Departments report in at quarterly luncheon

CLOVIS — The Clovis Civic Center hosted a gathering of city and county officials for the quarterly gathering of department leaders. Of particular interest was the intent of the New Mexico Legislature concerning the City of Clovis and Curry County. Each department mentioned what it has done, what it wants to do, and related reductions in funding from the state.

The following are highlights by entity from the quarterly luncheon:

• Cannon Air Force Base: Lt. Colonel Diane Sullivan reported on a $1.3 billion base construction program. Some of the projects are housing renovation, construction of 609 new homes by May, a new dining facility for airmen, a new youth center that opened last year, and renovation of the Portales gate in November. After her talk, it was announced Sullivan was selected for promotion to colonel.

• Clovis Community College: President Becky Rowley said the semester has been tied to the recent legislative session. She also announced the reaccreditation of the nursing program, easier transfer of students between colleges and universities, and minimal effect (for now) of tuition hikes. All higher education will be cut by at least one percent. Dr. Rowley predicted that CCC will have to respond to cuts in financial support, and this will likely affect personnel. She concluded by mentioning the Popovich Animal Theater on March 23.

• Clovis Schools: Superintendent Jody Balch reported the district will have to cope with a $100,000 monthly budget cut for about three months, pending further action by the Legislature. But he said no adjustments are necessary unless the trend continues. Parkview Elementary School is about a year and a half away from occupancy. Highland Elementary has been approved by the Public School Funding Authority for a new school rather than a renovation, but the funding is not yet available.

• Curry County: County Manager Lance Pyle introduced new county clerk Annie Hogland. He further announced that the southside handicap entrance will now be the only entrance to the courthouse.

A new detention center, Pyle said, is in the design development phase and will have 48 to 96 beds, a new medical facility, and a new sally port. He added that the assessor’s office has a new property valuation process which may provide property tax reductions.

• Clovis MainStreet: Lisa Pellegrino-Spear and Natalie Daggett talked about the impact of legislative bills on downtown Clovis, and mentioned 29 private building improvements. They also brought up eight private building purchases, $24,600 in private sector grants, 962 volunteer hours from the community, and the start of phase two of the Lyceum Theater renovation.

• Clovis/Curry County chamber of Commerce: Chamber President David Robinson reported on behalf of the chamber. The Committee of Fifty conducted bus tours to introduce new CAFB people to the community. The chamber wants to work on membership retention instead of recruitment alone. The recruiting goal for March is 12 new members. The chamber is planning Pioneer Day, observing the 10-year anniversary of Special Ops at CAFB, and is planning the Draggin’ Main event for June.

• City of Clovis: City Manager Larry Fry announced new businesses in the north side of town, including Denny’s Restaurant and the new Petsmart. He reported that the master drainage program is almost done, and road reconstruction is planned for Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and Thornton Street. An anchor monument honoring the navy will be installed at Veterans Park by Memorial Day.

During his opening welcome Mayor David Lansford brought up the Mayor’s Ball of March 25. Proceeds will benefit the local Humane Society and the Main Street Program.