City of Eagle Pass and Maverick County Continue Negotiations on $3 Million Fire and EMS Debt
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
The City of Eagle Pass and Maverick County are preparing to continue negotiations over a longstanding Fire and Emergency Medical Services agreement and a reported debt exceeding $3 million.
Last week at their September 3, 2026 Commissioners Court meeting, the Maverick County Commissioners Court authorized interim County Judge Pablo Garcia, Jr. and Precinct 3 Commissioner Olga Ramos to begin negotiations with the City regarding the outstanding debt and the continued provision of Fire and EMS services to areas outside the Eagle Pass city limits.
The matter was discussed by commissioners behind closed doors during an executive session.
After returning to open session, a motion was made authorizing Garcia and Ramos to negotiate with the City over a possible exchange or in-kind contribution of County property.
Commissioners did not publicly identify the property that could be included in the negotiations or explain how its value would be applied toward the debt, but the international airport has been brought up in recent discussions. The City requested Maverick County transfer deed and title to the Maverick County Memorial International Airport and additional county real property in exchange for payment of the $3 million debt plus 20 years of City EMS and Fire services to county residents.
The issue will now move before the Eagle Pass City Council. Council members are scheduled to meet Monday, September 14, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The City Council agenda includes an executive session to consult with its attorney regarding the Fire and EMS Services Agreement with Maverick County. The item also allows the Council to take possible action after returning to open session.
The upcoming discussion represents the latest development in an issue that has remained unresolved for several years.
The City of Eagle Pass has continued providing emergency fire protection and ambulance services in areas of Maverick County located outside the city limits. The accumulated cost of those services has reportedly resulted in the County owing the City more than $3 million.
City and County officials have considered different options for addressing the debt. One possibility previously discussed involved the Maverick County International Airport, including a potential transfer or shared operational arrangement with the City in exchange for continued emergency services and consideration toward the outstanding balance.
However, neither governmental entity has announced a final proposal involving the airport or any other County-owned property.
The County’s authorization allows Garcia and Ramos to formally explore possible terms with the City. Monday’s City Council discussion could provide officials with additional direction as negotiations move forward.
The negotiations could determine not only how the existing debt is addressed but also how Fire and EMS services will be funded and provided throughout the county in the future.
Residents outside Eagle Pass depend on the City’s Fire Department and emergency medical personnel during fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies and other life-threatening situations.
The meeting could mark another important step toward resolving a financial and public safety issue that has remained between the City of Eagle Pass and Maverick County for years.
