Clovis approves notice of intent on film ordinance

CLOVIS — Commissioners on Thursday approved a notice of intent to consider an ordinance regulating television and film production in Curry County, welcoming public input on the matter in their forthcoming Aug. 6 meeting.

Per the ordinance, proposed regulations would not apply to news productions, personal or charitable films or county-produced government access films, among others. It is focused on the sort of professional productions seen in past years in eastern New Mexico and across the state, not intended to discourage them but to make sure in advance that they don’t unduly interfere with traffic, law enforcement or private property.

“As you are aware in the past several months the state has really gotten active in promoting movie and film production,” County Manager Lance Pyle told commissioners. “Several counties are considering similar ordinances and several have already adopted as much.”

The ordinance is intended as a measure to make sure such productions in Curry County don’t entail additional tax increases for residents. Commissioner Ben McDaniel pointed out the ordinance was “not to limit” film and television productions in the county but that it was good “to have it in place.” Commissioners approved the notice of intent unanimously, with Commissioner Seth Martin absent due to a prior conflict.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, with votes unanimous unless otherwise noted:

• Approval by 3-1 vote of a resolution supporting “New Energy New Mexico,” a coalition of local governments, businesses and other organizations to advance “responsible wind energy growth” in the state. Presenter Scott Gerges said approving the resolution comes at no cost to the county or taxpayers but would simply allow NENM to name the county as one of its members while promoting its efforts.

“I think it’s important, the education component,” Commissioner Robert Thornton said before moving to support the resolution. “(Wind energy) is something we all need to learn, it’s kind of the direction of our world.”

Commissioners Robert Sandoval seconded the motion and McDaniel also voted in favor, while Chairman Chet Spear voted against and said he still wanted to know more about the initiative.

• Presentation from Jocelyn Hodes on the New Mexico 529 Plan, a “tax-advantaged way to grow savings for future education expenses.” Sponsored by the state and run by an arm of its higher education department, “The Education Plan” is intended to promote economic development by incentivizing tax-deductible savings “for anyone and everyone looking to further their education.” Hodes said local governments could consider utilizing TEP as an employee benefit and encouraged them to consider it.

• Update on Curry County Detention Center renovations and additions, previously scheduled for completion by year’s end but now forecasted to possibly stretch into 2020 due to various project delays. Pyle requested a revised schedule from the project leaders at HB Construction.

• Report from Road Superintendent Walon Jones, who gave updates on caliche hauling in Melrose and work at the entrance to the county fairgrounds. Some water is still covering other roadways, with County Road 3 from State Line road to U.S. 70 “washed out and underwater in many places,” according to a county news release. The road is “still passable” but motorists are asked to use extreme caution while traveling, and it’s expected to clear up by the middle of September.

Jones also presented on two cooperative agreements with the state’s Department of Transportation for work on various county roads, of which the state provides 75% and the county matched the remaining quarter share. Commissioners approved both agreements, with a total state and county combined cost of $520,000.

• The board of finance meeting was removed from Thursday’s agenda as Treasurer Debbie Spriggs is undergoing a medical procedure. Spear said the commission wished her all the best on her recovery and return.

• In his county manager report, Pyle said the payroll audit by Carrs, Riggs & Ingram “went very well” with “no exceptions found.” He also announced a special commission meeting for 11 a.m. Monday — the agenda includes a request for a proclamation declaring July as “National Ultraviolet Safety Month,” a request to approve former Clovis Municipal Schools Superintendent Jody Balch to the county’s Labor-Management Relations Board, and a report from Pyle on a letter from the Department of Finance and Administration’s Local Government Division.