Otero County Commissioners Meeting October 13th 2020

Description: The Otero County Commissioners held their regular meeting for October 13th.

Otero County Commissioners Meeting Oct. 13th

The minutes from September 28th were approved by the commissioners.

According to the Budget Officer, Tina Mascarenas budgets are good considering conditions caused by covid.

Mascarenas reported that the budget includes a six percent increase in sales tax and $50 cost of living adjustment, which doesn't include elected officials. 

General Fund budget for expenditures totaled $7,067,515, which was within the balanced budget, according to Commissioner Keith Goodwin.

Commissioners accepted the preliminary budget.

The Commissioners approved the following holiday list for 2021:

Darren Garcia,  Facilities Project Manager reported on the bids for replacing the flooring in the old extension office in Rocky Ford, about 5,000 square feet.

The bid received from Kelly's Flooring totaled $25,778. Garcia reported that the budget for the project is at $30,000. He also said that the materials met their required wear guidelines. 

He reported that the painting is going well at the extension office and the parking lot has been sealed. 

Lex Nichols said they hope to start moving office furniture into the building in November, and will have the project complete by the end of the year at the latest. New windows, an exterior door, and some interior doors have already been installed. 

The commissioners approved the contract with Kelly's Flooring. 

Dennis Smith, Otero County Treasurer, reported that delinquent taxes need to be paid by the 15th or 16th this month to avoid having your name printed in the paper.

Beginning October 23rd delinquent property taxes will be printed in the newspaper three times as required by law.

The County Tax Sale is scheduled for November 16th at 10am at the OJC Jim Rizzuto Banquet Room.  It will be in person like usual it will just be at a larger venue, according to Smith usually 45-50 people show up.

When asked if covid has affected property tax payments, Smith replied that the total amount collected is close to a half a percent behind.

97.91 collected this year

98.87 collected last year

According to Smith it's about $13,000 difference between this year compared to last year.

Smith also said if the public has any questions they can call the treasurer's office at 719-383-3030.

Danelle Berg with economic development, reported that a Housing Access Meeting is scheduled at Hampton Inn October 21st in La Junta.

Ballots are mailed by a vendor, Redstone Print and Mail, they are mailed out of Denver. 

The county has three voting machines available, so citizens could begin voting today.

County Administrator, Amy White-Tanabe reported that they are looking at moving public works to Rocky Ford. She also spoke about a project to make the main entryway to the courthouse Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.

Commissioner James Baldwin reported that he attended the Hwy 50 project between Manzanola and Fowler. He reported that they improved the highway in several ways including adding rumble strips on the shoulders and down the center to improve safety. Over eight miles of highway were resurfaced as part of the project.

Commissioner Keith Goodwin discussed their upcoming schedule. 

The Otero County Commissioners schedule follows:

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