Michael Bugayong

The Board discussed and took action on several items, including declaring an emergency to implement an ordinance prohibiting open burning due to high fire hazards and drought conditions. The Board also reviewed department and agency reports, discussed the Catron County Fair Board transition, and deliberated on multiple contractual agreements and resolutions, including primary election funding, County Livestock Loss Authority (CLLA) agreements, professional services, job descriptions, construction contracts for community centers, and budget adjustments. An executive session was held to discuss pending litigation, personnel matters, and real estate.

The meeting involved a discussion regarding the County Commission's formal request concerning financial and EIN compliance, bylaw revision, and board composition requirements, with clarification sought on the Board's status as a separate entity. Action items included formally requesting resignation letters from previous Board members and initiating the election process for new Fair Board members and subsequent new Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer). Further new business addressed including out-of-state and out-of-county exhibitors in the 2026 Fair Rules and Regulations, tabling the amendment of bylaws, creation of a Conflict of Interest Policy, and addressing Board Member Duties. Authorization was given to update the EIN and proceed with 501(c)(3) compliancy. Rollover items included tabling the Pickup Party presentation, identification of remaining volunteer positions, and directing a request to the County Commission for funding a new weigh-in scale. An issue regarding the adherence to pageant rules for the Royalty Program was also discussed.

This Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan for Catron County, spanning FY 2026-2030, serves as a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the county's capital development needs. The plan outlines key priorities and projects across multiple areas, including community center and park renovations, road improvements, acquisition of essential equipment (such as a crusher system and dozer), clinic and administrative facility upgrades, public safety vehicles, and solid waste equipment. It aims to systematically define development needs, establish priorities, and implement concrete actions to enhance public infrastructure and services within the county.

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.