Minutes Roosevelt County Commission March 19, 2024

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
County Commission Room
Roosevelt County Courthouse
Portales, New Mexico 88130

The Roosevelt County Commission met in regular business meeting on Tuesday March 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the County Commission Room with those present being: Commissioner Paul Grider, Commissioner Rodney Savage, Commissioner Tina Dixon, Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell , County Manager Amber Hamilton, County Attorney Michael Garcia, Clerk Mandi Park, Treasurer Layle Sanchez, Sheriff Javier Sanchez, Chief Deputy Bryan Holmes, Detention Administrator Shayla Ramsey, Assessor Stevin Floyd, Darla Reed, Laurie Collins, Debrah Gentry, RCCDC Executive Director Jodi Diaz, Arch Fire Chief Jay Lang, Milnesand Fire Chief Russell Bilbrey, Elida Fire Chief Darrell Chenault, Dispatch Coordinator Janelle Combs, County Ag Agent Patrick Kircher, County 4-H Agent Ryan Craig, City Councilwoman Veronica Cordova, Adolpho Cordova, Megan Hamilton, Bobby Hamilton, Pat Boone, Fabian Munoz, Angie Smith, Drew Runyan, Patsy Runyan, Alan Carter, Shawn Carter, Chesney Hatch, Garrett Hatch, Tasha Grassel, Timothy Cathey, Patti Heflin, Alfonso Gomez.
Commissioner Dennis Lopez was absent.

Call to Order – Commissioner Dixon at 6:00 p.m.
Invocation – Amber Hamilton
Pledge – Commissioner Dixon
1.Approval of Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Commissioner Grider with a second from
Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes,
Commissioner Criswell-Yes.
2.Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes from the March 5, 2024 meeting was made by
Commissioner Criswell with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner
Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes.
3.Approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll for February 2024: Ms. Hamilton answered questions from
Commissioner Criswell regarding purchases. A motion to approve the accounts payables and payroll was made
by Commissioner Grider with a second from Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner
Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes.
4.Public Requests: Timothy Cathey spoke as a county resident, posing the question “What is your plan to provide fire and EMS services to county residents?” Mr. Cathey encouraged the commission to plan to ensure public safety. Darrell Chenault posed the question, “Does the County have an $8 million dollar surplus?” Commissioner Dixon reminded those present that the commission does not engage in debate during the public comment period and asked that he address specific questions to the commission or county manager in writing. Alan Carter thanked the commission for having this first evening meeting so that the public would be able to participate.
5.Informational Presentations – Request for Commission Consideration of Budget Request for Additional Staff at NMSU Extension Office: Patrick Kircher provided a handout aimed at re-establishing a Family Consumer Science Agent position in Roosevelt County. He stated the 4-H agent position was eliminated in 2010 with budget cuts from New Mexico State University, as that position was vacant at the time. The county picked up funding for the position so that program could continue. In 2016 the home economist retired and her position was cut. Mr. Kircher noted both the county and NMSU are now in a more stable financial situation and asked that the Home Economist position be added back to the budget, stating there is an obvious need with more than 100 4-H members with more than 60% of those participating in some type of home economics project, and more that 75 adult members in county extension clubs. Roosevelt County Clubs are among the largest in the state and the current EANM president and vice-president are both from Roosevelt County Extension Clubs. Mr. Kircher provided a budget break-down for several options for funding the Home Economist position. Commissioner Criswell agreed with Mr. Kircher that the program is needed and provides value to the residents. He discussed possibly funding a portion of the position and working with NMSU to fully fund the position. Mr. Kircher will follow-up with both the county and the university during the budget process. Commissioner Savage noted his experience with the 4-H and NMSU programs and was also in favor of the proposal. No action was taken.
6. Elected Officials and Department Heads Reports:
March 19, 2024
Clerk: Ms. Park reported a successful candidate filing day on March 12, 2024. Ms. Park stated her staff assisted
10 candidates in filing for the offices of Commissioner District 1, Commissioner District 2, Clerk, Treasurer,
District Attorney, and Senator. Ms. Park stated today was write-in candidate filing day and no candidates filed as write-in candidates today, as of meeting time.
Treasurer: Ms. Sanchez presented the December and January general fund cash balances stating the December
beginning cash balance was $2,956,963.78 with debits of $3,264,181.90 and credits of $756,786.61 leaving an
ending balance of $5,464,359.07. That being the beginning balance for January, there were debits of
$707,958.30 and credits of $1,546,418.84 leaving and ending balance on $4,625,898.53 for January 31, 2024.
There we no additional questions for Ms. Sanchez.
Manager: Ms. Hamilton stated the budget process has begun with department heads and elected officials. She
stated there is another first responder peer support training coming up March 25-28, 2024 with openings for
first responders. Ms. Hamilton stated there is a NMC regional legislative update held in Chaves County on March 28, and asked who was planning to attend. Commissioner Dixon, Ms. Park and Ms. Reed indicated they would be in attendance.
Commissioners: Commissioner Grider welcomed the candidates, for upcoming races who, where in attendance
and wished them well, he also thanked others for attending.
Commissioner Savage stated the county contest has been held at the fairgrounds this week and asked Ms.
Hamilton who is responsible for cleaning up after equine events. He feels the renter of the venue should be
cleaning up after themselves and their animals. Ms. Hamilton noted it is the responsibility of the renter and
stated she would follow-up with the organizer of last weekend’s event.
Commissioner Criswell thanked all in attendance for coming to the evening meeting. He questioned whether the culvert on SRR AC off of 114 south of SRR 25 had been picked up. Ms. Hamilton confirmed it had been removed.
He also welcomed the candidates in attendance and wished them luck.
Commissioner Dixon thanked all in attendance for a good turn-out; she thanked the candidates for their
willingness to serve. She stated there would be a commissioners retreat April 28-30 in Ruidoso and encouraged
fellow commissioners to attend, stating it would be a good time for networking and brainstorming with
commissioners from other counties.
7.New Business:
A. Discussion of New Economic Development Incentive Program for Roosevelt County: Jodi Diaz spoke
about a proposed new incentive for LEDA retail businesses. She stated a small portion of the GRT would be
reimbursed to new or expanding businesses. She stated it had been adopted in other counties and
municipalities and has been successful. She stated the RCCDC would be able to set parameters specific to the
needs of Roosevelt County businesses. The commission thanked Ms. Diaz for her presentation. No action was
taken.
B. Discussion and Consideration of Joining with Socorro County and Others in Signing onto a Letter to the
Governor Regarding Fentanyl Crisis, Human Smuggling, and Crime Rates in New Mexico: Commissioner Dixon
stated there is a serious problem with fentanyl, human trafficking and crime in New Mexico. She requested
Roosevelt County sign on to the letter to the governor, joining Socorro County and other counties to address
these issues. The letter was read aloud by Ms. Hamilton and Commissioner Criswell. The letter requests the
governor take action to address the fentanyl crisis, human smuggling and the high crime rates in the state
associated with fentanyl addiction and human trafficking. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve
sending the letter to the governor, with a second by Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes,
Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes.
C. Request for Approval of the Submission of the FY25 Law Enforcement Protection Fund Application for
the Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Sanchez requested approval of the application, stating the funds would be used for
training and equipment. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the submission of the application,
with a second by Commissioner Dixon. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner
Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes.
D. Presentation of Current Dispatch Services: Janelle Combs provided a handout covering staffing levels, call
volume, services break-down and additional statistics for the communications center. Ms. Combs also stated
there are now 3 consoles in operation in dispatch. Ther are currently eight full time dispatchers with a ninth
March 19, 2024 starting in April and one position still open. Ms. Combs answered questions from commissioners. As in the past, commissioners expressed a need for dispatch to be independent of the other entities and answer to a governing board instead of reporting to the City, with an advisory committee with no oversight authority. Ms. Combs is currently employed by the City of Portales as the dispatch coordinator. Commissioners were pleased with the improvements up to this point, but still would like to move toward an independent governing board.
Commissioners thanked Ms. Combs for her presentation. No action was taken.
E. Continued Discussion and Direction for FY25 Dispatch Services: Commissioner Dixon stated she would
like to have a meeting with the four appointed negotiators and both managers to continue negotiations, or
perhaps have a roundtable discussion with the full council and commission. She also understood that dispatch
was to report to an independent governing board, which would prevent the threat of discontinued services in
the future. No action was taken.
8.Resolutions – Ordinances – Proclamations
A. Consideration of Resolution 2024-13 Recognizing the Roosevelt County Health Council as The Official
Health Council for Roosevelt County for the Purposes Outlined in the County Health Councils Act: Deborah
Gentry provided a fact sheet. Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve the resolution with a second by
Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes,
Commissioner Criswell-Yes.
B. Consideration of Resolution 2024-14 Budget Adjustment for 3rd Quarter Fiscal Reports: Ms. Hamilton
requested approval of the budget adjustment, stating it was for the approved prepayment of the arena debt
service and additional grant funding for the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve
with a second from Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes.
9. Executive Session:
A. Any further action necessary as a result of the closed executive session.: At 7:10 p.m. Commissioner
Dixon made a motion to go into executive session, with a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner
Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes. Commissioner
Dixon stated only those items listed on the agenda will be discussed in the closed session. Those present in the
executive session were Commissioners Dixon, Grider, Criswell and Savage as well as Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Garcia,
Sheriff Sanchez and Chief Holmes. At 7:52 p.m. Sheriff Sanchez and Chief Holmes left the meeting. At 8:32,
Commissioner Grider made a motion to come out of executive session with a second by Commissioner Criswell.
Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes
Commissioner Dixon stated the only items discussed were those listed on the agenda and no action was taken
and no action is necessary as a result of the executive session.