Taos, New Mexico - Over 700 county officials and employees attended the 81st Annual Conference of the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC), June 21 - 23 in Taos, New Mexico. The Annual Conference provided a venue for member counties to develop strategies for the advancement of county government and to prepare for the 2018 Legislative Session. Throughout the conference, NMAC affiliate groups met to discuss governance issues from tax reform to federal issues involving immigration and Medicaid.
Prior to the official start of the conference, NM EDGE offered professional development classes for county elected officials and employees at the Taos High School. The NM EDGE Program is a collaborative partnership between NMAC and New Mexico State University.
Wednesday, June 21st, the Public Works' Affiliate held a heavy equipment ROADEO designed to showcase county employee operator skills through a series of demonstrations and competitive events. After a welcome from Taos County Commission Chair Jim Fambro and Taos Mayor Daniel Barrone, author and inspirational speaker Sam Glenn gave a memorable presentation on how a positive attitude can change the chaos to something of meaning through an abstract painting. After an afternoon of affiliate work sessions, the evening ended with the host county event at the Taos Country Club.
On Thursday, June 22nd, eight workshops focused on statewide significant topics such as understanding the basics of property tax, contracts 101, defining a new normal in the nation's capital, developing your best employees, taking the gross out of gross receipts tax, getting your county message across, county immigration cooperation and the legal risks, and procurement, audits, and IT fraud. The Recognition Luncheon featured special guest Lieutenant General Edward D. Baca and a presentation from New Mexico Municipal League President and Eagle Nest Mayor Richard Cordova. Representative Carl Trujillo was presented with the Legislative Excellence Award for his leadership on critical major taxation and revenue issues, and for years of strong support of adequate funding for Local DWI programs. NM EDGE held a graduation ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of county participants. Affiliate meetings followed in the afternoon and the evening ended with a fiesta celebración!
Friday, June 23rd, the closing session included the installation of new officers and recognition of outgoing Board of Directors. Risk Awareness Program (RAP) awards were handed out to several counties. A special presentation was made to Doña Ana County for their successful completion of the Adult Detention Professional Standards Council Accreditation and to Lea County for their Adult Misdemeanor Compliance Program.
Founded in 1936 and incorporated in 1968, NMAC is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization governed by New Mexico county elected officials and employees. Its mission is to strengthen New Mexico counties' ability to govern their own affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life of their constituents. It provides counties with legislative representation, research, training, and assistance in improving the administration and financing of county government. The association offers insurance to counties covering workers' compensation and property, casualty and liability insurance. Contact Susan Mayes at 505.469.0042 or smayes@nmcounties.org for more information. Please visit the NMAC website at www.nmcounties.org.