Luke Allen

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including tabling decisions on the purchase of a new scale and proposed changes to the rule book. The dates for the 2026 fair were approved as August 19-23. New board nominations for various officer and director positions were approved. A significant portion of the discussion focused on whether to restrict participation to in-county participants or allow out-of-state participants, with numerous stakeholders presenting arguments both for and against limiting slots based on the impact on local participants, fundraising, and facility capacity. A motion to vote on keeping the current rules was rescinded due to procedural concerns, and the vote on this matter was rescheduled for the next meeting.

The agenda for this special meeting included calling the meeting to order, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the agenda and previous minutes. A public comment period was scheduled, followed by a public hearing concerning Emergency Ordinance 01-2026 Prohibiting Open Burning in Catron County Fire District 30. Action items involved consideration of this emergency ordinance, direction to staff regarding the sewer line at the clinic facility, and consideration of several resolutions: establishing a Grant Review & Advisory Committee, a Budget Adjustment, authorizing separate bank accounts for Fire EMS and CLLA, and opposing Senate Bill 17 (2026) while re-affirming the County's 2nd Amendment Sanctuary Status. The session included an executive session to discuss pending or threatened litigation, personnel matters, and real estate concerning the Fairgrounds, before returning to regular session to discuss the Fair board and County Owned Fairgrounds.

This Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan for Catron County addresses public capital project financing by systematically defining development needs, establishing priorities, and implementing strategies for project development. The plan details improvements across sectors such as administrative and service facilities, health infrastructure, public safety, solid waste management, water supply, transportation, cultural facilities, and economic development. Its overarching goal is to enhance rational, long-range capital planning and budgeting for New Mexico's infrastructure.

The meeting addressed several outstanding items. Regarding the scale equipment, a member was tasked with obtaining quotes for two sets of scales to determine final needs based on pricing. Discussions took place concerning changes to the Rule Book, which were tabled pending a vote by members. For sound system and security, a member will investigate options for building or buying a storage cabinet and is exploring lodgers tax funding for new speakers for the rodeo grounds. The determination of the fair dates was tabled.

The meeting agenda includes initial proceedings such as a call to order, opening prayer, and pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of the agenda. Key discussion points include a resolution pertaining to the Travel Policy for public officers and employees regarding per diem and mileage expenses. Action items are numerous, focusing on consideration of several resolutions covering the appointment of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, Open Meetings Act, Inspection of Public Records, designation of authority to the County Manager for contracts and property custodianship, Public Participation procedures, Parliamentary Procedures, signature authority for checks and deposit boxes, designation of financial institutions, appointment of an Opioid Remediation Collaborative Representative, and Conflict of Interest statements. Further action items involve authorization to procure gear for Apache Creek VFD and equipment for Pie Town Fire & EMS, approval of a Professional Services Agreement for bank reconciliation, approval of a Vehicle Maintenance Position, and approval of a Memorandum of Agreement for Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act funding. The agenda also includes confirmation of mandatory employee training and a budget adjustment resolution. The session includes an Executive Session to discuss pending or threatened litigation (Frisco Box Road Rule 75 Appeal), personnel matters (County Manager), and real estate (Clinic Lease), with subsequent direction to staff regarding the appeal following re-convening the regular session.