Santa Fe, New Mexico – Over 600 county officials and employees from around the state participated in the 2018 New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) Legislative Conference January 16-18, 2018 in Santa Fe. County representatives met to develop strategies for addressing legislative initiatives affecting counties and communities. "We want to thank all of our county members, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers who helped make the conference such a success," said NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman.
NM State Auditor Wayne Johnson, NM State Deputy Attorney General Tania Maestas, and NM State General Counsel for Treasurer Cindy Cordova lead a preconference workshop emphasizing ethics, transparency, and how counties comply with the Open Meetings Act and Governmental Conduct Act. LFC Consultant Linda Kehoe, DFA Capital Outlay Bureau Chief Debbie Romero, and Santa Fe County Finance Director Stephanie Shardin Clarke discussed the capital outlay budget and top local projects. Two other workshops provided an overview of the legislative process and insurance pooling for counties.
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Bob Hudson kicked off the conference recapping his harrowing experience while being held captive in the North Vietnamese infamous prison system. State Senator Clemente Sanchez reflected on the 30-day legislative session professing to balance the budget and work across the aisle. State Senator Steven Neville received the NMAC 2017 Legislative Excellence Award for his exceptional sponsorship and advocacy in successfully passing SB 46, which extends the current 911 surcharge to telecommunication devices. Matt Chase, National Association of Counties Executive Director, reported on the importance of a local and federal partnership and the role that counties play at the federal level with infrastructure, healthcare reform, and criminal justice reform at the top of the list.
Many recognition awards were given to counties for the following:
FY2016 Audit Accountability Awards for sustained excellence with highest audit opinion:
- Small County: Guadalupe and Quay Counties,
- Mid-Size County: Chaves, Curry, and Los Alamos Counties,
- Large County: Doña Ana County, and
- Most Improved County: Roosevelt County.
Adult Detention Professional Standards Council First Three-Year Certificate of Accreditation:
- Curry County Detention Center and Valencia County Adult Detention Center
Law Enforcement Certificate of Re-Accreditation Award, Second Three-Year Certificate:
- Valencia County Sheriff's Office
New Mexico Emergency Communications Professional Standards Council Accreditation Certificate for 911 Emergency Communications:
- McKinley County Metropolitan Dispatch Authority
NMAC also recognized county achievements for the Workers' Compensation Pool Safety and Risk Awareness Program. The NM EDGE County College graduation ceremony recognized 27 students for their outstanding achievements through NMAC's collaborative partnership with New Mexico State University.
Throughout the conference, NMAC's 21 elected and professional affiliate groups met to discuss several topics including the effect of federal tax changes on New Mexico revenue, election integrity, economic impact of healthcare, the opioid epidemic, and AT&T FirstNET public safety network.
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 serve as a statewide voice for all counties in New Mexico. 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. Please contact Susan Mayes, 505.469.0042 or smayes@nmcounties.org or for more information and updates on our events, programs and other initiatives, visit www.nmcounties.org.