The Lincoln County Special Commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting on November 10, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Carrizozo to convene the county Canvassing Board, hear a presentation of the November 3, 2026 General Election canvass, and consider approving the canvass; the agenda also includes a public comment period and routine procedural items.

Discussion Points

•Public comment period with three-minute time limit per person is scheduled under Updates/Reports/Announcements.

Oct

Packet

Lincoln County Commission met Oct. 20, 2026 in Carrizozo to hear agency updates, staff presentations on behavioral health and the state legislative preview, and to consider multiple ordinance, grant and contract items including capital-outlay and transportation grants and personnel ordinance changes.

Discussion Points

•Agreement requires a county resolution and project certification/As‑Built summary at completion; county responsible for procurement and permitting.
•County must submit resolution, procurement plan, and project certification at completion; county to lead design, permits and construction procurement.
•Department awarded $2,580,822.79 in TPF for Fort Lone Tree roadway reconstruction; county match 5% ($135,832.78).
•Department awarded $499,918.13 in TPF funds (LP20086) for Devils Canyon preliminary engineering; county match 5% ($24,995.91).
•Packet did not include a formal county budget appropriation; staff listed the County as responsible for venue and program costs.
•Staff requested acceptance of a $515,000 state capital‑outlay grant (A1682) for a countywide radio communications study and preliminary design.
•State MLK Commission proposed to lead program development for a one‑hour county celebration on Jan. 15, 2027 and requested county assistance with a proclamation, local participant identification and venue/printed programs.
•State requires a procurement and expenditure plan, a Notice of Obligation and a project certification upon completion.
•The grant covers planning/design only; construction and operational funding would be pursued later.

Oct

Agenda

The Lincoln County Commission met Oct. 20, 2026, in Carrizozo to consider two ordinance public hearings (including an amendment to the county LEDA), personnel ordinance adoption, grant and MOU requests, budget and transportation agreement items, and discussion items including solid waste rates and 2027 capital outlay priorities.

Discussion Points

•Discussion items: Universal Waste Systems CPI adjustment and residential solid waste collection rate; 2027 capital outlay/ICIP priorities; county attorney contracted services scope and commissioner access.
•Presentations by Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Renew Health (behavioral health), and Zia Strategies (legislative preview).
•Public hearings scheduled for Ordinance 202602 (LEDA) and Personnel Merit Ordinance 2026-01; consideration of indigent health claims and lodgers' tax refunds; consideration of Grant Agreement 1682 and an MOU with Midtown Ruidoso.
•Service recognition for four county employees; public comment period rules; external agency reports and departmental updates.

Sep

Minutes

Lincoln County commissioners held an emergency meeting Sept. 29, 2026, and unanimously adopted Resolution 2027-17, a local disaster declaration after monsoon flooding that damaged roads and low-water crossings; the county reported major infrastructure damage and scheduled a special Oct. 2 meeting to consider lifting the burn ban.

Discussion Points

•Availability of evacuation centers and coordination with Red Cross and volunteers.
•Caution to avoid permanent repairs that might disqualify sites from federal assistance.
•Extent of road and low-water crossing damage and preliminary dollar estimates.
•Manager Burns presented the rationale for a local disaster declaration and explained it would allow the county to seek state/federal assistance and document costs for potential reimbursement.
•Officials described coordination with DHSEM, the Village, National Guard participation earlier in the week, and use of evacuation space and donations centers.
•Priority to make roads passable and track costs for potential state/federal reimbursement.
•Request to lift burn ban for the upcoming weekend.
•Road Superintendent Jeff Honeycutt reported extensive road and low-water crossing damage, and noted team priorities to make roads passable.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 2027-17 (local disaster declaration) by unanimous vote.
•Special meeting scheduled; no change to burn ban at emergency meeting.

Directions

•County Manager and Road Department to continue damage documentation and coordinate with state DHSEM; avoid permanent repairs on sites that may be eligible for federal public assistance until eligibility is confirmed.
•Road Department to document costs and coordinate with County Manager and DHSEM.
•Schedule special meeting Oct. 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM to review condition and consider rescinding the burn ban.

Sep

Minutes

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners met in a special session on Sept. 9, 2026, adopting 2026 property tax rates, approving an interlocal MOU with the Village of Ruidoso on permitting, postponing a holiday-schedule resolution tied to a proposed 4/10 workweek, and receiving updates on the county Emergency Watershed Protection program and potential participation in Bonito Lake management.

Discussion Points

•Dobrovoiny explained the MOU protections and routing rules; the CID Bureau Chief was consulted and expressed support; enforcement and staffing were clarified.
•Manager Burns briefed the Commission that the City of Alamogordo owns Bonito Lake (approx. 1,294 acres) and had expressed interest in discussing options to close, transfer or jointly manage the property.
•Realtors reported industry concern about Friday closings; Clerk arranged temporary mitigation; County Attorney noted department hours can be set by the Board.
•Staff reported counts for applications, appraisals, title searches and environmental assessments and described common title issues and review requirements.
•Treasurer Huddleston presented rates and explained reasons for increases, including a Carrizozo school bond and areas with zero residential value due to destruction.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 2027-11 to certify and impose 2026 property tax rates.
•Approve the MOU with the Village of Ruidoso.
•No formal acquisition decisions reported; staff directed to continue processing and report back.
•No formal decision; direction to explore options.
•Postpone adoption of Resolution 2027-12 until ordinance review and hearings are complete.

Directions

•Staff to coordinate implementation with the Village and CID and report status back to the Commission.
•Staff to prioritize properties with fewer encumbrances, pursue additional surveying capacity and return with a status report at the next meeting.
•Staff to provide more detailed bond-levy and assessed-value information to support voter outreach.
•Staff to pursue conversations with the City of Alamogordo and other local jurisdictions and return with options and cost estimates.
•Staff to review personnel ordinance and schedule public hearings before implementing countywide schedule changes.

Aug

Minutes

Lincoln County Commission approved the Region 12 Behavioral Health Regional Implementation and Action Plan, enabling access to roughly $7,000,000 in regional behavioral-health funding and specifying that Lincoln County, Otero County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe share decision-making on expenditures; Renew Health representatives asked to present a provider proposal for local recovery and residential services.

Discussion Points

•Alternative options include expanding Alamogordo hospital capacity or working with Holloman Air Force Base
•Chair Fischer described the plan as containing 'fluff' but necessary to meet submission deadlines and to secure funding
•Commissioner Serna said further negotiation of priorities and compliance processes will be required
•Four Directions has an existing structure and program and could be expanded
•Renew Health described intent to expand services locally and to partner with detention centers and clinics
•Renew Health requested a future detailed provider presentation to the board
•Ross Coleman said funding allocations in the plan are placeholders to be refined with stakeholder input
•Tribal facilities may be restricted to tribal members and thus not serve private individuals

Decisions

•Approved the Region 12 BHRIA Plan; required joint decision-making language inserted
•No formal partnership or funding approved at special meeting
•No funding or formal direction adopted during the public comment period

Directions

•County Manager to participate in negotiations on allocations and evaluation processes
•Staff to place Renew Health presentation on a future regular meeting agenda at request

Aug

Minutes

Lincoln County commissioners met in a joint special session with Otero County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe to review the Region 12 Behavioral Health Regional Implementation and Action (BHRIA) draft plan, discuss an early-access funding award of $2,000,000, and consider fiscal-agent and transparency concerns raised by commissioners and public commenters.

Discussion Points

•Assurance that early-access awards not be repurposed without regional agreement.
•Clarify separation between early-access funds and multi-year allocations.
•Community members demanded county-specific reporting and accountability.
•Local providers described available services and certification efforts.
•Plan priorities: crisis stabilization, residential continuum, withdrawal management, family services, mobile crisis, peer support, culturally responsive tribal services, housing, transportation.
•Procedural approvals and scheduling; direction to staff to refine plan language and clarify fiscal roles.
•Workforce shortages and transportation identified as cross-cutting challenges.

Decisions

•Agenda approved; meeting recessed and reconvened; meeting adjourned.
•No formal adoption taken at this meeting; the plan remains a working document.
•No formal decision; public comment informed discussion and requests for plan clarifications.
•No formal fiscal-agent designation or binding vote taken at this meeting.

Directions

•Commissioners asked staff to incorporate clearer reporting and accountability language into the draft plan.
•Prepare an amendment/addendum to designate fiscal agent and define decision-making and fiscal-accountability processes.
•Refine draft during implementation and define roles in subsequent intergovernmental agreements.
•Set follow-up meeting and prepare clarified plan language.

Aug

Minutes

The Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners met August 18, 2026, in Carrizozo and covered road repairs and Cedar Creek washouts, a permitting/inspection MOU with the Village of Ruidoso, continuation of opioid-settlement-funded counseling services, award of McBride Fire road repairs, a contested detention-center inspection report, and approval of a countywide 4/10 work schedule pending policy changes.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked about services and ROI calculations.
•Commissioners asked for fiscal and personnel-policy analysis and a revised holiday schedule.
•Contractors reported inspection scheduling and travel burden for State inspections limited to certain days; they asked for an MOU to allow local inspections.
•IFB 26-04 includes surfacing, drainage repairs and upsized culverts based on hydrology evaluations.
•No formal funding decision or motion was made; staff will report back.
•Program reported client counts of 115 (first year) and 213 (second-year window) and a suite of outpatient and related services.
•Proposal to permit 4/10 schedules implemented at department/elected-official discretion with exemptions for service-critical offices.
•Residents reported washouts and undercutting on Cedar Creek Road that reduced travel to one lane in places and requested stabilization work.
•Serna requested formal notation of her objection and additional investigation.
•Staff reported the project is within budget and can start immediately.
•Staff scheduled a neighborhood meeting to discuss stabilization and FEMA/SB31 funding.
•Village staff prefers single-jurisdiction approach; County commissioners favored clarity and possibly permitting choice for contractors.
•Whether a May 19 walkthrough satisfied statutory inspection requirements vs. the need for comprehensive oversight after subsequent incidents.

Decisions

•Approved award of IFB 26-04.
•Approved continuation of services with Hope Floats Addiction Counseling LLC.
•Approved permission to implement 4/10 schedules pending ordinance review (4–1).
•Approved the annual inspection report 4–1; objection recorded.

Directions

•Continue contract and return regular outcomes and financial reports.
•Finalize contract documents and coordinate notifications to impacted property owners.
•Hold neighborhood meeting with Cedar Creek residents to discuss stabilization and funding options.
•Prepare cost estimates and timeline for proposed repairs to present at a future meeting.
•Pursue additional investigation and remediation; further discussion expected in executive session.
•Staff to prepare fiscal/operational analysis and personnel-ordinance amendments and return to the Commission for finalization.
•Staff to work with the Village to clarify GIS boundaries, enforcement responsibilities and turnaround times for inspections and return with proposed MOU language.

Jun

Minutes

The Lincoln County Commission met June 23, 2026, in Carrizozo. Commissioners approved routine finance and procurement actions, adopted several ICIP and funding resolutions, approved a road vacation and multiple construction contracts tied to recent fire recovery, opened review of the county personnel policy, and scheduled a July 9 town hall on solid waste.

Discussion Points

•Assessor cautioned about data integrity during Tyler/CAMA conversion.
•Chair asked about checks in the report.
•Concern about labor or legal exposure if not reviewed by counsel.
•Details of the critical incident and use of de-escalation.
•Gavilan Canyon feasibility study cost and phasing options.
•ICIP project prioritization and wording change for Gavilan Canyon.
•Lower Eagle Creek Water Trust Board loan and match amounts and administrative fees.
•Need to align personnel policy across departments and coordinate with Sheriff's Office.
•Number of responsive bids and consultant recommendation.
•Projects are phase 1 of multi-phase McBride Fire road recovery.
•Road Review Committee findings and signage requirement.
•Sales ratio figures for 2025 and livestock valuation changes.
•Scope of the town hall (solid waste, recovery, infrastructure and public safety).
•Staffing updates and training plans for uncertified deputies.
•Year-end close and Tyler system implementation progress.

Decisions

•Adopt ICIP resolutions and Water Trust Board resolution; approve Lodgers' Tax grants.
•Adopt the 2026 Assessor's Annual Report.
•Approve awards to Renegade Construction and A Mountain Professional Construction.
•Approve May accounts payable & payroll report.
•Approve road vacation.
•Open Ordinance 2025-02 for revision.
•Schedule town hall on July 9, 2026; consider phasing the Gavilan feasibility study.

Directions

•Assessor to coordinate with Manager on EWP buyout impact and data conversion concerns.
•Continue recruitment and training; recognize deputies' professionalism.
•Finance to continue closeout and coordinate with Treasurer for final budget adoption.
•Manager to coordinate outreach for town hall and include broader county updates as suggested.
•Planning and Roads to record the vacation and ensure signage is installed.
•Roads to proceed with contract execution and schedule work.
•Roads to pursue partners and grant funding for feasibility study.
•Schedule public hearing and consult NMC legal counsel prior to final adoption.
•Staff to finalize ICIP submissions and verify NMFA administrative fees.
•Staff to return with phasing and funding details.
•Treasurer to identify funding for match and admin fee if not budgeted.

May

Minutes

Lincoln County Commission held its regular meeting May 19, 2026, in Carrizozo. Commissioners received updates on detention center staffing and reentry programs, wildfire recovery and EWP buyouts, awarded a road construction bid, approved budget resolutions and several contracts, and discussed solid-waste ordinance revisions and a prioritized five-year ICIP list.

Discussion Points

•300‑acre exemption produced reconciliation and delinquency issues
•Ambiguity in defining 'uninhabitable' structures
•Client referral and program graduation statistics
•County Attorney requested negotiated non‑appropriation and termination protections over multi‑year term
•County paying delinquent bills billed to UWS in some cases
•Debate over $68K–$70K manager truck and vehicle outfitting costs
•Draft MOU could be read to obligate county resources for resident care beyond animal sheltering
•Event targets 500–700 out-of-town visitors in February
•Festival budget ~ $250,000; village pledged $100,000; Lodgers' Tax Board recommended $25,000
•High proportion of substance involvement among intakes (~90% some involvement)
•ICIP draft with a prioritized top 10 project list
•Installed technology and ADA upgrades; capital needs for HVAC, washers, roof noted
•Insurance and additional-insured language missing in draft
•Monthly accounts payable & payroll report of $5,083,224.12
•Operational need to replace expiring contract; scope includes body, vehicle and transport cameras and cloud services
•Preliminary budget to be sent to DFA by June 1, 2026
•Procurement options for a shooting range and $2.3M quote for the building component
•Request for continued coordination with detention center for programming
•Staffing shortfall of ~6 officers and open maintenance/lieutenant posts
•Temporary telehealth while office remodeled; in-person services expected June 1, 2026

Decisions

•Award approved by unanimous vote
•Commission approved Agreement 1635 subject to attorney review
•Commission prioritized ICIP projects and favored on-call procurement for the shooting range
•MOU tabled until revisions are provided
•Resolutions 2026-59 and 2026-61 adopted unanimously

Directions

•Chair urged cleaning up ordinance language
•Commission requested more detailed audit/visibility on detention center expenditures and housing revenue tracking
•County Attorney to review and negotiate contract language before final execution
•Finance/Manager to provide further detail and justify vehicle procurement; auditors requested for detention center tracking
•Revise MOU to clarify scope, include insurance/indemnification language and require Commission approval for additional costs
•Staff to apply standard Lodgers' Tax criteria and finalize award paperwork
•Staff to draft clearer reapplication and verification processes and consider public town-hall
•Staff to refine project descriptions and prepare grant packages; pursue on-call procurement with multiple quotes for shooting range work

May

Minutes

Lincoln County commissioners held a special meeting and public hearing on the preliminary FY2026–27 budget, reviewed departmental requests and external funding recommendations, and adopted Resolution 2026-58 to reallocate funds including $2,000,000 from the Disaster Fund for EWP buyouts. Final budget consideration is scheduled for May 19, 2026; the submission deadline to DFA is June 1, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Chair Fischer's stated lobbying against centralization of authority
•Discussion of Lodgers Tax as a potential revenue source for RMA projects and desire for public/private partnerships
•Law enforcement liability insurance requested at $286,034
•List of external agency requests and staff recommended amounts (Capitan Library, Ruidoso Library, Boys and Girls Club, NMSU Extension, etc.)
•Movement of $2,000,000 from Disaster Fund for EWP buyouts and adjustment pending a $7.5M reimbursement
•Preliminary budget did not include recurring funding for Sheriff vehicles
•Presentation of preliminary FY2026–27 budget balanced within approximately -0.23%
•Resolution to reallocate funds and support disaster recovery and capital projects
•Sheriff lapel camera program proposed at $168,000 per year (ten-year financing)
•Staff outlined statutory reserve numbers, estimated beginning cash balance, and required interfund transfers
•State-level proposal to allow county commissions to appoint sheriffs

Decisions

•No final funding decision recorded on May 12
•No final funding decisions on May 12; allocations to be finalized with the May 19 budget adoption
•No formal action taken at the May 12 meeting
•Public hearing recessed and closed on May 12; final adoption scheduled for May 19, 2026
•Resolution 2026-58 adopted unanimously (Yes = 5)

Directions

•Commission to continue opposing measures that would reduce local government authority
•Include midyear performance reporting in contracts for funded organizations
•Staff to clarify legal and MOU issues related to recommendations
•Staff to monitor reimbursements and prioritize purchases accordingly
•Staff to provide additional multi-year trend lines and salary/benefits impact analysis ahead of final adoption
•Staff to re-present vehicle funding options in the final budget on May 19
•Treasurer/Finance to manage reallocation and adjust expenditure lines to reflect actual receipts

Apr

Minutes

Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners held its regular meeting on April 22, 2026, in Carrizozo. Commissioners approved multiple budget and project items including apparatus and equipment purchases, awarded appraisal services for the NRCS EWP buyout program, approved a site for a regional shooting range, accepted several grants, scheduled the June 11 canvass, and authorized the county manager's employment contract.

Discussion Points

•Approval pending procurement steps and DFA decisions.
•Cameras are image-only and non-audio; image data stored by vendor (Flock Safety).
•Chair and commissioners requested continued coordination and clarity on funding.
•Commissioners raised IPRA/public-records concerns and requested clarity on access logs and query protocols.
•Executive session topics included threatened/pending litigation, real property/water rights, and limited personnel matters.
•Facility footprint includes 75x80 ft building, covered modular shooting lanes and parking; grant completion deadline of June 2027.
•Generators to power entire stations including water tanks; county match amount and potential SB-31 funding option.
•IPUSA proposal described as a potential $150M investment for 50–100 jobs using woody biomass; commissioners preferred a non-binding letter of support conditioned on funding and permitting.
•No actions reported from closed session other than approval of manager contract in open session.
•Operational need and call volume in Bonito VFD district; use of VFD and state fire funds for purchase.
•Opportunity Zone eligibility criteria and proposed tracts in Ruidoso, Capitan and rural Hondo; potential economic benefits.
•Selection of WT Appraisals, Inc. and Rachel A. Krieger for appraisal and review services; challenge of establishing pre-disaster values for damaged properties; about 250 property owners signed up for buyout program.

Decisions

•Approved acceptance of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant.
•Approved manager employment contract.
•Approved one-year agreement with Flock Safety.
•Approved purchase of used rescue truck for approx. $176,000
•Approved site at 111 Copper Ridge Road.
•Awarded appraisal services to recommended firms.
•Direct staff to prepare nomination materials and prepare a conditional non-binding letter of support for IPUSA.

Directions

•File contract as Exhibit C; update personnel records.
•Proceed with contract implementation and coordinate with County Attorney on records and access policies.
•Proceed with grant acceptance and procurement pending funding clarification.
•Proceed with grant coordination and site planning.
•Staff to prepare Opportunity Zone nomination materials and a draft non-binding letter of support for IPUSA to return for Commission review.
•Staff to provide additional presentation on appraisal process for commissioners.

Mar

Minutes

Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting March 31, 2026, to canvass the Corona Schools special all-mail election, hear brief announcements from Chair Mark G. Fischer, approve the canvass results and adjourn. The Canvassing Board found Lincoln County returns split 43–44 on the tax question; the district-wide aggregated result was 57 for, 60 against.

Discussion Points

•Board discussed holding presentations in May on Ruidoso Downs activities (WUI barrier, EWP buyout, sheriff's assistance) and moving meetings to other county locations.
•Chair Fischer announced invitations and potential presentations and proposed moving meeting locations.
•Chair Fischer announced invitations to a water leaders' workshop and said he would forward State Forester presentation dates on the shared stewardship program.
•Clerk Hemphill reported detailed ballot mailing and return counts for the Corona Schools special election.

Decisions

•All recorded motions during the meeting were approved by unanimous roll call votes.
•Board approved the agenda and adjourned the meeting at 8:51 AM.
•Board approved the canvass of the Corona Schools special election as presented.

Directions

•Board set next regular meeting for April 21, 2026.
•Chair Fischer to forward presentation dates from the State Forester and to schedule a May briefing on Ruidoso Downs.
•Chair Fischer to forward State Forester presentation dates to commissioners; Chair plans a May presentation.

Mar

Minutes

The Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners met March 17, 2026, in Carrizozo. Major items included adoption of multiple funding resolutions and contracts, a denied billboard height variance after public testimony, acceptance of a clean financial audit, awards for green-waste handling, and discussion of Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) buyout planning.

Discussion Points

•Audit found Unmodified Opinion and single low-level finding related to capital assets.
•Design readiness (60%/100%) increases competitiveness for grants; county match obligations noted.
•Fair Board needs $12,000 for arena grooming equipment; Lodgers' Tax receipts down from pre-disaster levels and February revenues down $14,000 year-over-year.
•LCHC will fund CLRS for three years; DOH described local clinical and prevention services.
•Only one responsive proposal received; contract priced per cubic yard and offered on-site processing lump sums.
•Plans to install three 40,000-gallon tanks to improve ISO ratings.
•Prescribed-burn plan details (segmenting piles, mop-up and smoke management) and timeline (first burn within ~4 weeks).
•Resident asked for more information about technology, engineering and permitting and requested waste drop-off access for residents.
•Residents cited light pollution and visual impacts; applicant cited structural protection and digital messaging utility.
•Warrior Drive is fully grant-funded; Alamo Canyon requires a small county match and will inform future construction requests.

Decisions

•Agreement 1625 approved.
•Awarded RFP 26-01 to Universal Waste Systems
•Resolutions adopted for Colonias projects.
•Resolutions adopted to seek TPF funding.
•Variance denied (motion failed).

Directions

•Emergency Services to finalize burn schedule and coordinate public notifications and install tanks this year.
•Explore protective alternatives (bollards, setback).
•Fair Board to submit formal request through April budget workshop; staff to monitor Lodgers' Tax allocations.
•Finance department to continue reconciliation and system conversion to resolve capital-asset discrepancies.
•Health Council and County Manager to coordinate implementation and outreach.
•Public Works to finalize contract and operational details.
•Public Works to proceed with procurement and design deliverables.
•Pursue TPF awards and budget matches as needed.
•Staff to follow up with proponents and report permitting, engineering and monitoring details to Commission.

Mar

Minutes

Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners held a brief special meeting on March 9, 2026, to convene as the Canvassing Board and approve the canvass of the Village of Ruidoso March 3 municipal election. The canvass recorded a 27% turnout and unanimous approval of the canvass; the board set its next regular meeting for March 17, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Whether the Village of Ruidoso would consider opting into the county Regular Local Election schedule to lower election costs; the village has historically shown no interest but may reconsider after reviewing this year’s costs.

Decisions

•All listed procedural motions were approved by unanimous roll call votes (5-0).
•Canvass of the Village of Ruidoso Municipal Officer Election approved by unanimous vote.

Feb

Minutes

Lincoln County commissioners met Feb. 17, 2026 in Carrizozo to consider wildfire mitigation program logistics, approve several emergency-services purchases and grants, accept a land donation for an ambulance barn, and adopt the "Rio Safe" watershed restoration program after a 3-2 vote.

Discussion Points

•Acceptance of donated parcel from Village of Carrizozo for ambulance barn.
•Apparent reversion-date error corrected from 2026 to 2027.
•Auditors were delayed; audit presentation rescheduled.
•Authorization to contract for juvenile detention housing when local beds are unavailable; Sheriff noted three facilities in the state.
•Combined taxable value in affected districts increased by about $3.7M from 2025 to 2026.
•Commissioners requested rollout plan and funding details.
•Commissioners sought assurance adoption did not commit county match funds.
•General Fund balance $13,884,848.02; total cash/investments $75,717,306.50; tax collections 67.78%.
•Need to modernize aging chief vehicle and provide off-road response capabilities.
•Options include grinding for reuse, hauling to processors, air-curtain incineration, or controlled burning where allowed.
•Pending HB 285 could change disabled-veteran exemption impacts; full effect unknown.
•Program expected to use 75% state/25% local match; total funding amount unknown.
•Residential reconstruction and sales limited losses; non-residential activity remained limited.
•RFP to specify removal of existing pile, unit pricing, environmental compliance and fire-risk mitigation.
•Scope: four-lane, 100-foot indoor range for recreation and law-enforcement training.
•Stockpile estimated 20,000–30,000 cubic yards at site 220; interim and long-term disposal options considered.
•Treasurer estimated ~$443,000 annual operating cost; revenue projections not yet prepared.

Decisions

•Agreement accepted with corrected reversion date; staff to return with operational details.
•All motions approved unanimously.
•Directed Manager to prepare RFP and pursue interim options; no funding commitment made.
•Monthly accounts payable and payroll report approved.
•Resolution adopted 3–2 to authorize participation and planning only.

Directions

•Assessor to return after Legislative Session with updated valuation impact estimates.
•Auditors to present at rescheduled meeting; staff to provide exhibit materials.
•Manager to return with a detailed rollout and funding plan.
•Planning to investigate insurance and revenue models prior to construction procurement.
•Prepare RFP including removal of existing pile and ongoing unit pricing; pursue interim reduction via state price agreements.
•Procure vehicles and complete conveyance paperwork; return with implementation updates.

Feb

Minutes

At a special Lincoln County Commission meeting on Feb. 12, 2026, county treasurer presented the county's investment balances and proposed revisions to the Investment Policy, prompting discussion about liquidity and a debated wording change to allowable maturities; staff were directed to revise the policy for future consideration.

Discussion Points

•Amount of wind-turbine revenue on deposit and anticipated future receipts.
•Commission directed staff to revise policy language.
•Commissioners weighed liquidity needs against potential higher yields from longer maturities.
•Contested wording: "at least 50% under four years" vs. "no more than 50%".
•Formal approval of the agenda and meeting adjournment recorded; no formal vote on Investment Policy.
•Huddleston presented the county\u0002s total investments and explained fund restrictions.
•Proposal to change allowable maturities from under one year to under four years.

Decisions

•Agenda approved; meeting adjourned.

Directions

•Consideration to keep wind revenue in LGIP for liquidity.
•Staff directed to revise the Investment Policy language and return with an updated draft for consideration.
•Staff to redraft Investment Policy and return to commission.
•Staff to revise the Investment Policy language and return for consideration.

Feb

Minutes

Special meeting of the Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 3, 2026, focused on a closed executive session regarding threatened/pending litigation and scheduling follow-up meetings; no formal action was taken on litigation.

Discussion Points

•Approval of agenda; need to add Board of Finance meeting; closed-session discussion of litigation
•Chair Fischer presented a draft list of events for an April 20–22 meeting focused on water stakeholders
•Closed-session discussion of threatened and/or pending litigation under the Open Meetings Act

Decisions

•Agenda approved; closed session convened; no action taken on litigation; Board of Finance meeting scheduled; meeting adjourned
•No formal action taken regarding litigation

Directions

•Schedule Board of Finance meeting for Feb. 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM; post notice and agenda

Jan

Minutes

The Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners met Jan. 13, 2026 in Carrizozo; the board approved a site selection for a regional first-responder training center at Fort Stanton, approved a 20-year lease amendment with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, adopted mid-year budget adjustments and a $7.64 million accounts payable/payroll report, and received department and partner updates on detention, health care, road projects and grants.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners requested lease parameters and design work before procurement
•Commissioners requested more detail on board membership lists for Resolution 2026-39
•Detention plumbing and kitchen work nearing completion; RISE and Hope Floats engaged with detainees
•Finance Director presented accounts payable total and mid-year budget adjustments
•Hope Floats reported referral and Medicaid-enrollment results
•Hospital CEO described helipad permit status, unfinished women's clinic and rising malpractice expense
•Manager recommended Fort Stanton due to infrastructure and accessibility
•Roads reported grant awards totaling $2.82M for colonias projects
•Treasurer confirmed turbine funds placed into Fund 689
•Treasurer noted CPI provision reduces county exposure

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 2026-37; approve accounts payable; table Resolution 2026-39; approve contracts with one abstention
•Approve 20-year lease amendment with CPI adjustments
•Fort Stanton selected as site for training center

Directions

•Continue coordination between detention staff and reentry providers
•Contracts for colonias grants to be brought to the Commission for approval to proceed to bid
•Hospital to provide audited confirmation of charity care and uncompensated-care credit
•Return revised Resolution 2026-39 and contract documents for signature
•Staff to pursue lease terms and designs and coordinate with state and Fort Stanton stakeholders
•Treasurer/Assessor to continue Tyler system reconciliation

Dec

Minutes

Regular meeting of the Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 16, 2025 covering procurement awards, volunteer fire department equipment purchases, county finances including an expected wind-turbine payment, site feasibility direction for a future facility, and a closed session on threatened litigation.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Prather recommended removing two properties from consideration.
•Commissioners weighed site pros/cons and partnership opportunities.
•Procurement staff described responsive proposals and recommended awards; commissioners asked about contract terms and renewals.
•Treasurer Huddleston presented receipts and outstanding balances and recommended a dedicated fund for large incoming payments.

Decisions

•Awards approved as recorded; one abstention recorded for procurement awards.

Directions

•Staff to prepare allocation options and convene a Board of Finance discussion in the new year.
•Staff to provide cost models, renderings, and partner coordination notes for Fort Stanton and Copper Ridge and return in the new year.
•Staff to return with annual renewals and contract documents and cost/term clarifications.

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