[{"_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",6200913,"mediaKeyId","3805235-5a9e2c0bf78ab6ba66956dfe7430e490","parentId",3805235,"title","County, AAA and commissioners scramble to keep senior services after HMS gives 60-day notice to end contracts","audioSeconds",143,"startMs",5089000,"endMs",5232000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805235-5a9e2c0bf78ab6ba66956dfe7430e490&start=5089&end=5232","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805235-5a9e2c0bf78ab6ba66956dfe7430e490/thumbnail_5089000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6200913/Grant-County/New-Mexico/County-AAA-and-commissioners-scramble-to-keep-senior-services-after-HMS-gives-60-day-notice-to-end-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200913-039a71854a121b3552aaf3d3efbbe800/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157629&Signature=QsQqBSbsYwsxu-kpiX9TTDjUG7v9zquF5hOmRAHbKzYWX25pKSkBvJIQlp1Q2skrWhP2EGaCf~D7~VRbGjEqsQ5dW3i6-axxvzundTOoG9VlWp0-uKL83w~9Mj8mtOuqE8KP3gFRvHgvpQQdkTUgjnEaLfcikIWmt2BbpHKKjBfl-msf~jir0r-VJ-NII7C2lCsoF5~Gm0gNcDM4RFtKRHEo91J6U1ufQCyrFTEIje1Wh98tigc6GeoIN90HHFFV-iiGWvVynSiFfYJ5mdoRf64RfD3sg4pe3HexR5X2V6glSyBz6hlR90paFBWpQjLk4RyEMZtmaTjDgnEmM~16vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Grant County, NM","date","2025-06-13T01:47:50Z","article","County staff told commissioners that HMS provided a 60-day notice terminating operations at four Grant County senior centers and the county and partners are working to ensure services continue.

\"HMS provided a 60 day notice terminating operation of the 4 senior centers in Grant County, Gila, Memphis, Santa Clara, and Town Of Silver City,\" the county manager reported during the June 10 work session, and said county and regional partners met immediately to discuss options.

The county manager said representatives from the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), local municipal leaders and county staff met and that AAA \"continues to provide their support and encouragement.\" AAA representatives told the group they would ensure seniors would be fed, even if operations had to shift temporarily to home-delivered meals while the county and partners identify a longer-term operator or operational plan.

Why it matters: Senior centers provide congregate meals, socialization and services that some older residents rely on daily. Commissioners said the centers offer crucial social interaction and that any disruption could harm seniors who depend on regular meals and contact.

What the county is doing: County staff said AAA will deliver immediate support and that county leaders—including the county manager, county staff and municipal partners—are meeting to assess budgets, staffing needs and options to operate centers locally. The county manager said the team will ask HMS for realistic operating budgets and staffing plans and expected additional detail by the end of the month so local officials can determine next steps.

Commissioner concerns and follow-up: Commissioners asked that the county seek details about HMS's remaining grant funds and how those funds would be used if HMS terminates the leases. Several commissioners said the county should consider whether the county should operate the centers or seek a different provider. Commissioner Stevens said the commission had earlier discussed sending a letter asking HMS for clarity on their ability to honor contract terms and to provide financial and in-kind-service details; staff said that letter drafting and delivery were in progress.

No formal decision was recorded at the work session. County staff said they will present more detailed options and budgets as they become available and will coordinate with AAA to ensure no interruption in meal service while a longer-term plan is developed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GCC 2025-06-10 Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","HMS gave 60-day notice terminating operations of four senior centers in Grant County; county staff, AAA and local officials are meeting to identify options for continuity of meal and social services and to examine contracts, grant funds and possible county operation.","taxTitle","Grant County, New Mexico","taxId",67089,"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},6200917,"Superintendent outlines consolidation options, timeline and $73 million capital plan for Silver Consolidated Schools",1365,795000,2160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805235-5a9e2c0bf78ab6ba66956dfe7430e490&start=795&end=2160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805235-5a9e2c0bf78ab6ba66956dfe7430e490/thumbnail_795000.jpg","/articles/6200917/Grant-County/New-Mexico/Superintendent-outlines-consolidation-options-timeline-and-73-million-capital-plan-for-Silver-Consolidated-Schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200917-d795ad2ebb0bffe0d75143587d9eb7e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157629&Signature=JGyIYcuBsxI7Y6wfE8IEv-NBd9UaDKxHJzUqYl1feYHFj2MHhO8wIYbLA~mpk0kYOSe2DBw-0WluPgX7EMczTfys~Ea0Jpsad8vWMOoJ0Efj7Ha~zZt9FAuEGMLpqCjBicCwgAf~69k7NdbK7Thk8ggH0u-v~xz3WztYcW-khLevZwB~zBOOZ-Mp1g1Odowgyw7MlYZf9fC8clV-dDpkDeEZzgqldsJTqkcJ6eOSV~G8iGIcuzRtq~gn7hL1JKLaSLtc3655-3QX0B30Hq0SV4XWOKQZfAZ0xhyAQ~UxQWqDyra91oaIJA-Ce4PSL9nxuDmX~vALHMCEnO6yXgTq2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent William Hawkins presented the Silver Consolidated Schools district's feasibility study and facilities master-plan outcomes during the Grant County work session, outlining consolidation scenarios for underused elementary campuses and progress on a funded rebuild of Cliff Schools.

Hawkins told commissioners the district undertook a facilities master plan with Capital AE and a task force of about 20 people to evaluate capacity, enrollment and building adequacy. \"We need to right size our elementary schools to align with our current and projected elementary enrollment,\" Hawkins said, pointing to historically declining enrollment and underused classroom space. He described scenarios that would consolidate Jose Barrios and Sixth Street elementary schools to increase utilization from roughly 60% to between 85% and 94% in some configurations.

Hawkins reviewed financing already secured: a $24 million local bond passed by voters and a state waiver that unlocked approximately $44 million in state funds, producing a combined project value near $73 million over five to six years to address Cliff Schools and other campus projects. He said the bond passed while a related SB 9 maintenance levy did not, leaving local routine-maintenance funding short for the coming year.

Why it matters: The district faces long-term enrollment decline and aging school buildings. The feasibility study identifies potential savings—Hawkins cited a projected $1,495,000 annual operating savings from consolidation—and aims to keep core programs while improving facilities.

Operational and timing details: Hawkins said the district has selected Decker as the architect for Cliff Schools, secured a PSCOC waiver, and begun design. He recommended the school board present a fuller plan to the community and, after additional communications and planning next school year, announce decisions in August or September 2025 so any closures would take effect the following school year. \"In May, potentially, depending on the board's recommendation, you can see one, if not two schools being closed officially,\" Hawkins said as a possible outcome pending the board's decision.

Concerns and considerations raised by commissioners included historic preservation and community attachment to buildings (one commissioner called Sixth Street a local landmark) and effects on classroom size, early-childhood capacity and transportation. Hawkins addressed several of these: he said transportation-cost changes would likely be minimal, ridership and stops would remain similar, and the district intends to preserve sufficient early-childhood slots by keeping Silver Scholars open.

Next steps: Hawkins said the task force will deliver a full presentation to the school board on June 16 and anticipated the board would take action in late summer to set implementation planning for the following school year. Commissioners encouraged community engagement and offered to support the school board as the elected decision body.","Silver Consolidated Schools Superintendent William Hawkins briefed commissioners on a facilities feasibility study recommending consolidation of two elementary campuses, the Cliff Schools rebuild funded by a local bond plus state funds, and a timeline for board decisions in August'September 2025.",{"_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},6200923,"Residents raise transparency, animal-welfare and conflict-of-interest concerns as county weighs USDA wildlife-services contract",6403,117000,6520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805235-5a9e2c0bf78ab6ba66956dfe7430e490&start=117&end=6520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805235-5a9e2c0bf78ab6ba66956dfe7430e490/thumbnail_117000.jpg","/articles/6200923/Grant-County/New-Mexico/Residents-raise-transparency-animal-welfare-and-conflict-of-interest-concerns-as-county-weighs-USDA-wildlife-services-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200923-602cad18248ad69862752d78e774db52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157629&Signature=Cjl6qrFRBe6AB1WQH2Ij01bYyJfhUM~Qh498IEfJ9khPhfzhi7em-Xr3RSji6WyqiqEfb9pIxHnfhC-y-Mmb1Nu0PqxKd4HR59dwi8wMJ~vc05zPKKdo-uMq3K8deq~cWAfzBJcqDAprmIotZEXGnUbmAZIZ37do3nyVQSI7XB8KzrF94n3NHvQ~7j7vdKEsZN3e4W0BQnRn8sAlSGtq24jFQRm6Eu6Udiww-RpGu9erlja31x7nWDjnt5gG4z7NR8qCaFb2H8Zre8kIPD2t1u6tKrZPTnkBoqTFtED58goXSFiCGBydnACuBRly~1Axu~U5BZRMgioCo6uoSaDMdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public commenters at the Grant County Board of Commissioners work session urged more transparency and raised conflict-of-interest concerns about the county's contract with USDA Wildlife Services, which provides predator control and related services.

The issue drew repeated public comment at the June 10 work session, with several residents questioning how many animals are being removed, whether nonlethal options are used and whether the wildlife-services agent's private work as a hunting guide creates a conflict. \"With $9,700 in claim damages from coyotes, 50 coyotes were shot for predation,\" said Glenn Griffin, a resident who addressed the board, adding that the quarterly reports show no mountain lions or bears killed locally even though work tasks for those species were recorded.

The county manager reviewed contract details later in the meeting. \"The total agreement is 93,000. 66% of that is funded by federal appropriations and 34% comes to the county,\" the manager said, explaining that most of the county share is typically covered by targeted grazing fees and that the general fund makes up shortfalls.

Why it matters: The contract uses public dollars to pay for livestock protection and hazardous-animal responses. Residents said they want clearer reporting on which species are targeted, how many animals are removed and which methods are used on public versus private land. Several speakers asked the county to clarify safeguards against private gain by contractors who also guide hunters.

What was said and by whom: Candace Brinley told commissioners she was \"opposed to our tax dollars being used to kill wildlife for any reason\" and voiced concern about a conflict of interest between the wildlife-services agent's public work and private hunting guide business. Christine Hess described wildlife as part of the ecosystem and urged humane, nonlethal approaches: \"They have as much right to life as we do.\"

Staff context and next steps: County staff told commissioners the contract language remained the same as the prior year and that last year's negotiations removed—or clarified—some disputed elements. Staff recommended the commission approve the USDA agreement (listed on the agenda as A2508). No formal vote on the contract was recorded during the work session; staff presented funding breakdowns and said the county pays roughly one-third of the total cost while the federal appropriation funds the remainder.

Matters still unresolved: Public commenters requested easier public access to contracts and quarterly reports; one commenter said he had requested the contract and not received it. Commissioners asked county staff to ensure contract documents and wildlife-services reports are posted or made available and discussed taking additional steps to clarify permitted methods on public land versus private land. County staff noted that records already released under IPRA (the state's public-records process) included quarterly reports but agreed to make the contract and reports readily available.

No formal action was recorded. Staff recommended moving forward with the USDA Wildlife Services contract and explained the funding split; commissioners discussed public concerns and asked staff to improve transparency and reporting to the public.","Public commenters and commissioners debated the county's USDA Wildlife Services contract during the June 10 work session, pressing officials for transparency about predator removals, contractor affiliations and the county's share of costs; staff recommended continuing the contract, which is federally funded in part.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County, AAA and commissioners scramble to keep senior services after HMS gives 60-day notice to end contracts

Superintendent outlines consolidation options, timeline and $73 million capital plan for Silver Consolidated Schools

Residents raise transparency, animal-welfare and conflict-of-interest concerns as county weighs USDA wildlife-services contract