Curry makes ballots official

CLOVIS — The Curry County Commission made its ballots from the Nov. 5 general election official, and handled a few other business matters in a short meeting Tuesday morning.

County Clerk Annie Hogland said the general election marked the first time combining school boards, community college boards and conservation districts. She said 57 different ballot combinations were available to county residents, depending on where they lived in the county.

The county is submitting a reimbursement request to the secretary of state’s office for about $13,000 to cover the election costs.

There were 2,585 ballots cast in the election — 2,060 on Election Day, 496 early in-person and 29 absentee. The state also allowed same-day voter registration, and Hogland said five people used the services — two new registrations and three updates of registration information.

Hogland commended the poll workers, noting they have to work hard whether 30 or 30,000 voters show up.

In other business at the Tuesday meeting:

• Commissioners received an update on HVAC renovations and upgrades at the Curry County Courthouse. Project Manager Jeremy Smith said there were some wiring problems in the system, and a local crew will spend Monday through Thursday looking into the matter.

Commissioner Bobby Sandoval asked Smith if the situation was more akin to a dripping faucet or a flooded jail. Smith said it was much closer to the former.

Commissioner Chet Spear, who attended the meeting via telephone, said it was disappointing the project was taking so long, as it was originally slated for June completion.

• The board approved spray foam insulation for the Melrose Road Barn at a cost of $5,050.06.

• In their commissioner reports, Seth Martin noted the importance of supporting local teams in upcoming state playoff games. He noted Melrose and Texico were both competing this weekend in football and volleyball, and Clovis had a home football quarterfinal.

In comments echoed by other commissioners, Martin noted the teams were “ambassadors for our county” and needed area support.

• The next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 19. County Manager Lance Pyle said items for the agenda would include a report from new PRMC Administrator Drew Dostal and a management agreement for the Curry County Events Center. Commissioner Robert Thornton said the county needs to look at overall costs of the events center and how to maximize its potential for hosting events.