Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
(Editor's note: The time for the recount was changed by the Secretary of State after the Quay County Sun's deadline.)
County Clerk Ellen White announced during a county commission meeting Monday that a recount for two tied election races in the Village of House would commence next week.
The recount is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 30 in the commission chambers at 300 S. Third St. in Tucumcari.
The public is welcome to watch the recount. Masks will be required.
Two Democrats and two Republicans from county precinct boards will preside over the recount, according to a public notice handed out by White. The Democrats will be judge Sylvia Wampler and clerk Betty Munoz. Members of the GOP will be presiding judge James Kleinsasser and clerk Kristen Leigh Southard.
For the second Village of House councilor at large seat for Positions 1 and 2, Anita Allen and Steven Foust were tied with 17 votes apiece. Matthew Cramblet was the outright winner of one of the positions, with 24 votes.
For the Village of House councilor at large seat for Position 3, Ronald McGee and incumbent John Snipes were tied with 19 votes each.
If those races remain tied after the recount, a game of chance will be used to determine the winner.
White in a follow-up email Monday stated the game of chance would not occur before Dec. 3, when the state canvassing board re-certifies the election results. White wrote that such a date would be scheduled later if a game of chance is necessary.
In other business:
• Renee Hayoz, administrator of Presbyterian Medical Services’ Quay County Family Health Office, said in her monthly report the clinic has two job vacancies — including one where an employee refused to comply with PMS’ COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Hayoz said Presbyterian is requiring all employees to be vaccinated against the virus by Dec. 1.
Earlier in the month, one clinic employee tested positive for the disease, requiring numerous cancellations of patient appointments.
• County Manager Daniel Zamora said he received an official notification letter from the state’s Department of Homeland Security that more than $850,000 in grants would be awarded to five rural fire departments in the county to buy equipment. The New Mexico Fire Grant Council announced the awards last month.
• Zamora said the county’s gross receipts tax revenue rose slightly last month and was stable.
• Commissioners and several county employees went into a closed executive session to conduct an audit exit interview with CRI CPAs and Advisors. No action was taken after the session.