News and Articles

Below is a summary of the actions taken by the Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners in yesterday’s meeting (Commissioner Montoya and Commissioner Anaya were not present for the meeting):

• Renewable Energy:Approved resolutions [3-0] for the implementation of HB 572 and SB 647 making financing sources available for the support of renewable energy and solar energy improvements throughout the County.
• Affordable Housing:A joint resolution was approved [3-0] that directs City of Santa Fe and County staff to study the feasibility of combining efforts to plan and design affordable housing.
• Solid Waste:A resolution was enacted [3-0] creating the Santa Fe County Solid Waste Task Force to investigate improvements to recycling, reducing overall costs, evaluating fee structures, and improving service to residents.
• Wastewater Treatment Facility in Valle Vista:Approved Community Development Block Grant funding assistance [3-0] for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility for Valle Vista Subdivision. The City of Santa Fe is a funding participant in this project which will benefit low to moderate income residents
• County Road 42:Approved contract for continued road improvements of 2.48 miles.
• FY 2010 Budget:Approved [3-0] the County FY 2010 budget in the amount of $224.3 million. The County has implemented cost-saving measures and is actively investigating alternative funding mechanisms for many of its programs.
• Santa Fe County Fire Department: SFCFD’s five-year strategic plan was adopted [3-0] and will serve as a blueprint for the operational and financial goals and objectives of the department.
• Federal Stimulus Update: The Board was advised that the State sets guidelines for applications and allocation of the funds via agencies. The County is actively seeking funding to assist its citizens and has secured funding for affordable housing and energy savings/weatherization programs.
• Broadband Infrastructure Expansion:The County, in a joint effort with the City and the Santa Fe Community College, has developed a needs assessment for the region and submitted a $7 million proposal to construct the backbone of the broadband system that will connect 91 major entities (law enforcement, educational institutions, government, etc) using Federal Stimulus funds.
• Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC):Following unanimous approval by the CDRC, the first five chapters of the new SLDC were authorized to proceed towards becoming an ordinance. Land Use Administrator Jack Kolkmeyer reassured the Commission that these chapters are on track to dovetail with the general plan, due in September, and the rest of the SLDC.
• Public Safety Gross Receipts Tax:Fire Chief Stan Holden requested approval of a resolution authorizing hearing an ordinance to re-enact a previously sunsetted quarter-cent gross receipts tax. The tax revenue will be used to bond for vehicles and equipment. It was approved [3-0]. A public hearing is scheduled in August and if approved, the measure will appear on the ballot November 3, 2009.
• Courthouse Update:Results from recent tests in the area are establishing a smaller contamination area than originally feared and confirm that the contamination is from only one source. Submittals to NM Environment Department are on track and cost estimates and plans should be ready for presentation at the August Board of County Commissioners Administrative meeting.

All BCC meetings are broadcast live at www.santafecountynm.gov. To view recorded video of this BCC meeting, go to http://www.santafecountynm.gov/video_on_demandor check GOV TV Channel 28 listings. Transcripts of the meeting will be available within 10 working days at www.santafecountynm.gov.