work for the people, and we are tired of being ignored.”

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New Costs Emerging as MOU Heads to Court

The June 25 Ector County Commissioners’ Court agenda includes a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Postal Service. The MOU outlines plans to move postal services into the first floor of a new courthouse parking garage, with demolition of the existing post office building to follow.

According to the posted agenda, the county is being asked to approve a $1.4 million change order — just for the design phase of the new garage-level USPS facility. Importantly, this figure DOES NOT INCLUDE:

* The cost to demolish the current post office
* Construction costs for the new USPS facility
* Any costs associated with building a replacement USPS maintenance and operations facility, which could be required to meet the current demands of the USPS

Despite the significant financial implications, none of those additional costs have been publicly disclosed.

Also, the MOU keeps the current rent for the new facility at the same level as the outdated one which has been in place for decades and allows USPS to terminate the lease with only 120 days’ notice. This short termination clause raises additional concerns, especially in light of ongoing national postal service restructuring efforts.

What this means for taxpayers is simple: Ector County could spend millions to build a custom, federally compliant facility — only to have USPS walk away with four months’ notice.

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Public Wants Transparency

The survey suggests that many residents — even those who may be open to a new courthouse — want greater transparency, more cost clarity, and consideration of alternatives. One alternate courthouse plan, championed by Commissioner Samantha Russell, would use county-owned land and avoid the post office entirely.

As one respondent put it:

> “We’re footing the bill and still can’t even pick the site. It’s frustrating.”

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What Happens Next

If the MOU and design change order are approved, the county will take a major step toward finalizing a site that remains controversial — both for its unresolved costs and its impact on the project timeline.

Odessa Headlines will continue to follow the courthouse issue and any related actions taken at this week's Commissioners’ Court meeting.

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More to Come

This report covers only the courthouse portion of the public survey. Results and analysis related to the proposed library and broader downtown redevelopment plan will be published later this week.

County Delays Release of Courthouse Planning Records, Raising New Questions About Transparency and AlternativesEctor Cou...
06/03/2025

County Delays Release of Courthouse Planning Records, Raising New Questions About Transparency and Alternatives

Ector County officials have delayed releasing public records related to the planning and site evaluation process for the proposed $325 million courthouse, despite repeated public claims by County Judge Dustin Fawcett that many different plans and locations were considered over the past two years.

A formal public information request filed by Odessa Headlines sought all studies, maps, renderings, emails, and internal communications regarding potential courthouse locations dating back to 2022. The request specifically asked for records that would support Judge Fawcett’s frequent assertions that multiple sites were thoroughly vetted before selecting the controversial downtown post office property.

Rather than fulfilling the request within the standard 10-day window, county officials waited until the final day to respond—stating that the request was too large to process on time and that they would require an additional 30 days and charge more than $200 to provide the materials.

The delay raises new concerns about the extent to which alternative plans were ever seriously considered.

Commissioner Samantha Russell, the only member of the court to present a fully developed alternative site plan, has advocated for a more practical and cost-effective location that would allow for future expansion without demolishing an existing federal building and which requires no additional property purchases. That proposal has not been publicly debated or presented by the county. Russell also publicly opposed the use of certificates of obligation twice in open court last year—before even taking office in January—arguing for greater public involvement in the process.

Although all members of Commissioners Court ultimately share responsibility for the project’s direction, the courthouse initiative has been led from the outset by Judge Fawcett, who has acted as its chief architect and public face.

Fawcett has consistently described the $325 million project as the only viable path forward—despite growing concerns from taxpayers about its scope, cost, and financing structure. The project is being funded through certificates of obligation, a form of debt that does not require voter approval.

The cost of that debt will result in the largest county tax increase in Ector County history—and residents will begin seeing that increase on this year’s property tax bills, even though construction has not started and the site is far from ready for groundbreaking.

Complicating matters further, the post office site selected by the county remains constrained by an active lease with the United States Postal Service, with more than ten years remaining on its term. To date, there has been no official announcement of where the post office will be relocated, how much it will cost, or when that relocation will occur.

Critics argue that the lack of transparency, public input, and exploration of alternatives has eroded public confidence in the process.

While Judge Fawcett has repeatedly stated that the public would have ample opportunity to participate in the planning process, no town halls have been held, and no open public forums have been scheduled. Instead, major decisions—including site selection, financing method, and overall project scope—have been shaped largely behind closed doors.

Until the requested documents are produced, key questions remain unanswered:

Were any other sites ever seriously evaluated?

Why was the post office location prioritized so early?

What will it cost to relocate the post office, and where will it go?

What alternatives were presented and why were they rejected?

At $325 million, this project represents the largest capital expenditure in county history. And as of today, it is proceeding without a public vote, without public vetting, without public input, and—at least for now—without public records.

Let’s be clear:
This isn’t just about a building.
It’s about trust.
And Ector County residents are losing it fast.

Zoning Fight Continues: Mobile Home Ordinance Back on Council Agenda Tonight—Public Urged to AttendDespite a 6–1 vote by...
05/27/2025

Zoning Fight Continues: Mobile Home Ordinance Back on Council Agenda Tonight—Public Urged to Attend

Despite a 6–1 vote by the Planning & Zoning Commission to reject the proposed mobile home zoning changes, the Odessa City Council is once again set to consider the ordinance tonight at 6:00 p.m.

Councilman Eddie Mitchell has stated he intends to make a motion to table the item, but with the ordinance still appearing on the official agenda, there are no guarantees. Residents who have followed this issue know: until the vote is taken—or the item is officially withdrawn—anything can happen.

The proposed changes have raised serious concerns among working families, mobile home owners, and property rights advocates. Many fear the ordinance could limit affordable housing options and unfairly target existing communities.

Citizens are strongly encouraged to attend tonight’s meeting to show their continued opposition and insist that the Council leave the current zoning ordinance intact.

Public pressure made a difference at the P&Z Commission. Now is the time to make your voice heard again.

Odessa City Hall – 6:00 p.m. tonight. Be there.

To the Editor,As a concerned member of the Odessa community, I am writing to express the growing concern and disappointm...
05/09/2025

To the Editor,

As a concerned member of the Odessa community, I am writing to express the growing concern and disappointment many of us share over the direction Odessa College is heading. Once a trusted educational resource, the college is now making decisions that are hurting students, alienating the community, and creating instability within its own walls.

The recent decision to restrict on-campus dorms solely to student athletes is incredibly unfair. Many non-athlete students who depended on dorm housing for affordable living options are now being forced into an unaffordable and competitive rental market. In a time when students are already facing financial and academic pressures, this policy shows a shocking lack of awareness and care.

Equally troubling is the college’s decision to lock up the community track a space that for years has provided local residents with a place to walk, run, and stay healthy. It’s disheartening to see public spaces that were once open and welcoming now off-limits to the very community that has long supported the college.

But the problems go even deeper. In just one month, the college has lost two deans, and there has been a noticeable pattern of high turnover in multiple departments. Much of this appears tied to issues within the Human Resources office. The current VP of Administration Services has built a reputation for favoritism, and many staff members feel that if you’re not in his favor, you’re targeted for removal. It’s no surprise that morale is at an all-time low.

To make matters worse, the HR department itself is in disarray. The Vice President who oversees HR, along with the Executive Assistant formerly assigned to it, are part of a leadership chain that has failed to provide stability. After losing the previous HR Director, the college recently hired a new one only for that person to quit after just two weeks, without notice. That kind of rapid turnover is not normal, and it speaks volumes about the internal culture and working conditions.

Despite all this, the college continues to ask for community donations and financial support. But when the campus is in poor condition, the staff is demoralized, students are being displaced, and public access is being shut off how can anyone feel confident that their support is going to the right place?

A community college should serve everyone students, staff, and the community at large. Right now, Odessa College is failing on all three fronts. We call on college leadership to take real, transparent action before more trust, people, and opportunities are lost.

Sincerely,
Local Resident
Name Withheld By Request

Address

Odessa, TX

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