I do think property prices are a problem though since it seems like Marfa might be heading for a "Hampton" type situation - where the prices for the real estate are so high the working folks - the ones who make the town run - have to commute in from a distance. I can't really fault Judd for his ranch-buying-up. If I understand correctly he did that as a private individual and his motivation was to keep the land from being developed, and that land, although in Presidio County, is no where near Marfa (that's a BIG county) - I would assume it's on the tax rolls; and since the Chinati Foundation itself is on a fairly small piece of land - about half a section which doesn't amount to much acreage at all in that area. 0.02% of the taxable acreage in Presidio so I don't see that as being a real burden with reference to the property taxes; especially if you consider that if the real estate prices are that high and since the property taxes fund the schools, you guys should be rolling in dough. Am I wrong though about the ranch acreage? Do you know if the ranch Judd bought and lived on was somehow taken off the tax rolls as well? Just curious. Curious too, to know if my assumption about high real estate taxes means high property taxes which translates into a nice budget for your school.

Since OBK brought it up, how much beer does the Marfa CofC have to buy to keep the local cowboys running around with lanterns and flashlights out in them hills every night?

Sissy: not sure about the ranch land question......and no our budgets do not reflect the high real estate prices....

And for the record, I turn on the Lights the second weekend of every month.

That's just wrong then. If real estate rates are that high then property tax revenue should also be high and the schools should benefit. Sounds like an expose some enterprising journalist should pursue.

Journalists have done enough damage to the Big Bend area. But if one were to pursue such an idea, I'm afraid he would find a Chinati under every bush.