Q&A: Roosevelt County manager talks top issues, state cuts

Editor's note: Roosevelt County Manager Amber Hamilton discussed several topics as part of a periodic series checking up on issues related to the county.

Have county officials had any further conversation with Curry County regarding a multi-county jail facility?

No, sir.

Are there any specific state cuts officials are concerned will negatively impact the county?

They're too numerous to list, so I guess my answer to that is we're watching the legislative action very closely. The potential for negative financial impacts on the county are too numerous to list, as we're monitoring so many bills at this point. We'll be watching closely during the budget bill process, as there have been several bills that have been sent to the Senate following the House action.

How is the search for a new Roosevelt County Detention Center administrator progressing? Is there an interim administrator filling in?

I am serving as the interim, and I have a fantastic staff that continues to support me in that measure. The search is continuing. We've opened it up nationally, and are continuing to receive applicants.

What would you say are the most important issues at hand for Roosevelt County in 2017?

In early 2017, we'll be watching closely the legislative actions at the state level, as we are going to ensure our voices are heard as a county in efforts to prevent the state from balancing their budget on the backs of local government, as well as the school system and courts.

The county has worked diligently to repair our financial situation over the past 2 1/2 years, and resolve any of our audit findings. We'll continue to work to resolve the remaining audit findings, as our goal is an audit with no new findings for fiscal year '17.

I hope that, in 2017, we just get to focus on providing all the critical services that the county is burdened to provide to our residents.

— Compiled by Staff Writer Eamon Scarbrough