Longtime county manager announces retirement

Longtime Quay County manager Richard Primrose announced his imminent retirement after an executive session Monday with county commissioners.

Primrose, 68, submitted to commissioners an official letter of intent to retire after a 90-minute closed session Monday with them to discuss personnel matters, pending litigation and the possible purchase of property.

Primrose's last day would be April 10, according to a copy of his resignation letter that Quay County Clerk Ellen White forwarded to the Quay County Sun.

"Since the day I was hired in 2007 I have appreciated the support the Quay County Commissioners have given me and it has been an honor to work with the commissioners to achieve the goals they require," Primrose stated in his letter. "The citizens of quay County are fortunate to have the commissioners they have elected.

"Quay County has a great group of elected officials and staff which has made the County Managers position so much easier," he added. "They are dedicated to their department and work hard to provide the services to our citizens, I would not trade the time I have worked for Quay County for anything."

Reached by phone, Primrose said the county commission would advertise to fill the coming vacancy starting next week.

Primrose also served as a Tucumcari city manager before managing the county.

In other business:

• With little discussion, newly seated commissioners Jerri Rush and Robert Lopez re-elected Franklin McCasland, the only commissioner returning from the previous term, as the commission's chairman.

Rush and Lopez settled into their new roles smoothly Monday, with occasional questions about their laptop computers or queries Primrose about certain county matters.

Commissioners also approved a reorganization of about a dozen county boards and subcommittees. Many of those groups saw little change from the previous term except for Rush or Lopez filling vacancies created by the departure of previous commissioners Mike Cherry and Sue Dowell, who were term-limited.

The commission also approved a yearly resolution that affirms its compliance with audits, maintaining meeting minutes, monthly budgets, financial reports and monthly warrants lists.

White also distributed financial interest disclosure forms to all county employees. Those forms must be filled out if an official or employee holds a controlling interest in a business that could profit from business with the county.

• White said a second letter reminding business owners in the county to renew their occupational licenses for 2021 were being mailed. Rush described it as "a tax" on business owners. No action was required on the agenda item.

• Commissioners approved EMS Fund Act applications for Fire District 1, Quay and Forrest fire districts for certification and equipment costs. District 1 and Quay each would receive $5,000, and Forrest would receive $7,060. Rush abstained from voting because she is a Forrest firefighter.

• Commissioners approved a seven-year Wagner Caterpillar lease for two road-grading blades for the road department. The cost is $5,337.72 a year, which Primrose said is slightly less than the previous lease.