Louise Strain

The Commission met for a special session, primarily to conduct an executive session regarding pending litigation, personnel matters, and real estate. Following the executive session, the Commission provided direction to staff regarding the Clinic Property and Cowboy Clinic, instructing legal counsel to contact the relevant attorney.

The Board of County Commissioners conducted a regular meeting to address several action items, including the consideration of an emergency ordinance restricting the sale and use of fireworks in unincorporated areas due to extreme drought conditions. Key topics discussed included a budget adjustment for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the approval of a revised Joint Powers Agreement for the County Livestock Loss Authority, and the approval of a Fairgrounds Management Agreement with the Catron County Fair Association. The Commission also reviewed various capital outlay grant agreements for senior centers, employment agreements, and a law enforcement services agreement. The agenda included departmental reports, an election canvass, and an executive session regarding litigation, personnel, and real estate matters.

The Board discussed various department and agency reports, including forest service and management updates. Key presentations covered the Opioid Remediation Collaborative, USFS NEPA analysis for fire recovery, clinic improvements, and health council updates. Action items addressed modifications to the county logo, procurement agreements for emergency equipment, and repairs for station doors. Additionally, the Board considered resolutions concerning infrastructure project funding, budget adjustments, and contract extensions for professional services. An executive session was held to address pending litigation, personnel matters, and real estate transactions.

The board discussed and addressed several critical administrative and operational items. Key topics included the enactment of an emergency ordinance to prohibit open burning due to high fire hazards, approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of State for primary election funding, and the approval of an amended joint powers agreement for the County Livestock Loss Authority to address wolf impact mitigation. Additionally, the commission reviewed department and agency reports, approved various professional services and software contracts, authorized job descriptions for management positions, approved construction and installation contracts for community facilities, and considered budget adjustments and road mileage certifications.

The commission meeting included updates on the county's financial position, specifically addressing grant funding drawdowns and recommendations for financial stabilization. Key business items involved approving resolutions for budget adjustments, participation in the DWI grant program, and a new county travel policy. Procurement approvals were granted for county manager's office relocation, rescue equipment, and boiler repair services. Additionally, the commission reviewed job descriptions for a Grant Project Manager and Road Worker/Equipment Operator.