Otero County Commission Meeting Highlights — December 9, 2025

Alamogordo, NM — The Otero County Commission convened Tuesday, December 9, 2025, for a meeting that blended holiday spirit with substantive updates on public safety, infrastructure, and community initiatives.

Opening and Service Awards

The meeting began with roll call, an invocation emphasizing Christmas unity and compassion, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. and New Mexico flags.

Commissioners recognized county employees for their years of service, honoring multiple five- and ten-year milestones and celebrating notable long tenures: Sheldon Compton (35 years), Lonnie Schulz (30 years), Nina Sysler (25 years), and Eric Ariano (20 years). Gratitude was expressed for their dedication to county operations.

Agenda Adjustments

• Item 12 on the consent agenda was pulled.

• A scheduled public hearing was canceled.

• New business item 21 was tabled until the next meeting.

The amended agenda was approved.

Sheriff’s Office Report & DARE Recognition

Sheriff’s Office leaders honored local students who completed the 10-week DARE program, presenting awards to essay winners who will advance to a year-end picnic and potentially national competition.

Monthly law enforcement activity included:

• 1,762 calls for service

• 225 investigative reports

• 63 traffic crashes

• 63 arrests

• 91 traffic citations

Narcotics division highlights:

• 9 search warrants, 14 arrests, $64,616 cash seized

• Seizures included methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and prescription pills valued at $11,344

Special events included fundraising for Special Olympics and Shop with a Cop. 

911 and Emergency Services

The 911 center reported 2,353 emergency calls and 7,530 dispatches. A new fire rescue queue improved transfers from Mescalero, reducing abandoned calls to 3.31%.

Emergency Services volunteers responded to 113 calls (95 medical, 6 fires). Educational outreach included career fairs and parades. Transition to the Motorola State 911 “Ezie” system improved call routing speed and clarity.

Collaboration with FEMA and Homeland Security continues for flood recovery inspections

Roads and Infrastructure

The Road Department reported completion of 2025 chip seal projects and snowstorm response efforts. Upcoming projects include:

• Roof replacement at Chin’s building

• Flickinger Center repairs

• Fire station flood mitigation and retaining walls

• Shooting range ADA upgrades

• Animal shelter kennel expansion

• Chaparral Law Enforcement facility grant agreement pending

Correctional Services

The detention center reported an average daily inmate population of 168 in November, with additional inmates housed out-of-county. Staffing challenges persist with eight vacancies among detention officers.

Courts conducted 268 video sessions across municipal, magistrate, and district levels. Facility maintenance issues with boilers, HVAC, and water heaters remain under review.

Lincoln National Forest Update

Forest officials reported:

• Prescribed burns on 1,000 acres in the 16 Springs area

• Timber cruising for spring sales

• Fiber optic infrastructure projects in Sacramento district

• USDA symposium hosting 100 students

• High demand for Christmas tree and firewood permits

• Bark beetle infestation causing tree mortality, with hazard removal underway

• Discussions with a biofuel facility to utilize timber resources

Consent Agenda & Policy Actions

Approved items included accounts payable, healthcare claims, budget adjustments, sick leave buyback, and land donations for convenience center and shooting range expansions.

Key approvals:

• $1.7 million grant for ACES school building

• 2026 meeting and holiday schedules

• Donation of excess equipment to Arkansas volunteer fire department

Recycling Program Proposal

Rusty Helton presented a plan to repair recycling bins using NMSU welding students. Local vendor bids ranged from $2,261 to $8,000; commissioners supported a $2,945 local supplier bid with free labor and transport. The initiative aims to reduce contamination and illegal dumping.

Purchasing Policy Amendment

Commissioners approved raising the county purchasing threshold from $1,500 to $5,000 to streamline efficiency, while maintaining controls against unauthorized spending.

Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations

A resolution will be sent to state agencies urging updates to outdated OV statutes, particularly insurance requirements. Commissioners noted enforcement challenges due to evolving vehicle designs and lack of mandates.

Insurance Coverage Decisions

Annual insurance renewals were reviewed:

• Multi-line coverage premium ~$2.1 million, deductible set at $5,000

• Law enforcement deductible raised to $100,000, saving $80,000 in premiums

• Detention coverage increased to $2 million per claim with $250,000 deductible

Concerns were raised about higher deductibles leading to potential out-of-pocket costs, but the motion passed.

Community Engagement

Commissioners highlighted:

• Firewise community meetings resuming in 2026

• Broadband infrastructure improvements

• New wildlife director hired with USDA experience

• Enhanced emergency alert systems, including dam breach warnings

• Listening sessions planned for mental health and addiction facility input

Closing

The meeting adjourned with holiday wishes. Commissioners will reconvene to address tabled items and continue county business.

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