Commissioners fund local nonprofits and Slaton projects with unclaimed-property dollars

The Lubbock County Commissioners Court approved several community grants on Sept. 14, using unclaimed-property funds for local projects, education and veterans' programs.

Kristen Murray, CEO of Voice of Hope, asked for $7,500 to train staff in trauma-informed approaches focused on preventing sexual assault and trafficking; Commissioner Ratler moved to fund the request and the court approved it. Leslie Harland, executive director of the Slaton Economic Development Corporation, described a proposed digital marquee to promote local businesses and events; the court approved a $5,000 contribution to support construction. The court also approved $5,000 for Wreaths Across America to purchase wreaths for Inglewood Cemetery and $2,500 for the Slaton Librarychildren's summer reading program. Separately the court approved $12,500 to the Women's Veterans Lubbock Hub chapter 53 to support phase-two work on a women's veterans tribute.

Speakers emphasized community benefit and tourism impacts, noting festival attendance and local volunteer involvement. All funding motions were presented as agenda items under the Texas Property Code sections permitting specific-use county payments and were approved by majority vote.