One issue voters will decide on the November 5 ballot is whether to approve the sale of bonds for up to $19,305,000 for libraries. Approval would cost property owners a few dollars in additional property taxes and bring an anticipated $75,000 to Sierra county libraries.
The Sierra County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to create an Arroyo Flood District. A petition was presented to the District Court and a hearing scheduled so that the question of forming the flood district and names of candidates for the board can be on the ballot in November.
The county approved a contract to provide services that will help meet the Firewise Communities Program in Sierra County. The cost, $35,000, is for hazardous fuel reduction, public outreach, and other planning projects. Work will begin in Poverty Creek followed by fuel reduction in Kingston.
Activity at the county chambers included accepting funds from El Rio Sol to allow transmission lines across the county as well as permission for the company to utilize county roads during planning, construction and maintenance of the lines. The flood commissioner discussed the department's financial audit and permit problems.
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The commission passed two ordinances. County manager Vaughn provided a midyear budget report. The county approved a $100,000 grant to assist with housing transition and approved purchase of an armored vehicle for the sheriff. There was no report from the Flood Commission.
In addition to regular business the commission is scheduled to discuss and vote on two ordinances. The first is “Codifying the New Mexico Enabling Act” and the second is “Indigent Healthcare”. The Flood Commission will present its annual report.
The Sierra County Commission has published an ordinance “to void” any “Law, Mandate or Order issued by the Government of the State of New Mexico” that the commission determines is “contrary to the Constitution of the United States”. That proposed ordinance will be the subject of an upcoming public meeting.
Four capital improvement projects, financed by $820,000 in legislative funds, were approved. The commission agreed the county would act as fiscal agent if county museums are successful in convincing the legislature to approve a specialty auto license plate. The canvassing board accepted the Nov 7 elections results.
Local residents are invited to learn and participate in adobe construction techniques at the Lake Valley ghost town.
What is behind the reel of cable left on the roadside and rumors that a property owner was prohibiting access to string the cable on power poles?
A public meeting will be held August 2, 2023, at 6 PM, at the Albert Lyon Event Center, 2953 S Broadway St, Truth or Consequences. The purpose is to share public priorities and suggestions with the Sierra County Flood Commissioner pertaining to possible 2023/24 project proposals.
