County clerk: 2,026 voted in primary

STAFF REPORT

An Eastern Plains Council of Government (EPCOG) official gave an annual report to Roosevelt County commissioners at their Thursday commission meeting.

Executive Director Sandy Chancey told commissioners that the organization serves seven counties by helping them with economic development — such as project administration and special projects — transportation planning — such as road projects — capital outlay, grants and more.

Chancey told commissioners that although the EPCOG office is only open Monday-Thursday, commissioners and officials can call EPCOG officials “any time of the day or night.”

After the EPCOG presentation, department heads and officials gave reports with Clerk DeAun Searl briefly going over final election numbers with commissioners, saying that a total of 2,026 people voted in the 2016 primary on Tuesday.

County Manager Amber Hamilton told commissioners a request has been made by Gov. Susana Martinez to the county to ban fireworks.

Commissioners requested Hamilton talk to Portales Fire Chief Gary Nuckols to see what he thinks before ruling on the decision.

Hamilton also mentioned that the Roosevelt County Detention Center is finishing up its steps to state accreditation with one last “punch card” to be given to the facility to make a few final improvements then one last inspection in 90 days.

Sheriff Malin Parker expressed concerns to commissioners over a high number of accidents taking place on Roosevelt Road Q with one having occurred last weekend.

The following was other action taken at the Thursday county commission meeting:

• Commissioners discussed the standing of the grant project for a new building for the ARISE organization with commissioners voting to cancel the grant for the time being.

• Commissioners approved a budget adjustment resolution.

• Commissioners approved the county signing an updated contract with the NM/AZ Coalition of Counties.

• Commissioners approved an agreement with Yucca Telecom Services for IT services.

• Commissioners tabled the approval of a contract with Ancillary Health Care Services for RCDC due to the contract not being ready yet.