Ballot questions on Curry agenda

CLOVIS — The Curry County Commission will consider five ballot questions pertaining to alcohol sales in the county, membership in the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority and an ordinance covering television and movie production in the county during its Tuesday morning meeting.

The commission has already approved a ballot question of some type pertaining to alcohol sales in the county’s unincorporated areas, with the caveat it would consider question wording at a later meeting prior to the Aug. 27 deadline for ballot question submissions.

Five questions are available, asking, “Do the residents of Curry county wish to allow ... in the unincorporated areas of Curry County?”

• The sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages

• Interlocation option district transfers

• Issuance of restaurant beer and wine licenses

• Sunday sales by the drink

• Sunday package liquor sales

County Manager Lance Pyle recommends the commission place the first three questions on the ballot. He has had no contact from residents on Sunday package sales, and said the fourth and fifth questions could always be placed on a future ballot if requested.

The commission will also discuss its continued membership in the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority. Following word Melrose was seeking to exit the authority, Commissioner Seth Martin asked the commission to look into its place in the authority and what benefits exist for county residents who do not live in one of the authority communities. Since that meeting, Grady has also indicated its plans to leave the authority.

The county will look at introduction of an ordinance requiring a permit at least five working days prior for any film production. Exceptions are provided for family or personal use filming, news media activities, charitable films, still photography promotions involving less than 10 people and county-produced government access films.

Other items on the agenda for the 9 a.m. meeting at the Curry County Administration Complex include:

• A presentation on the Curry County Fair.

• A presentation on renovations and additions to the Curry County Adult Detention Center.

• An update on Curry County investments and an overall financial outlook.