Curry hires new attorney

CLOVIS - Dan Macke has made his legal career in Albuquerque, but he considers himself quite familiar with Curry County after more than 20 years of representing its various departments in court cases.

He'll now be even more familiar with the county, as he was hired by commissioners Tuesday to be the new county attorney. He took over that day for Steve Doerr, who stepped down from the role.

"I realize it's apparent I have big and local shoes to fill," Macke said of Doerr, whom he has known for years. "I appreciate the county considering me even though I am not local."

The one-year contract calls for $145 per hour for legal services, $55 an hour for paralegal services and $72.50 per hour plus mileage for any matter 35 miles or more from his office. The contract includes three one-year renewal options.

Commission Vice Chair Seth Martin asked Doerr if he saw any issues with the contract. Doerr said, "of course I'm somewhat biased," because the contract would mean his exit from the position. However, he said he found no issues with the process or the contract.

Commissioner Robert Sandoval thanked Doerr for his advice, help and friendship while Commissioner Chet Spear praised Doerr's years of work.

"We appreciated working with you," Spear said. "Wherever you go from here, we wish you the best."

County Manager Lance Pyle told The News the county will prefer Macke attend commission meetings in person, but will allow virtual or phone participation in some instances such as inclement weather or meetings where legal counsel isn't anticipated.

• Road Superintendent Walon Jones said the county had reopened Curry Road 22 but was still installing culverts, and that he anticipated a January bid for the 700 and 800 blocks of Curry Road K. He noted crews are still dealing with a few tumbleweed matters after high winds struck at various points last week.

When Jones mentioned work on tumbleweed removal, Spear asked why county employees weren't helping on private properties as he had seen with tornadoes in Kentucky. Doerr said natural disasters like that and the 2007 Clovis tornado are usually limited to specific areas, and the county has to consider all residents if taking on such endeavors. Jones said, "Our main concern is roadways, getting them to and from their houses." Spear said he knew the answer beforehand, but asked so the answer would be on a public record.

• Detention Center Administrator Mark Gallegos, who recently returned from a military reserve deployment, said the facility is shorthanded on staff but hired eight people in the last four weeks. "I think we're turning the corner on this," said Gallegos, who noted that he and other supervisors are taking on posts while the detention officer shortage remains. The center has administered 3,280 COVID-19 tests and 208 vaccine doses for detainees, all on a voluntary basis.

• Commissioners tabled requests to purchase new pumps and portable coolers for the events center and fairgrounds to allow Manager K.C. Messick to do research on other pricing options.

• The commission allowed Facilities Maintenance Superintendent Ben Roberts to finalize construction documents and issue bid invitations for the county-owned parking lot on Seventh and Mitchell. Roberts said there would be alternate bid packages for colored concrete and artificial turf to add color to the lot. Commissioners had concerns about the number of trees in the plan, given their maintenance and water requirements. Roberts said a compromise could be created with some trees to block wind and xeriscaping elsewhere on the lot.

• The commission extended a $100 per pay period hazard stipend through the rest of the fiscal year for detention center officers. The stipend is for the responsibilities and risks the employees take with the pandemic that other departments don't face.

• Commissioners met in executive session for about two hours and took no action after returning to open session.

• The next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 11.