[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6241427,"mediaKeyId","3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598","parentId",3255941,"title","Commissioners ask county manager and attorney to explore responses to HMS staffing and turnover concerns","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4942000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598&start=4942&end=4942","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598/thumbnail_4942000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6241427/Grant-County/New-Mexico/Commissioners-ask-county-manager-and-attorney-to-explore-responses-to-HMS-staffing-and-turnover-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241427-663208a5e34a2f8403c73078df93e775/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154122&Signature=OAGZmg2SOr31vTdpIddUiMVXvmplmyj9kbPLKDp2dgpL~CsLyPQcsZ1bc1HfTBd8BoF3g~UJrYRyU06yxJPOG8lqcFt~IDyeCUTYQ-n45gxGILn70PIyY3nR9fPJ0JPZbn3N2LEOYYNh6AZDHL7tO6WGMov8tyEnaocfdB3SC5qyO3uk3eWkc-WM8gczR5xFaVGrPumsLBOThduhA9WkO4-pydWJ1FRoMWOQ0-2Y4Nyeq7U~6ZGVcQ8Dd9-6g4GBVUAabCvGUM51SOTaJPsaX-2Wp3Prade~diDLTJma2zifPDTVnm~WoJYKRLTmpvuQ7izHWQE8-TqnNEXWr4JbHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Grant County, NM","date","2025-05-09T23:35:48Z","article","Grant County commissioners asked county staff at the May meeting to explore possible responses to staffing and turnover concerns at HMS, a county health-care provider discussed during public comments and commissioner reports earlier in the week.

Commissioner Stevens said public comments during the prior meeting raised questions about high staff turnover at HMS, including the recent departures of the hospital’s chief medical officer and chief mental-health officer. \"I would like to ask our county attorney and manager to work on some possible actions that we could take at the next meeting and add that to an agenda,\" Stevens said.

Chairman Ponce and other commissioners expressed support for investigating options. County Manager Montoya and County Attorney Benjamin were directed to examine potential steps the county could take, including reviewing contract terms between the county and HMS and preparing options or a suggested next step for presentation at a future meeting.

Commissioners framed the request as a way to help protect continuity of care for the community rather than an immediate punitive action. No formal motion or resolution was recorded; the board’s direction was recorded as a request for staff analysis and a possible agenda item at the next scheduled meeting.

County staff did not provide a timeline for the staff report during the meeting, but commissioners discussed aiming to place the item on an upcoming agenda for further discussion and possible action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GCC 2025-05-08 Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After public comments and commissioner remarks about turnover at HMS, the board asked the county manager and county attorney to develop possible actions the county could take and to add the item to a future agenda for consideration.","taxTitle","Grant County, New Mexico","taxId",67089,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6241432,"Commissioners review preliminary FY2026 budget; road fund and employee benefits highlighted",510,3210000,3720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598&start=3210&end=3720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598/thumbnail_3210000.jpg","/articles/6241432/Grant-County/New-Mexico/Commissioners-review-preliminary-FY2026-budget-road-fund-and-employee-benefits-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241432-cc81e3a9a8228fe1c8ee78552e768862/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154122&Signature=nNGudohS5j~1ve1AfEz6TdAJWsGNi6tpq-ZLLOaWbwKEwfVLiD-jvcqMMKLW~6m6CThnzHPpHYhT8MrGbJd1h~jqALg30~NEQ2nCiHh543IAOOxFCiJywT9STVvp55HmB7qgLl1qbrz2ecxiPoL5x5AdrzToOqYopaT1LceQ6-2v~YZcBwQf1u2XA1RyGJzTpiwf4wMg~VOZg0-ocEjC5NZ-ow25mFk8D7tGlsheoB1T5BbRwTF2zGOtk08-4Nh~Ku3ihlimXkVA8sA2Np73~Wu5YRobLtV4iK7hc32tEm6Oe~LlNlloEChmJydafUDXmHs4R8lQSNC-DcCqsWI0sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grant County staff presented early FY2026 budget work to the Board of County Commissioners and commissioners discussed road funding, capital projects and employee compensation at the May meeting.

Finance staff said the preliminary figures remain in development in ClearGov and reflect updated cash balances, estimated gross receipts tax (GRT) revenues that are running higher than previous years, and multiple capital projects still being finalized. Staff asked commissioners for feedback before the formal adoption vote planned for a later meeting.

Commissioners focused on the county road budget, which staff displayed as roughly $2.8 million for the fiscal year. County staff clarified that the road fund total includes salaries and benefits for road employees, daily operations, fuel and routine road projects; large pavement-preservation projects (such as chip seal) come from a distinct local government road fund that may leverage state matching (typically 75/25). One capital project named in discussion was pavement preservation for Levins Lake Road.

County staff said the road fund is higher than in past years and noted the county will likely need to continue investing more local dollars to keep up with roadway deterioration. They emphasized that routine constituents’ requests for multi-million-dollar upgrades must be balanced against available fund capacity.

On personnel costs, staff and commissioners discussed bringing several employees who have fallen below the compensation plan up to the minimum and then applying a percentage increase across the board. Finance staff estimated the county’s employer portion of benefits at about $4 million and warned that insurance premiums had risen about 10% and were expected to rise again, which effectively increases total compensation costs.

Commissioners asked for additional detail on flat-budget lines and capital-project lists; staff said they would share paper packets and more-complete ClearGov extracts after the meeting and before the next budget discussion. No budget adoption occurred at the meeting; staff will return with more-complete figures and proposals for salary adjustments and capital priorities.","County staff briefed commissioners on early FY2026 budget estimates; discussion focused on the county road fund, capital projects, and employee compensation and benefits including a projected $4 million for employee benefits and expected insurance premium increases.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6241437,"Gila Regional Medical Center reports higher ER use, financial surplus and capital projects amid staffing hires",630,1990000,2620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598&start=1990&end=2620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598/thumbnail_1990000.jpg","/articles/6241437/Grant-County/New-Mexico/Gila-Regional-Medical-Center-reports-higher-ER-use-financial-surplus-and-capital-projects-amid-staffing-hires","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241437-eebe48e654d27db785d1f4a3c4efceda/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154122&Signature=V6KZwWVshOmTFmRP7pnGaNuMp69wDjfwmrk8DapVImDKm6DQk0M1MPU~JXB4gDayuOUP0Q5sqKZLisrq9LQHLm0Ucwm7tXuShxt6lODcy8791RBamaTchKQkWZb16Oz-OBBAMHKfGuShCP~GL3HJm0k4aJcL-86W8IcLh35O4zWFV8E1atJvC-Kyeke6CRhkbcWw4ZoeSkK0OUVUZjTsbzHovr8c8~luz8LzUkTJWG1A2cDf0Conyz5lAN27Ac3Dg9fZjZ3peyqEugeoBeYIu43OtCueQDtCpcYRTk5gGyVF~PEl9caxhcHMQRzCeCSpJ4CzJyxmy47TJ1pngubeVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) representatives briefed the Grant County Board of County Commissioners on hospital operations, financial performance and capital projects at the May meeting.

GRMC CEO Mister Whitaker reported increased use of the emergency department and higher admissions in March compared with the previous year. He said ER visits were about 80 higher in March and roughly 500 higher year to date; admissions were about 15 higher for the month and 30 higher year to date. Surgeries were down about 10 for the month and 90 year to date.

The hospital reported operating revenue growth: about $900,000 more operating revenue in March and approximately $6.6 million higher year to date. GRMC reported a $550,000 operating surplus for March and roughly $3.2 million year to date, figures Whitaker said exclude one-time or special payments such as Medicaid-related provider assessment funds (HDAA) and a bridge payment from SB 161, which Whitaker said had been about $5.7 million.

Whitaker outlined staffing and service additions that contributed to higher revenue, including recent hires: a general surgeon, family medicine physicians, an interventional radiologist and an oncologist. He also described capital work in progress: an MRI project with construction and shielding bids higher than anticipated (one bid reached about $700,000), OR HVAC work underway, a planned redesign of the outpatient registration area, and replacement of the nurse-call system.

GRMC reported year-to-date capital spending of roughly $3.2 million and estimated total capital spending by fiscal-year end in the neighborhood of $4 million. Whitaker said the hospital is bringing on Ovation Healthcare as an advisory services partner beginning June 1, and that GRMC has held board training with the firm on fiduciary duties and oversight responsibilities.

Whitaker also invited commissioners to a UNM site visit and a hospital employee picnic on July 12, and noted the hospital’s community giving program that shares a portion of cafeteria sales with local nonprofits; GRMC planned to present a $2,500 check for the first quarter recipient.

Commissioners asked about cash balances and exclusions for longer-term investments; Whitaker replied that operating cash hovered near $1.25 million to $1.30 million when excluding CDs and investment-pool balances, and that total set-asides approached $12 million when those longer-term holdings are included.

No formal board action was taken on the hospital report; GRMC’s presentation was received for the record and commissioners thanked hospital leaders for the update.","Gila Regional Medical Center told Grant County commissioners it saw higher ER visits and admissions year-to-date, reported a surplus for March and year-to-date, and outlined capital projects and a new advisory services contract starting June 1.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6241442,"Grant County accepts FY2024 audit despite repeated federal and control findings; management responses noted",515,1274000,1789000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598&start=1274&end=1789","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598/thumbnail_1274000.jpg","/articles/6241442/Grant-County/New-Mexico/Grant-County-accepts-FY2024-audit-despite-repeated-federal-and-control-findings-management-responses-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241442-06b45ec483a9b57207c3c245610062da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154122&Signature=ibF~6~BETEPSFV3kFGTp3BXuCXngXkQBWA6Nd-aO3vJRy1W8KkxAzR3wuaPTndpV4sylraiiQ~1U8C86oCRw3tQlUrMWx8S265JeobQf2~nPA98~q9GpTT5Nbuw7QXbVl8HBlhhB0v6m5fJFQGF8TpSqJHrQ1C0cnTmqlqeQMyZfGgt7T-XL0ko3gsm1FJTbyAcS-3OxXFWYDlqapk-WyzRem5CwnizkExjY9GkyYAdcCsGXHd2x6ka0ya4WPWUA6qZjKFoqI6Vcm85uDfpeoYCvoy9zEzOFfQG3gpqccvu5ZWdAKuxoqQn4NE-zVyJjvZWStZ~lyEvFx3DzFCi4wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grant County commissioners voted to accept the county’s FY2024 audit at their May regular meeting after a public presentation by the auditing firm.

Auditor Mister Viner told the board the auditors issued an \"unmodified opinion\" on the county's financial statements — commonly described as a clean opinion — but noted a qualification on one major federal program’s compliance testing and a number of repeated findings carried forward from prior audits.

Viner said the audit covered the financial statements, major federal programs and state audit-rule compliance testing. He listed repeated and new findings including controls over cash balances, inaccuracies in scheduled expenditures of federal awards, controls over journal entries, capital asset accounting, inadequate policies under uniform guidance, suspension and debarment checks, and late submission of required audit reports.

Commissioner Shelley asked where the board should focus next. Viner and county management said each finding in the audit report includes a management response describing corrective actions and timelines. County Manager Montoya told commissioners the lateness of previous audits contributed to repeated findings because corrective actions could not be implemented before the later report was issued.

Montoya said many items listed as prior findings have already been resolved, and management expects to continue closing the remaining items. The audit had been submitted to the state auditor’s office on March 31.

The board voted to adopt Resolution R-25-31 accepting the FY2024 audit findings and responses. Commissioners discussed plans for follow-up briefings and said staff would circulate management responses and corrective-action timelines for review.

The auditors also flagged an upcoming accounting standard change related to compensated absences (GASB guidance) that will change how the county measures certain liabilities. Viner said implementation of the new guidance could increase reported liabilities related to vacation and sick-leave accruals but would not change prior-period audit opinions.

No budgetary action was adopted at the meeting in direct response to the audit acceptance; commissioners directed staff to provide copies of the detailed findings and management responses and to meet with commissioners to explain priorities for correction.","The board accepted the fiscal year 2024 audit, which included an unmodified financial-statement opinion but listed repeated findings and a qualification on one federal program; county staff said many findings are already resolved and provided management responses and corrective plans.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6241448,"Grant County declares extreme drought and keeps fireworks restrictions but notes statutory exemptions",238,86000,324000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598&start=86&end=324","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255941-2b9d7b6b2f891993555c87bc1f978598/thumbnail_86000.jpg","/articles/6241448/Grant-County/New-Mexico/Grant-County-declares-extreme-drought-and-keeps-fireworks-restrictions-but-notes-statutory-exemptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241448-23f3b38a3e20113eabab020b8379d399/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154122&Signature=DEYk8QkAvwLR3lJiSndziLDeETBnYnLNIvajYPzZ1ihG48vbb507zlNqYt~6RPrUtviMrEr4f1hCekkeJg6cAmBcThQKiMwgF3ipNKEE-ask1KABWrpqnpgdH1r679iUet-tcQ9aSIe958ss~Jo-FlEAu2euIG027xc7u8daLiJNzJim5AskzrZoKEgFakzXbAX1oIis8s0yU9UrqxQj9hjJxGdFHBgBe0mo4wR-yA1Yx0QQmTkkmD~n5PYLXASj-VbiSuBB1AkMemv76-5iL~c4lvrMjRXy7Q02A3R1iR5nrwBxZniqnR8iGDEKQolFbw2e8vj-6Ay5RRTKaoo0dQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grant County commissioners on Wednesday declared extreme and severe drought conditions across most of the county and voted to continue restrictions on the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas.

The declaration, presented as a proclamation at the board's May regular meeting, followed a public hearing and a staff recommendation that commissioners keep existing fireworks limits while the region remains under drought conditions.

County Attorney Benjamin told commissioners that state law includes a list of exemptions and carve-outs the county cannot prohibit. \"The statute has a list of exemptions ... any counties and municipalities do not have authority to prohibit or ban those,\" he said, adding that the county's proclamation language mirrors that statute.

Commissioner Flores asked why the proclamation's Section 3 appears to allow some uses after Section 2 bans fireworks. Benjamin and county staff responded that the language reflects the state statute and the exemptions it contains. \"We do have to comply with what statute allows, and so that language is consistent with state statute,\" the county attorney said.

A motion to approve the proclamation was made by Commissioner Medina and seconded; the motion passed with those present voting in favor.

The action keeps in place local restrictions intended to reduce wildfire risk while recognizing statutory exemptions that remain outside county control. No public testimony was recorded during the hearing; commissioners closed the public hearing before approving the proclamation.

Commissioners did not adopt additional local penalties or new enforcement provisions during the meeting; the proclamation and its statutory exceptions were the formal action taken. The county attorney recommended the board rely on the statute's exemptions when advising the public and enforcement staff.

The proclamation and the board's statements are effective immediately; county staff did not identify any planned changes to enforcement procedures at the meeting.","The Grant County Board of County Commissioners declared most of the county in extreme drought and approved a proclamation continuing restrictions on fireworks use; county attorney said state law narrows what local governments may prohibit.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners ask county manager and attorney to explore responses to HMS staffing and turnover concerns

Commissioners review preliminary FY2026 budget; road fund and employee benefits highlighted

Gila Regional Medical Center reports higher ER use, financial surplus and capital projects amid staffing hires

Grant County accepts FY2024 audit despite repeated federal and control findings; management responses noted

Grant County declares extreme drought and keeps fireworks restrictions but notes statutory exemptions