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Doña Ana County to rewrite community‑center rental rules after damage, staffing and access concerns
Summary
County staff reported growing damage and cleaning costs from private rentals at community centers and proposed pausing private rentals while rewriting policy. Commissioners favored keeping centers available to residents but asked staff to return with options on deposits, security, resident rates and dedicated event rooms tied to GO bond rec center planning.
Justin, on behalf of county management and facilities, told commissioners that Resolution 2019‑91 allowed community centers to be used for private events and that centers now average about $450 in weekly rental revenue but incur roughly $175 in cleaning costs per private event. Facilities staff reported recent incidents of damage (walls, AC units, doors) and said policing after‑hours activity is difficult without additional staff.
Commissioner discussion focused on alternatives to a full suspension of private rentals. Suggestions included raising the damage deposit (examples mentioned $500–$1,000), requiring third‑party security for large events, installing cameras in public spaces, differentiated resident/nonresident fees, and reserving a dedicated event room in the new north and south rec centers funded by the recently approved GO bond. Robert (director of Facilities and Services) said access control, cameras, and security would improve compliance but require staff time and community acceptance.
Jamie Michael, representing Health and Human Services, stressed the difference between resource centers (eight centers with full‑time staff) and event spaces, noting HHS programs account for nearly 40,000 encounters last fiscal year; she asked that policies protect ongoing public services. Several commissioners supported a short pause (2–3 months) for staff to return with proposals that could include a sliding deposit/fee schedule, security requirements, revised occupancy/enforcement guidelines and clearer governance roles.
Commissioners directed staff to gather community input (town halls), consider a community advisory board, and align revisions with the parks and rec master plan and GO bond schedule. Staff said they will bring options (A/B/C) back to the board in time for February decision making.
