[Editor’s Note: This is the first of a multi-part series of articles on the special meeting on July 27, 2021 and talks about the fiscal year 2022 budget.]

By Mary Alice Murphy

This Grant County Commission special meeting took place on July 27, 2021, specifically to approve a resolution on the fiscal year 2022 budget.

The commissioners already hashed out their various opinions on the budget in prior meetings. This one was no different. District 5 Commissioner Harry Browne made a motion to approve the final budget for fiscal year 2022 “for discussion purposes.”

District 2 Commissioner Javier “Harvey” Salas seconded it.

Grant County Financial Officer Linda Vasquez said it had not changed since the preliminary budget except for a transfer out of the General Fund for debt service. “The budget includes a 3 percent salary increase and an 8 percent increase for half a year for health insurance.”

ROAD ADVISORY
Difficult Driving Conditions in Glenwood
Cliff Patrol has reported NM 174 with low water crossing flooded and debris. Please drive with caution, reduce speed and obey all posted traffic signs. The NMDOT is out monitoring roadways. This event will be updated as conditions change.

The Silver Schools Board held its meeting July 19, 2021. 

By Roger Lanse

Grant County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to the Grant County Detention Center on July 12, 2021, in reference to a complaint of a suspicious package outside the facility. According to a GCSO press release, deputies found a "white crystal-like powdery substance" inside the package along with other items. The substance tested presumptively positive the next day for methamphetamine.

An investigation resulted in arrest warrants being issued for one GCDC officer and two inmates being held at GCDC, the release said.

By Roger Lanse

On July 27, 2021, at approximately 10 a.m., Grant County Sheriff Office deputies were following up on information acquired in reference to an aggravated burglary complaint received earlier in July at the Motel 6 in Silver City.

According to a GCSO press release, several search warrants were served resulting in two individuals being arrested, Felicia Welcome, 28, of 403 Ruby Street, Bayard, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, 4th degree felonies; one count of being in the possession of a firearm, a 4th degree felony; and one count of receiving stolen property, a 4th degree felony.

By Roger Lanse

Grant County Sheriff's Office deputies were called out in the early morning of Monday, July 19, 2021, to Arenas Valley in reference to a physical domestic complaint. According to a GCSO press release, deputies issued a warrant for the arrest of Michael Anthony Gomez of 32 Old Arenas Valley Road who had battered his girlfriend of eight years and had left prior to the deputies' arrival.

Gomez is being charged with kidnapping, a 1st degree felony; two counts of false imprisonment, 4th degree felonies; two counts of interference with communications, misdemeanors; criminal damage to property of a household member, misdemeanors; and two counts of battery on a household member, misdemeanors.

GCSO warns in no case should Gomez be approached but asks anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gomez to call the Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority at 388-8840 or 911, if conditions require.