Intergovernmental agreements still unsigned

FORT SUMNER — Among potential adjustments to De Baca County's 2021-22 budget discussed at a special meeting May 14 are intergovernmental agreements with the village of Fort Sumner for solid waste collection, law enforcement and communications.

While the county agreed to provide communications for the village at a rate of $91,000 for the third consecutive year, the agreements for solid waste and law enforcement remain incomplete.

The county is requesting a 5-percent increase in fees for solid waste collection and transportation and a hike of almost 17 percent in funding for two of the county's four deputies.

The increase in trash collection fees would rise from $18,800 per month to $20,300. Increased costs for dumping fees at the Clovis landfill, climbing fuel prices and higher labor costs are among the justifications provided for the increase.

Sheriff Chad Roybal said his department's more aggressive approach has led to the filing of 41 felony cases in 2021 alone. This has led to overtime and increased costs for fuel, tires, etc., he said.

Roybal said the village has been providing $139,000 each year, but the cost of employing two deputies is about $161,000 per year.