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County manager outlines capital projects, berm progress and grant-driven expansions
Summary
County Manager provided a broad operations and capital update including Phase 3 berm contractor award pending funding, childcare expansion funded by the governor, mobile command unit grant, annex and detention remodels, ongoing shredder problems for tire processing and homelessness transitional housing plans.
The county manager (identified in the meeting as Chris) provided an extended operations and capital update at the Aug. 14 Luna County Commission meeting, summarizing ongoing projects, grant awards and procurement needs.
Major capital highlights
- Berm project: Phase 3 was discussed as the smaller southwest portion near state land that has a contractor (DEI) and is expected to start in about 45 days. The county previously authorized readiness submission to the Water Trust Board for Phase funding (see Resolution 25‑16); Phase 2 funding remains outstanding and the county noted a roughly $9.5 million shortfall for completion.
- Childcare expansion: The governor provided $2 million for childcare facility expansion at the Learning Center. Design work is underway (approx. 6% complete) to double capacity, prioritizing availability for first responders working night shifts.
- Annex and detention center remodels: An annex remodel (former sheriff's office) nearing completion and a $2.9 million detention center project (laundry, sally port, kitchen, hot water replacement) are in progress; EOC dispatch upgrades and camera/access-control improvements were also noted.
- Mobile command unit: The county received $625,000 in congressionally directed spending to procure a modern mobile command unit to replace aging equipment.
- Shredder and road operations: County road operations report a problematic tire shredder with expensive repairs and repeated downtime; the shredder is critical for tire processing (3,271 tires turned in July) and staff are exploring loaner options or replacement given the high cost of parts and repairs.
Homelessness and transitional housing
The manager confirmed coordination with the city and partners on homelessness spending; the county expects to procure several travel trailers for transitional housing through a $2.2 million city grant and other funding to support people who show willingness to engage with services. The county also refurbished six apartments to provide transitional housing for domestic-violence survivors managed by La Casa.
Other items
The manager reported consolidation of addressing into GIS, an additional code enforcement officer assigned to north of I‑10, multiple RFPs in process (volunteer fire water systems, outdoor recreation design, economic development services) and legislative/interim committee visits (Transportation Infrastructure Committee to meet Aug. 21 at the Learning Center). He also spoke to the DOD land‑use map for the southern border and BLM plans for Starvation Draw.
Ending: Manager asked to stand by for questions; commissioners discussed dust‑storm coordination with BLM and thanked emergency and road staff for response work.
