EPCOG changing focus; selling three properties

EPCOG is getting out of the housing business

The Eastern Plains Council of Governments agreed to sell three properties, including office space on Main Street, during an executive committee meeting Wednesday morning.

"We've changed our focus," said Sandy Chancey, executive director of EPCOG. "We've down-sized considerably in the last three years because we're realigning our mission to better serve the communities."

According to Chancey, the property at 420 Main St. was purchased to accommodate EPCOG staff, but with the down-sized staff the property is no longer needed.

The property was purchased for $40,000 in 2002, and extensive remodeling was done to accommodate EPCOG staff. Chancey said (EPCOG) doesn't know how much the remodeling cost the organization. She said they don't know where the documentation is, and they're still looking for it (Chancey was not with the organization when the remodeling happened).

During the meeting, Chancey requested that Realtor Gayla Brumfield be hired to sell the Main Street property. Her reasoning was that staff did not have enough time to sell the property on top of all their other duties. Also, Brumfield's experience as mayor is valuable because she is familiar with laws in regards to a public body selling property. Chancey said no market analysis or appraisal has been conducted for this property.

During the meeting EPCOG resolved to sell low-income housing projects in Portales, the Ruth Visage Apartments, and San Jon. According to Chancey, both of these properties are subsidized by U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, so special conditions regarding the sale of the property must be researched before moving forward with the sale.

Chancey could not provide any information regarding purchasing-price of these two housing projects; she said an auditor had the corresponding documentation.

Other items discussed during EPCOG's executive meeting include:

• Committee members discussed and approved financial reports.
• Chancey gave an audit update.
• It was reported that Raymond Mondragon, economic development and government affairs coordinator, is working on the creation of a meeting between the Local Growth Management Committee and school superintendents to discuss growth issues facing schools. A separate meeting will be set up between the LGMC and health care professionals.
• Members discussed their regional job fair Feb. 26, calling it a success, citing 25 job vendors (three canceled because of the snowstorm) and 167 job-seekers signed-in.