Doña Ana County approves recreation manager and government relations roles; votes split on the latter

Doña Ana County commissioners approved two staffing proposals Feb. 10 intended to support the county’s growing parks and outreach work.

Item 8 — a Quality of Life and Recreation manager position — passed unanimously in a separate vote after commissioners withdrew a combined motion and agreed to take the items individually. County Manager Andrews and commissioners said the role is needed to manage new recreation sites and coordinate county investments tied to Go Bond funding.

Item 9 — a Government Relations position to support the county manager and assistant county managers in interacting with state and federal partners — also passed, but Commissioner Chaparro voted no. Chaparro asked the board to wait for the county’s pending assistant county manager hire, arguing that the new assistant might take on government-relations duties and that the county should avoid duplicative hires. Other commissioners said the government-relations role will relieve pressure on existing staff and help with sustained advocacy in Santa Fe and Washington, D.C.

Vice Chair Gamedos, Commissioner (3) and Chair Sanchez all voiced support for both positions, describing near-term needs tied to High Mesa Road, desalination planning and outreach for recreation centers and a proposed amphitheater.

Outcome: the Quality of Life and Recreation manager was approved by roll call; the Government Relations position was approved with one no vote (Commissioner Chaparro).