The Hockley County Commissioners’ Court received an update regarding SPCAA (South Plains Community Action) and approved a resolution with the group during Monday’s regular meeting.
SPCAA Executive Director, Bill Powell updated the Commissioners on the potential fallout of federal budget cuts that could result in the loss of various programs that aid Hockley County citizens and help employ Hockley County citizens.
The SPCAA is a non-profit organization that aids in over 100 counties across Texas. Throughout all their programs they are focused on enabling people to achieve self-sufficiency and escape poverty by providing them with the resources to achieve that goal. They aid job training, education and tuition assistance, childcare, transportation, health services and much more.
The SPCAA has been here in Hockley County for 60 years and Powell has been with the agency for 50 years. The agency started off with seven counties, which went to 14 and now is at 115 counties.
Powell presented data pamphlets to the commissioners and those in attendance. Included information are the current programs available. Those include: energy/utility assistance, Head Start, WIC (Women, Infants and Children), Health Insurance Navigator Program, Transition Out of Poverty (TOP) Program, child care services, Workforce Solutions, weatherization assistance, Senior Companion Program, Project CHAMPS, SPARTAN Transportation, Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), income tax prep assistance, HOME Housing Program, Section 8 Housing and Multi-Family Housing Rental Program.
According to the SPCAA, the organization spent over $414,000 in utility assistance for families in Hockley County just in 2024. Additionally, the SCPAA spent over $127,000 on snacks and meals for Head Start students in Hockley County.
In 2024, SPCAA spent nearly $400,000 in their Head Start partnership with Levelland ISD, this includes teacher salaries. In the same year, 177 children in Levelland relied on Head Start for early childhood education, health services and family support.
The SPCAA is also part of the Magnificent Children Program, it is their largest program serving 24,000 people. This program is a USDA program in which the government subsidizes a lot of different foods.
Currently, there are 134 active SPCAA employees in Hockley County and in 2024 payroll paid over $3.7 million in wages. SPCAA also paid over $250,000 towards workforce participant support and assistance in Hockley County in 2024.
Speaking to the programs and assistance provided to Hockley County citizens, Powell explained that there have been struggles with budget restraints and budget eliminations for 1,304 employees in Hockley County.
“We are trying to do everything we can and maintain what we have. We feel like it’s about the need in all communities and we want to show some support in all counties,” Powell stated.
The resolution is to continue the support of the SPCAA. Where the SPCAA has supported health care, transportation, education, employment and training, elderly services, children’s services, housing, utility assistance, veteran’s assistance, and weatherization assistance. The South Plains Community Action continues supporting the local communities through local spending, by employing residents, and through developing partnerships with local school districts; and these services have improved the quality of life for residents in Hockley County.
As a result, Powell recommended the approval of Resolution No. 2025-3, recognizing the services and contributions of the South Plains Community Action Association to the citizens of Hockley County.
“All of what you do for the county is vital to us. People do not understand if they live far off or in bigger locations, how crucial you all are to a small community,” explained Hockley County Judge Sharla Baldridge. “We thank you for all that you do. You are very vital for people getting by and getting their needs met.
Following the presentation, the Commissioners approved the item.
Moving forward, the group approved the final plat lots 18-30 for Quail Road Estates which was passed with no issue.
The Court considered and took necessary action to approve the Contract and Agreement between Hockley County and the City of Littlefield concerning ambulance services which was passed with no issue.
The Court also heard the monthly Public Assistance Report.
Following into the reading for approval of all monthly bills and claims submitted to the Court dated through July 7, which was approved with no issue.
The Court approved the minutes from the June 30 regular meeting.
The meeting included the approval and reappointment of Denver Bruner to serve a twoyear term on the Workforce Solutions Board of Directors beginning September 1 and ending August 31, 2027.
The Official Bond and Oath for Tammy Lynn Doshier, the Deputy County Clerk of Hockley County’s Clerk’s Office was passed. Hockley County Tax Assessor-Collector, Misty Taylor presented Ad Valorem tax refunds to the Commissioners which were also approved.
The Court approved the replat of lots 1 through 9 for Dalton Estates in subdivision tract 22 in Ropesville Farm Project.