El Campo’s fight against blight is sparking debate at City Hall. City staff propose cutting next year’s demolition budget by 70 percent, dropping it from $23,238 to $6,950. Staff say more property owners now handle their own demolitions, saving city funds. District 4 Councilman John Hancock Jr. argues the city isn’t proactive enough in tackling abandoned or unsafe buildings. He says limited funding hurts El Campo’s growth and appeal to new businesses. Other council members agree cleanup remains key, but no action was taken to restore funds at the latest budget workshop.