An independent report on the upcoming sale of El Paso Electric to a private equity firm suggests that while the deal might be great for the company’s top executives, there’s limited benefit for ratepayers.

It’s been in the works and a well-kept secret for two years, but KCOS Channel 13, El Paso’s public TV station, is marrying its Texas Tech University counterpart in Lubbock, KTTZ Channel 5.

Higher education is unaffordable for tens of thousands of families in the El Paso region, but some business and education leaders are working to alleviate some of that financial burden before students ever set foot on a college campus.

Last month, the certified tax rolls released by the El Paso Central Appraisal District surprised the city and other taxing jurisdictions because commercial, industrial and multifamily property values were lower than last year.