El Paso County officials have drawn scrutiny after an ABC‑7 Xtra investigation revealed that the four county commissioners and the county judge spent close to $234,000 on air travel and related trips over the past several years. The expense records, obtained through open‑records requests, cover fiscal year 2022 through May 2026 – a period that includes portions of 2021 because the county’s fiscal year begins in October.
Travel expenses break down
The data show that the commissioners and the judge traveled to destinations such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Austin and Taiwan. One commissioner’s travel bill alone exceeded the combined total of the other three commissioners and the judge. The investigation did not disclose the exact purpose of each trip, but the sheer amount of money—nearly a quarter‑million dollars—has raised questions about the return on investment for county residents.
County response
When asked for comment, the county judge emphasized that travel is essential for maintaining relationships with state and federal partners, attracting investment, and staying informed on best practices that benefit El Paso County. The judge added that each trip was approved through the standard budgeting process and that the expenses are documented in public records.
Public reaction
Local residents and watchdog groups have expressed concern that the travel spending appears disproportionate to the services delivered. Some community members argue that the funds could be redirected toward pressing county needs such as road maintenance, public safety, and senior services. Others note that travel can be a legitimate tool for economic development when it results in tangible benefits, though they request clearer reporting on outcomes.
What the numbers show
According to the expense logs, the total travel cost of $233,900 was spread across roughly five fiscal years, averaging about $46,800 per year. While the county’s overall budget runs into the hundreds of millions, the travel figure represents a small fraction of total expenditures. Nonetheless, the concentration of spending in a single commissioner’s itinerary has prompted calls for greater oversight.
Looking ahead
The county board is scheduled to review its travel policy at the next commission meeting. Officials say they will consider tighter guidelines, including caps on per‑trip costs and more detailed justification for out‑of‑state travel. Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting and submit questions to ensure transparency and accountability.
For a full look at the investigation, watch the ABC‑7 Xtra report “Travel Tab – An ABC‑7 Xtra Investigation” airing Thursday at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on ABC‑7.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
