At its May 22 meeting the Grant County Board of Commissioners voted to table a request from Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) for about $200,000 in additional local funding to cover projected shortfalls at the county's two senior centers.

The move followed sustained questioning from multiple commissioners about HMS’s accounting, employee roles and the program-level detail behind the funding request. County staff and the county attorney were directed to request contractual backup, regular accounting documents and, if necessary, pursue an audit or other remedies available under the county’s existing lease agreements.

County staff said the county historically budgets $50,000 as a local match for HMS in addition to in-kind contributions (facility space and related services). HMS’s letter to the county and updated submissions identified projected budget shortfalls for fiscal year 2026, including a projected $88,205 deficit for one center and a $121,990 projected deficit for the other. Commissioners said those numbers, plus salary and fringe detail, need to be broken out before the county advances additional taxpayer funds.

Commissioners repeatedly pressed staff and asked for transparency about the makeup of HMS payroll and which positions are charged to the senior-center contracts. One commissioner said county taxpayers deserve clear, itemized accounting when public and state funds are involved; another said the public has been alarmed by news reports and social media commentary about HMS and the county should not appear to be “over the barrel” when seniors’ services are at stake.

County legal counsel described the existing lease agreements with HMS as including in-kind exchanges in lieu of rent and said those agreements require periodic accounting and documentation to support the in-kind valuation. The attorney told the board the county could request records, request an audit or, if contract terms justify it, pursue termination for cause; such steps would require notices and opportunities to cure under the contracts.

After discussion, the board moved to table the funding request pending receipt and review of the contract documentation and accounting. Commissioners said they want to ensure services for seniors continue during the review; several commissioners emphasized they would take steps to avoid an interruption of congregate meals and other center activities while the county examines financial and program records.

Separately during the meeting the board approved a Senior Center Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) for the two facilities discussed in the HMS presentation. County planning staff outlined prioritized projects at the two sites (listed in the ICIP): replacement of flooring considered a tripping hazard, kitchen hood work, parking-lot repairs, restroom renovations, LED lighting conversions, replacement/installation of mini-split HVAC units and a small “hotshot” vehicle for meal delivery to homebound residents at the Mimbres site. Staff said those ICIP submissions are required to pursue future capital outlay funding and do not by themselves authorize immediate capital spending.

What happens next: County staff and counsel were directed to request the detailed accounting and documentation that the HMS leases require, and to report back to the commission at an upcoming meeting. The funding request will remain on hold until the board has reviewed the requested records.