News and Articles

Below is a summary of the actions taken by the Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners at their October 16 meeting.

Community Funds: By unanimous vote, the Commission approved the following expenditures:

• $1,000 to the Pojoaque Schools to support the PVHS Cheerleading Team
• $400 to Santa Fe County Growth Management, Land Use Department for the Quivera Coalition’s 8th Annual Conference
• $1,000 to the La Cienega Valley Association for the Community Annual Pumpkin Festival
• $1,000 for Girls, Inc. in support of the Zona del Sol Programming
• $1,500 for Capital High School Basketball Program

A letter to Judge Stephen Pfeffer was approved regarding the Commission’s inspection tour of the Adult Detention Facility.

Budget: The Finance Department was authorized to make adjustments to State Grants. Finance Director Teresa Martinez reported that there have been substantial reductions in the County budget made through a smaller match required for the sole community provider contribution, and by drawing down cash balances. Additionally, every department participated in reductions through vacancies, savings initiatives, and improved efficiency. No layoffs or furloughs were required and all cash reserve levels are being maintained.

Title & General Summary: Publications were authorized for ordinances involving a new solid waste fee rate structure and affordable housing projects.

Buckman Direct Diversion partnerships:County Attorney Steve Ross reviewed the background explaining that the County is now proposing to have Las Campanas as a bulk water customer. Sixty percent of the cost of the infrastructure to deliver the water will be borne by the County and 40 percent by Las Campanas. Commissioner Vigil emphasized that the water will not be used on the golf courses. The water service agreement was approved unanimously.

Santa Fe Studios: Further amendments were made to the project participation, land transfer, and loan agreements for the Santa Fe Studios project. Due to federal regulations, the IATSE labor union cannot serve as assignee, and other arrangements for securitization have been made. The amendments were unanimously approved, as were ordinances to proceed with the loan and to permit infrastructure gross receipts taxes to be used for local economic development.

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