Land office seeks settlement with Roosevelt

Officials with the New Mexico Land Office showed up at Tuesday’s Roosevelt County Commission meeting seeking what was described as a “long overdue” solution to some county roads traversing state-owned land without compensation to the state.

State officials allege the county owes it more than $693,000, but would accept $40,223 under its amnesty program.

James Bordegaray, director of the Land Office’s Commerce Resources Division, said of particular interest is the use of the road to the Melrose Bombing Range, a few select other roads and fencing along some roads crossing state-owned land.

“We want to resolve this,” Bordegaray said.

Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell asked why the county did not have easements for crossing the lands.

“Nobody applied for them,” Bordegaray said.

“So the state land office is requiring us to apply for right of way?” Criswell asked.

“Our focus is to get fair market value for our roads,” Bordegaray said.

The state land office usually charges $20 to $30 “per rod,” Bordegaray said. A rod, a standard unit of measurement, is 16 1/2 feet.

Roosevelt County owes for 34,675 rods, the state alleges -- $693,500 to $1.04 million. Under the amnesty program, the state is asking for $1.16 per rod, or $40,223 – a 95% discount.

Bordegaray told The News the situation of counties owing money for roads traversing state lands is not unique to Roosevelt County.

Bordegaray said the payment is a one-time fee.

Commissioners took no action on Tuesday. Bordegaray said another discussion on the matter is tentatively scheduled for October.

Ray Mondragon, who introduced the issue to county commissioners as a representative of the Eastern Plains Council of Governments, said the topic emerged during a recent meeting of the New Mexico Military Base Planning and Support office.

In other business:

n Commissioners heard from Roosevelt County Clerk Mandi Park who reported test voting for the Nov. 5 election begins Sept. 21.

Park reported early voting begins Oct. 8.

n Roosevelt County Detention Center Administrator Shayla Ramsey gave her report, noting on Tuesday the center’s population of detainees was 51.

Ramsey noted detainee participation in classes on anger management, parenting and money management.

Ramsey told commissioners she is working on acquisition of portable buildings from Dexter Schools in Chaves County.

“They are offering to donate the portables. All they ask is that we unhook the electrical and plumbing and move them,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey told commissioners of detainee participation in the art contest at the Roosevelt County Fair where detainees received “good feedback.”

Ramsey also informed commissioners of receiving a $393,750 grant for the detention center.

Commission Chair Tina Dixon praised Ramsey “for her hard work.

“I think you’re doing a great job,” Dixon said.

n Criswell asked that Sheriff Javier Sanchez participate in the part of commission meetings where department heads give their monthly reports.

n Park confirmed to commissioners that the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office will be paying the $28,000 to cover the cost of the Nov. 5 General Election.

n Ramsey reported to commissioners on approval of a contract between Roosevelt and San Juan counties to house juvenile detainees.