Category: City & County Politics

Information you need to know about the City of Devine, Medina County Commissioner’s Court, City of Natalia, City of Lytle, and our local Emergency Service Districts.

County Treasurer Debbie Southwell retires

Medina County Treasurer Debbie Southwell gave her letter of retirement to Commissioner’s Court this past Monday. Her retirement will take effect October 31, according to County Judge Keith Lutz.
“There is a small window of time if anyone wants to file for election from November 11-December 11 if anyone wants to run for Treasurer,” Judge Lutz said.
In the mean time, Judge Lutz adds, “We (commissioner’s court) will appoint someone to the position, but it will be on the November ballot again very soon. And unlike other elections, the newly elected treasurer would take office immediately after votes are canvassed.”
In her letter of resignation addressed to County Commissioners Jessica Castiglione, Danny Lawler, David Lynch and Larry Sittre as well as Judge Lutz, Mrs. Southwell stated:
“It has been a pleasure serving the people of Medina County, and I have gained valuable insight into the inner workings of county government. I wish all of you the best of luck in the future and pray that Medina County continues to grow and thrive.”

Contested races in Natalia2 running for mayor, 3 running for council

In the upcoming Mayor’s race….Natalia Mayor Chip Bluemel (incumbent) will be running against Tommy Ortiz (who is currently serving on council).
Also, three candidates are running for 2 at-large positions on Natalia City Council. Candidates are Darin Frazier (incumbent), Ruby Vera, and former police chief Valerie Naff.
In the school board election, candidates Paula Almendarez and Tiffany Rodriguez are unopposed.

Up for election in 2024…Deadline for candidates to file is December 11th, 2023

There are eight Medina County officials whose terms will expire in December 2024, but the deadline to file for these offices is this December 11, 2023.
-Sheriff of Medina County Randy Brown
-Tax Assessor/Collector of Medina County Melissa Lutz
-454th Judicial District Judge Daniel Kindred
-Criminal District Attorney Mark Haby
-PCT 1 County Commissioner Jessica Castiglone
-PCT 3 County Commissioner David Lynch
-Constable Pct 1 Robert Tschirhart
-Constable Pct 2. Jim Przybylski
-Constable Pct. 3 Steven Duffy
-Constable Pct. 4 Malcolm Watson

The filing dates to be on the ballot in 2024 are from November 11, 2023 to December 11, 2023. All local candidates are to file with their respective Party Chair’s Office. Name, phone number and email address is listed on the candidate filing information on our website.

A complete list of local positions in Medina County showing the expiration dates of terms can be seen at: https://www.medinacountytexas.org/page/medina.Elections > Internet Posting Requirements > Candidate Filing Information.

TCEQ cites Lytle for sewer plant violations, city prioritizing to meet 2 week deadline of Oct. 9

By Anton Riecher
Staff Writer
Lytle City Administrator Matthew Dear notified the city council Monday that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has served notice of two violations after a July inspection of the municipal collection system and the sewer service.

Continue reading “TCEQ cites Lytle for sewer plant violations, city prioritizing to meet 2 week deadline of Oct. 9”

What Devine school projects can be funded for $11.255 million?


The Devine ISD district has developed a survey to ask the community members to give their input regarding their $11.2 Million dollar bond proposal which the community will vote on this November.
All the projects recommended in the May bond election will not be addressed, but the district will start with the top priority item and work down to get as much accomplished as possible. To view the possible projects go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/disdbond

Medina County to collect $2Million more in taxes at new tax rate

By Jerry Beck
On September 7, the focus of the Medina County Commissioners Court session was on Employee raises, the Tax Rate and the 2023-24 Budget.
The current tax rate for Medina County is $0.4743 per $100 evaluation. The rate that was approved was $0.4356 per $100 evaluation.

Continue reading “Medina County to collect $2Million more in taxes at new tax rate”