Here are the takeaways from Nueces County's 2023 State of the County address
Nueces County Judge Connie Scott gave her first State of the County address on Friday, discussing collaboration she said is happening within the Commissioners Court and community with the goal of improving the county.
The annual event was hosted by the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. This year’s theme was “Embracing Unity, Building Our Community,” with each speaker emphasizing the importance of working together.
“I was sworn into office Jan. 1, and since then, all of us have been working hard to restore civility, integrity and transparency to the Nueces County court,” Nueces County Judge Connie Scott said in her first State of the County address.
Each commissioner spoke at this year’s event, detailing projects and initiatives within their precincts including improvements at Hazel Bazemore and West Haven parks, the rebuilding of the county’s Bob Hall Pier, funding for school safety and security, and low or no-cost medical clinics and outreach programs throughout the county.
Commissioners Court
Scott was sworn in as Nueces County judge in January. She previously served as a Texas state representative for District 34 from 2011 to 2014.
Speakers including Sheriff J.C. Hooper and Commissioners Robert Hernandez, John Marez and Brent Chesney mentioned newfound unity and collaboration within the Commissioners Court during their presentations.
“Since taking office, Judge Scott has been committed to ensuring accessibility, transparency and accountability to every Nueces County resident,” Hooper said.
Scott, a Republican, unseated Democratic incumbent Barbara Canales in the November election. During Canales' tenure, Commissioners Court meetings were frequently marked by tension and disputes, something Scott highlighted in her campaign ads. Two Democratic commissioners, Hernandez and Joe A. Gonzalez, bucked their party to endorse Scott.
Gonzalez spoke via a pre-recorded presentation as he was unable to attend the event while recovering from surgery, according to Scott.
“We finally got some sunshine in Commissioners Court,” Gonzalez said, though he did not mention Canales. “Sunshine that was very much needed. We agree to disagree and walk out of there and we’re still friends.”
Park improvements
Hernandez, who represents Precinct 1, was the first of the commissioners to discuss his priorities and developments, including the progress of the Hazel Bazemore dog park, splash pad and restroom renovations. Last year, commissioners approved a new design for the park that would feature a much larger dog park for the same cost.
The county has allocated approximately $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
About $2.8 million of ARPA funds were allocated to upgrading the Oil Belt Park in Northwest Corpus Christi.
“Over 2,000 kids play at those parks every day,” Scott said. “We don’t get funds like this very often. It is a much needed improvement to that park for kids and people to gather. Boys and girls, adults, everyone alike can use that facility.”
Bob Hall Pier
Precinct 4 Commissioner Brent Chesney recognized the Coastal Parks Board for its assistance in rebuilding the Bob Hall Pier, which was destroyed by Hurricane Hanna in July 2020.
The Commissioners Court has allocated $27.3 million to the project.
“This Commissioners Court has considered continuously supporting my efforts in leading the charge and making sure we rebuild the Bob Hall Pier and it hasn’t been easy,” Chesney said.
Though commissioners approved a partial design for the pier at a recent meeting, it’s not yet clear when the project will be complete.
School safety
The county allocated more than $700,000 to provide safety and security measures for area schools, according to Scott. That included $90,000 to rural area schools, like Driscoll, Banquete and Agua Dulce, and $300,000 to London, Flour Bluff and Port Aransas.
“They’ve all used it for different things,” Chesney said. “They chose what they need it for. They chose what would help them keep their students the safest, and that’s what I wanted them to do.”
Jail improvements
One of the county’s projects includes providing energy upgrades, generators, air handlers and chillers throughout the Main Jail and McKenzie Annex Jail.
The county hired a consultant to conduct a study after the facility failed state inspections due to overcrowding. More than $1 million was spent to house inmates in out-of-county jails.
“All of those things are necessary things that jail standards require us to provide,” Scott said. “We are being good stewards with your money and trying to facilitate those things.”
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here are the takeaways from Nueces County's 2023 State of the County
