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Commissioners discuss RV habitation, code enforcement ordinance and long-delayed solid-waste fee review
Summary
Commissioner Flores urged the commission to consider an ordinance restricting long-term habitation in unpermitted RVs and to follow up on solid-waste fees that have not increased since 1996; commissioners also discussed possible city-contracted trash billing and recycling costs.
At their Sept. 25 meeting, Grant County commissioners heard detailed remarks from Commissioner Flores urging the adoption of a new ordinance to regulate long-term habitation in manufactured homes and recreational vehicles and to update solid-waste fees that county staff say have not changed since 1996.
Flores told the commission he has observed an increase in people living in old RVs and mobile homes without adequate water, septic or electrical hookups and said that undermines public health, safety and neighboring property values. Flores proposed the commission consider an ordinance similar to Luna County’s Ordinance 77 that would establish clear standards for manufactured-home placement, RV regulations and limits on days of temporary occupancy. “It just establishes clear and enforceable standards for us to enforce,” Flores said, adding that the measure would promote public health and safety.
Flores also reported back from a recent Solid Waste Authority meeting and said staff outlined how current fee structures and revenue shortfalls are creating losses for the solid-waste operation. He and other commissioners discussed the idea of coordinating with municipalities so residents who receive city water could be billed for city curbside trash pickup, which might make fee increases easier for affected residents to accept and reduce administrative burden.
Commissioner Stevens, who also participated in the solid-waste meeting, said officials are reviewing the total financial breakdown of recycling and looking at options to reduce losses and streamline operations. Stevens also reported public outreach underway for a community wildfire-prevention plan and an early-childhood council meeting that discussed universal child care rollout and facility upgrades.
No formal ordinance was introduced at the Sept. 25 meeting; Flores requested the topic be considered for further commission action and staff follow-up.
