Bernalillo County on Sept. 9 approved a resolution to budget proceeds from the March sale of the Indian Public Cultural Center property and apply the funds to short-term leaseback costs and planning for new Extension and 4‑H facilities at Sandia Ranch.

John Barney, planning manager for Parks, Recreation and Open Space, told the commission the county closed the sale of the property in March and will lease back the current facilities temporarily while planning and site‑design work proceeds at Sandia Ranch. The board approved budgeting $2,807,398 in net proceeds: roughly $711,795 to cover negotiated lease payments and $1,695,603 into a capital project account for planning and design of the new facilities.

Earlier in the meeting Cooperative Extension County Program Director John Garlish presented a biannual report on Extension and 4‑H activities, telling the commission the Extension’s youth programs have broad participation, including school-based 4‑H projects reaching thousands of students and a Master Gardener program that donates produce to Roadrunner Food Bank. Garlish said some Extension programs have measurable impacts at partner schools: “attendance rates has increased, behavior rates have decreased” where 4‑H has been introduced, he said, citing early indicators.

Barney said the county will hold public meetings to solicit community input on facility design and that staff expect a multi-year effort; the 4‑H building is a top capital priority and the larger Extension facility will require additional funding. The budget resolution approved by the commission places funds in separate project accounts so lease obligations are met and planning work can begin immediately.

Commissioners praised Extension’s urban and agricultural outreach and said the sale proceeds create an opportunity to modernize county facilities and expand programming at Sandia Ranch. The resolution passed 5–0.