The Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities convened on September 17, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues related to utility management and county developments. The meeting began with inquiries about the completion timeline for the tie line from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). While no firm date was provided, officials indicated a hopeful estimate of completion within three weeks to a month and a half.

The discussion then shifted to the availability of a mobile substation as a backup power source. The utility manager noted that procurement agreements are in progress, and while the specifics of any associated costs remain unclear, it is expected that costs would only apply when services are utilized.

Concerns were raised regarding the installation of lines at Elk Ridge, with officials acknowledging that approximately half of the lines are installed. The target completion date remains October, but delays in inspections by the state agency could push the timeline further into cooler weather. Residents can expect brief service interruptions during the cutover, estimated to last about a day.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing efforts to resolve issues at the White Rock Substation, with optimism about the progress being made.

County Manager Anne Laurent provided updates from the municipal conference, including the removal of concrete barriers from Ashley Pond and plans for permanent bollards. She announced the opening of several key positions due to upcoming retirements, including the fire chief and human resources manager.

Laurent highlighted recent council actions, including the approval of paving work on North Mesa and various art projects in the community. A new ordinance was passed allowing elected officials to participate in county health benefits, effective after the appeal process concludes.

Additionally, the council approved the Downtown East Metropolitan Redevelopment Area District plan, aimed at addressing blight and incentivizing redevelopment. The meeting concluded with a report on the county's financial outlook, revealing a 15% reduction in gross receipts tax compared to projections, prompting a return to the council for further discussions on financial adjustments.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving utility services and community development while navigating challenges related to staffing and financial management.