By Mary Alice Murphy

The financial report giving the total expenditures since last month's meeting, as reported by Grant County Financial Officer Linda Vasquez, was among the first items addressed at the Tuesday, May 16, 2017, Grant County Commission work session.

The amount of expenditures for the period ending May 10, 2017 totaled $2,576,902.71, including payroll periods 8 and 9 of $417,419.39.

The extraordinary expenses included a payment of $16,335.68 to Fuel Center Plus for off-road diesel for Road Department equipment; $53,812.36 to Southwest Concrete and Paving for Rosedale Colonias Construction project payments; $28,638.04 to HCP Systems for March and April 2017 medical management services at the Detention Center; $44,109.22 to Summit Food Service for February and Mary 2017 inmate meals and snacks; $23,175.92 to Wright Express Fleet Services for March 2017 fuel charges; $16,465 to High Desert Humane Society for third quarter animal control services; $106,477.25 to Sacaton Construction for the LS Mesa fire station project; $13,160.05 to Specialty Communications for radio equipment for Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire Department; $14,000 to W.S. Darley & Co. for a hydrant booster pump for Sapillo Creek VFD; $41,662 to Don Chalmers Ford for 2017 Ford Expedition command vehicle for Pinos Altos VFD; $16,386.50 to Occam Engineers to the North Hurley Road Colonias construction project engineering services; $31,941.88 to Ascent Aviation for April 2017 jet fuel; $70,473.80 to Southwest Solid Waste Authority for March 2017 tipping fees; $37,036.16 to Fowler Brothers for construction improvements on Fleming Tank and Wind Canyon roads; $51,649.88 to White Sands Construction for Tu Casa construction project; $25,523.56 to Kansas State Bank for government obligation for 2013 Chevy Marque ambulance for Gila Regional Medical Center; $125,000 to GRMC for the mobile X-Ray system capital appropriation project reimbursement; $10,000 to the Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce for the Conference Center contract initial set-up fee.; $47,306.25 to Casco Industries for various bunker gear for Tyrone VFD; $221,285.53 to Morrow Enterprises for the North Hurley Road Colonias construction; and $11,335.18 to Southwest Concrete and Paving for road material for school bus routes project.

Commissioner Harry Browne asked about the NOV notation in the expenditures for almost $7,000. County Manager Charlene Webb said it was to pay the contractor that sends out the notices of valuation. Browne laughed and said he thought it was for notices of violation.

Commissioner Billy Billings asked about the purchase of poker chips from Foxworth Galbraith. Webb explained they were purchased with DWI program funding for the recent A Day in the Life of a DWI, which was held at Western New Mexico University. Commission Chairman Brett Kasten said his surprise was that Foxwoth carried poker chips.

Commissioner Alicia Edwards asked for clarification on the High Desert Humane Society quarterly payment. Webb said the amount is for the animal control expenses.

In new business, commissioners expect to hear an update at the Thursday regular meeting on Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes federal funding programs. Melanie Goodman will represent Sen. Tom Udall and Cynthia Hull will represent Sen. Martin Heinrich. Webb said her office had not yet received confirmation of attendance from a representative from Congressman Steve Pearce's office.

Commissioners will present a proclamation naming June 16-18, 2017 as "Fiesta Latina."

Another item under consideration is the approval of the list of delinquent solid waste accounts. Edwards noted that one came from the state of New Mexico. Commission Chairman Brett Kasten noted that the delinquency goes on the list when it reaches more than $100.

Webb said an ordinance explains the procedure and penalty. "When the account is not paid, it allows the county to put a lien on the property. When the individual comes in to pay, the lien is removed. Ted Martinez brings me the list, and I take it to (Clerk) Marisa (Castrillo), who files it. Ted tries to contact them and gives them an opportunity to deal with the payment."

Kasten noted that the lien doesn't matter unless the owner tries to sell the property.

Billings asked if an additional fee was charged, to which Webb said yes. Browne asked why it couldn't be on the water bill if the payment is not made. Kasten said if a person has only sewer service from the town of Silver City, it's hard to cut that off. Browne suggested collaborating with the city on the billing for those in the county who have water and/or sewer service from the city and Kasten agreed.

Cerise Grijalva of the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments will present the Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the Road Safety Audit update.

The last item in new business is to approve or disapprove the appointment of tseven individuals to the Grant County Public Shooting Range Advisory Board to fill seven empty slots with terms ending. All but two will be reappointments that will begin June 1, 2017. Those applying for new appointments are Neal W. Ackerly and John W. Little. Those asking to be reappointed are Milo E. Lambert, Robert L. Love II, Philip L. Mickey, Scott Nielsen and Sean Rees.

The memorandum of understanding supporting community development of Fort Bayard, Grant County, New Mexico, was withdrawn from the agenda to make changes.

County Attorney Abigail Robinson said: "It is not about the project. I just think we need a termination clause and something that makes sure the county is not financially liable. "

Two resolutions will be considered at the Thursday regular meeting.

The first authorizes and approves submission of a completed application for financial assistance and project approval to the New Mexico Finance Authority for bringing roads in Wind Canyon and on Fleming Tank Road to county standards.

Planning and Economic Development Director Michael "Mischa" Larisch said his department sent out bills to the property owners. "They have 45 days to pay without interest. More than 50 percent paid in full, which reduced the amount of the loan needed. Those who haven't paid will pay a monthly amount with 2 percent annual interest."

Browne said it struck him that it would be more efficient for the Treasurer's office to send out the notices.

Webb said she didn't know the history, so "I can't speak to what happened, but it used to be in the Treasurer's Office and was removed."

Kasten suggested the Planning Department could use something like Quickbooks® to keep track of invoices and payments.

Commissioner Gabriel Ramos said he supported doing it the way the department is now doing it. "We don't want to micromanage."

The last resolution to be considered will be to approve the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2017-18. Webb said she recommends Option B and that she and Vasquez had made the changes discussed at the hearing on Friday.

"My feeling is that what we should do is to spend the money on the appraiser position," Browne said. "It's one of five that are shown as frozen. I believe the carryover is understated."

"My feelings haven't changed," Webb said. "I prefer to put forth a conservative budget, not knowing where we will go in the next year or so."

Edwards asked if her understanding was correct. "This is the preliminary budget, but we can make changes before the end of July."

Webb affirmed that understanding. "Once the fiscal year ends at the end of June, we will have better numbers and the Commission will approve the final budget and submit it before the end of July."

Only one bid is up for consideration for the Santa Rita Volunteer Fire Department station.

Larisch recommended the low bid, which came from Western Builders LLC.

"We have another station being built, too, don't we?" Billings asked.

Larisch said the LS Mesa substation is going well after weather delays.

"Where does the money come from for these stations?" Billings asked.

Webb replied that they are paid fully with state Fire Fund money. "A gross receipts tax increment goes to the state and returns to the area."

Kasten noted that if the stations are placed correctly, it lowers the insurance rates of those in the area. "We probably have two or three areas that need another station. For instance, Ridge Road and Dos Griegos."

Webb said the State Fire Marshal has to approve building stations.

Brown asked if there were a concern about enough volunteers and staff for more stations.

"Always," Kasten said.

Ramos said at a recent fire chiefs meeting, they had discussion on the issue. "Most volunteers are 65 years old or older. We need recruitment to get younger people in."

General Services Director and County Fire Management Officer Randy Villa said: "That is our strategy going forward. What is crucial is training, so the younger ones can move into paid positions."

"Randy, you all have done a really fine job," Ramos said. "We got with Western to try to get training, but it fell apart. Chief Chaves has taken it on himself to provide training."

"We are trying to make sure everyone is well trained for each station," Villa said. "I will give a report when the first cadet class ends. You make sure with your support that we have the resources we need."

As the Grant County Health Clare Claims Board, commissioners will approve eight GRMC claims for $8,078.12, as well as one indigent burial.

A following article will cover the county officials' reports.