[{"_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",6056003,"mediaKeyId","3312597-7d2acbcff2e7c64000b770db2a684b40","parentId",3312597,"title","Commissioners, sheriff raise concerns after BLM cedes public lands south of Highway 9 to Army; county seeks clarity","audioSeconds",459,"startMs",3799000,"endMs",4258000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3312597-7d2acbcff2e7c64000b770db2a684b40&start=3799&end=4258","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3312597-7d2acbcff2e7c64000b770db2a684b40/thumbnail_3799000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6056003/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Commissioners-sheriff-raise-concerns-after-BLM-cedes-public-lands-south-of-Highway-9-to-Army-county-seeks-clarity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056003-204882f16f22e72deb2f38dedfda0afb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770969593&Signature=dYgeHOEVnr5coUSMfQWBHZtW74~ri7YqpTa4bycWazGRjUi5oAhgqm8Blw3Idix6Sp7iKhbGOzve3wxWEQrbVwD6a4drkm2A6xejqaerLt9oPjrL5BgFPCY2P8lywpn9B9DK7SKAEL5LJYXbLQUYzX7YVYu15UXCkh2jUjZclVHZgaolTaGpQ6E9HUB8U-U9RyDBYVAR4B5vDH2l62N0DT9UsYeJAKz3HoQIzzq6JinjeJ4EjPF5S~KHDTJbjGH5yFyRRpaeofHQJo8SkvfI8XG-zII0i8jaLTLz3wb3U0PF4MPwyPHlYRRbCs~nrkh5nsqMRvN9qVyr7KwdVRZlhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dona Ana County, NM","date","2025-05-13T21:41:01Z","article","Doña Ana County elected officials and the sheriff told the board May 13 they are concerned about recent federal steps that transfer certain public lands south of Highway 9 to U.S. Army control, and they asked for clearer mapping and legal guidance on access and enforcement.

Why it matters: Commissioners said BLM’s recent actions — described at the meeting as ceding public lands south of Highway 9 to Army use — could limit public access to those lands, change which authorities respond to incidents on that land, and normalize expanded military presence and enforcement in areas within the county.

What was said: A county commissioner reported that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) representatives informed local officials that public lands south of Highway 9 had been transferred to Army control, a swath the commissioner described as at least five miles wide in places. The commissioner said the transfer was broader than earlier public descriptions that spoke only of a narrower “Roosevelt Reservation” or a 60‑foot strip.

Sheriff Kim Stewart told the board she has sought official maps and said written responses from state and federal agencies have been inadequate. She urged local leaders to “stand up” for the county, telling commissioners: “Stand up. Stand up for your county.” The sheriff said she has requested specific information, and warned that the public‑safety and jurisdictional questions raise practical concerns such as who would respond to an accident or a death on former public land now under Army control.

Commissioners asked staff to obtain formal, map‑based information from BLM and other federal agencies and to clarify the memorandum of understanding — if any — that governs military use. Board members also raised concerns about the potential criminal‑law implications, including use of trespass statutes against people on lands that were previously open to the public.

Context and legal limits: Officials repeatedly emphasized that the matters involve federal actions beyond the county’s direct control, but that county leaders and constituents have legitimate interest in understanding how the transfers affect recreation, access, enforcement and migrant‑processing practices. Commissioners asked county staff to pursue additional federal clarification and to discuss whether the county should object or seek formal assurances about public access and enforcement jurisdiction.

Next steps: County staff said they will continue to pursue formal mapping and documentation from federal agencies and report back to the board. Commissioners recommended coordinating with elected state officials and the county attorney to evaluate legal options if public‑land access is constrained.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners and the sheriff said they were told Bureau of Land Management lands south of Highway 9 have been ceded to the U.S. Army, potentially expanding military control over public lands and raising questions about public access, jurisdiction and enforcement; county staff said they will seek maps and formal information from federal agencies.","taxTitle","Doña Ana County, New Mexico","taxId",2695,"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},6056007,"County assessor asks for $4 million to rebuild reappraisal fund; commissioners seek clearer accounting",2082,2918000,5000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3312597-7d2acbcff2e7c64000b770db2a684b40&start=2918&end=5000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3312597-7d2acbcff2e7c64000b770db2a684b40/thumbnail_2918000.jpg","/articles/6056007/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/County-assessor-asks-for-4-million-to-rebuild-reappraisal-fund-commissioners-seek-clearer-accounting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056007-24cce19b385f3e6ccd7d59b99bb746aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770969593&Signature=W5Jh8PvRR4QFF6AM5SmjmYlISSov1C7QnmHrW~gbW7vB5TlPn79yyA0m4zqB~I0VemyUw4VyfM78rSsmSeFnkOafgaGgxbkGm41m6~zsj75IjM4uNXJe7OmqaZA83EQZHwzBGUeq~FuwsFbArr4pAyjSuOf523pv6K4chiXk3NgMG3gW1OBOnI~UV7w4TzrjD0dv9BxkuqqZAizawoIOmTeAwdCsaasb8APxztyDe0mOd6tjZxYh3w05ygZ1wy7mRkHBRpPkDcM~PELwX6qswywwSLIrZ~cyK5TEgYbnAR05uPncgQOoZfuLZtY1HskqQHrMicDAsIeiWo1sd2RoAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Doña Ana County Assessor Gina Eugenia Montoya Ortega told commissioners May 13 that the assessor’s office needs a two‑year reappraisal project and formally requested that $4 million be reallocated into the assessor’s 1% reappraisal fund from the county general fund to support the work.

Why it matters: New Mexico statute requires county assessors to maintain current property valuations; reappraisals affect tax equity and the annual distribution of property-tax revenue among the county and taxing entities. The assessor said historical commingling of the 1% reappraisal fund with general funds left the office unable to complete statutorily required reappraisals since 2008.

What the assessor said: Gina Eugenia Montoya Ortega presented the office’s annual property valuation and maintenance plan citing NMSA requirements and sales‑ratio metrics. Adrian Acosta, the assessor’s data analyst coordinator, told the board the office added roughly $500 million in taxable value in 2025 and that the county’s median sales ratio is 99.9% (within acceptable standards). Ortega said the assessor’s office currently has 50 positions, with 34 field positions and 16 vacancies, and that the office maintains approximately 96,941 parcels.

Ortega asked the board for focused funding to complete the reappraisal work. In her presentation she said, “Starting this year, we plan to work with finance to strictly allocate all operating expenses to the assessor’s general fund, ensuring that the 1% fund is preserved for its original purpose... Therefore... we are formally requesting an allocation of $4,000,000 back to our 1% fund from the county general fund to aid with the reappraisal project.”

Commissioners requested more detail. Commissioner Reynolds repeatedly asked the assessor and county staff to clarify how much money currently exists in the restricted 1% reserves, how past 1% receipts were spent, and where funds were moved in recent years. Reynolds said, “The numbers just aren't adding up in my opinion,” and asked staff to provide a reconciled accounting and a plan that shows how 1% funds would be used, including hours and tasks for any staff paid from the fund.

Staff and legal process: Assistant County Manager Jonathan Macias and county legal staff told the board the request needs a formal resolution and routing through finance and legal. County staff confirmed there is a restricted reserve tied to the 1% fund; funds in restricted reserves require board authorization to spend and must be tied to an approved appraisal plan. Legal counsel advised the assessor to coordinate with finance and the county attorney’s office to prepare a resolution for a future meeting.

Reappraisal tools and vendors mentioned: The assessor described recently adopted technology and proposed vendors for a reappraisal, including higher‑resolution aerial imagery under a renewed EagleView agreement (1‑inch resolution imagery), a proposed vendor plan from Tyler Technologies for a mass reappraisal system, and a proposal to use Tax Management Associates to audit large commercial personal‑property accounts.

Clarifying details provided by the assessor’s office: the office reports 96,941 real‑property parcels, 17,852 mobile homes, roughly 13,086 personal property accounts and 612 livestock accounts; year‑over‑year taxable valuation growth for recent years ranged from about 5.7% to 7.1% depending on the period presented. The assessor’s office said HB 47 (veteran exemption expansion) is projected to reduce taxable value and tax revenue for the county and local districts and that the office is in its rendition/protest period.

Next steps: The assessor will work with the county manager’s office, finance and the county attorney to prepare a resolution specifying the reappraisal plan and the intended use of 1% funds, including staffing, vendor contracts and schedule. Commissioners asked for clearer documentation of fund balances, a legal route to restore 1% reserves to dedicated reappraisal use, and detailed costing for the proposed Tyler/EagleView work before approving transfers.","Assessor Gina Eugenia Montoya Ortega presented the 2025 annual report, said the assessor’s 1% reappraisal fund was commingled historically, and requested $4 million restored to the 1% fund for a 24‑month countywide reappraisal. Commissioners asked for a resolution with finance and legal and requested more detail on fund balances and staffing.",{"_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},6056012,"Doña Ana County Orders Notice to Terminate Sunland Park JPA as Residents Press CRUAA on Water Safety",757,2592000,3349000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3312597-7d2acbcff2e7c64000b770db2a684b40&start=2592&end=3349","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3312597-7d2acbcff2e7c64000b770db2a684b40/thumbnail_2592000.jpg","/articles/6056012/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Doña-Ana-County-Orders-Notice-to-Terminate-Sunland-Park-JPA-as-Residents-Press-CRUAA-on-Water-Safety","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056012-3056cd940bf79124023838690f57a34d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770969593&Signature=IJ4Lo8OSN5mx1GAUK4xKTldtwPH1NygE44ex0k6y9mcW95voStHo~zMZ-4s20clK3gCPfSpjKy0cAW9Og1g0cKQhMRPzqZEpQMVVqpGJY029q090MxNOipP8kCXGMpEGByHm4A1lxNEUM56IUtDnTvtsHwlUAjqIhIHX0eHlPZbqvf0W3QGkT9jLXWAhgqFlkcZg0m2PI4XmSIJTcPAybKQ4sXeDdILbojRqq-dn9wuHeTq7pl0p79DA3Yh3smSvZIgQovofV03XNo6LsvMh9ISL2jR~z51ACDDE60KpipIeGOsimgpEt2EbNvAiLFi~-tV45o1qkVdbCZwBKVk6uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Doña Ana County commissioners voted May 13 to give the city of Sunland Park immediate notice of the county’s intent to terminate its joint-powers agreement (JPA) with the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority, following public testimony about water quality problems in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa.

Residents and community groups told the commission they have experienced long-running problems with discolored, foul-smelling water and difficulty reaching CRUAA for emergency or routine service. Speakers said a recent lab result from April 23 showed an arsenic measurement of 12 parts per billion — above the U.S. EPA’s maximum contaminant level of 10 ppb — and called for a citizen advisory board controlled by affected communities.

Why it matters: County leaders said the combination of repeated resident complaints, a documented arsenic exceedance, and what speakers described as poor utility responsiveness undermines public trust in CRUAA and prompted the board action. Commissioners said they will notify Sunland Park and continue oversight of water safety matters affecting county residents.

Public commenters described ongoing problems and urged action. Daisy Maldonado, director of Empowerment Congress, said, “residents’ experiences of discolored water, odorous, and unpleasant tasting water are not overstated, but are well documented, credible, and widespread.” Vivian Fuller, community programs manager for Empowerment Congress and a Sunland Park and Santa Teresa resident, urged the county to require that any CRUAA citizens advisory committee be “created by and for the communities that CRUAA serves.”

Jose Plascencia, an Empowerment Congress staff member who described a May 5 rally at Sunland Park Sports Complex, said attendees reported skin rashes, high water bills and reliance on bottled water because “none of the people that I spoke to actually drink tap water.” Several speakers asked the board to push CRUAA for clearer communications and more local participation on advisory panels. Community members said they want regular meetings at later times so working residents can attend.

Commissioners and county staff pressed for operational clarity. Commissioner [Last name: Gamedos] and other commissioners noted the utility’s April arsenic result and urged CRUAA to adopt stronger, proactive monitoring and faster response procedures rather than relying on periodic testing alone. Commissioner [Last name: Chaparro] said testing is “reactive” and pressed for improved day-to-day operations.

The board’s action: The commission moved, seconded and approved a motion to give Sunland Park immediate notice of its intent to terminate the CRUAA JPA. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Commissioner Gamedos — yes; Commissioner Reynolds — yes; Commissioner Sanchez — yes; Vice Chair Chaparro — yes; Chair Shelda Hernandez — yes. (See provenance for source excerpts.)

What residents asked for: Speakers asked the county to support (1) formation of a citizens advisory committee made up of local residents and business owners rather than mostly utility staff or local officials, (2) weekly public reporting of water tests after any exceedance, (3) improved call/response procedures for emergencies, and (4) relocating some CRUAA meetings to later hours to increase community participation.

County staff responses: Commissioners and staff said they will continue oversight and follow up with CRUAA leadership. Commissioners also discussed directing staff to work with community groups and the utility on advisory committee membership and on communicating monitoring results to residents.

Background and context: CRUAA stands for Camino Real Regional Utility Authority, the regional utility serving Sunland Park, Santa Teresa and neighboring areas. Public commenters named Ben Archer and La Clinica (two health centers) as local care providers that will continue services even when county indigent-care funding is constrained; those remarks reflected public-comment discussion about health access but were separate from the CRUAA testimony.

Ending: The county’s notice to Sunland Park marks a formal step in a longer oversight process. Commissioners said they expect additional follow-up and will be monitoring CRUAA test results, advisory-board development and community outreach in coming weeks.","After months of resident complaints about discolored, odorous water and a recent arsenic exceedance, commissioners voted to notify Sunland Park of intent to terminate its joint-powers agreement with the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRUAA). Community leaders urged a citizen advisory board and better utility responsiveness.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners, sheriff raise concerns after BLM cedes public lands south of Highway 9 to Army; county seeks clarity

County assessor asks for $4 million to rebuild reappraisal fund; commissioners seek clearer accounting

Doña Ana County Orders Notice to Terminate Sunland Park JPA as Residents Press CRUAA on Water Safety