Noah Sedillo has been promoted to finance director.
In public comment included concern for the need for better road maintenance. The county according to comment has 11M, which could be used for better road development. In reply the money for roads is limited by state funding, not as such as from property tax.
Tracy Master reported there are 61 homeless high school in the county and gave an update on mental health, student workers, teen court and a grant application for first aid to be in March. She also criticized Superior Ambulance for an unprofessional job, included for being rude and attempting to deliver a patient to the wrong hospital.
A grant for a housing mitigation plan has been delayed due to the need for more information. Re-submitting is due to staffing issues and changes as to who administers the grant. New forms are due Jan 6 and will be sent in Dec.
The village of Encino had livestock killed by free ranging dogs. Also concern was raised about traffic violations.
A question was raised as to who is profiting selling water rights.
The state police are short staffed, but will work with the county including schools and community centers to improve service. Please call 911, not the office, in an emergency.
Roads due to weather after maintenance required more maintenance. Rehab for part of Martinez Rd was approved, as well as school bus overlay on roads, repairs to Ten Pines Rd and completion of Ewing Rd.
The road department is seeking better core material. Three injured drivers are back, one is down.
A grant request to vacate part of Sanchez Rd, which is only used by one resident and land owners agree to the vacation. The county agree to appoint a committee to look into the issue.
County employee healthcare will be moved to Med Life. Blue Cross Blue Shield will cover vision. A new doctor will help cover 24-7.
Again salary is an issue in hiring and retaining EMS. This would increase starting wages from 14.75 to about 16.75. This could reduce overtime. The commission will look to get feedback from employees before making a decision, possibly at the next meeting.
Marcy Wallin said there is an opening on the fair board and for an administrator. As presently there as at least one member from each district on the board, so the new member can be from any district. Fairground improvements will work within the 500K approved by the state.
The senior center in Mountainair will be awarded money to fix the floor, improvements in Estancia and plans for a new center in Moriarty. A award letter is due in late March.
Duran was approved for a grant for a new water tank. The old tank may be used for a catchment system.
The next meeting will discuss architect plans for the Admin Building. Manager’s update reported the primary election recount is down to 129 missing ballots. Lack of getting and keeping part time employees is still an issue. Trucks for the road department are going forward in spite of rising costs. A hi-bred flexible work schedule could help with road projects,
In executive session the county is moving forward on litigation on the county clerk for not working.
Note: Commissioner Leroy Candelaria recently died. Commissioners and county manager paid respect for his service at the Dec. 28 meeting: information on the meeting I plan on posting early next week. Also please check the job board on the county web site.
- Torrance County Commission Meeting December 28th - January 12, 2023
- Torrance County Commission Meeting Dec 14 - January 2, 2023
- Torrance County Commission Meeting, Nov 17th - November 21, 2022
