Divided vote mirrors county decision as council addresses broader community priorities
The Brownfield City Council worked through a full and at times complex agenda during its latest meeting, taking up several items that will have both immediate and long-term impacts on the community. Topics ranged from a proposed “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance to major infrastructure investments and ongoing economic development efforts.
One of the most anticipated items of the evening was the consideration of an ordinance that would have declared Brownfield a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn,” effectively outlawing abortion within city limits. The ordinance, which had appeared on the agenda for the third time, sparked discussion among council members regarding both its intent and the legal pathway for enforcement.
The proposed measure included provisions that would prohibit assisting in arranging or facilitating abortions, restrict transportation for the purpose of obtaining an abortion, and ban the manufacture, distribution, or delivery of abortion-inducing drugs within the city. It also included language allowing the ordinance to apply in certain cases involving city residents, even if the procedure occurred outside city limits. Exceptions were outlined for medical emergencies threatening the life of the mother. Enforcement would not have been carried out by government officials, but instead through private civil lawsuits, with potential penalties of at least $10,000 per violation, plus court costs and attorney fees. Notably, the ordinance specified that pregnant women themselves could not be prosecuted or held liable.
During discussion, Councilman Marshall Martell asked how the Terry County Commissioners Court had handled a similar proposal. Mayor Eric Horton explained that the commissioners voted 4-0 not to approve the measure. (see related article here) He noted that Commissioner Martin Lefevere was the only member to offer detailed comments, raising the question of why the issue was being addressed at the local level rather than through state leadership, particularly with support already expressed by state officials.
Council members also clarified that if the ordinance failed at the city level, residents would still have a path forward. Under the city charter, a petition signed by approximately 25 percent of voters from the previous general election—estimated at around 150 signatures—could force further action or potentially place the issue on the ballot.
A motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilman Ray McFarland and seconded by Councilman Lee Gamez. The motion ultimately failed following a divided vote. Mayor Horton, along with McFarland and Gamez, voted in favor of the ordinance. Council members Tom Hesse, Marshall Martell, JC Tijerina, Vanessa Valdonado, and Paul Vasquez voted against it.
Following the vote, Mayor Horton addressed the council and the public, expressing both his personal convictions and his respect for the outcome. He shared that his support for the ordinance stemmed from a deeply held belief in the value and dignity of life, while also emphasizing the importance of the democratic process and unity within the community. He reaffirmed his commitment to serve all citizens of Brownfield with integrity while continuing to stand firm in his values and respect differing viewpoints.
Mayor Horton’s statement:
“Before we move on, like to make a statement of privilege as the mayor. So while this vote did not go the way I had hoped, I want to take a moment to share my heart with the citizens of Brownfield and of course, our city council. Back in November, I was approached and brought this forward, this ordinance because I believe every life is valuable and worthy of protection. And my support for declaring Brownfield as a sanctuary city for the unborn comes from a deeply held conviction about the dignity of life and the responsibility we have as a community to stand for what we believe in.
At the same time, I fully respect the process and the outcome of the vote, and that is how local government is supposed to work, through discussion, differing viewpoints and ultimately, decisions made by the council as a whole, even when we disagree, we must continue to move forward together.
Brownfield is a strong community because of its people and our ability to have these conversations, sometimes difficult ones, is part of what makes our city great.
My commitment to you as mayor remains the same. I will continue to serve every citizen of Brownfield with integrity, work to improve our community and stand firm in my values while respecting the voices of others.
So I want to say thank you to everyone who engaged in this process, shared your thoughts and continues to care deeply about the future of our city.”
The council then shifted its attention to the quarterly financial report for the Visitor Information Center, presented by Brownfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lorena Valencia. The center, funded through hotel-motel tax revenue, reported October expenses totaling $3,067.24 and year-to-date funding of $30,000, with expenditures reaching approximately $25,697.31. Council members acknowledged the continued progress at the facility, noting ongoing cleanup and renovation efforts, and briefly discussed the possibility of increasing funding in a future budget cycle.
Another major item on the agenda involved a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded through the Texas Department of Agriculture. Working through the South Plains Association of Governments, the city issued a Request for Qualifications for engineering services related to the project. After reviewing submissions from five firms, the council approved Kimley-Horn and Associates as the selected engineering firm.
The grant will be used for critical infrastructure improvements, including replacing aging water lines in the downtown area and paving currently unpaved streets. City leadership noted that these improvements could also positively impact Brownfield’s ISO rating, which currently stands at a Class 4. The ISO rating measures a community’s fire protection capabilities and plays a direct role in determining property insurance costs for residents.
The council also approved an amendment to the bylaws of the Brownfield Type B Economic Development Corporation, modifying residency requirements for board members. The change aligns with state guidelines by allowing members to reside anywhere within Terry County, rather than requiring residency strictly within city limits. While broadening eligibility, council discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining strong representation from within Brownfield, given that the EDC is funded by city sales tax revenue.
In another economic development matter, the council approved the first reading of a resolution supporting an infrastructure agreement with Anthony’s Collision. The project includes the construction of a new facility and the addition of advanced equipment such as a paint booth and calibration systems. These upgrades are expected to allow services currently sent to Lubbock to be completed locally, keeping business and tax revenue within the community.
The proposed investment from the EDC is approximately $274,000, with the business owner contributing significant additional funds. Council members discussed the importance of supporting local businesses while ensuring that the EDC is used as a strategic economic tool rather than functioning as a lending institution. The resolution passed its first reading and will return for a second reading and final consideration at a future meeting.
The council later entered executive session to consult with legal counsel and discuss potential real estate matters in accordance with the Texas Government Code. No immediate action was reported following the closed session.
All members of the council were present, along with City Manager Jeff Davis, City Secretary Kelly Burris, and City Attorney Matt Murray. The next regular meeting of the Brownfield City Council is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026.
