Welcome to the New Mexico. Many Cultures... One Community COUNTY OBSERVER AT A GLANCE. By Kathy Callender

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1 2014 VOLUME 2 AT A GLANCE COUNTY OBSERVER...1 NMAC 78th Annual Conference COUNTY OBSERVER Many Cultures... One Community By Kathy Callender COUNTY CORNER...3 Update on SB268 IN YOUR COUNTY...3 NM PREA Implementation COUNTY FOCUS...4 NCCI Codes AROUND THE STATE...5 Legislative Interim Committees SERVING YOU...5 NMAC Legal Bureau NACo TRAINING...5 SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT...6 Holly Frontier ON THE HILL...6 Waters of the U.S. Resources CRITICAL ISSUES ADVANCING COUNTIES...7 NM EDGE Graduates NACo REPORT WIR Confernece NEW MEXICO CONNECTION...9 Ruidoso CFRP Grant MOVING FORWARD...9 NACo Annual Conference COUNTY COLLABORATIONS..10 Desert Peaks National Monument MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS...11 A Tribute to Our Members MOVING FORWARD... (Back) A Calendar of Events Welcome to the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) 78th Annual Conference in Luna County! Our host county and volunteers have been working for the last 18 months to welcome NMAC members and guests. From the Host County Reception at St Clair Winery to an Old Fashioned Carnival and Parking Lot Dance at the Luna County Courthouse, this year s conference will treat us to the many cultures of Luna County. Kicking off the conference, our keynote speaker, Lowell Catlett, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University, will share his unique perspective on emerging technologies and prepare us to anticipate and deal with a continually changing world. Sharing their insights during the Recognition Luncheon, will be New Mexico Municipal League President Elect Linda Calhoun and NACo Second Vice President Sallie Clark. The general sessions will be important catalysts as 19 affiliate groups meet to discuss important issues facing their roles within county government. Several affiliate groups are hosting joint meetings to discuss collective issues such as SB268 and public lands. Six years and getting bigger and better every year, the Public Works Affiliate ROAD- EO has a record number of contestants and sponsors. This year s event will be held at the Southwestern New Mexico Fairgrounds on Wednesday, June 18. If you have not yet seen the ROADEO, take the time to experience this tradition in Luna County. As in years past, the support of our sponsors and exhibitors are fundamental to the success of each conference. Please be sure to visit and thank our 34 sponsors and exhibitors for their participation, talk some business, and join them for the special Exhibitor Breakfast on Thursday morning. Come enjoy the hospitality, dynamic speakers, business solutions, and camaraderie at the NMAC 78th Annual Conference. We look forward to seeing you in Luna County - A Place of Many Cultures One Community. 2014, VOLUME 2 1

2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bernalillo County...Maggie Toulouse Oliver Clerk Catron County... Susan Griffin Assessor Chaves County... James Duffey Cibola County...Edward J. Michael Colfax County...Bill Sauble Curry County...Matt Murray Sheriff DeBaca County...Rosalie Gonzales Joiner Clerk Doña Ana County...David Gutierrez Treasurer Eddy County...Glenn Collier Grant County...Brett Kasten Guadalupe County...Alvin V. Maestas Harding County... Pete Callahan Assessor Hidalgo County...Ed Kerr Lea County...Pat Snipes Chappelle Clerk Lincoln County... Rhonda Burrows Clerk Los Alamos... Sharon Stover Clerk Luna County... Dora Madrid Treasurer McKinley County...Carol Bowman Muskett Mora County...Paula Garcia Otero County... Cathe Prather Treasurer Quay County... Janie L. Hoffman Assessor Rio Arriba County...Alfredo L. Montoya Roosevelt County... Jake Lopez San Juan County... Clyde Ward Assessor San Miguel County... Elaine A. Estrada Assessor Sandoval County...Orlando Lucero Santa Fe County...Liz Stefanics Sierra County...Walter Armijo Socorro County...Danny Monette Taos County... Gabriel J. Romero Torrance County...V. Linda M. Jaramillo Clerk Union County... Van H. Robertson Valencia County...Mary J. Andersen Ex-Officio Members NACo Urban Board... Edward Michaels Cibola County NACo Rural Board... Janie Hoffman Quay County Assessor NACo Board At-Large...Liz Stefanics Santa Fe County NACo WIR Board...Walter Armijo Sierra County NACo WIR Board...Danny Monette Santa Fe County Multi-Line Board...Ron Lethgo Chaves County Assessor Workers Comp Board...Robert Anaya Santa Fe County Probate Judges Affiliate...Alice Salcido Doña Ana County Executive Director... Steve Kopelman , VOLUME 2 NM ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEADERSHIP A Message from the President Dear County Elected Officials and Staff, I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as your New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) President this past year. Together, we have celebrated many great achievements and laid the foundation for the work ahead. Throughout the year, the Board of Directors worked diligently on many important county initiatives. NMAC provided a collective voice on critical federal and state issues including continued funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes. The Board of Directors adopted the first official NMAC Policy Statement which will guide the organization for years to come. To support these efforts, I appointed several multi-disciplinary and policy committees to take a closer look at county taxes, health care, public lands and natural resources, detention reform and emergency medical service funding. There have also been many significant internal changes at NMAC during the past year. Steve Kopelman was selected as the new Executive Director and both of the NMAC offices were relocated to accommodate the growing needs of the organization. NMAC expanded services and training opportunities for our members with programs such as mental health training, a Prison Rape Elimination Act Juvenile Grant, and funding opportunities to support counties with the rollout of the Affordable Care Act through the New Mexico Health Care Exchange. As Past President, I will continue my efforts to support our county members and the challenges which lie ahead with many of the federal issues such as the Endangered Species Act, Environmental Protection Act, and land use. I am looking forward to working with incoming President Paula Garcia over the next 12 as we continue to strive to create economic opportunities for each county in our great state. Sincerely, Wendell Bostwisk Executive Director s Report Dear County Members, The NMAC Annual Conference begins this week and I would like to thank Luna County employees for their hard work in hosting this year s event. We anticipate more than 600 county representatives from around the state will be in attendance. The cover article in this newsletter will provide you with more detail on the many exciting events we have planned for you. During the conference, we are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of county members who are successfully graduating from NM EDGE. We are very proud of this partnership with New Mexico State University and their commitment to providing professional training for our county members. We are also taking this opportunity to recognize individual counties that have made significant efforts to reduce their risk exposure and implement best practices. This conference will also provide an opportunity for NMAC s affiliates to draft legislative resolutions to be considered by the Board of Directors for the 2015 Legislative Session. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Board of Directors for their leadership during the past legislative session. Several proposals that were introduced created inequities among the counties and finding a balanced approach was not easy. Although there is still significant work to be done, I am confident that through the collective efforts of the 33 counties, we can work together to advance New Mexico s counties. Sincerely, Steve Kopelman President Wendell Bostwick Together, we have celebrated many great achievements and laid the foundation for the work ahead Executive Director Steve Kopelman Through our collective efforts, we can work together to advance New Mexico s 33 counties

3 COUNTY CORNER Update on SB 268 Safety Net Care Pool Counties (other than Bernalillo and Sandoval) are required under Section 16(A) to pass an ordinance that takes effect July 1, 2014, which dedicates to the Safety Net Care Pool Fund an amount equal to a gross receipts tax rate of 1/12th percent applied to the taxable gross receipts reported during the prior fiscal year. A county may use public funds from any existing authorized revenue source for such purpose. Section 16(B) provides that counties subject to the bill shall transfer to the Safety Net Care Pool Fund, by the last day of March, June, September and December of each year, an amount equal to 1/4th of the county s payment to the Safety Net Care Pool Fund. Thus, the first payment under SB268 is due on the last day of September Under Section 3(D) of the bill, counties subject to the bill are authorized, until June 30, 2017, to enact an ordinance imposing an excise tax of 1/16th percent or 1/12th percent of the gross receipts of any person engaging in business in IN YOUR COUNTY Loss Prevention Update By Susan Mayes the county. This is a general purpose increment. The wording in this section indicates that this tax does not sunset on June 30, Rather, the county must enact an ordinance imposing the tax no later than June 30, 2017, but the bill does not provide that the tax is only effective until such date. This appears to be the case although language in the title of the bill references a three-year limit on imposition of the tax. The Governor line item vetoed the provision in Section 16(A) which limited the ordinance requiring transfers to the Safety Net Care Pool Fund to a three-year period (July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017). The three-year sunset clause was a major provision of SB268, and NMAC is looking at options for dealing with this issue. By Grace Philips EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMMITEE President Wendell Bostwick, Curry County President Elect Paula Garcia, Mora County Vice President Sharon Stover, Los Alamos County Clerk Treasurer Alvin V. Maestas, Guadalupe County District I Liz Stefanics, Santa Fe County Los Alamos, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Juan & Santa Fe Counties District II Van Robertson, Union County Colfax, Harding, Mora, San Miguel, Taos & Union Counties District III Danny Monette, Socorro County Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Socorro & Valencia Counties District IV Jake Lopez, Roosevelt County Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Quay, Roosevelt & Torrance Counties District V Brett Kasten, Grant County Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna & Sierra Counties District VI James Duffey, Chaves County Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln & Otero Counties New Mexico County PREA Implementation Work Featured at National Conference Last year a coalition made up of Bernalillo, Chaves, San Juan and Taos Counties along with the New Mexico Association of Counties, was awarded a $300,000 grant to support implementation of PREA standards in New Mexico juvenile detention facilities. PREA stands for the Prison Rape Elimination Act and the standards support prevention, detection and response to sexual misconduct in secured facilities. The grant paid for county travel, supplies, contracts, a youth orientation training video, and consultants from the Children s Law and Policy Center. Over the past 10 months a work group that includes CYFD and detention staff from Curry, Luna and McKinley Counties as well as the pilot counties has been working with the consultants to develop sample policies and comprehensive training materials for staff and youth. The work product is excellent and was presented during a national juvenile detention alternatives conference in Philadelphia this June. All county juvenile facilities have been invited to participate in a two-day training regarding the NM PREA implementation tools this August. The grant will cover county travel costs and participants will receive and learn how to use NM PREA Implementation Toolkits that include the sample policies and training materials as well as the youth training video that features Albuquerque Poet Laureate, Hakim Bellamy. We are excited to share this good work with facilities statewide and feel confident that implementing the policies along with a strong training program will improve safety in our facilities and protect youth from sexual abuse while in custody. 2014, VOLUME 2 3

4 DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES Executive Services Steve Kopelman, Executive Director Susan Mayes, Executive Coordinator Grace Philips, General Counsel Tasia Young, Ph.D., Lobbyist Finance Santiago Chavez, Finance Director Carolin Rios, Senior Accountant Charlotte Martinez, Accountant Intergovernmental Relations Joy Esparsen, Intergov. Relations Director Katelyn Quiroz, IR Administrative Assist Member Services Aelysea Webb, Receptionist & Constituent Services Assist. Kathy Callender, Member Services Director Risk Management/IT Taylor Horst, Risk Management/IT Director David Borton, Senior Systems Administrator Cynthia Stephenson, Risk Management Specialist Rahwa Asghedom, Risk Management Data Analyst Ahmed De Alba Garza, RM Intern Loss Prevention Sal Baragiola, Loss Prevention Manager James Chavez, Loss Prevention Specialist Manuel Romero, Loss Prevention Specialist Art Murphy, Loss Prevention Specialist Caryl Rodriguez, Loss Prevention Coord. Workers Compensation Theresa Griego, WC Claims Manager Steve Chappell, WC Claims Adjuster Sal Ongaro, WC Claims Adjuster Thomas Bridell, WC Claims Adjuster James Lucero, WC Medical Only Adjuster Annemarie Hill, WC Admin Assistant Multi-Line Robin Martinez, ML Claims Manager Diane Blackburn, ML Sr. Claims Examiner Jeannette Chavez, ML Sr. Claims Examiner Velma Herrera, ML Sr. CLaims Examiner Randy Chavez, ML Claims Examiner Jennifer Ortiz, ML Claims Examiner Darlene Salazar, ML First-Party Claims Examiner Bobbie Dalton, ML Claims Assistant COUNTY FOCUS Risk Management Update What the Heck are NCCI Codes? All counties that are members of the Workers Compensation Pool underwent a payroll audit during the months of February and March of this year. A New Mexico company with six locations across the state, Accounting & Consulting Group, LLP (ACG), was the independent firm that contracted with the Workers Compensation Pool to audit each member county. ACG utilized the standard government PPC Audit Program Activity Control Activities Form provided by Thomson Reuters in their audit process, which included the following steps: 1) 2) 3) Identifying key controls related to the payroll process, and testing 10 payroll transactions to determine if the controls are in place and working properly; Reconciling the county s payroll system report to the Internal Revenue Service Quarterly 941 Forms that were filed by the county during the year; and Utilizing a representative sample of county employees within the county payroll system to compare their actual job classifications to what the payroll system said was their job classification code. It is this payroll classification code that is also known as an NCCI code. NCCI stands for the National Council on Compensation Insurance, By Taylor Horst which is a nationwide insurance rating and data collection bureau specializing in workers compensation data. NCCI collects workers compensation injury data from every state in the nation in every separate job classification to determine an accurate payroll charge for workers compensation insurance, by job classification. It is very important for each county to have all of their employees correctly classified via NCCI code in their payroll system so that they pay the appropriate amount for their workers compensation contribution. The New Mexico County Insurance Authority Workers Compensation Pool uses these audited numbers to establish contributions for the pool by each member, and if, for example, a county has employees misclassified into a more expensive classification, they will be paying for workers compensation coverage which they don t need. Additionally, it is anticipated that workers compensation costs are going to increase over the next few years, so it is especially important to ensure your county s data is accurate to prevent either over-payment or under-payment of the necessary coverage. Employee Benefits Self-Insurance Pool? The Risk Management Department at NMAC has received several requests over the past few months to investigate the possibility of creating an Employee Benefits Self-Insurance Pool which counties could participate in, much like the Workers Compensation and Multi-Line pools which are operating today. The term Employee Benefits, in this context, means health insurance coverages and related supplemental coverages, such as group life insurance and disability insurance. s from counties across the state have wondered if this would be feasible at this time, given the changes in the industry and the rollout of the Affordable Care Act. As a result, Risk Management will be contracting with an industry broker to perform a feasibility study on this topic. Please stay tuned for more information and check our website for periodic updates , VOLUME 2

5 AROUND THE STATE Legislative Update By Tasia Young Legislative Committees Begin Interim Work Several key legislative interim committees have begun work on issues of importance to county government. These include the Legislative Finance, Health and Human Services, Courts and Criminal Justice, Water and Natural Resources, and Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committees. The Legislative Finance Committee began meeting monthly in May. NMAC has requested that the Committee put a review of funding for the County Detention Reimbursement Act on its agenda this year. Funding for the Act has remained at $3.3 million (down from its original $5 million appropriation) for several years. SERVING YOU NMAC Update The work plan for the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee includes a proposal to hear testimony on the status of hospitals statewide, in the wake of the changes in Medicaid and other federal and state reimbursement, including changes in hospital funding approved by the legislature during the 2014 regular session (emphasis added). The Revenue and Tax Committee will meet in Farmington on July 7 and 8, and will also look at the hospital funding issue during that meeting. A proposal for reforming the state gross receipts tax (grt) was presented, and the committee approved an examination of alternatives to the current grt system. The first meeting of the Water and Natural Resources Committee was held on June 5, and the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee will meet on June 19. These initial meetings include proposed work plans, itineraries, and travel plans, which are discussed by the committees, but not posted on the legislature s web site until approved by the Legislative Council at the end of June. By Susan Mayes NACo TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Keeping Existing Partners Engaged in Environmental Restoration Efforts Tuesday, June 17, :00 PM - 1:00 PM (Mountain Time) Learn from leaders and partners in environmental restoration projects across the country that have successfully partnered with community organizations, local governments, schools, the business community, etc. to meet restoration goals. Improving Juvenile Justice Systems by Engaging Families Thursday, June 26, :00 PM -1:15 PM (Mountain Time) Involvement in the justice system can be intimidating, overwhelming and present real barriers to families staying connected, but creating opportunities for families to meaningfully participate can make a significant difference in a child s outcome. Hear from counties that have implemented successful family engagement programs for justice-involved populations, which allow families and youth to feel more comfortable and supported, have more input in treatment and other decisions, and even result in lower arrest rates. Looking For Ways to Serve You Better NMAC Legal Bureau NMAC has decided to create an in-house legal bureau to handle some of the cases we would otherwise assign to outside counsel. It will be funded through the multi-line and law enforcement pool expense budgets. The in-house salaries should balance the outside hourly defense fees previously paid. The legal bureau would be a loss prevention benefit with time tracking on each case, giving a stronger position for NMAC during mediations. The bureau will be located in either our Albuquerque or Santa Fe offices. New NMAC Employee This year s risk management intern is Ahmed De Alba Garza. He is pursuing a degree from NMSU in applied mathematics, with an emphasis in actuarial science and a risk management minor. Keep an eye out for him at Annual Conference and for s from him, as he assists us with a variety of projects this summer. Ahmed is originally from Saltillo, Coahuila (Mexico) and transferred to NMSU from Texas A&M University Kingsville. Welcome, Ahmed! NMAC and its members look forward to working with you. Ahmed De Alba Garza Risk Management Intern State and Local Legal Center: Supreme Court Review CLE Webinar Friday, July 18, :00 PM - 12:30 PM (Mountain Time) Join Carter Phillips, Sidley Austin, Collin O Connor Udell, Jackson Lewis, and New York Times correspondent Adam Liptakm in a discussion of the most significant cases decided this term affecting state and local government. These expert lawyers, who have argued multiple cases before the Supreme Court, will discuss pertinent cases including the Michigan s affirmative action ban, warrantless searches of cell phones, speech buffer-zones, and two Clean Air Act cases. CLE Available. For more information on any of these NACo training opportunities, please visit org and click under Conferences and Events for the Webinars and Seminars link. 2014, VOLUME 2 5

6 CRITICAL ISSUES NMAC Executive Committee and the Board of Directors met in April in Santa Fe and May in Taos County and approved the following actions: Accepted the NMAC Financial Audit as of June 30, 2013 Authorized the Executive Committee to convene with the Advisory Council at the May meeting Authorized NMAC to create a Legal Bureau Approved the NMAC Budget Approved a Wilderness Study Area (WSA) resolution to remove WSAs the Bureau of Land Management has determined do not fit the definition of a wilderness study area Risk Awareness Program Continues to Reduce Workers Compensation Claims The NMAC Risk Awareness Program has been adopted by 21 member counties. Entering its 8th year, this 50-week program of customized safety awareness training is delivered weekly to county employees. At the 78th NMAC Annual Conference in Luna County, New Mexico, RAP awards will be given to the following counties in recognition for their hard work in reducing claims during the year. Risk Awareness Program (RAP) Awards: Curry County, Reducing claims by an average of 37% McKinley County, Reducing claims by an average of 58% San Miguel County, Reducing claims by an average of 64% Valencia County, Reducing claims by an average of 30% Sierra County, Reducing claims by an average of 57% Taos County, Year 5 in the RAP Program Counties receiving Risk Awareness Program rebate checks for their participation in the RAP program over the last year: Bernalillo, Chavez, Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Lincoln, San Juan, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Torrance County. For more information about the RAP program and its benefits contact James Chavez at jchavez@nmcounties.org. SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT Featured Business Partner A Word From Our Sponsor... Holly Frontier! Since In New Mexico, we are the largest producer of Performance Grade Asphalt Binders, and Asphalt Emulsions for high way construction, maintenance, and pavement preservation. We market our products in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Oklahoma. We are proud members of NMAC and sponsors of NMAC events and conferences. Like NMAC, we have been a part of New Mexico Community for forty years and are committed partners. We believe in our community and will do the things that add value for our customers. Our sponsorship allows us give back to the community and develop closer relationships with our valued customers. It provides us with access to various audiences, including employees, decision makers, government regulators and elected officials. NMAC events provide us with an opportunity to come face-to-face with elected officials, who we do not normally see ON THE HILL Federal Update The National Association of Counties (NACo) has launched a new webpage designed to serve as a one-stop resource for counties on the recently proposed federal definition of Waters of the U.S. released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) on April 21. Visit the website at org/legislation/pages/ WOUS.aspx for additional resources. County leaders are encouraged to utilize this resource, which provides the following: Comprehensive Analysis Draft Comments Sample Letter for 90-day Extension Sample County Resolutions Guide for Writing Op-Eds Examples of Social Media Posts Links to Many Other Resources in the field during construction of road projects. Our participation also provides our customers with an opportunity to get acquainted with our representatives to learn more about our products, firsthand. HollyFrontier s mission is to add value by providing superior products, services, and solutions to meet our customers needs, and since NMAC shares the same goal, we will proudly continue our gratify HollyFrontier has been in business in New Mexico ing and admirable partnership with NMAC. NACo Unveils New Information Hub on Waters of the U.S. The proposed rule would amend the current definition of Waters of the U.S. in the Clean Water Act (CWA), which has been in place for over 25 years, and would expand the range of waters (and their conveyances) that fall under federal regulation. If adopted, counties would be significantly affected because they are often responsible for public safety water systems that would fall under the extended jurisdiction. The proposal would eliminate the distinction between bodies of water like rivers and lakes and roadside ditches and drains. Costs and permitting times for projects related to many types of waters not currently under federal jurisdiction would also increase. If you have any questions or comments, please contact NACo Associate Legislative Director Julie Ufner at jufner@naco.org or , VOLUME 2

7 ADVANCING COUNTIES NM EDGE Update By Mary C. DeLorenzo CRITICAL ISSUES Counties Continue to Show Their Professionalism The NM EDGE is proud to present the June 2014 Graduating Class! Earning their Certified Public Official are: Tracy Blea Consuelo (Chelo) Gonzales David Estrada Sherrie Huddleson Mark Jasso Michele Jordon Tasha Martinez Adamina Pino Paul Ponce Theresa Romero Barb Schalfofski DeAun Searl Desiree Silva Aleta Tittle Evelyn Valencia Earning a perfect score of 10 on their culminating mini-essay are Karen Martinez and Carole Jaramillo. Earning their Certified Public Supervisor: Johnny Baca Gerald (Chopper) Chavez Les Francisco Stephanie Hicks Brent Jaramillo Glory Johnson Dianne Maes Robert Martinez Grisel Melendez Rosa Porras GoJean Todacheene Gabriella Trujillo Earning their Certified Treasury Official are: Rene Barba Larry Polanis Desiree Rivera-Lewis Josephine Gallegos Cynthia Saiz Susan Trujillo Patrick Varela Earning her Certified Public Assessing Officer: Susan Griffin Earning his Certified Geographic Information Systems Specialist: David Estrada Earning dual certifications in Certified Public Official and Certified Treasury Official are: Sondra Andes Clara Cordova Congratulations to each of you for achieving your continuous education goals through your hard work and dedication! Thanks, too, to your County for supporting you in these accomplishments. There is still time to enroll on-site for classes in Deming, June Come to the Mimbres Valley Learning Center 30 minutes prior to the class you wish to take and you can enroll on-site (based on space availability). Some classes may fill-up but many still have room. You can check with the NM EDGE Student Services and Enrollment Desk on-site at the Mimbres Valley Learning Center. The next weeklong offering of NM EDGE CPM and County College classes will be in Albuquerque, September Be sure to give us your input on class selection following the June classes and we will do our best to get as many as possible on the schedule. NMEDGE_Input_Sept_2014 We value your participation in, and support of, this program towards our mutual goal of Better Government through Education! New Mexico State Forestry After Wildfire Guide New Mexico State Forestry, working with the New Mexico Association of Counties and other partners, is nearing completion of a guide to assistance for communities impacted by wildland fires. The After Wildfire guide will provide information on safety, mobilizing your community, who can help and how to reach them and financial tips. It also includes a primer on different types of post-fire treatments used on burned landscapes. Look for an announcement soon! State Appointment for County Jake Lopez Governor Susana Martinez has appointed Roosevelt County Jake Lopez to the Community Development Council. Lopez has been in public service in Portales and the county for more than 20 years. He also served as a supervisor of four medical clinics around the state for a combined 35 years. Grant Training Opportunities Grant Writing Management USA will present two grant trainings. The workshops will cover how to write grant proposals start to finish and how to locate and track relevant grant opportunities. July 14-15, 2014 Las Cruces in partnership with New Mexico HIDTA July 24-25, 2014 Albuquerque in partnership with the Albuquerque Fire Academy This training is not specific to the hosting agency and is appropriate for all city, county, and state offices as well as area educators and nonprofits. For more information, please contact Julie Beck, direct (PDT). Economic Development Course An Economic Development Course will be held in Silver City July 20-24, This intensive economic development course is certified by the International Economic Development Council. Register now as the class size is limited. For more information on registration, logistics, etc., please contact Linda McArthur directly, or linda.mcarthur@wnmu.edu 2014, VOLUME 2 7

8 WORKERS COMPENSATION POOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS NACo REPORT NACo Update 2014 Western Interstate Region Conference States Work Together on Western Issues By Joy Esparsen Lance Pyle Curry County Manager Chair Joseph Crelier Bernalillo County Director of Risk Management Vice Chair Gloria Jean Chavez Guadalupe County Finance & Safety Officer Secretary/Treasurer Brenda Sanchez Chaves County Public Service Administrator Danny Gonzales Luna County Human Resources & Payroll Director Doug Decker McKinley County Attorney Jon Paul Saari Grant County Manager Kristi Galloway San Juan County Risk Manager Phillip Rios Sandoval County Manager Robert Anaya Santa Fe County NMAC Representative Wayne Hancock Doña Ana County EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Wendell Bostwick Curry County & NMAC President Dan Bryant Otero County Attorney NMAC Attorneys Affiliate Representative Miss Indian New Mexico, Ashley Piño, signs in her native language, the invocation offered by Cibola County Lloyd Felipe. Courtesy of NACo Several New Mexico county representatives participated in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2014 Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference in Anchorage, Alaska from May The conference brought together hundreds of Western officials and provided opportunities for NACo policy committees to discuss effectively managing land and natural resources, promoting rural development and prosperity, expanding broadband access, and preparing for the upcoming wildfire season. With critical legislative and regulatory issues being debated in the nation s capital, county leaders discussed efforts for amplifying county voices on the newlyproposed definition of Waters of the U.S. and the MAP-21 transportation bill; securing longterm funding solutions for Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Secure Rural Schools; and addressing the challenges many western states are facing regarding the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Environmental Planning Act (EPA). It s important for us to learn from others who are faced with similar challenges, said NMAC President Wendell Bostwick. This conference provides county leaders a role in shaping federal policies that affect us every day. We will continue to work closely with NACo and legislators in Washington to preserve our lands, economies, and way of life. In addition to a line-up of dynamic speakers, the conference provided workshops for county leaders to delve deeply into topics important to the West. These discussions included county solutions for managing wild horses and burros, innovations in rural economic development and reforming county public defender systems. For more information about WIR, visit: naco.org/legislation/policies/pages/wir.aspx. Western Interstate Region 2014 Officers (L-R) Past President John Martin, President Lesley Robinson, First Vice President Gordon Cruickshank, and Second Vice President Doug Breidenthal Photo by Bev Schlotterbeck , VOLUME 2

9 NEW MEXICO CONNECTION Intergovernmental Update Submitted by USFS CFRP - Ruidoso WUI Interagency Fuel Reduction & Prescribed Fire Implementation Summer 2014 Project Update Project goals: Landscape and forest restoration across boundaries, wood product utilization (firewood and logs), firefighter training, public education, and outreach. Having been awarded the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program (CFRP) grant just nine months ago, the Lincoln County-based partners are well on their way to achieving the goals that were identified in their project proposal. Prescribed burning was used to treat 300 acres last fall. Fuel reduction will soon begin on two parcels of state land, which include the Village of Ruidoso and Alto Mesa, slated for mechanical treatment of 40 acres and 150 acres of prescribed burning, respectively. MOVING FORWARD Highlighted Event NACo 2014 Annual Conference NACo s 79th Annual Conference and Exposition provides an opportunity for all county leaders and staff to learn, network and guide the direction of the association. The Annual Conference, held each July, is hosted by a NACo member county. This year, the conference will be held in Orleans Parish, (New Orleans) Louisiana. The Annual Conference provides county officials with a great opportunity to vote on NACo s policies related to federal legislation and regulation; elect officers; network with colleagues; learn about innovative county programs; find out about issues impacting counties across the country; and view products and services from participating companies and exhibitors. A larger-scale prescribed fire project is targeted for fall of 2014 on BIA, Mescalero, and USFS lands. This project CROSSES jurisdictional boundaries and provides an optimal training environment for wildland firefighters, while enhancing and nurturing interagency partnerships and cooperation. The monthly Lecture Series was launched in October 2013, featuring a variety of topics ranging from emergency preparedness, to forest health on the Mescalero Reservation, defensible space, fire ecology and conservation. Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso branch is actively involved in this educational component and attendance includes 40 to 50 people at each session, resulting in a direct outreach to almost 500 people (to date) via this venue and we ve just begun! The Forest Health Expo was held earlier this year and 150 people actively participated in this well-organized event. Behind the scenes, it s important to note that this CFRP project leader role has transitioned from Mike Caggiano to Rick Merrick, Rural Forester for the South Central Mountains Resource Conservation and Development Council. This change has been almost seamless, which is a testimony to the outstanding partnerships and collaboration that have been in place and continue to develop under the guidance and leadership of Lincoln County, along with state, local, and federal organizations. MULTI-LINE POOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014 Ron Lethgo Chaves County Assessor Chair &NMAC Representative Teresa Byrd Bernalillo County Deputy County Manager of Finance Vice Chair Orlando Lucero Sandoval County Secretary/Treasurer Javier Diaz Luna County Lonnie Freyburger Torrance County Nita Taylor Lincoln County Manager Ron Ortega San Miguel County Wayne Hancock Doña Ana County Wendell Bostwick Curry County & NMAC President EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Doug Decker McKinley County Attorney Attorneys Affiliate Representative Patrick Snedeker San Miguel County Warden/Detention Administrator LEDAC Chair 2014, VOLUME 2 9

10 LAW ENFORCEMENT & DETENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE COUNTY COLLABORATIONS NMAC Partner Update Sumbitted by BLM Patrick Snedeker San Miguel County Warden/Detention Administrator Chair & Multi-Line Representative Matt Murray Curry County Sheriff Vice Chair Chris Barela Doña Ana County Adult/Juvenile Detention Director BLM Manages New Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Patrick Casias Colfax County Sheriff Todd J. Garrison Doña Ana County Sheriff Johna Gonzales Taos County Juvenile Detention Administrator Matt Elwell Luna County Detention Director Johnny Valdez Cibola County Sheriff EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Wendell Bostwick Curry County & NMAC President Gregg Mercantel Secretary New Mexico Corrections Dept. Sandra P. Stewart Director of Juvenile Justice Services Children, Youth & Family Dept. Ken Christesen Sheriff San Juan County The Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument, established on May 21, 2014, by Presidential Proclamation, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The 496,330 acres include the Organ Mountains (steep mountain range jutting majestically above the Chihuahuan Desert floor), the Desert Peaks (desert mountains rising steeply from flat plains and a mountain complex of volcanic rock), the Potrillo Mountains (a volcanic landscape of cinder cones, lava flows, and craters), and the Doña Ana Mountains (with extensive trails, rock climbing routes, and some limited routes available for motorized use). The new Monument is expected to bring more attention to this spectacular area and with it, economic benefits to local communities. The BLM will continue to issue and administer grazing permits and leases within the Monument, and subject to valid existing rights, the lands within the Monument boundary are withdrawn from mining and mineral leasing. As the BLM works on the Management Plan for the Monument, the BLM will continue to allow hunting, trapping, motorized vehicle use and access for border security efforts consistent with the existing land use plan. Furthermore, the BLM will work with local community leaders including tribes, agencies, and the public to create a Management Plan to consider all uses. The BLM is excited to work on the upcoming Management Plan and looks forward to a wide array of involvement from the counties and the public! , VOLUME 2

11 MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS A Tribute to Our Members Enchantment Members Coast2Coast Rx Card 1102 North A1A, Ste 202 Ponte Verda Beach, FL Marty Dettelbach (919) marty@c2crx.com Kofile Preservation, Inc Cedar Springs Road Dallas, TX George Sisneros (214) eugene.sisneros@kofile.us Professional Document Systems 1414 Common Drive El Paso, TX (800) Matt Bowman mbowman@pdswest.com Wallin, Huss & Mendez Law Firm, LLC PO Box 696 Moriarty, NM (505) Dennis Wallin dkw@whmlawfirm.com Zia Members Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 15 Enterprise, Ste. 200 Aliso Viejo, CA (949) Nasreen Kopecky nasreen_kopecky@ajg.com Cooperative Educational Services 4216 Balloon Park Rd. NE Albuquerque, NM (505) Robin Strauser robin@ces.org PNM Resources PNM Alvarado Square Albuquerque, NM (505) Matthew Jaramillo Matthew.jaramillo@pnmresources.com Trinity Services 6216 Sutter Avenue Carmichael, CA (855) Don Lee don.lee@trinityservicesgroup.com AT&T N Tatum Blvd., 4th Fl. Phoenix, AZ (480) Jerry Fuentes jf7569@att.com HEALTH CARE PARTNERS SYSTEMS PO Box 37 Pueblo, CO (877) Rita Torres rita.torres@hcpcareteam.com RBC Capital Markets, LLC 6301 Uptown Blvd. NE, Ste.110 Albuquerque, NM (505) or (877) Paul Cassidy Paul.Cassidy@rbccm.com Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assoc., Inc Fulcrum Way NE Rio Rancho, New Mexico (505) Rhonda Mitchell rmitchell@tristategt.org Automated Election Services 7000 Zenith Ct. NE Rio Rancho, NM (505) Don Anderson danderson@electionpeople.com MCT INDUSTRIES, INC Pan American Frwy. NE Albuquerque, NM (505) Fermin Maes rubyg@mct-ind.com Souder, Miller & Associates 3451 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste. D Albuquerque, NM (877) Karen Serio Karen.serio@soudermiller.com WAGNER EQUIPMENT 4000 Osuma Rd. NE Albuquerque, NM (505) Rick Sena sena_rick@wagnerequipment.com CAaNES 7801 Academy Rd. NE, Bldg. 1, Ste. 202 Albuquerque, NM (505) Srinivas Mukkamala info@caanes.com New Mexico Finance Authority 207 Shelby St. Santa Fe, NM (505) Gloria Castillo gcastillo@nmfa.net Southwest Correctional Medical Group 6303 Goliad Ave. Dallas, TX (214) Todd Murphy Todd.murphey@swcmg.com Western Emulsions, Inc. 49 E Martin St. Roswell, NM (575) Rusty Smallwood rusty@westernemulsions.com ConocoPhillips 3401 E 30th Street Farmington, NM (505) Frank Santiago frank.santiago@conocophillips.com NM Clerks, LLC 1420 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Suite 208 Albuquerque, NM (505) Daniel Ivey-Soto daniel@nmclerks.org Triadic Enterprises PO Drawer 471 Deming, NM (575) Mike Hofacket andie@triadicnet.com Roadrunner Members 4 RIVERS EQUIPMENT GEORGE K. Baum & Company PROPERTYINFO TITAN MACHINERY ACC HEALTH, LLC Gila Regional Medical Center RICOH-USA Total Assessment Solutions Corp. Automated Recovery Systems of NM Golden Equipment Robis Elections, Inc. TYLER TECHNOLOGIES Basic IDIQ CONSTRUCTION HollyFrontier Refining & Marketing, LLC Robles, Rael & Anaya, P.C. VOLUNTEER FIREMEN S INS. SERVICES, INC (VFIS) BIG R BRIDGE Iron Wolf RoofCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT BOHANNAN HUSTON, INC. Modern Medical SAN BAR CONSTRUCTION CORP. WELLS FARGO Brewer Oil Company Motorola Solutions, Inc. SDV Construction, Inc. WHPACIFIC CompassTools NCA ARCHITECTS Simplifile WILLIAMSON RESTORATION, INC. Correctional Healthcare Companies NUCLEAR WASTE PARTNERSHIP LLC Smith Engineering WILSON & COMPANY DON CHALMERS FORD OLSENPARDEN WILLIAMS, P.C. SUMMIT TRUCK GROUP ENGINEERS INC. PREFERRED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS TECHNIQUE DATA SYSTEMS FORTE PAYMENT SYSTEMS PUBLIC TRUST ADVISORS, LLC THE SIDWELL COMPANY Yucca Members Eastern Plains Council of Governments Leadership New Mexico Mid Region Council of Governments Nationwide Retirement Solutions NM EDGE Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments 2014, VOLUME 2 11

12 MOVING FORWARD An Upcoming Calendar of Events JUNE /18 Workers Compensation Membership Meeting (Luna) 6/19 Board of Directors Meeting (Luna) 6/ th NMAC Annual Conference (Luna) AUGUST /7-8 EC Mtg *optional*, Legislative Priorities, BOD Mtg (McKinley) 8/20 Multi-Line Board Meeting (Santa Fe) 8/21 Workers Compensation Board Meeting (Santa Fe) 8/ th NMML Annual Conference (Albuqerque) JULY /9 Legislative Resolution Review: EC & Affiilate Chairs (Santa Fe) 7/11-14 NACo Annual Conference (New Orleans, LA) SEPTEMBER /18 Gathering of Counties (Expo New Mexico) 2014 NACo Annual Conference - Still Time to Register! July 11-14, 2014 New Orleans, Louisianna NACo s 79th Annual Conference and Exposition provides an opportunity for all county leaders and staff to learn, network and guide the direction of the association. The 64 parishes of Louisiana will showcase regional beverages, cuisine, culture and music at the conference-wide event held at the New Orleans Saints Superdome. For additional information or to register visit the NACo website at New Mexico Association of Counties 444 Galisteo Street Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501