Curry receives presentation on proposed magistrate court addition

CLOVIS — A new magistrate court building is in the works for Curry County and if all goes well, construction should begin adjacent to the county courthouse within the next year.

The Curry County Commission received a presentation on the proposed new magistrate court addition adjacent to the county courthouse and what the following steps will be for the project moving forward during its meeting Thursday morning.

The Administration Office of the Courts would partner with the county for the project and the New Mexico Finance Authority would provide funds to the county via a loan at a low-interest rate. The funds and borrowing costs would then be repaid over the next 20-25 years via a lease with the AOC.

The AOC's goal is to keep judicial services in the county in one general location for increased access, security and efficiency.

NCA Architects has been working to design the new courthouse, with a layout being presented during Thursday's meeting at an estimated 23,000 square feet. The presented layout was also roughly 5,000 square feet larger than the initial proposal with the addition of a waiting area and hearing room.

It was also stated that the new construction will have a minimal impact on the historic county courthouse building and shouldn't jeopardize projects the county currently has involving it.

Other highlights from the Thursday morning meeting include:

• The board received a presentation on the fairground's financial statement for October.

• The board approved a resolution requesting the Gov. r Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico State Legislature to repeal the state tax on social security benefits for New Mexico seniors.

• The Board of Finance gave an update on the county's investments and financial outlook. A resolution to adopt a revised investment policy for the county was postponed for a later meeting.

• The board approved an operating and management agreement for the Melrose Health Clinic from now through December 31, 2020.

• The commission approved a Water Project Fund loan/grant agreement for $2,868,106, which included a for $286,811 and grant for $2,581,295 to help finance the Finished Water Three pipeline construction project.

While the county is withdrawing from the Water Authority, it retains a seat on the board for the time being.

• The meeting ended with an executive session pertaining to the purchase, acquisition or disposal of real property. The commission took action after the meeting and authorized County Manager Lance Pyle to proceed with the purchase of property at 119 W. Seventh St.

The Curry County Commission is scheduled to meet again on Dec. 30.