Curry to plan for replacing clerk

Curry County commissioners are set to begin planning to permanently fill the county clerk's position in today's commission meeting.

Deputy Clerk Annie Hogland is currently as interim clerk in the wake of the death of Clerk Jo Lynn Queener, who died last month. Queener took office as the elected county clerk on Jan. 1. She was elected to serve a four-year term, but Queener's replacement would need to run for the office in 2018 for the remaining two years.

Commissioners plan to determine the qualifications they are seeking in applicants for the position in today's meeting.

During the commission's meeting earlier this month, Commission Vice Chair Angelina Baca sought clarity with regard to "moving forward to find someone to fill in the position" and petitioned the assistance of County Attorney Steve Doerr.

Other agenda items include:

• Discussion and request approval of a resolution supporting Senate Bill 299 - an act relating to the Whistleblower Protection Act.

• Discussion and requested action on a resolution in opposition to any increased burden on the counties in New Mexico to fund the state Medicaid program

• Requested approval to apply for the Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant in the amount of $10,000 with a 10 percent cash or in-kind match from Curry County

• Requested ratification of culvert application/permit from Melcena Johnston for culverts to be placed on Curry Road N by Curry Road 11 and State Road 245

• Presentation and request approval of new Curry County Road Policy

• Update, discussion, direction and action, if needed, on 2017 legislative session items and bills

• Presentation on January 2017 Fairgrounds and Events Center financial statements