Commissioners award $10,000 to West Alice Youth Center from forfeiture fund

Jim Wells County commissioners on May 22 approved a $10,000 award from Fund 50 to the West Alice Youth Center to support summer programming and ongoing community services.

Roman Gonzales, president of the West Alice Youth Center, told the court the organization has operated for about 20 years and requested the usual $25,000 annual amount, noting the center provides programming for youth and community activities including pool access. County staff reported Fund 50’s balance at $10,150.93 at the end of April and said contributions to the fund come from VA forfeiture and sheriff’s forfeiture funds.

Commissioners discussed prior awards and available balance; one commissioner moved to award $10,000, and the motion passed by voice vote. County officials noted the fund has been low in recent years and that additional forfeiture receipts may become available as cases resolve.