Events Center to be named for Citizens Bank

Curry County commissioners on Tuesday tentatively approved naming the county's Events Center after a long-established Clovis bank.

The Citizens Bank of Clovis Curry County Events Center will be the facility's new name following completion of negotiations by center General Manager K. C. Messick, bank President Kent Carruthers and bank management staff member Richard Hadley.

Terms of the agreement were not released. Messick said he would not reveal the amount Citizens Bank will pay for naming rights until a contract has been signed.

They are in "final negotiations," Messick said.

Messick noted the attempt at obtaining a business that would accept a contract for the naming has taken about 15 years.

Commissioner Brad Bender said, "I'm honored to have Citizens Bank's name on this (the Events Center)."

Messick also received approval from commissioners to seek a sponsor for the county's Livestock Pavilion.

Messick said he is in negotiations with the business My Metal regarding that sponsorship.

There was also discussion of changing the name from Livestock Pavilion to "Livestock Expo Center."

It is believed having two places labeled pavilions at the fairgrounds creates confusion.

In other business:

• Commissioners heard a presentation on the county's desired Sports and Recreation Complex proposed for Hillcrest Park in Clovis city limits.

Ted Grumblatt and two of his associates from FBT Architects from Albuquerque presented the complex's master plan to commissioners.

Grumblatt revealed the cost of the center with a pool, basketball courts and related offices and such as approximately $60 million in three phases over three years.

"I don't know how we could pull this together. At one time we were talking about $30 million," Bender said.

"This thing has escalated, where it goes from here is questionable," Commissioner Seth Martin said.

Martin commended FBT on the work of the master plan.

Commissioners approved the master plan but took no further action.

• Kevin Ortiz, representative of Oak View Group 360, which manages the Events Center, appeared before commissioners to discuss concerts at the Events Center.

Commissioners have expressed concern about concerts losing money.

"I'm withdrawing my support of any concert for any amount," Martin said.

"I don't think right now is the time to be doing any of these things," Commission Chair Robert Thornton said.

"It baffles me how (Eastern New Mexico University) has successful concerts and they are having success," Bender said.

"Don't close your eyes but don't aggressively pursue it," Thornton said, wrapping up the discussion.

• Commissioners approved plans for secure parking at the county courthouse. The plans will now go out for bid.

• Commissioners voted to raise the salaries of some county elected officials and their deputies.

Effective Jan. 1, the salary for assessor, clerk and treasurer will be $72,281; sheriff will be $92,720.

Commissioners also set chief deputies and undersheriff salaries at "95% of elected officials' salaries, not to exceed that of the elected official."

• Joe Alaniz, Curry County Adult Detention Center administrator, reported to commissioners on November activity at the center.

Alaniz noted the popularity of online courses at the center, saying the two most popular are "Anger Management" and "Job Seeking with a Criminal Record."

Alaniz also reported on 16 detention officer vacancies, two openings for sergeant and other openings including for lieutenant and captain.

Tuesday's regular meeting was the last for Thornton, who served on the commission for the past six years.