Robert Francis

The Lea County Commission meeting included recognition of county employees for their years of service. A resolution was approved to provide a 3% merit increase to the county's contract employees. The commission also approved setting the recording fee and liquor license tax at the clerk's office, with no changes to the amounts. An amendment to the Lee County Fair Board policy was approved, prohibiting elected officials from serving on the Fair Board. Roadway projects were approved, including work on Battle-ax Road and Carr Road. The commission approved using Outlaw and Renegades for catering services for the 2018 Fair and Rodeo. The County Assessor provided a report indicating an increase in taxable appraised property. Discussion on the county's proposed 2019 legislative priorities, including capital projects, ongoing funding for roads, and improving the state's forfeiture law, also took place. An overview of the Lee County 2018 roadway improvements was provided.

The Lea County Commission meeting included the appointment of Commissioner Don Jones to the New Horizons board of directors, approval of designated precinct and polling places for the 2018 elections, and approval of electrical upgrades and improvements to the Lea County Events Center. Discussions covered the use of Open Gov software for financial transparency, an update on the livestock sale at the 2017 fair and rodeo, price schedules and sponsorship opportunities at the Lea County Fairgrounds, an update on the implementation of a new computer-aided dispatch program (Spielman), and a presentation on the current and historical oil and gas production in Lea County.

The Lea County Commission meeting addressed several key areas. Actions from the fair board included shifting gate admission times for the 2018 fair and rodeo and continuing free admission for Faith and Family Appreciation Day. The retirement of a Sheriff's Office service dog was approved and the dog was recognized for its service. An agreement with the city of Lovington to develop and construct a Veterans Memorial was approved, detailing cost-sharing and project phases. The county's GFOA budget was discussed, highlighting the implementation of a five-year strategic plan and infrastructure capital improvement plan. Legislative priorities for 2018 were approved, including courthouse remodel, event center improvements, and airport terminal expansion. Improvements to the Monument Community Center were discussed, including parking lot expansion and restroom upgrades. A resolution was approved to replace the chiller at the historic Lee County Courthouse. A professional services agreement was approved for design services for window and door replacements at the Lee County Event Center. The county's contribution to the state's safety net care pool fund was approved. Discussion items included the phase 1 expansion of the terminal at the Lee County Regional Airport, services provided by the DWI and probation department, and improvements to the Noles Community Center.

The Lea County Commissioners held a meeting to discuss several key initiatives and projects for the upcoming year. The commission reelected Ron Black as chair and Rebecca Long as vice chair. Discussions included the deployment of OpenGov software, website and social media improvements, and the development of new performance measures for county departments. The finance department is focusing on transitioning to purchase orders and reviewing the procurement policy. Construction projects, such as the new judicial complex and improvements to the event center, were reviewed. The commission also discussed improvements to community centers, reconstruction of intersections, and the design of phase one of the terminal expansion at the Lea County Regional Airport. Economic activity, particularly in oil and gas production, was highlighted, along with its impact on county revenues and services. The commission awarded professional services for the remodel of the historic courthouse to NPS architects. They also approved an amended agreement with the city of Lovington for the Love Street project and a timeline for the development of the next fiscal year's budget. Additionally, the commission addressed a vacation request, approved Homeland Security grant funding for local law enforcement and public safety agencies, and approved a proposal for recycling services at the Hobbes convenience center. A countywide fitness program for employees was also approved, and discussions were held regarding amending Lee County's infrastructure capital improvement plan.

The Lea County Commission approved several action items related to the 2018 Fair and Rodeo, including the carnival, stock contractor, entertainment agent, sound production, and rodeo production. An agreement with the New Mexico Department of Transportation was approved to receive additional marketing funds for the commercial air service at the Lea County Regional Airport. The commission approved an agreement with Xcel Energy for a permanent and temporary easement for the construction of a new transmission line. The commission discussed exploring the option of pursuing an audit of oil and gas property. The 2018 board meeting calendar was approved. The commission discussed priorities for the upcoming 2018 legislative session, including funding for the remodel of the historic courthouse, improvements at the Lee County Events Center, and expansion of the terminal at the Lea County Regional Airport.