AT A GLANCECOUNTY OBSERVER ..............1Lobbying Tips

AROUND THE STATE ..............3NMAC 2015 Legislative Prioritiesand Important Dates

ON THE HILL .........................3114th United States Congress

COUNTY FOCUS ....................4Changes to Pool Bylaws

COUNTY CORNER ..................5A Word From Our Veterans

SERVING YOU .......................5BIPO Highlights

NACo RESOURCES ................5

CRITICAL ISSUES ...............6-7

IN YOUR COUNTY ..................6Crisis Intervention Training

COUNTY COLLABORATIONS ...7NMAC & BLM Partnership

SOUND BITES .......................7Affiliate Bylaws

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT ............8Wagner Equipment

ADVANCING COUNTIES ..........8NMAC & NM EDGE Partnership

NACo REPORT .......................9NCCAE Presidents & Execs Meeting

NEW MEXICO CONNECTION .102015-2016 Wildfire Grants & OSHA Reporting Requirements

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS .........11A Tribute to Our Members

MOVING FORWARD ........ (Back)Calendar of Events

2015VOLUME 1

COUNTY OBSERVER

Brian & Tasia’s Top Ten Lobbying Tips

2015, VOLUME 1 1

By Brain Moore and Tasia Young

Get To Know the Capitol Staff & Mind Your Manners: Talk to secretaries, analysts, cleaning folks, sergeant at arms, cafeteria workers, etc. They keep the place running, they know a lot, and they appreciate being treated with courtesy and respect. Treat everyone well every day; people will notice and treat you the same way.

Build & Keep Trust; Follow Up: Tell the truth; keep your promises; get back to people with the information that they request. Say thank you for small and large favors, e.g., support for a bill in committee or passage of bills on the floor.

Work the Issue Before and After the Committee and Floor Hearings: Learn and respond to the questions and requests for information; ask legislators for support,.Count your votes, know where your sponsor and support-ers are before a hearing, etc.

Focus: Watch the clock and the calendar; know where your bills are each day; check doors and staff for committee agendas that may have changed just before a hearing. House Appropriations and Senate Finance often post same-day schedules and they are critical committees.

Know Your Audience: Keep it short and simple (think elevator speech, the length of an elevator ride); legislators are part time people; most have very little staff and many have other jobs. They are usually focused on their own bills and those on agendas and calendars for each day. Know the best time to raise an issue with them. Do they like facts, numbers, personal stories?

Stay Balanced: Learn and provide all sides of an issue; meet with as many stakeholders as possible.

Make No Enemies Lists: The Roundhouse is like a small town; you will meet again. Someone who voted against a particular bill may be a supporter on another issue. A vote against a bill could be related not to your issue, but to a separate problem with a sponsor, or another is-sue.

Learn the Questions: How can I help you move this bill? to a sponsor. Do you have any ques-tions about this bill? to a committee analyst before a hearing. When are you likely to hear this bill?, Did the bill get reported out of the committee yet? to a Committee Secretary. And always: is this a good time to talk to you?

Stay Local: Contacts with legislators are best made by local folks. Information should be tai-lored to issues in a legislator’s home district. Interim committees are great for making early local connections and getting to know local issues.

Don’t Leave Home Without Your Sense of Humor: Take nothing personally.

NMAC contract lobbyists Brian Moore and Tasia Young, and Beverly Garcia, Owner/Publish-er of the New Mexico Legislative Report, will present a workshop on legislative process and lobbying tips on January 20, at the start of the NMAC Legislative Conference.

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

Bernalillo County ....Maggie Toulouse Oliver ClerkCatron County ....................... Susan GriffinAssessorChaves County ..................... James DuffeyCommissionerCibola County ......................Corrine PadillaProbate JudgeColfax County ............................Bill SaubleCommissionerCurry County ........................Wesley WallerSheriffDeBaca County......Rosalie Gonzales JoinerClerkDoña Ana County ...................Andy SegoviaAssessorEddy County ...........................Glenn CollierCommissionerGrant County ..........................Brett KastenCommissionerGuadalupe County ............ Patrick MartinezClerkHarding County ..................... Pete CallahanAssessorHidalgo County ...................... Tyler MasseyTreasurerLea County ................Pat Snipes ChappelleClerkLincoln County .................. Rhonda BurrowsClerkLos Alamos County .............. Sharon StoverClerkLuna County ........................... Dora MadridTreasurerMcKinley County .....Carol Bowman MuskettCommissionerMora County ...........................Paula GarciaCommissionerOtero County ........................Cathe PratherTreasurerQuay County ............................Mike CherryCommissionerRio Arriba County ..................Barney TrujilloCommissionerRoosevelt County ..................... Jake LopezCommissionerSan Juan County ......................Clyde WardAssessorSan Miguel County.............Nicolas T. LegerCommissioner Sandoval County ............. Nora ScherzingerCommissionerSanta Fe County .....................Liz StefanicsCommissionerSierra County ......................Kenneth LynonCommissionerSocorro County...................Danny MonetteCommissionerTaos County ................... Gabriel J. RomeroCommissionerTorrance County .........V. Linda M. JaramilloClerkUnion County ...................Mary Lou HarkinsClerkValencia County ..............Jhonathan AragonCommissioner

Ex-Officio Members

NACo Urban Board ...........To Be AnnouncedTBDNACo Rural Board ............To Be AnnouncedTBDNACo WIR Board ..............To Be AnnouncedTBDNACo WIR Board .................Danny MonetteSocorro County CommissionerMulti-Line Board ..............To Be AnnouncedTBDWorkers’ Comp Board ............Robert AnayaSanta Fe County CommissionerExecutive Director ............ Steve Kopelman

A Message from the President

President Paula Garcia

Executive Director’s Report

Executive DirectorSteve Kopelman

“President Garcia has proven to be a real consensus builder, and has worked hard to ensure that all sides of an issue

are heard”

NM ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEADERSHIP

2 2015, VOLUME 1

Dear County Elected Officials and Staff, On behalf of the NMAC, I would like to formally thank you for your service to the people of your community. By serving as a county official, you are building the foundation for healthy and safe communities and affirming the importance of local government. Why do counties matter? Counties are among the most local forms of government in this country. County officials make decisions every day that have an impact on the lives of the people we serve. Counties govern land use, provide resources for law enforcement, conduct our elections, and support vital community health services. In addition to basic services provided by counties, we maintain roads and other infrastructure essential to economic development and operate detention facilities that are integral to our criminal justice system. By participating in NMAC, you have the opportunity to learn from colleagues from throughout the state. You also can participate in the policymaking process via affiliates to advance and develop our legis-lative priorities. NMAC legislative priorities for 2015 cover a range of issues including the safety net care pool for indigent health care, tools for economic development, criminal justice reforms targeted at detainees with special needs, rural emergency medical services, and issues related to public lands. The NMAC also serves as an advocate of counties on a variety of other policy issues including property and gross receipts taxes. To those attending, we welcome you to our NMAC 2015 Legislative Conference. We invite all county officials to deepen your involvement with NMAC to work toward our common goals. You are the heart of local government, and, together, we can accomplish great things for the people of New Mexico. Happy New Year! Yours in service,

Paula Garcia

Dear County Members,

We are now nearly half way through Mora County Commissioner Paula Garcia’s term as President of the New Mexico Association of Counties. It has been an extremely busy six months, and Paula has done an exemplary job in leading NMAC. She has proved to be a real consensus builder, and has worked hard to ensure that all sides of an issue are heard and that the best interests of New Mexico’s citizens and of county government are always kept in the forefront. She is a hard worker and is always conversant with the salient facts on all important issues.

Paula is a pleasure to work with and over the years has forged excellent relationships in the Legislature, with our Federal delegation, and with county elected officials. She has put a lot of time and attention into developing the NMAC policy committees, which has been a big step forward for NMAC in the level of debate and discussion on important county issues. Paula will play a major role in the upcoming Legislative session, and will be working overtime with our county members in advocating for county government.

Sincerely,

Steve Kopelman

“By participating in NMAC, you have the

opportunity to learn from

colleagues from throughout the state”

EXECUTIVECOMMITEE

Legislative Dates to Remember

January 20 Opening day (noon)

February 19 Deadline for introduction

March 21 Session ends (noon)

April 10 Legislation not acted upon by governor is pocket vetoed

April 22 & 23 District meetings in Grants and Espanola

April 29 & 30 District meetings in Santa Rosa and T or C

June 19 Effective date of legislation not a general appropriation bill or a bill carrying an emergency clause or other specified date

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

IMPORTANT DATES

AROUND THE STATE

2015, VOLUME 1 3

ON THE HILLFederal Update

NMAC 2015 Legislative PrioritiesSafety Net Care PoolReinstate sunset clause in SB 268 so that coun-ties obligation to fund the Safety Net Care Poll will expire at the end of 2018 to coincide with the expiration of the state Medicaid waiver with CMS. Tax Roll CorrectionsAuthorizes the County Treasurer in conjunction with the County Assessor to make changes to the tax schedule and clarifies the authority and reasons necessary for tax schedule changes to correct obvious errors.

Delinquent Property Tax PaymentsAuthorize County Treasu3ers to receive all pay-ment s of property taxes, including those turned over to the Property Tax Division of the Taxation & Revenue Department for collection and placed on installment agreements. Job Creation and IRB Act Improvement1) Allow counties to increase economic growth and job creation by expanding the list of projects eligible for an IRB, and 2) remove the authority

of the State Board of Finance over complaints of competition and existing businesses.

Restore Detention Facilities FundingRestore funding for the county Detention Facili-ties reimbursement Act to $5 million. (Deten-tion Administrators) House Bill 2; General Ap-propriations Act, to be introduced first day of the Session. Keep Southwest Chief/Amtrack ServiceSupport the continuation of Amtrak’s SW Chief and create reasonable funding alternatives. Public Lands Task Force (Memorial)Create a task force to evaluation state and coun-ty dependence on federal revenue, conduct an inventory of federal land ownership within the state, and study the legal, economic and practi-cal impacts of federal land management. Inmate Options (Memorial)Study housing options and service delivery for detention inmates with special medical and mental health needs.

By Tasia Young

Changes in the 114th CongressBy Joy Esparsen

The 2014 elections brought about significant changes in the composition and potential dynam-ics of the United States Congress. A total of 471

seats, including 36 Senate seats and 435 House seats, were considered by the voters. People across the country calculated election returns with the same intensity as the Super Bowl. There were extravagant celebrations, devastating losses, and more than few surprises. The 114th Congress convened on January 6th, three days later than normal, with the official swearing in of newly elected and re-elected members.

The cultural and ethnic diversity of the nation’s new leadership is evident with 33 Hispanic, 46 African American, 12 Asian American, and 2 Native American lawmakers. The new Congress also includes a record number of female leaders, 104 to be exact. Male Congressional members number 430. The average age of the leadership is 57 with Senate leaders averaging 61 and House leaders averaging 57. Although 184 lawmakers are lawyers, there are many other professional backgrounds repre-sented including agricultural producers, healthcare workers, and aviators. The majority have previous experience in public service including 10 governors, 32 mayors, and 251 state legislators. The Republican Party became the majority, with 247 seats in the House of Representatives and 54 seats in the Senate. This tran-

sition signified the largest Republican majority since the 71st Congress of 1929-1931. Regardless of any party affiliation, it will be interesting to watch the dynamics of the new Congress unfold. We look forward to working with the National Association of Counties to educate the new members on the important role of county governments.

Legislative Update

January 6, 2015 convening of the 114th U.S. Congress

Executive ServicesSteve Kopelman, Executive Director

Grace Philips, General Counsel

Susan Mayes, Executive Services Manager

Aelysea Webb, Executive Coordinator

Tasia Young, Ph.D., Lobbyist

Brian Moore, Lobbyist

Finance Santiago Chavez, Finance Director

Carolin Rios, Senior Accountant

Charlotte Martinez, Accountant

Clarissa Baca, Receptionist/Assist. to Office Mgr

Intergovernmental RelationsJoy Esparsen, Intergov. Relations Director

Katelyn Quiroz, IR Administrative Assist

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

Loss PreventionSal 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’ CompensationTheresa Griego, WC Claims Manager

Steve Chappell, WC Claims Adjuster

Sal Ongaro, WC Claims Adjuster

Ray Mengel, WC Claims Adjuster

James Lucero, WC Medical Only Adjuster

Annemarie Hill, WC Admin Assistant

Multi-LineRobin Martinez, ML Claims Manager

Diane Blackburn , ML Sr. Claims Examiner

Jeannette Chavez, ML Sr. Claims Examiner

Jennifer Ortiz, ML Sr. Claims Examiner

Velma Herrera, ML Sr. CLaims Examiner

Randy Chavez, ML Claims Examiner

Darlene Salazar, ML First-Party Claims Examiner

Bobbie Dalton, ML Claims Assistant

DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES

4 2015, VOLUME 1

Important Changes to the Pools’ Bylaws

Risk Management UpdateCOUNTY FOCUS

By Cynthia Stephenson

It’s a necessary evil, but it must be done … With the Multi-Line Pool entering its 27th year in 2015 and the Workers’ Compensation Pool in its 28th year in 2014-15, it’s time to

update each Pool’s bylaws. “The Pools have not done a comprehensive review of the bylaws since their inception,” said Multi-Line Board Chair Ron Lethgo. “While updates have been made throughout the years, it’s time to look at these documents with fresh eyes.” At their October 2014 joint retreat, the Multi-Line and Workers’ Compensation Pool Boards of Directors reviewed proposed changes to both Pools’ bylaws. Those changes were approved at the boards’ December meetings. At the May meetings both boards will call for a special joint membership meeting to take place in conjunction with NMAC’s Annual Conference. Between now and then we will work hard to educate members on the proposed changes and the reasons for the changes and will send out copies of the proposed changes for members to review. One of the reasons for the review is to make the bylaws more consistent with one another. Differences between the docu-ments are numerous and include:

Equity distributions are detailed in the Multi-Line bylaws but not the Workers’ Compensation bylaws;

Notice of proposed bylaw amendments to Workers’ Compensation members must be by written notice 30 days in advance of the vote while Multi-Line members must receive written notice certified, return receipt mail at least 15 days in advance;

The Multi-Line bylaws specify that contributions are considered delinquent 45 days following the due date while the Workers’ Compensation bylaws state that members will be automatically expelled from the Pool on the 60th day unless they have made payment arrangements with the Board;

Regarding membership meetings, the Workers’ Compensation bylaws state that no absentee or proxy voting is allowed except at a special meeting called solely for the purpose of amending the bylaws. The Multi-Line bylaws state that no absentee or proxy voting is allowed except in matters of expulsion.

Where language is consistent in both bylaws it might be stated in different sections, so both docu-ments are being re-organized so that they are consistent in the order in which bylaw articles are addressed. Not only are there differences between the bylaws, there are language changes that need to be made to be consistent with current practices, for instance:

Both Pools follow the Open Meetings Act, which is detailed in the Multi-Line bylaws but not mentioned in the Workers’ Compensation bylaws;

The Workers’ Compensation bylaws state that the budget and a report of financial conditions be provided to each member prior to June 1, but members are updated annually at the membership meeting which takes place in conjunction with NMAC’s Annual Conference, typically the third week of June.

During the bylaw review in October Otero County Attorney Dan Bryant, who has been the attorney affili-ate on the Workers’ Compensation Board since the Pool’s inception, gave Board members anecdotal history of the Pools and reasons for certain phrasing within the bylaws, which was immensely helpful, as was insight from Multi-Line attorney affiliate Doug Decker, a member since 1992.

•

•

•

•

•

•

“The Pools have not done

a comprehensive review of the

bylaws since their inception”

2015, VOLUME 1 5

COUNTY CORNER

BIPO Highlights

In November, there were 170 county elected official positions up for election with 96 newly elected officials, 73 re-elected officials, and 1 appointed position after the elections:

Assessors 16 new 16 re-elected Clerks 1 new 2 re-elected Commissioners* 42 new 30 re-elected Probate Judges 14 new 16 re-elected Sheriffs 22 new 9 re-elected Treasurers 1 new *1 appointed after the elections NMAC hosted the Better Informed Public Officials (BIPO) Conference December 9-11, 2014 in Santa Fe. We had over 100 attendees! This conference focuses on the education of newly elected officials who take office January 1st of each odd-numbered year. They have opportunities to learn from their peers, earn credit toward certifica-tions in specific fields, and leave with a better knowledge of their respective duties of office. The conference included classes on roles and responsibilities, ethics and professionalism, general human resources law, and public finance.

A veterans elected officials’ panel, consisting of San Juan County Assessor and NMAC Vice President Clyde Ward, Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins, Sandoval County Commission-er Glenn Walters, Union County Commissioner Van H. Robertson, Santa Fe County Sheriff Robert Garcia, and moderator Los Alamos County Clerk and NMAC President Elect Sharon Stover, discussed lessons learned, balancing the demands of their county role with their personal life, and advice for the newly elected officials.

A media panel, consisting of KOB-TV Reporter Ryan Luby, Santa Fe New Mexican Reporter Steve Terrell, Doña Ana County Public Information Director Jess Williams, and moderator Mora County Commissioner and NMAC President Paula Garcia, discussed the importance of building a good relationship with local media and presented tips on how to effectively communicate to the public.

A Word from the Veterans

The following excellent advice to newly elected county officials was offered during NMAC’s Better Informed Public

Officials (BIPO) Conference in December. Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins: Learn everyone’s name the first day; establish your priorities the first month; keep your eyes and ears open; never stop listening. Santa Fe County Sheriff Robert Garcia: Earn the respect of the people who work for you. Earn their trust.

Union County Commissioner Van Robertson: Be honest every day. Be accountable every day.

Sandoval County Commissioner Glenn Walters: Read handbooks (like the NM EDGE publication for Commissioners); get ready; learn the job, and the county initiatives. Know your county. San Juan County Assessor Clyde Ward: Enjoy your first day. You are not the one in charge. Engage in what the people elected you to do.

The final word came from NMAC President Elect and Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover, who reminded all of the newly elected officials not to forget to: Have fun!

By Tasia Young

SERVING YOUNMAC Update

NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman and veteran panel members provide helpful insight during the BIPO Conference.

By Susan Mayes

President Paula Garcia, Mora County Commissioner

President Elect

Sharon Stover, Los Alamos County Clerk

Vice President Clyde Ward, San Juan County Assessor

Past President Wendell Bostwick, Curry County Commissioner

Treasurer

Liz Stefanics, Santa Fe County Commissioner

District I Liz Stefanics, Santa Fe County CommissionerLos Alamos, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval,

San Juan & Santa Fe Counties

District II To Be Announced

Colfax, Harding, Mora, San Miguel, Taos & Union Counties

District III

Danny Monette, Socorro County CommissionerBernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Socorro & Valencia

Counties

District IV Jake Lopez, Roosevelt County Commissioner

Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Quay, Roosevelt & Torrance Counties

District V

Brett Kasten, Grant County CommissionerDoña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna & Sierra Counties

District VI

James Duffey, Chaves County CommissionerChaves, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln & Otero Counties

EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE

6 2015, VOLUME 1

CRITICAL ISSUES

Executive Committee ActionsNovember & December 2014

The NMAC Executive Committee met on

November 13, 2014 and held a teleconfer-

ence call on December 5, 2014 in Santa Fe

and took the following actions:

Approved to support Workers’ Compensa-

tion legislation to deny or decrease benefits

in the event drugs or alcohol cause an on-

the-job injury.

Approved to support Workers’ Compensation

legislation to clarify that temporary disabili-

ty payments are limited to 700 weeks as the

maximum benefit period.

Approved to support Workers’ Compensation

legislation to clarify that an employer is not

required to pay benefits when the injured em-

ployee receives a return to work offer but de-

clines, and to clarify employers’ rights when

an injured worker, after rehire, engages in

misconduct or is terminated for cause unre-

lated to the work injury.

Approved to support the concept of the

County Local Option Gross Receipts Tax

Simplification bill.

Approved to file an amicus brief in support

of the City of Eunice.

Approved to enter into a three-year

contract with Steve Kopelman as the NMAC

Executive Director.

Approved a motion for Grace Philips to serve

as counsel and Daniel Ivey-Soto to serve as

co-counsel to represent NMAC and county

clerks in the Supreme Court proceeding

concerning the State Land Commis-

sioner recount, pending the county clerks’

decision to move forward, and in collabora-

tion with the Secretary of State’s office.

•

Crisis Intervention Training for Detention

Loss Prevention Update IN YOUR COUNTY

By Sal Baragiola

CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) programs are designed to improve the way law en-forcement, detention facilities and the

community respond to people experiencing men-tal health crises. They are built on strong part-nerships between law enforcement, detention, mental health provider agencies, individuals, and families affected by mental illness. Crisis Inter-vention does not stop once people are incarcer-ated. A critical issue facing detention personnel, both in juvenile and adult detention, is the complex challenges in dealing with detainees and inmates who suffer from mental illness, drug dependency and who, for a variety of reasons, are in crisis. These challenges put enormous pressure on de-tention staff as they manage this often volatile behavior on a regular basis. In order to assist detention personnel in their day to day interac-tion with adult and juvenile detainees, the New Mexico Association of Counties is offering “Crisis Intervention Training” (CIT) to Detention Admin-istrators and their staff. Over the next year, CIT will be introduced to detention facilities around the state. Why Crisis Intervention Training?

CIT incorporates de-escalation skill-sets into dai-ly interactions with juvenile and adult detainees. It increases existing staff proficiency in crisis intervention which makes for a more controlled facility. In February and March 2015, administrative and senior detention staff will be introduced to the fundamental ideas and approaches of crisis de-escalation. This training will be followed by a 40 hour program for supervisors and trainers to be-come certified in crisis de-escalation strategies. The goal is to integrate this training in every fa-cility throughout the state. According to Dr. Troy Rodgers of the Public Safety Psychology Group, CIT trained officers who are on the front line every day in corrections and detention work make the facility safer for staff and inmates through utiliz-ing crisis intervention and referral programs. CIT programs benefit the entire community, ser-vice providers, law enforcement, families, and advocates. Implementing this program in the corrections/detention environment benefits ev-eryone.

2015, VOLUME 1 7

CRITICAL ISSUES

New! Juvenile Justice Reform: County Leadership and Opportunities

Explore the new NACo web hub on juvenile justice reform, a collection of documents about why juvenile justice matters to counties. Topics include behavioral health and juvenile justice, status offenses, dual status youth and the role of county officials in juvenile justice reform, as well as case stud-ies of three counties’ work in juvenile justice reform. Visit the website at www.naco.org or contact: Kathy Rowings at (202) 942-4279.

Secure Rural Schools Update

On December 18, a bipartisan group of 35 members of the House sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) urg-ing quick action in the 114th Congress to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Program and make payments to counties as swiftly as possible. The letter was led by Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Chris Stewart (R-Utah), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), and was supported by NACo. The SRS program helps rural counties and school districts supplement local fund-ing for education services, roads, conserva-tion projects, search and rescue missions, fire prevention programs and other county projects.

Along with the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, SRS provides stability for forest counties and school districts im-pacted by reduced revenue sharing due to dramatically curtailed federal timber receipts. Efforts are already underway to draft legislation that would reauthorize the SRS program. NACo will continue to work to extend the SRS program and looks forward to continuing to work closely with SRS cham-pions in both chambers to reauthorize this critical program. NACo continues to encour-age counties to reach out to their Senators and Representatives to share information about the importance of the SRS program to the counties they represent and the critical services SRS funds help to provide to their constituents.

NMAC Partnership Update COUNTY COLLABORATIONS

A Bright Future for the NMAC and BLM

By Jesse J. Juen

I want to thank the New Mexico Association of Counties and all county officials and staff for the excellent relationship we have developed

during my tenure as State Director of the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management. The time has come for me to pass the torch as I will be retiring in January 2015. While there are many successful projects we have achieved together, I want to recognize a few:

Counties and the BLM have assisted many at-risk communities with fire prevention funding, and have partnered to clean-up dumping sites across New Mexico. As a result of voluntary conservation agree-ments in New Mexico and Texas, it was deter-mined that the Dunes Sagebrush lizard did not need to be listed under the Endangered Spe-

•

•

cies Act. BLM is thankful to our New Mexico counties for their support.

Restore New Mexico has restored more than three million acres of disturbed lands through an ambitious partnership approach. Thanks to the counties who were with us all the way. With the support of county officials, the Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monu-ment and the Río Grande del Norte National Monument were designated. The BLM looks forward to working with the counties on our planning efforts.

Thank you again for what we have accomplished together. I know Aden Seidlitz who will be Acting State Director will continue the successes of the NMAC and BLM partnership into the future!

•

•

BLM State Director Jesse Juen (in middle) with former Senator Jeff Bingaman and former Pecos District Manager Doug Burger on a Restore New Mexico tour.

Affiliate Update SOUND BITES

Affiliate Bylaw RemindersMembership – Membership shall be limited to county elected of-ficials currently serving and em-ployees employed in the affiliate office of member counties.

Dues – Member counties (not in-dividuals) shall pay dues to the affiliate, not to exceed $150.00, on a yearly basis for their affili-ate membership, which will be due on or before August 1st of each calendar year.

Affiliate Secretary – Provide fi-nal approved minutes to NMAC office (smayes@nmcounties.org) within 45 days of approval by the affiliate and provide notice to NMAC of affiliate meetings at least 15 days in advance.

Affiliate Treasurer – Provide a financial reconciliation report to NMAC within 45 days of the conclusion of the Legislative and Annual Conferences including

bank statements covering that period.

Affiliates should acquire their own Tax ID Number for banking purposes.

WORKERS’COMPENSATION

POOL BOARDOF

DIRECTORS 2014-2015

Lance PyleCurry County

ManagerChair

Danny GonzalesLuna County

Human Resources & Payroll Director

Vice Chair

Gloria Jean ChavezGuadalupe County

Finance & Safety OfficerSecretary/Treasurer

Robert AnayaSanta Fe County Commissioner

NMAC Representative

Joy AnsleyTorrance County

Manager

Doug DeckerMcKinley County

Attorney

Kristi GallowaySan Juan County

Risk Manager

Wayne HancockDoña Ana County Commissioner

Phillip RiosSandoval County

Manager

Brenda SanchezChaves County

Public Service Administrator

Delilah WalshSocorro County

Manager

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Paula GarciaMora County Commissioner

& NMAC President

Dan BryantOtero County

AttorneyNMAC Attorneys’ Affiliate

Representative

8 2015, VOLUME 1

ADVANCING COUNTIES

Featured Business Partners SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

Wagner Equipment Company

By Mary DeLorenzo

Since 1976. Wagner Equipment has been the Caterpillar® dealer for Colorado. In 2002, Wagner acquired Rust Tractor and took

over the New Mexico and Far West Texas area. In 1996, we were chosen by Caterpillar to be the dealer in Mongolia. Wagner Equipment has 31 locations stretching from Hayden Colorado to El Paso, Texas.

We are proud members of NMAC and sponsors of NMAC events and conferences. Our sponsorship allows us give back to the community and develop closer relationships with our valued customers.

Wagner Equipment Co. has helped coordinate the NMAC Public Works ROADEO for several years. The ROADEO allows operators from 33 different counties to compete in machine demo courses. We appreciate the opportunity to work side by side with employees, field operators, and associates within the counties. Our participation provides our customers with an opportunity to get acquainted with the Wagner Team and learn more about our products and services.

The NM EDGE County College would like to again thank our founding partner, NMAC, for including us in their Better Informed Public Officials Conference (BIPO) in December. This important meeting is an opportunity for the newly elected county officials (NEOs) coming into

office to meet their peers, learn about the resources available through NMAC, and to get an introduc-tion to training specific to their elected offices. NMAC’s commitment to better government through education (our mutual goal) was exemplified at this conference through the professional services they made available to the NEOs including scholarships for the NEOs to attend County College classes. The NM EDGE County College is a collaboration between NMAC and New Mexico State Univeristy (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service. Thanks, Partner! At the January Legislative Conference (Jan. 22), the NM EDGE will graduate over 50 students in a variety of designations including our first-ever New Mexico Public Purchasing Professional graduates, as well as graduates from the County College programs such as Certified County Commissioner, Certified Public Assessing Officer, and Certified Treasury Official. Our core designations in the Certi-fied Public Manager program will graduate several at the first (certified public official) and second (certified public supervisor) levels. In March, we will graduate our 3rd cohort at the nationally accredited, nationally recognized third level (Certified Public Manager®). Congratulations graduates! March classes will be offered in Albuquerque from the 23rd – 27th. We will take input on the class schedule through February 6th. Look for these and other important program dates at NMEDGE.nmsu.edu. Let us know how we are doing and what we may do to better serve you by emailing us at NMED-GE@nmsu.edu. We look forward to seeing you in class soon! Your NM EDGE Team

Mary, Marc, Elia, Cynthia, Marilyn, and Reese

NM EDGE Partnership is Going Strong

NM EDGE Update

MULTI-LINE POOL BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

Ron LethgoChaves County

AssessorChair

Wendell BostwickCurry County

Commissioner &NMAC Past President

Shirley RaginBernalillo County

Deputy County Manager of Finance

Javier DiazLuna County

Commissioner

Wayne HancockDoña Ana County Commissioner

Nita TaylorLincoln County

Manager

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Paula GarciaMora County Commissioner

& NMAC President

Doug DeckerMcKinley County

AttorneyAttorneys’ Affiliate

Representative

Patrick SnedekerSan Miguel County Warden/Detention

AdministratorLEDAC Chair

There are four vacancies on the Board that will be filled at the January 20th membership meeting and two officers who will be elected at the January 20th Board meeting.

NACo Update NACo REPORT

By Joy Esparsen

NCCAE Presidents & Executive Directors Meeting

The National Council of County Asso-ciation Executives (NCCAE) hosted its annual Presidents and Executive Direc-

tors Meeting on January 7-9 in Washington, D.C. The two-day conference included informa-tional sessions and meetings to discuss the most pressing issues facing counties at the national level and state-to-state. Participants also reviewed the National Association of Coun-ties (NACo) legislative agenda and strategized on key issues such as transportation and infrastructure. NCCAE is an affiliate of NACo and provides opportunities to improve the adminis-tration of the various associations of counties and associations of county officials.

While attending the meeting, NMAC President Paula Garcia and Executive Director Steve Kopelman took the opportunity to visit with all five members of New Mexico’s Congressional delegation and thank them for their ongoing support for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools & Community Self- Determination Act (SRS). At this time, PILT has received a one-year reauthorization. Reauthorization funding for SRS has not yet been identified, but New Mexico’s delegates have expressed their commitment to continue to look for solutions for this important revenue stream.

2015, VOLUME 1 9

Top - NMAC Board President and Mora County Commissioner Paula Garcia with fellow state leaders.Bottom - NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman joins other state association executives at the White House.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

& DETENTION ADVISORY

COMMITTEE

Patrick SnedekerSan Miguel County

Warden/Detention AdministratorChair & Multi-Line Representative

Chris BarelaDoña Ana County

Adult/Juvenile Detention Director

Johna GonzalesTaos County

Juvenile Detention Administrator

Matt ElwellLuna County

Detention Director

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Paula GarciaMora County Commissioner

& NMAC President

Gregg MercantelSecretary

New Mexico Corrections Dept.

Sandra P. StewartDirector of Juvenile Justice Services

Children, Youth & Family Dept.

There are four Sheriff vacancies that will be filled at the Multi-Line Board meeting on January 20th.

10 2014, VOLUME

Intergovernmental Update NEW MEXICO CONNECTION

By Joy Esparsen

2015-2016 Wildfire Risk Reduction Grants

The Wildfire Risk Reduction Program for Rural Communities was established in 2005 under the National Fire Plan to

assist communities throughout New Mexico in reducing their risk from wildland fire on non- federal lands. The New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC), a nonprofit community foundation, has partnered with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to administer the program and distribute awards.

This grant program is only applicable to the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). WUI is defined as identified in an approved Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). A completed and approved CWPP is a pre-requisite for funding through this program. The program targets at-risk communities by offering seed money to help defray the costs of reducing wildland fire risk on non-federal lands in WUI areas through-out New Mexico. Funding for this grant program is intended to directly benefit communities that may be impacted by wildland fire initiating from or spreading to BLM public land. In 2015-2016, the Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program will give priority to applicants who request funding for outreach and educa-tion projects (i.e. Fire Adaptive Communities; Firewise; Ready, Set, Go) that encourage reduc-ing wildfire risk on private lands and can show a direct benefit to BLM lands. The program is also encouraging CWPP updates for plans that

are more than three years old. CWPP updates are included with the program information. A limited number of hazardous fuel reduction projects will also be considered and should focus on treatments to private lands with a direct benefit to BLM lands.

Applicants may apply for complimentary projects with no more than one per category (1 Fuel Treatment, 1 Education, Prevention and Outreach, 1 CWPP Update). Each project must be submitted on a different application. A Selection Committee comprised of wildland fire experts, federal, state and local govern-ment officials will review all project propos-als and make funding recommendations. The New Mexico Association of Counties Board of Directors will have final approval of these recommendations.

New OSHA Reporting RequirementsBeginning Jan. 1, 2015, there is a change to what covered employers are required to report to the Occupational Safety and Health Admin-istration (OSHA). Employers are now required to report all work-related fatalities within eight hours and all inpatient hospitalizations, ampu-tations, and losses of an eye within 24 hours of finding out about the incident. Previously, em-ployers were required to report all workplace fatalities and when three or more workers were hospitalized in the same incident. The updated reporting requirements have a life-saving pur-pose: it will enable employers and workers to prevent future injuries by identifying and elimi-nating the most serious workplace hazards. Employers will have three options for reporting these severe incidents to OSHA. They can call their nearest area office during normal busi-

ness hours, call the 24-hour OSHA hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742), or they will be able to report online. For more infor-mation and resources, visit OSHA’s webpage at https://www.osha.gov or search YouTube for OSHA’s new video on the updated report-ing requirements, where Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, explains the new reporting requirements.

4 RIVERS EQUIPMENT

ACC HEALTH, LLC

AMEC

AUToMATEd RECoVERy SySTEMS of NM

BASIC IdIQ CoNSTRUCTIoN

BIG R BRIdGE

BoHANNAN HUSToN, INC.

BREwER oIL CoMPANy

CoMPASSTooLS

CoRRECTIoNAL HEALTHCARE CoMPANIES

dENNIS ENGINEERING Co.

doN CHALMERS foRd

ENGINEERS INC.

fIRST NATIoNAL BANK of SANTA fE/fIRST NATIoNAL BANK of THE RIo GRANdE

foRTE PAyMENT SySTEMS

GEoRGE K. BAUM & CoMPANy

GILA REGIoNAL MEdICAL CENTER

GoLdEN EQUIPMENT

HoLLyfRoNTIER REfINING & MARKETING, LLC

MCT INdUSTRIES, INC.

ModERN MEdICAL

MoToRoLA SoLUTIoNS, INC.

MRwM LANdSCAPE ARCHITECTS

NCA ARCHITECTS

NUCLEAR wASTE PARTNERSHIP LLC

oLSEN PARdEN wILLIAMS, P.C.

PRoPERTyINfo

PUBLIC TRUST AdVISoRS, LLC

RICoH-USA

RoBIS ELECTIoNS, INC.

RoBLES, RAEL & ANAyA, P.C.

RoofCARE

SAN BAR CoNSTRUCTIoN CoRP.

SdV CoNSTRUCTIoN, INC.

SIMPLIfILE

SMITH ENGINEERING

SUMMIT TRUCK GRoUP

TECHNIQUE dATA SySTEMS

TECHToNIC ENGINEERING & SURVEyING CoNSULTANTS

THE SIdwELL CoMPANy

TITAN MACHINERy

ToTAL ASSESSMENT SoLUTIoNS CoRP.

TyLER TECHNoLoGIES

VoLUNTEER fIREMEN’S INS. SERVICES, INC (VfIS)

wASTE MANAGEMENT

wELLS fARGo

wHPACIfIC

wILLIAMSoN RESToRATIoN, INC.

wILSoN & CoMPANy

2015, VOLUME 1 11

Zia MembersARTHUR J. GALLAGHER & Co.15 Enterprise, Ste. 200Aliso Viejo, CA 92656(949) 349-9857Nasreen Kopeckynasreen_kopecky@ajg.com

AT&T20830 N Tatum Blvd., 4th fl.Phoenix, AZ 85050(480) 515-7263Jerry fuentesjf7569@att.com

CAANES7801 Academy Rd. NE, Bldg. 1, Ste. 202Albuquerque, NM 87109(505) 217-9422Srinivas Mukkamalainfo@caanes.com

CoNoCoPHILLIPS3401 E 30th Streetfarmington, NM 87402(505) 320-1911frank Santiagofrank.Santiago@conocophillips.com

CooPERATIVE EdUCATIoNAL SERVICES4216 Balloon Park Rd. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87107(505) 344-5470Robin Strauserrobin@ces.org

HEALTH CARE PARTNERS SySTEMS, LLCPo Box 37Pueblo, Co 81002(877) 427-2956Rita Torresrita.torres@hcpcareteam.com

NEw MExICo fINANCE AUTHoRITy207 Shelby St.Santa fe, NM 87501(505) 984-1454Gloria Castillogcastillo@nmfa.net

NM CLERKS, LLC1420 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Suite 208Albuquerque, NM 87110-5662(505) 620-2085daniel Ivey-Sotodaniel@nmclerks.org

PNM RESoURCESPNM Alvarado SquareAlbuquerque, NM 87158-2812(505) 246-5700Matthew JaramilloMatthew.jaramillo@pnmresources.com

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC6301 Uptown Blvd. NE, Ste.110Albuquerque, NM 87110(505) 872-5999 or (877) 412-8162Paul CassidyPaul.Cassidy@rbccm.com

REdw, LLC7425 Jefferson St. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87109(505) 998-333Christoper Schmitzcschmitz@redw.com

SoUdER, MILLER & ASSoCIATES3451 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste. dAlbuquerque, NM 87107(877) 338-7166Karen SerioKaren.serio@soudermiller.com

SoUTHwEST CoRRECTIoNAL MEdICAL GRoUP6303 Goliad Ave.dallas, Tx 75214(214) 563-8224Todd MurphyTodd.murphey@swcmg.com

SySTEMS Md9664 Eagle Ranch Rd. Nw, Ste. 5Albuquerque, NM 87114(505) 792-4999Kelly Haddocksales@systemsmd.com

TRIAdIC ENTERPRISESPo drawer 471deming, NM 88031(575) 546-0423Mike Hofacketandie@triadicnet.com

TRINITy SERVICES6216 Sutter AvenueCarmichael, CA 95608(855) 616-6946don Leedon.lee@trinityservicesgroup.com

TRI-STATE GENERATIoN ANd TRANSMISSIoN ASSoC., INC.4331 fulcrum way NERio Rancho, New Mexico 87144(303) 254-3396Sarah Carlislescarlisle@tristategt.org

wAGNER EQUIPMENT4000 osuma Rd. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87109(505) 345-8411Rick Senasena_rick@wagnerequipment.com

wESTERN EMULSIoNS, INC8516 Kenosha dr.Lubbock, Tx 79423(806) 787-0557Rusty Smallwoodrusty@westernemulsions.com

Eastern Plains Council of Governments Mid Region Council of Governments

Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments Southeastern New Mexico Economic development district

Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments

Roadrunner Members

Yucca Members

Enchantment MembersAUToMATEd ELECTIoN SERVICES7000 Zenith Ct. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87124(505) 891-0525Tiffanie onealtoneal@elect ionpeople.com

CoAST2CoAST/wELL dyNE Rx1102 North A1A, Ste 202Ponte Verda Beach, fL 32082Marty dettelbach(919) 465-0097marty@c2crx.com

KofILE PRESERVATIoN, INC.6300 Cedar Springs Roaddallas, Tx 75235Eugene Sisneros(214) 351-4800eugene.s isneros@kofi le.us

PRofESSIoNAL doCUMENT SySTEMS1414 Common driveEl Paso, Tx 79936(800) 644-7112Matt Bowmanmbowman@pdswest.com

wALLIN, HUSS & MENdEZ LAw fIRM, LLCPo Box 696Moriarty, NM 87035(505) 832-6363dennis wall indkw@whmlawfirm.com

A Tribute to Our Members MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

JANUARY 201519-21 NM EDGE Classes (Santa Fe)

20 Legislative Session Opens Noon

20 Multi-Line Membership Meeting (Santa Fe)

20 Board of Directors Meeting (Santa Fe)

20-22 NMAC Legislative Conference (Santa Fe)

23 County Lobbyist Breakfast (Santa Fe)

29 Executive Committee Teleconference (Santa Fe)

FEBRUARY 20155 Executive Committee Teleconference (Santa Fe)

14 Board of Directors Meeting (Santa Fe)

19 Bill Introduction Deadline

19 Executive Committee Teleconference (Santa Fe)

21-25 NACo Legislative Conference (Washington, DC)

MARCH 20155 Executive Committee Teleconference (Santa Fe)

21 Legislative Session Ends Noon

23-27 NM EDGE Classes (Albuquerque)

APRIL 20156-8 WUI Summit Silver City (Grant)

10 Executive Committee Budget Meeting (Santa Fe)

22 District Mtg Grants (Cibola)

23 District Mtg Espanola (Rio Arriba)

29 District Mtg Santa Rosa (Guadalupe)

30 District Mtg T or C (Sierra)

National Association of Counties 2015 Legislative ConferenceFebruary 21-25, 2015

Registration is now open for the NACo 2015 Legislative Conference, held each year in Washington, D.C. Join your county peers from across the country to advance county priorities on Capitol Hill and benefit from many engaging educational sessions.

For more information and to register, visit NACo’s website at www.naco.org.

New Mexico Association of Counties444 Galisteo StreetSanta Fe, New Mexico 87501

MOVING FORWARDCalendar of Events