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Clovis OKs MOU with Curry County to use eligible inmate crews for five one-day litter pickups; vote 6–1
Summary
The commission approved a memorandum of understanding with Curry County and its adult detention center to use eligible inmates for five one-day litter pickups paid from grant funds, with commissioners and staff noting insurance and liability considerations and that only two inmates currently qualify.
The Clovis City Commission approved a memorandum of understanding with Curry County and the Curry County Adult Detention Center to use eligible inmates for litter pickup during five one-day events, voting 6–1 on the measure.
City Manager Justin Hovalt described the arrangement as funded from Kaylinda Grama beautification grants and said the detention center would provide oversight while the grant would pay inmates $10 per day for participation. "All the funding comes out of the grant funds," Hovalt said.
Hovalt and staff briefed commissioners on insurance and liability considerations. He said the New Mexico Self Insurance Fund and the Association of Counties advised that inmates working under compensation could be treated as employees for workers' compensation purposes; if injured while performing work, the city's or county's workers' compensation coverage could apply. Staff said the city and county believe they have coverage but wanted the commission to be aware of the risk.
Police Chief Trevor Throme explained why so few inmates currently qualify: under recent bond- and pretrial practices, the county jail holds mostly serious offenders and there were only two inmates meeting the low-risk criteria at the time of the briefing. "The jail does only hold now, serious offenders," Chief Throme said.
Commissioner Tarson moved to approve the MOU; Commissioner Porter seconded. After discussion and at least one voiced concern about potential single-incident liability, the commission approved the MOU with one commissioner voting against it; the clerk recorded the motion as carrying 6–1.
Staff said the program would run five separate one-day cleanup events, that the sheriff's office would oversee inmate crews, and that overtime or other county costs would be paid from the grant. City staff will continue coordinating with Curry County and the county manager to confirm eligible participants and insurance arrangements before each event.
