Budget Adjustments Spark Controversy in County Commission Meeting

During a recent government meeting, commissioners discussed critical adjustments to the agenda, particularly concerning budget resolutions and financial reports. Commissioner Kerna proposed amendments to item seven, suggesting that the budget adjustment for fairness funds should be labeled as resolution number 28. He emphasized the necessity of approving the bars before finalizing the budget.

The discussion revealed that a resolution for the fourth quarter financial report, due by June 30, 2024, was missing from the agenda. The county attorney clarified that while the agenda could not be amended during the meeting, the commission could ratify any procedural errors in the next meeting, citing relevant New Mexico case law that allows for such corrections.

As the conversation progressed, the commissioners agreed on the need to reorder the resolutions for clarity. The final resolutions were established as follows: resolution 28 for budget adjustments, resolution 29 for the final fourth quarter financial report, and resolution 30 for final budget adoption. This restructuring aims to ensure that budget adjustments are approved prior to the final report, although the county attorney noted that the two processes are legally independent.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the amended agenda, which was unanimously accepted by the commissioners. The next meeting is scheduled for August 13, where the commission will address the ratification of the procedural errors discussed.