“My problem id I don’t have the money.,” Uvalde County Auditor Alice Chapman said.
By Michael Robinson/Uvalde Hesperian
01-14-25
Image source: LinkedIn
Image source: LinkedIn
Knippa’s had a streetlight located on Main Street near the town’s post office that once shined some light but was shut off according to Uvalde County Officials.
AEP External Affairs manager Jimmy Ernest stated Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell reached out to him in 2025 to try to get it reconnected. Earnest said after the matter was researched, they found the County was not paying for the light. It was a Lion’s Club chapter that may not exist anymore.
Earnest, who spoke on the matter at the County Commissioners’ meeting, recommended the County add 15 new lights to Knippa.
Earnest stated the electricity cost for the 15 lights would be less than $200 per month.
Commissioner Roy Kothman said, “I think it’s a safety issue for Knippa (It is) a small price for the County to pay. ” Kothmann went on to say the area near the Uvalde Farmer’s Coop gas pumps along Highway 90 are a dangerous spot
Uvalde County Auditor Alice Chapman jumped into the conversation and said her office handles the connections, “My problem is I don’t have the money.,” Uvalde County Auditor Alice Chapman said.
Kothmann said the AEP will be providing the lights and changing the existing lights with LED’s
Chapman had mentioned the county was paying $400 per month for trash cleanup in Knippa but since Keep Knippa Beautiful. a non–profit citizen service organization has been helping pick up the town’s trash, the county could likely free up some money for the lights there.
In the end, the County Commissioner’s voted to approve the new lighting for Knippa.
In a phone conversation with Kothmann, he told the Hesperian that money for the lights would be found or tied to another budgeted item.
