Rick Alford

The 2026-2031 Taos County Hazard Mitigation Plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce long-term risks from natural, technological, and human-caused hazards. The plan aims to enhance community resilience by identifying and assessing specific hazards, evaluating community assets at risk, and outlining tailored mitigation strategies and actions. It emphasizes community engagement, compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements to ensure eligibility for federal disaster assistance, and improving overall resilience and safety for residents, properties, and resources. Key focus areas include risk assessment, capability assessment, and the development of a detailed mitigation strategy with specific actions.

The meeting began with roll call, an inspirational devotion, and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included public comment regarding the repeal of a tax benefiting several municipalities (Taos, Red River, and Taos Ski Valley), with speakers requesting that the commission table the resolution pending a joint meeting with incoming administrations due to potential negative impacts on community services and lives. The commission approved the minutes for the November 4th and November 18th, 2025 meetings. A detailed update on Holy Cross Medical Center's third-quarter financials (through October 2025) was presented, noting that while operating revenue was under budget by $914,000 and the net loss was $216,000 (worse than the budgeted loss of $1.1 million), projected receipt of $3.4 million in HDAA funding in December is expected to bring the hospital into a positive financial standing. Volume discussions indicated lower than budgeted activity in Emergency Department visits and inpatient days, though newborn activity was strong. Capital expenditures funded through gross receipts dollars were reviewed, totaling $1.1 million for items such as a portable X-ray machine and hospital roof repairs. Additionally, $4.5 million in projects, including housewide telemetry monitors, are currently in process awaiting finalization before funding requests are submitted.

The meeting commenced with roll call, an inspirational devotion, and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the presentation of a sponsorship banner from the Rio Grande Sky Festa Balloon Festival by the Northern Rio Grande Heritage Area, thanking the County for its sponsorship. A recognition was given to E911 dispatcher Juan Carlos Ramirez for his graduation from the public safety telecommunicator class. A certificate of retirement was presented to Johnny Roello, DWI Director, recognizing his 23 years of service. The commission then discussed and deliberated on Resolution 2025-48, concerning the approval of the IAAO certified property appraiser compensation and Senate program, which was ultimately approved contingent on a work study session to address certain concerns within the assessors' office.

The meeting included an inspirational devotion segment reflecting on thankfulness, the pledge of allegiance, and the approval of the agenda. Key discussions involved awards and recognitions, specifically welcoming new hires for October and November, and recognizing staff anniversaries for November 2025. The commission also recognized five recent graduates from the law enforcement academy, presenting them with certificates. A presentation was delivered concerning wildlife risk reduction and forest health updates, focusing on the county's community wildfire protection plan, good neighbor agreements with the Carson National Forest, and prioritization of high-risk areas. During public comment, a former member of the art and artifact committee requested action on labeling public artworks in the county complex. Other discussions included years of service certificates for employees.

The agenda for this regular meeting included several key administrative and operational items. Discussions and selections were scheduled for various board and committee leadership positions, including the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the Taos County Board of Commission, as well as appointments/alternates for numerous boards such as the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) Board, Intergovernmental Council (IGC) Board, Taos County Economic Development Council (TCEDC) Board, North Central New Mexico Economic Development District (NCNMEDD) Board, North Central Regional Transit District Board, Northern Area Workforce Board, Taos County Cooperative Weed Management Area Board, and the Holy Cross Medical Center Nominating Committee Board. The Commissioners were set to consider resolutions concerning public meeting procedures (Resolution No. 2026-1), policies and procedures for meeting conduct (Resolution No. 2026-2), and appointments for the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission for 2026 (Resolutions No. 2026-3 and 2026-4). Furthermore, resolutions involved authorizing an application for the Local DWI Grant and Distribution Program (Resolution No. 2025-5), approving the consolidation of fire districts into the Taos County Fire District 4 (Resolution No. 2026-6), and several budget adjustments and DFA resolutions related to grants (DWI Grant, Juvenile Adjudication Grant, ICMA Grant, CEED Program Grant), Taos Plaza improvements, the Historic County Courthouse, and Capital Enhancement fund transfers. Contract actions included awarding the ITB for the NM 150 Slip Lining of Italianos & Yerba Culverts Project, granting authority to sign the final contract, and approving a Change Order for the Historic County Courthouse project. A Public Hearing from December 2, 2025, regarding continuous asphalt production at the Torres Pit was also scheduled for discussion.