Eddy County sets aside $15.57 million for municipal housing projects, opts against fixed per‑town allocations

The Eddy County Commission voted to set aside $15,566,000 for housing development across county municipalities but decided against assigning fixed dollar amounts to each town.

County staff described the initiative as a budget‑planning move to reserve funding that municipalities can request when projects are ready. "This is not a blank check," staff said, noting each project would still require board consideration and an agreement. Staff cited an example figure in the packet showing $10,700,000 as a set‑aside for Carlsbad, but the commission approved keeping the total as a single countywide pool rather than locking in per‑municipality amounts.

Commissioners debated the approach. One commissioner urged removing individual allocations so the board could evaluate projects based on need and readiness rather than rigidly assigned amounts. Another commissioner expressed concern that a single pool could disadvantage smaller communities such as Loving and asked that the board remain mindful of geographic equity when making allocations.

A motion to approve the $15,566,000 set‑aside without individual allocations was moved and seconded; the board approved the motion with one abstention recorded (Klein). Staff said they will notify municipalities and expect proposals "pretty soon" for board consideration; each proposed project will return to the commission for approval and agreement negotiation before funds are released.

The action directs county staff to share the policy with municipalities and to accept project proposals that will be reviewed for eligibility, need and readiness.