Quay approves ICIP adoption resolution

The Quay County Commission on Monday approved a resolution to adopt its $14.5 million Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan for the 2023 through 2027 fiscal years.

The plan serves as a guide for the New Mexico Legislature when it annually awards money to capital-outlay projects. Projects are listed by priority for each fiscal year, though none was listed in the 2026 or 2027 fiscal years.

The top-priority project is Quay Road 63 construction, of which the county is requesting $250,000 in fiscal year 2023 and $1 million in fiscal year 2024.

Next by priority are these projects in FY2023:

• Quay Road 62.9 construction: $1 million;

• Fire and emergency management systems radio equipment upgrade, $250,000;

• Bridge No. 1042 on Old Route 66, $3 million, with another $2.25 million in FY2024;

• Sheriff’s vehicles, $200,000;

• Quay Road AR construction, $1 million, with another $500,000 in FY2024;

• Quay Road AP construction, $550,000, with another $300,000 in FY2024;

• Asset management procedure plan, $100,000;

• Quay County Detention Center renovations, $200,000 ($560,000 is funded to date).

The FY2024 projects by priority:

• Ute Reservoir watershed restoration, $500,000;

• Dump truck equipment, $400,000;

• Pneumatic roller, $250,000;

• Courthouse window replacement, $1.164 million;

• Dozer equipment, $750,000;

• County vehicles, $300,000.

Cheryl Simpson, the county’s finance director, said costs rose on the Quay Road 63 project, which is why it is listed in two phases.

County manager Daniel Zamora said he increased the emergency radio upgrade request from $100,000 last year to $250,000 so all the county would be on a digital platform.

In other business:

• Commissioners approved property tax rates for the 2021 tax year. County assessor Janie Hoffman said property tax rates are rising in nearly all areas of the county an average of 63 cents per $1,000 in assessed value. She said House school district had the largest increase, of $1.08 per $1,000 in assessed value. Rates are set by the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration.

• During her monthly report, Quay County Family Health Center administrator C. Renee Hayoz said influenza shots arrived Friday, and patients could call the clinic to make appointments for one. She noted COVID-19 vaccinations and flu shots could be given in the same arm.

Hayoz said the clinic soon would receive a new COVID-19 rapid-testing unit.

She said the Aug. 28 severe storm flooded parts of the building’s interior. She said there is no apparent damage, and the clinic was able to open to patients as usual the following Monday.

• Commissioners approved a resolution that authorizes a budget increase for $527,500 in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Simpson said the money would cover premium pay for full-time positions, overtime, salary and other wages related to sick leave, sanitization equipment, janitorial supplies, building maintenance and medical facilities needs — all related to COVID-19 events.

• Commissioners approved fire protection grant applications for these fire departments: Bard-Endee, $300,735 for a tanker truck; Quay No. 4, $92,296 for self-contained breathing devices and personal protective equipment; Nara Visa, $300,735 for a tanker truck; Rural No. 2, $121,151 for self-contained breathing devices and personal protective equipment; and Forrest, $35,988 for personal protective equipment.

County Fire Marshal Lucas Bugg said the equipment will lower fire-insurance rates for residents in the Nara Visa and Bard-Endee districts.

• Commissioners approved a one-year lease renewal with Mis Amigos Family Services in Tucumcari for $600 a month. Zamora said the rent amount did not change.