[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6577713,"mediaKeyId","3104817-c7e75908eee13ce543e97d32681f0853","parentId",3104817,"title","External audit: Sandoval County receives unmodified opinion for FY24; no current-year findings","audioSeconds",352,"startMs",2016000,"endMs",2368000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3104817-c7e75908eee13ce543e97d32681f0853&start=2016&end=2368","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3104817-c7e75908eee13ce543e97d32681f0853/thumbnail_2016000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6577713/Sandoval-County/New-Mexico/External-audit-Sandoval-County-receives-unmodified-opinion-for-FY24-no-current-year-findings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577713-42b066da5eff0dd01d8be1d12bb04952/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174488&Signature=RlxAWgCnrT0DW5LD4EEV41o66b068L-UZrATSI5VokqvP6AwRO3wHwaXrhrUSa4rg4WDeAuFv-MhMmxQthHiFRBUi1~oeJbSKW2ZdTc5BZheSiEUBOiLfZKnVca3AyQ~Zktc7Jb1XEdHVEu8XhNNywultwgWQ4RMX23ni6PifYM3l3A8-i~EL4~4HPQRPt9uCAZHlq3umdsSo56T3aip8g5XhLZYJabAomR1oSnc1WTo6L1gJ5qlUErypg6XqEYMptMPZvEz1B60FBx~e4yxbIHn5twiBYpgF1JK1FAyd7n~7wzrqQPpAQBxgbapElkIECQqWNgsHvFDk2B1p-18Jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sandoval County","date","2025-04-23T00:00:00Z","article","Sandoval County’s fiscal year 2024 audit was presented to the Board of County Commissioners and auditors reported an unmodified opinion for both the financial statements and the federal single-audit, with no findings required under New Mexico’s expanded state audit rule.

Why it matters: An unmodified opinion signals the auditors found the county’s financial statements materially correct under auditing standards. The absence of current‑year findings reduces near‑term compliance risk for the county and means staff did not need to record audit adjustments.

Auditor’s summary: Chris Garner of the audit firm (identified in the meeting as Patio/Patton Brown and Hill) told the commission the audit was performed under U.S. auditing standards and New Mexico’s state audit rule (Yellow Book). Key points included:

- Opinion and single-audit: Auditors issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on the county’s financial statements and an unmodified opinion on the federal single-audit required for entities that expend more than $750,000 in federal funds.

- Internal controls and testing: Under the state auditor’s expanded testing requirements, the firm reported they found no exceptions and no current-year findings related to expanded state audit items (procurement, travel/per diem, federal reporting and the like).

- Adjustments and record quality: Auditors reported they did not need to propose any adjusting journal entries; they described county financial records as provided in good order and timely.

- PERA and long‑term liabilities: The auditor discussed the larger statewide public‑employee retirement (PERA) unfunded liability and noted it appears as a long‑term liability in government financial statements; the auditor referenced the statewide shortfall (reported in the meeting as $6 billion) and said that liability is not directly controllable by the county but must be disclosed in the statements.

Timing and next audit steps: The auditor explained the county submitted required materials and that the state auditors’ review timing can affect public release; the firm said the county must submit annual reports by the state deadline (December 1) to avoid a late-filing finding.

Commissioner reaction: Commissioners asked clarifying questions about audit timing and the PERA liability; the auditor confirmed the $6 billion figure for statewide PERA underfunding and said the county’s audit process was smooth despite being a first-year audit for some staff processes.

Quote: \"We issued an unmodified opinion — a clean opinion — and we did not have any findings this year,\" Chris Garner told the board.

What the transcript records: The presentation was informational; no board action was required on the audit report beyond acceptance of the report as presented.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sandoval County - County Commission - Apr 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The county’s FY2024 financial audit received an unmodified (clean) opinion, auditors reported no current‑year findings and said federal single-audit testing produced no exceptions; auditors noted the statewide PERA unfunded liability but said that is outside the county’s control.","taxTitle","Sandoval County, New Mexico","taxId",2697,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577718,"Developer presents North Path transmission plan to Sandoval County; highlights HVDC technology, voluntary easements and economic promises",419,915000,1334000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3104817-c7e75908eee13ce543e97d32681f0853&start=915&end=1334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3104817-c7e75908eee13ce543e97d32681f0853/thumbnail_915000.jpg","/articles/6577718/Sandoval-County/New-Mexico/Developer-presents-North-Path-transmission-plan-to-Sandoval-County-highlights-HVDC-technology-voluntary-easements-and-economic-promises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577718-c056e5d7f7beeb69ab24c1dff5b022bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174488&Signature=W7ScJ~BSKSog4vmkrF6dzCw9PfwW53hMeybNmTV5bHDufT~wiTaAU6C4ccQivO-fKhkJb4N2YPYw6aeneeH6AnEFXOPqA9mgLq2zzhKT34l9jbn2bskui2rahJCUnQtUUE6ggDKTUv4kabTL5~Mukrs41BfOleIybiVfEf4VwHdOdagBRVdsEWCecaqfgHi0Fhj8NEO3v9gnV78KdsHSHBzeDmXGSa-TsordvUifDXyKwgGv3AQ0Z~I-7S7CaUBy6LzihpCh0V4gP1rmEeSqUrBPyWp3r99ZCv8WkFPWBqxQ1TxGKwtDstizRQCnbMQHr3FTHT2gyz0jZAzeKGkHkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Invenergy introduced the North Path transmission project to the Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners, describing a high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line intended to move electricity from Union County to the Four Corners region and to support new generation and load growth in northern New Mexico.

Why it matters: The developer said North Path would expand transmission capacity, relieve congestion, enable renewable-resource development in rural areas, and support expected load growth from data centers and manufacturers. The project, as described to the commission, would traverse hundreds of miles and require easements from private landowners and agreements with tribal governments and state land managers.

What the developer said: Jamie Aranda, described in the presentation as director of local and community affairs for Invenergy, said the project is still in early development and has been the subject of feasibility and routing studies since 2021. Key points presented to the commission included:

- Technology and route: North Path would use HVDC technology, which the presenter said requires a narrower right‑of‑way (approximately 200 feet) and fewer structures (typically three to four structures per mile, about 135 feet tall on average). Aranda said the line’s overall length is “about 400 miles.”

- Property rights and tribal engagement: Aranda said right‑of‑way acquisition is voluntary with landowners; the project team is conducting one‑on‑one negotiations with landowners and is “following the lead” of tribes and pueblos on tribal lands. State land leases would be sought when applicable.

- Timeline and investment: The project team described North Path as a long development program that can span 10–20 years from planning to construction. Aranda said Invenergy and partners have invested more than $200,000 in local and tribal initiatives along the route to date and characterized North Path as a multi‑billion‑dollar transmission investment.

- Economic and reliability claims: Company materials presented to the board claimed the project would provide economic benefits (landowner payments, labor income from operations and maintenance roles) and improve grid reliability and capacity.

Commissioner questions and responses: Commissioners asked about the project’s stage in the county briefing schedule, revenue and tax splits for local governments, right‑of‑way acquisition strategy, and tribal community outreach. Aranda said an economic impact study is in progress and that the team would return to present refined numbers; she confirmed there are no existing easements being repurposed and that the team is seeking voluntary easements and parallel routing where feasible.

What the transcript records: The presentation and Q&A constituted an informational briefing; no decision or formal action was taken by the commission. The developer agreed to follow up with more detailed economic numbers and to coordinate further outreach with county and tribal officials.

Next steps: Staff and the developer indicated they will continue local outreach; the developer offered to brief county affiliates and the New Mexico Counties affiliate group if requested.

Quote: \"North Path is focused on finalizing the route through meaningful collaboration with landowners, tribes and other right‑of‑way partners,\" Jamie Aranda said during the presentation.","An Invenergy representative briefed the Sandoval County commission on the proposed North Path transmission project, describing a roughly 400‑mile high-voltage direct current line, voluntary landowner easements, early investments in tribal and local initiatives and a long multi‑phase timeline.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577723,"Sandoval County commissioners approve contracts, appointments and AFSCME agreement; authorize $700,000 dispatch phone purchase",102,3467000,3569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3104817-c7e75908eee13ce543e97d32681f0853&start=3467&end=3569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3104817-c7e75908eee13ce543e97d32681f0853/thumbnail_3467000.jpg","/articles/6577723/Sandoval-County/New-Mexico/Sandoval-County-commissioners-approve-contracts-appointments-and-AFSCME-agreement-authorize-700000-dispatch-phone-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577723-a286bc24aa153b612be5825b9d5c15f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174488&Signature=XOliVQodPeYmekADuuCH0W17z99iieNSkEBBU1enZRqouQvSbHkh0ibEem~zVsMlyz9pNB2qSxoiIH174g~ZhHqT-hogJNMR87ijLQ3i67-LD8P~DR8j2nEMiX0EcAlFr83GiGKU~QO5Du8H5yeYV8~sJH5p~Ab4k93SvSJtIStjrc6OQTiVd7JJfzUMDV16PFpUtxntjfv5449wBReOGM~ERUwDB9p3dqdesWinpt3a1yfPHHJgvVmbTMctglag-7Rwhm5WIqZGmyvHhf-UCvfhk2k1sk9vzqL1-zJi~81wHhUP-5WpRh-9eFcmeu2AMWKLAqHOcRrZhMW6RbJvTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners approved a package of appointments, contract awards and county business at its April meeting, including reappointments to the planning commission, a negotiated collective bargaining agreement and a $700,000 purchase of phone lines and equipment for the county’s new dispatch center.

Why it matters: The actions authorize work the county says it needs to finish capital projects and to staff and operate the new joint Public Safety Emergency Communications Center. The phone-equipment purchase is sizable and the county manager reported the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) will reimburse the expense.

The board took the following formal actions (roll-call recorded by the deputy clerk; all motions passed):

- Appointments and reappointments: The board approved Commissioner Joshua Jones’s appointment of Amina Everett to the county ethics board (appointment); reappointed Sue Harrelson, Mr. Trujillo, Mr. Conrad and Mr. Brown to the Sandoval County Planning and Zoning/Planning Commissions (reappointments). The motions carried with all commissioners present voting yes, as recorded on the meeting record.

- Surplus resolution: The board approved Resolution No. 4-23-25.11 declaring listed vehicles and equipment surplus and authorizing staff to dispose of them (resolution adopted unanimously).

- Contract awards for landfill work: The board authorized award of a contract to Park Hill for landfill engineering services and separately awarded a contract to Sutter Miller & Associates for a landfill operation evaluation and plan. Both awards were contingent on successful negotiation by the county manager and authorized the manager to approve subsequent amendments (contract_award; both approved).

- Collective bargaining agreement: The board approved a negotiated collective bargaining agreement between Sandoval County and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The motion passed by roll call (contract_award / labor agreement approved).

- Purchase for dispatch center: The board authorized purchase of phone lines, phone systems and associated equipment for the new dispatch center and delegated signature authority to the county manager; the manager said DFA confirmed it will reimburse the approximately $700,000 cost, and staff were authorized to issue a purchase order to proceed (purchase; approved).

- Consent agenda and other routine items: The board approved the consent agenda and a series of reappointments and routine items by recorded vote.

What commissioners said: County staff told the board the two landfill-related awards are conditioned on negotiated agreements and that the phone purchase is large but DFA has agreed to cover the cost; the county manager and deputies answered commissioners’ questions about timing and delivery. Commissioner Joshua Jones and others made the appointments and moved the related motions; the deputy clerk recorded the unanimous yes votes.

Next steps: Staff will finalize negotiated contracts, process required memoranda of understanding with library and other recipients where noted, and proceed with procurement and purchase orders under the delegated signature authority.

Votes at a glance (selected items): appointment of A. Everett (approved); reappointments to Planning & Zoning (Harrelson, Trujillo, Conrad, Brown) (approved); Resolution 4-23-25.11 (surplus) (approved); Park Hill — landfill engineering (award, contingent) (approved); Sutter Miller & Associates — landfill operations evaluation (award, contingent) (approved); AFSCME collective bargaining agreement (approved); Dispatch center phone systems and equipment, ~$700,000 (approved; DFA to reimburse).","The Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners approved multiple reappointments and appointments, awarded two landfill-related contracts, ratified a negotiated collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME and authorized purchase of phone lines and equipment for a new dispatch center that DFA has agreed to fund.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

External audit: Sandoval County receives unmodified opinion for FY24; no current-year findings

Developer presents North Path transmission plan to Sandoval County; highlights HVDC technology, voluntary easements and economic promises

Sandoval County commissioners approve contracts, appointments and AFSCME agreement; authorize $700,000 dispatch phone purchase