Changes and new equipment coming to county fairgrounds

Curry County commissioners spent about an hour of their bi-monthly meeting time Tuesday going over a wish list of items for the county fairgrounds.

The list, presented by Fairgrounds and Events Center general manager K.C. Messick, had tractors that ranged in price from about $31,000 to $60,000, huge fans 24 feet in diameter for the ceiling of the events center and Kevin Roberts Arena, along with other equipment.

At the end of the discussion commissioners approved the purchase of a new Yanmar tractor for $31,535, a scissor lift, the replacement of two swamp coolers, drape and pipe for event center functions and livestock panels and gates.

Commissioners tabled requests for the huge arena fans, a landscaping shredder, lighting improvements and central heat and air conditioning.

In other business commissioners voted to authorize the submission of an application to the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division for a $99,998 grant that will fund the moving of the Ag Barn at the county fairgrounds then playground equipment will be installed at that location.

If the grant is approved the county will contribute $49,999 to the project for a total cost of $149,997.

Curry County Adult Detention Center administrator Mark Gallegos gave his report to the commissioners, talking about the center is “beginning to gain ground” with proper housing for inmates with mental health issues.

Gallegos said recruitment for the center was going well, his staff had increased by 11 people. He said he was hoping to have a total of 15 new hires by next week.

He said the advertising wrap for recruitment on one of the county vehicles is a good recruiting tool.

Gallegos told commissioners starting in mid-November those who are incarcerated at the center will be able to work on their GED if they need one.

Commissioner Bobby Sandoval praised Gallegos’ progress at the jail when he said, “Keep up the good work.”