AT A GLANCECOUNTY OBSERVER ..............12016 Legislative Priorities

SERVING YOU .......................2Expanding NMAC Services

COUNTY CHARACTER ............3Saying Farewell to Dan Bryant

COUNTY FOCUS ....................4Risk Management Policies

NACo REPORT .......................52015 Fall WIR Board Meeting

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT ............5Current-C Energy Systems

CRITICAL ISSUES ..................6

IN YOUR COUNTY ..................6Loss Prevention Year-in-Review

FEDERAL UPDATE ..................7Critical Federal Initiatives NACo TRAINING .....................7

COUNTY COLLABORATIONS ...8State Auditor’s Report

ADVANCING COUNTIES ..........9NM EDGE News

NEW MEXICO CONNECTION .1012th Annual Gathering of Counties

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS .........11NMAC Business Partners

MOVING FORWARD ........ (Back)Calendar of Events

2015VOLUME 3

COUNTY OBSERVER

2015, VOLUME 3 1

By Tasia Young

The NMAC Board of Directors selected four legislative priorities for the 2016 30-day legislative session, at its August meeting in Las Cruces. The new priorities include: 1) restoration of the $5 million appropriation for the County Detention Reimbursement Fund; 2) appropriate recurring funding levels and mechanisms for statewide emergency medical services (EMS); 3) participation by NMAC in property and gross receipts tax re-structure or reform; and 4) allocation of fund-ing to match federal funds from the National 3D Elevation Program, which includes Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology.

The NMAC priorities will be presented to several legislative interim committees in October and November. Executive Director Steve Kopelman did an update on county gross receipts taxes to the Revenue Sta-bilization and Tax Policy Committee on October 14. The LiDAR funding issue was on the agenda for the Science, Technol-ogy and Telecommunications Committee on October 20, and the Detention Reimburse-ment Fund will be part of the Legislative Finance Committee’s review of the Depart-ment of Finance and Administration budget during their November 17-20 meetings.

All of these interim committee meetings will be in the Capitol and are open to the public, but can also be accessed through the Legis-lative Council Service webcast: http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/webcast/default.aspx.

NMAC’s Executive Committee will meet jointly with the Executive Board of the New Mexico Municipal League in Santa Fe on November 13 for their annual joint review and potential endorsement of each entity’s legislative priorities.

NMAC Board Selects 2016 Legislative Priorities

2016 PrioritiesRestoration of the $5 million appropriation

for the County Detention Reimbursement Fund

Appropriate recurring funding levels and mechanisms for statewide

emergency medical services

Participation by NMAC in property and gross receipts tax restructure or reform

Allocation of funding to match federal funds from the National 3D Elevation Program, which includes Light

Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

Bernalillo County .............. Debbie O’MalleyCommissionerCatron County ....................... Susan GriffinAssessorChaves County ..................... James DuffeyCommissionerCibola County ......................Corrine PadillaProbate JudgeColfax County ............................Bill SaubleCommissionerCurry County ........................Wesley WallerSheriffDeBaca County.......................Becky HarrisCommissionerDoña Ana County ....................David GarciaCommissionerEddy County ...........................Glenn CollierCommissionerGrant County ................................ Ron HallCommissionerGuadalupe County ............ Patrick MartinezClerkHarding County .....................Pete CallahanAssessorHidalgo County ...................... Tyler MasseyTreasurerLea County ...........................Rebecca LongCommissionerLincoln County .................. Rhonda BurrowsClerkLos Alamos County .............. Sharon StoverClerkLuna County ....................Linda SmirkovskyCommissionerMcKinley County .....Carol Bowman-MuskettCommissionerMora County ...........................Paula GarciaCommissionerOtero County ......................... Steven BoyleAssessorQuay County ............................Mike CherryCommissionerRio Arriba County ..................Barney TrujilloCommissionerRoosevelt County ...................Malin ParkerSheriffSan Juan County ................. Scott EcksteinCommissionerSan Miguel County.............Nicolas T. LegerCommissioner Sandoval County ..................Glenn WaltersCommissionerSanta Fe County .....................Liz StefanicsCommissionerSierra County ................. Kenneth C. LynonCommissionerSocorro County...................Danny MonetteCommissionerTaos County ................... Gabriel J. RomeroCommissionerTorrance County .................... Betty CabberAssessorUnion County ...................Mary Lou HarkinsClerkValencia County ..............Jhonathan AragonCommissioner

Ex-Officio Members

NACo Urban Board ..................Liz StefanicsSanta Fe County CommissionerNACo Rural Board .................. Tyler MasseyHidalgo County TreasurerNACo WIR Board .................... Susan FloresOtero County CommissionerNACo WIR Board .................Danny MonetteSocorro County CommissionerMulti-Line Board ............. Wendell BostwickCurry County CommissionerWorkers’ Comp Board ........Wayne HancockDoña Ana County CommissionerExecutive Director ............ Steve Kopelman

A Message from the President

President Sharon Stover

NM ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEADERSHIP

2 2015, VOLUME 2

Dear County Elected Officials and Staff, Back in 1936, there were 31 counties—Cibola and Los Alamos were not yet counties—and our State’s population was a little over 500,000. Frank-lin D. Roosevelt was President, and the New Mexico Association of Coun-ties was established. Nearly 80 years later, NMAC’s mission is the same: champion each county’s ability to govern their own affairs to improve the well-being and quality of life for their constituents. To further that mission, one of my focus areas as President is to help county officials and their citizens better understand the role and mission of NMAC, while listening to various County perspectives on issues of mutual concern so that we can collaborate on solutions. To that end, Steve Kopelman, NMAC Executive Director, and I are embarking on road trips to connect with each County Commission, coupled with meeting the legisla-tive representatives for that County. To date, 10 counties have graciously hosted us and I am impressed with the effective and responsible public service of their county employees. I have been involved in Los Alamos County government since 1979, having served as a County Councilor (Commissioner) and now as Clerk. For me, NMAC is like a family. I saw that family come through in spades during the Las Conchas fire in Los Alamos in 2011. Several counties reached out to us and asked, “how can we help?” and “how are you doing?” It is proof to me that the NMAC family is a strong force with a legacy that makes it an honor and privilege for me to serve as your NMAC President. Thank you for your dedication—together, we will continue to work on making New Mexico the best that it can be. Yours in service,

Sharon Stover

“My goal is to understand

county perspectives on areas of mutual

concern so that we can collaborate

on solutions”

NMAC Services SERVING YOU

Expanding Services at NMAC

NMAC is expanding services for our members and that means more resources for your county. NMAC has recently hired new staff to fulfill positions for the Legal Bureau that was approved by the Multi-Line

Board of Directors in 2014. The in-house Legal Bureau will defend lawsuits brought against county members and will also provide legal consultation to help counties reduce lawsuits in the first place.

Albuquerque attorney Andrew Johnson has assumed the position of litigation attorney and Samantha Garcia is NMAC’s new paralegal. Mr. Andrew Johnson received his Juris Doctorate from the Arizona State Universi-ty Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Prior to joining NMAC, he worked with his father at the Johnson Law Firm in Albuquerque. Ms. Samantha Garcia served as a paralegal for the Simons Firm, LLP for more than 15 years prior to joining NMAC. She attended Santa Fe Community College.

Other changes in staff include the addition of Risk Management Data Analyst Lori Urban, Multi-Line Claims Examiner Christina Galvez, and Intergovern-mental Relations Assistant Katelyn Quiroz.

Attorney Andrew Johnson & Paralegal Samantha Garcia

2015, VOLUME 2 3

Dan Rides Off... to the Courthouse

Executive Director’s Report

Executive DirectorSteve Kopelman

Dear County Members,

It’s hard to believe that it has been two full years since I was appointed New Mexico Association of Counties’ Execu-tive Director. Time sure does fly! It has been an amazing two years, and I am very excited about the direction NMAC is taking and the initiatives that have been implemented. It has been an honor to work with the NMAC Board of Directors—they are a very dedicated group and have done an excellent job of promoting and strengthening county government and of setting direction and policy. A special thank you and commendation should also be given to the NMAC officers, who put in a huge amount of time and energy to help steer the NMAC ship. I have been fortunate to have worked with Presidents Wendell Bostwick from Curry County, Paula Garcia from Mora County, and Sharon Stover from Los Alamos County—they have been strong advocates for our counties and have provided extremely effective and focused leadership. Sharon and I are in the process of visiting all 33 of our counties, and making presentations to the county commissions. Most importantly, we are hearing from county officials about the major issues they are facing in each county. To date we have been to 10 county commission meetings. NMAC’s voice at the Legislature continues to grow stronger, thanks in large part to the efforts of our county officials. When we are united, county government is incredibly powerful and effective. The NMAC policy committees have been forums for robust and spirited discussions and debates, and have played an integral role in shaping NMAC policy and establishing legislative priorities.

Sincerely,

Steve Kopelman

“When we are united, county government is incredibly

powerful and effective”

The judiciary’s gain is county government’s loss—Otero County Attorney Dan Bryant, who was far and away the longest serving county attorney in New Mexico (38 years!),

was selected by Governor Susana Martinez to fill the vacancy in the position of Twelfth Judicial District Court Judge. In my view, Dan is going to be an incredible judge. How do I know this, you might ask? The answer is simple: first of all, he was an incredible county attorney! In fact, Dan was the dean of county attorneys, and is one of the foremost experts on local government in the state. Dan has all the attributes to make an exceptional judge: he is always respectful and sensitive in how he communicates with others, is extremely effective at building consensus, and is an excellent listener. His calm temperament, pragmatic approach to problem solving, his broad life experience, and his strong legal knowledge base will serve him well on the judiciary.

Dan’s new life in robes will result in a huge loss for Otero County and the New Mexico Association of Counties. Dan served on the NMAC insurance pool boards for more than 25 years, and was an invaluable member of the board. He was an entertaining and effective teacher, as demonstrated by the many EDGE/county college classes he taught. He was also a wonderful resource for me and for numerous county officials and employees through-out the state. Dan was often the first person I turned to when faced with a difficult legal issue involving county government.

I am certain that Dan will excel in his new position—the judiciary of the state of New Mexico is very fortunate to have him on board. Good luck Judge Bryant!!!

By Steve Kopelman

COUNTY CHARACTERA Closer Look at Our Members

(L-R) NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman and 12th Judicial District Judge Dan Bryant

AdministrationSteve Kopelman, Executive Director

Grace Philips, General Counsel Susan Mayes, Executive Services Manager

Aelysea Webb, Executive CoordinatorTasia Young, Ph.D., Lobbyist

Brian Moore, Lobbyist

Legal BureauAndrew Johnson, Attorney

Samantha Garcia, Paralegal

Finance Santiago Chavez, Finance & Admin. Director

Carolin Rios, Senior Accountant Charlotte Martinez, Accountant

David Borton, Senior Systems Administrator Clarissa Baca, Receptionist/Office Mgr. Assist.

Intergovernmental RelationsJoy Esparsen, Intergov. Relations Director Katelyn Quiroz, Intergov. Relations Assist.

Jennie Harvey, Meetings Coordinator

Risk Management Taylor Horst, Risk Management Director

Cynthia Stephenson, Risk Management SpecialistLori Urban, Risk Management Data Analyst

Loss PreventionSal Baragiola, LP Manager

Manuel Romero, LP Specialist/Public Safety James Chavez, LP Specialist

Art Murphy, LP SpecialistCaryl Rodriguez, LP Coordinator

Workers’ CompensationTheresa Griego, WC Claims ManagerSteve Chappell, WC Claims Adjuster

Pamela Lowrance, WC Claims AdjusterRay Mengel, WC Claims Adjuster

Annemarie Hill, WC Admin Assistant

Multi-LineRobin Martinez, ML Claims Manager

Jeannette Chavez, ML Sr. Claims Examiner Jennifer Ortiz, ML Sr. Claims Examiner

Velma Herrera, ML Sr. CLaims Examiner Randy Chavez, ML Claims ExaminerDarlene Salazar, ML Claims Examiner

Christina Galvez, ML Claims ExaminerBobbie Dalton, ML Claims Assistant

DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES

4 2015, VOLUME 3

Operational Policies Provide A Great Resource to Counties

Risk Management UpdateCOUNTY FOCUS

By Cynthia Stephenson

W hile NMAC staff provide answers to countless questions posed by

members, our many policies and sample policies are also a great resource. Your questions range from the common to those that fall into the “we haven’t heard that one before” category. At their annual October retreat, both Pool Boards of Directors reviewed proposed language chang-es to the joint pool policy manual. The manual contains policies that affect management of the pools and those that affect pool members. Upon approval by both boards at their December meet-ings, Risk Management will email a copy of this manual to all counties and post it to NMAC’s website. A sampling of the policies follows. Multi-Line Pool Policy of Recommended Personnel AdviceThe policy in its entirety states: The Pools strongly urge member counties to consult with the Pools’ General Counsel prior to dismissing, demoting, suspending or beginning leave without pay for county employees, especially if there is any question about the correct procedure to follow or if that personnel action may result in a claim or suit against the county for wrongful process. Compliance with Risk Management RecommendationsThe introductory paragraph of this policy states: It is the obligation of each member of each Pool to fully cooperate with the Pool’s Administrator, abide by the provisions of the Bylaws and Joint Powers Agreement and to undertake and continue loss reduction and prevention procedures adopted by the Board. This includes all loss control recommen-dations issued by the NMCIA Risk Management Staff. Joint Policy on Unlawful Harassment, Sexual Harass-ment, and Other Unlawful DiscriminationThe introductory paragraphs of this policy state: Unlawful harassment, sexual harassment, and other unlawful discrimination in the work envi-ronment are illegal and intolerable. Accordingly, members of each Pool must reduce exposure through a combination of clear and strict policies, swift and immediate investigation of claims and thorough training. The Multi-Line Pool and Workers’ Compensation Fund Boards of Directors require each member county to adopt a Harassment, Sexual Harass-ment, and Discrimination Policy that:

States the county’s commitment to maintain...

1.

Joint Policy on Personal Protective Equipment UseThis policy, and others like it, will remain in this manual only as policy statements, with the actual policies removed to become stand-alone docu-ments. This will alleviate the need for Board ap-proval of changes. The proposed policy statement for this policy is: The Multi-Line Pool and Workers’ Compensation Fund require each member county to adopt a personal protective equipment usage policy. Coun-ties are encouraged to obtain the sample policy provided by NMCIA and include the elements as set forth in the sample policy. Joint Policy on County Vehicle UseProposed new language includes: The Multi-Line Pool and Workers’ Compensa-tion Fund require each member county to adopt policies covering county vehicle use. County vehicle use includes but is not limited to county take home vehicles, ride alongs, texting and cell phone use while driving, emergency vehicle use, volunteer non-county employee drivers, seatbelt use, pre-use “walk around” inspection, use of personal vehicles for county business, et cetera. Sample policies are available through NMCIA upon request.

The Multi-Line Pool Provides Limited Builder’s Risk Coverage

Please be aware that the Pool property coverage agreement includes a minimal amount of builder’s risk coverage, and we recommend you procure a separate builders risk policy for any construction project.

If you have additional questions, call Taylor Horst at 505-820-8127 or Cynthia Stephenson at 505-820-8106.

2015, VOLUME 3 5

NACo REPORT

Current-C Energy Systems

Since 1996, Current-C Energy Systems has helped clients effectively utilize limited energy, water, person-

nel, and financial resources; the company solves problems and reduces costs through interpreting energy use and developing stra-tegic solutions, using their own expertise and strong partnerships

Energy, according to Current-C, is the one critical high cost item clients cannot track and control, but new technologies and approaches make that possible. Nationally, statistics show that communities and orga-nizations can save 10–20% through energy efficiency/renewable energy programs, solv-ing other problems too. Current-C Energy Systems’ mission is to develop clients’ un-derstanding of energy and buildings and the leadership and knowledge to control related costs—strengthening the organization.

Current-C understands the needs of New Mexico counties and communities, where facilities such as schools, libraries, fire stations, offices, and water/wastewater treatment plants can reduce expenses by making small and large changes that decrease energy use; they can also install renewable energy systems to reduce risks and provide a community service.

Each client is different, but almost every organization has opportunities for energy savings and generation, which improves operations. Current-C Energy Systems enjoys working with smaller Counties and rural communities where needs and solu-tions vary. For example, in 2013, Current-C was the “energy expert” under RCAC (Rural Community Assistance Corporation) aus-pices on the Mora County Strategic Plan, building consensus on challenging issues, solving complex problems, and helping

identify programs to keep the community a healthy and safe place to live. Current-C has also provided training programs for rural water / wastewater system managers through the NM Rural Water Association, trained Tribal officials in developing strate-gic Tribal energy programs, financed various projects, and recommended and/or imple-mented a variety of projects such as light-ing retrofits, historic building upgrades, and “real time energy use dashboards” for build-ing managers.

Make sure to look out for the Current-C Energy Systems booth at the NMAC 2016 Legislative Conference!

Western Interstate Region Fall Board Meeting

Excerpt from NACo

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTFeatured Business Partners By Jennie Harvey

President Sharon Stover, Los Alamos County Clerk

President ElectTyler Massey, Hidalgo County Treasurer

Vice President Vacant

Past President Paula Garcia, Mora County Commissioner

Treasurer

Nicolas T. Leger, San Miguel County Commissioner

District I Liz Stefanics, Santa Fe County CommissionerLos Alamos, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval,

San Juan & Santa Fe Counties

District II Gabriel Romero, Taos County Commissioner

Colfax, Harding, Mora, San Miguel, Taos & Union Counties

District III

Danny Monette, Socorro County CommissionerBernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Socorro & Valencia

Counties

District IV Patrick Martinez, Quadalupe County Clerk

Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Quay, Roosevelt & Torrance Counties

District V

Kenneth C. Lyon, Sierra County CommissionerDoña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna & Sierra Counties

District VI

James Duffey, Chaves County CommissionerChaves, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln & Otero Counties

EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE

NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman and Western Interstate Board Member Susan Flores joined representatives from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota Utah, Washington, and Wyoming for the fall WIR Board meeting, held in Boise, Idaho, October 7-9.

The Western Interstate Region is affiliated with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and is dedicated to the promotion of Western inter-ests within NACo. These interests include pub-lic land issues (use and conservation), commu-nity stability and economic development, and the promotion of the traditional Western way of life.

Participants at the 2015 Fall Western Interstate Board of Directors Meeting

Update From our National Partner

Over the last year, Loss Prevention continued to provide a variety of assistance to member counties. These

services took the form of technical advice, training, policy development, accreditation pro-grams, and working with individual counties to reduce losses through safety programs such as the Risk Awareness Program (RAP) and the online training pilot program. In 2012 the federal government issued the final Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) stan-dards that apply to local jails, juvenile detention centers, and police lockups. Loss Preven-tion continues to work with juvenile and adult detention centers to assist in the implementation of PREA. In the past year, the PREA Tool-kit, PREA Coordina-tor, Investigator, and Mental Health/ Medical Standards seminars and train-ings were provided to detention and law enforcement per-sonnel from around the state. One of the areas that often goes unno-ticed is the work of the Detention Policy Review Committee (DPRC). This committee introduced several critical policies, such as Special Management Housing Policy, Sexual Misconduct Policy for Detention Centers, as well as updating policies on inmate searches and classifica-tion. Another group that meets on a regular ba-sis is the Training Advisory Committee. This highly motivated group has spent the last year refining the Detention Officer Ba-sic Training Curriculum, a standardized curriculum for juvenile detention officers, as well as a standard firearms certification course for corrections personnel. Over the last two years, NMAC and various stakeholders from around the state have dedi-cated an enormous amount of time and effort in introducing Mental Health First Aid. This pro-gram is designed to provide information about mental illness to include the types of illness-es, symptoms and intervention strategies to

community members who have an interest in learning more about mental health. More than 16 classes were delivered around New Mexi-co. This training will continue to be delivered in the coming year, with an emphasis on rural areas. One of the biggest challenges in the deten-tion environment is dealing with inmates in crisis. The Crisis Intervention Team Training (CIT) was delivered over the course of several months, beginning in early 2015 with the fi-nal class graduating in July of this year. This intensive 40-hour training provided de-

tention personnel necessary skills when working with inmates who are experiencing a crisis while incarcerated. One of Loss Preven-tion’s long term suc-cessful programs is RAP. This program has been adopt-ed by over half of New Mexico coun-ties. From counties that are in their 1st year to those that are in their 8th year, RAP continues to significantly reduce the number of inju-ries and accidents.

Loss Prevention has an extensive catalog of training classes to meet the needs of mem-ber counties. In the coming year we will also roll out a catalog of online classes to augment the on-site training programs that are delivered on a regular basis. The types of training available is listed on the NMAC website. Loss Prevention has highlighted the various accreditation programs that are sponsored by NMAC and the New Mexico Municipal League in previous newsletters. The four programs provide accreditation and recognition for law enforcement, detention, emergency dis-patch centers, and the Adult Misdemeanor Compliance Program. Recipients that have attained recognition/accreditation are recog-nized at NMAC legislative and summer confer-ences.

6 2015, VOLUME 3

CRITICAL ISSUES

The NMAC Board of Directors met on August 6-7, 2015

and took the following actions:

Established the Economic Development

and Infrastructure Policy Committee

Approved the NMAC Policy Statement

Endorsed the Following Affiliate Resolutions:

Consolidation of Community ElectionsDuplicate RecordingsIndex State Per Diem RateBrokered Certificate of Deposit Allowed for Investments By County Treasurers Consent to Any PIDs, TIDDs, or SIDs

Approved a 2/3 Supermajority to

Determine 2016 Legislative Priorities

Approved as Legislative PrioritiesRestore Detention Center Funding Support Funding for a Statewide EMS Assessment StudyGross Receipts Tax Reform State Level Contribution to the New Mexico 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), which includes Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology

Ratified the Appointment of

San Miguel County Commissioner Nicolas Leger as Treasurer

Authorized NMAC to Enter Into a

Lease Agreement for the Rental Property at 444 Galisteo Street

Accepted the Financial Report

as of June 30, 2015

The NMAC Executive Committee met on September 18, 2015

and took the following actions:

Reviewed and Recommended Approval of the NMAC Bylaws

Reviewed and Recommended Approval of the NMAC Board

Operational Policies

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Loss Prevention - Year in Review

Loss Prevention Update IN YOUR COUNTY

By Sal Baragiola

NACo TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

The Latest Federal Regulations That Could Impact Your County

November 4, 20153:00 pm – 4:00 pmContact Eryn Hurley

(202) 942-4204, ehurley@naco.org

Are you up to speed on the latest federal regulations coming down the pipeline that could impact you and your county? Join NACo on November 4th, to hear updates on the top regulatory initiatives of concern to counties and what you can do to get involved in the process. The regulatory initiatives to be discussed include:

• Waters of the US • Ozone • Overtime Pay • Home Affordability • Affordable Care Act Excise Tax

Drop the Jargon: Use Plain Language to Connect with Your Audience

November 10, 20152:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Contact Jessica Beyer jessica.beyer@blueearthcountymn.gov

Since the passage of the Plain Writing Act of 2010, government agencies throughout the country are striving to ensure that communi-cations are clear, concise, and focused on the needs of residents. During this session you will learn what makes plain language effective, get tips on implementing plain language practices into your workplace, and see several real-world examples of both plain, and not-so-plain language.

Stepping Up: Preparing a Plan and Tracking Progress

November 17, 20152:00 pm – 3:15 pm

Contact Nastassia Walsh (202) 942-4289, nwalsh@naco.org

Join us for the next webinar in the Stepping Up series to learn about key strategies for preparing a plan, identifying outcome mea-sures and developing processes for tracking progress toward your goals for reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in your jail. As the last of Stepping Up webinars focused on the six steps, this webinar will bring together the knowledge you’ve gained from the previous five webinars to help you develop a plan for moving forward in your county. Attendees are encouraged to review previous Stepping Up Webinars and Planning Guides in preparation for this webinar.

For more information on any of these NACo training opportuni-ties, please visit http://www.naco.org and click under Conferences and Events for the Webinars and Seminars link.

Federal Update ON THE HILL

Congress Takes Action As Critical Deadlines Approach

W ith the end of the fiscal year quickly approaching, Congress took action last week to address several serious issues including a plan for the 2016 budget appropriations, a deci-sion to raise the federal debt ceiling, and an extension of MAP21 so that a long-term surface

transportation solution could be negotiated.

By Joy Esparsen

2015, VOLUME 2 7

Reaching an Appropriations DealThe House and Senate passed a two-year bipartisan budget deal that includes increased spending for domestic and defense programs by more than $80 billion over the next two years.The bill has been sent to the President for approval. The budget proposal was critical to avoiding a default on the nation’s debt and should lower the risk of a government shutdown in December. The federal government is currently on a continuing resolution through December 11. Biggest Issues—Funding levels and policy riders like defunding Planned Parenthood, Waters of the U.S., the Affordable Care Act, etc.

Addressing the Debt Ceiling and SequestrationThe budget proposal extends the debt limit through March of 2017 to allow lawmakers time to work through ongoing budget conflicts. The debt ceiling was last raised in 2014 to $18.1 trillion. The U.S. Treasury has been using extraordinary measures to ensure that the nation does not default on its debt.It was estimated that those measures would run out by November 3. There would be a potential downgrade in the U.S. credit rating and a significant impact on financial markets if the debt ceiling was not raised.We have been on a two-year reprieve from sequestration, but have six years remaining.

How to Proceed on a Long-Term Surface Transportation BillCongress has passed a 3-week transporation bill extension to allow time for negotiations between the House and Senate.The proposal includes a 3-year positive train control (PTC) extension through 2018; exceptions can be made under certain circumstances through 2020.Current law Map 21 was passed in 2012 and expired in 2014. Congress has passed a number of short extensions. Under Map 21 funding for locally-owned infrastructure was cut by approximately 30%.The Highway Trust Fund is currently insolvent.The Senate passed the 6-year DRIVE Act with funding for only 3 years. Addresses a number of county priorities, but needs improvements in supporting counties and local infrastructure.The House introduced a 6-year policy and spending bill “Surface Transportation Reauthoriza-tion and Reform Act of 2015.” Funding is yet to be determined by Ways and Means Committee and with Paul Ryan as the new Speaker of the House the dynamics of the committee may change. The House bill goes further than the Senate bill to support county priorities. Biggest Issue—How do we pay for long term reauthorization? NACo will be sending out information to follow up with congressional members on requests for long-term funding.

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WORKERS’

COMPENSATION POOL BOARD

OFDIRECTORS

Lance PyleCurry County

ManagerChair

Danny GonzalesLuna County

Human Resources & Payroll Director

Vice Chair

Gloria Jean ChavezGuadalupe County

Finance & Safety OfficerSecretary/Treasurer

Wayne HancockDoña Ana County

Commissioner NMAC Representative

Robert AnayaSanta Fe County Commissioner

Joy AnsleyTorrance County

Manager

Kristi GallowaySan Juan County

Risk Manager

Kevin KinzieBernalillo County

Risk Manager

Phillip RiosSandoval County

Manager

Brenda SanchezChaves County

Public Service Administrator

Delilah WalshSocorro County

Manager

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Sharon StoverLos Alamos County Clerk

& NMAC President

Doug DeckerMcKinley County

AttorneyNMAC Attorneys’ Affiliate

Representative

8 2015, VOLUME 3

COUNTY COLLABORATIONSSubmitted by the Office of the New

Mexico State Auditor

Audits aren’t very glamorous, but if you care about good government, they are extremely important. In order to hold

our government accountable, taxpayers need to know how governments are handling our money. Until recently, much of that information was buried within the hundreds of audits completed each year. Now, a report is available that compiles this information and makes it accessible to the pub-lic and policymakers. This gives New Mexicans an opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of how state and local governments are protecting and accounting for our money. The New Mexico State Auditor’s Office released the first of its kind report called The Findings Report: A Summary of New Mexico’s Govern-mental Financial Audits. The report analyzes the most recent audits of hundreds of entities across New Mexico, state agencies, cities, coun-ties and school districts. The results provide a snapshot of how government is working by using three measures: the audit opinion (a measure of transparency), types of annual audit findings (a measure of good practices), and repeated audit findings (a measure of progress toward fixing what is broken). Several valuable insights surface in The Find-ings Report. First, New Mexico can be proud that the vast majority of governmental entities are accounting for public dollars in a transpar-ent, reliable manner. Ninety-four percent of entities received an “unmodified” audit opinion, meaning they are providing reliable financial information to the public. Unfortunately, a hand-ful of state agencies received less favorable opinions, including the Corrections Department, General Services Department, Regulation and Licensing Department, and the Office of Secre-tary of State. Secondly, the number of audit findings speaks to accounting practices and compliance with laws. Fewer findings are better. Of the over 2,000 findings across audited entities, 50 percent represented significant issues or prob-lems. Entities with the most findings include the Public Education Department, Albuquerque Public Schools, the City of Albuquerque, and Cibola County.

Twenty-six percent of governmental entities had unmodified opinions with no findings, indicating a clean bill of health. Some of these are the Legislative Finance Committee, New Mexico Supreme Court, and Commission of Public Records.

Thirdly, The Findings Report indicates that almost half of all audit findings were repeated from a previous year. Our office will now require corrective action plans to address weaknesses in financial controls.

Many findings relate to “component units,” such as charter schools in a school district or a housing authority in a city. Although the primary governments do not manage the day-to-day operations of component units, accounting standards require their inclusion in an audit because of the oversight responsibility. A ques-tion for policymakers is how to increase the effectiveness of that oversight. The State Auditor’s Office will release The Find-ings Report yearly, giving the public and policy-makers a mechanism to track public dollars. Fraud, waste and abuse can happen anywhere, but these measures show us where our state is particularly vulnerable. New Mexicans are encouraged to read this report – it’s your money and you have a right to know how it is being accounted for. The Findings Report is available here: http://osanm.org/government_accountability_office.

Innovative Report Offers a Snapshot of New Mexico’s Financial Health

NMAC Partnerships

Tim KellerNew Mexico State Auditor

MULTI-LINE POOL BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

Ron LethgoChaves County

AssessorChair

Katherine MillerSanta Fe County

ManagerVice Chair

Nita TaylorLincoln County

ManagerSecretary/Treasurer

Wendell BostwickCurry County

CommissionerNMAC Representative

Javier DiazLuna County

Commissioner

James DominguezSandoval County Commissioner

Lloyd FelipeCibola County Commissioner

Wayne HancockDoña Ana County

Commissioner

Shirley RaginBernalillo County

Deputy County Manager of Finance

Rick RudometkinEddy County

Manager

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Sharon StoverLos Alamos County Clerk

& NMAC President

Doug DeckerMcKinley County

AttorneyAttorneys’ Affiliate

Representative

Patrick SnedekerSan Miguel County Warden/Detention

AdministratorLEDAC Chair

NM EDGE Update ADVANCING COUNTIES

By Mary DeLorenzo

NM EDGE County College - News from the EDGE

2015, VOLUME 3 9

New Mexico Certified Public Manager Program Earns National AccreditationThe New Mexico Certified Public Manager® Program, administered by NM EDGE, received accreditation by the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium Board at its October 2011 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. The program consists of three levels: Certified Public Official (CPO), Certified Public Supervisor (CPS), and Certi-fied Public Manager.

General InformationNM EDGE has offices in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces. Classes are offered in conjunction with NMAC conferences every January and June, at week-long sessions held in Albuquerque every September and March, and by request at affiliate Fall and Spring conferences. Additional classes are offered on request.

Students NM EDGE is open to all public sector employees in federal, state, and local government. Currently, NM EDGE has more than 500 active students, the majority of whom come from New Mexico County Government.

County College FocusIn addition to the nationally recognized Certified Public Manager® designation and the Certified Advocate in Public Ethics Program, NM EDGE of-fers the following county-specific designations, developed in close collaboration with NMAC:

NM Certified Public Assessing Officer (NMCPAO) NM Certified County Clerk (NMCCCL) NM Certified County Commissioner (NMCCC) NM Certified Treasury Official (NMCTO) * Handbooks for these offices are updated with the help of each curriculum committee. Public Sector SpecializationsNM Certified Geographic Information Systems Specialist (NMGISS) NM Certified Health Care Official (NMCCHCO) NM Certified IT Professional (NMCITP) NM Certified Jail Specialist/Jail Professional (NMCJS, NMCJP) NM Public Purchasing Professional (NMPPP) NM Certified Risk Management Professional (NMCRMO)

A certification for Public Finance is in the works, as well as one specific to NM State Government (CSPO).

NMAC SupportNMAC provides a $5,000 annual contribution to the NM EDGE Program.

The NMAC Multi-Line Pool Board offers scholar-ship support for New Mexico county detention employees wishing to earn the designation of NM Jail Specialist and Jail Professional.

NMAC staff members teach in the program.

NMAC staff works with NM EDGE and the NM EDGE Curriculum Committees to develop county-specific curriculum and classes. Their contribu-tions of time and expertise are instrumental in assuring class and certification content remains current and meaningful for county students.

NMAC provides free exhibit space for NM EDGE at NMAC Legislative and Annual Conferences each year and supports NM EDGE Graduation at each of these events through complimentary meals for the graduates and time on the agenda to recog-nize these accomplishments.

NMAC offers support of the NM EDGE County College through collaboration on mutual projects throughout the year and on an on-going basis such as the Public Purchasing Certification Project.

NMAC provides training for newly elected officials (NEO) through scholarships with NM EDGE which allow the NEO to get enrolled in the program and to take a mutually-designated number of classes free of charge. It introduces the NEO to the edu-cational opportunities available to them through NM EDGE allowing many who might not otherwise have the background to jump-start their public service.

The NM EDGE is grateful to NMAC, our founding partner in Better Government through Education, for their on-going support. The results of this collabora-tion have been positive, meaningful, and instrumen-tal in creating an environment for life-long learning at the county level and this would not be possible with-out the strong commitment from NMAC, its Board, staff, and members.

Thank you!

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NMAC and Cooperative Extension Service were the founding partners when the County College pro-gram rolled out in 2003. What began as a vision of the late Samuel O. Montoya, former NMAC Execu-tive Director, and Bob Coppedge, Cooperative Extension Services, has evolved into the NM EDGE, which operates County College, Certified Public Manager®, Certified Advocate in Public Ethics (CAPE), and public sector specialization programs such as Risk Management, Information Technology, Public Purchasing, Geographic Information Systems.

In 2008, Cooperative Extension Service brought the Certified Public Manager® program to New Mexico and joined it with County College. A restructuring of County College, to complement the CPM design, occurred in 2009. At that time it was suggested that an umbrella organization be formed under which NM CPM, County College, and other public sector offerings could operate. NM EDGE (an acronym for Education Designed to Generate Excellence in the public sector) began as such in 2010. The NM EDGE County College program has experienced significant growth since 2010, in large part due to the collaborative efforts between NM EDGE and New Mexico Association of Counties.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

& DETENTION ADVISORY

COMMITTEE

Patrick SnedekerSan Miguel County

Warden/Detention AdministratorChair & Multi-Line Representative

Chris BarelaDoña Ana County

Adult/Juvenile Detention Director

Lou BurkhardtValencia County

Sheriff

Matt ElwellLuna County

Detention Director

Garry GoldSan Miguel County

Sheriff

Johna GonzalesTaos County

Juvenile Detention Administrator

Johnathan MoordianLuna County

Sheriff

Malin ParkerRoosevelt County

Sheriff

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Sharon StoverLos Alamos County Clerk

& NMAC President

Ken ChristesenSan Juan County

Sheriff

Gregg MercantelSecretary

New Mexico Corrections Dept.

10 2014, VOLUME 3

NEW MEXICO CONNECTIONIntergovernmental Update

12th Annual Gathering of Counties

Every one of New Mexico’s 33 coun-ties provides their own unique contri-bution to the Land of Enchantment.

In honor of this, the New Mexico State Fair partnered with the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) and the New Mexico Depart-ment of Tourism for a special 12th anniversary of the Gathering of Counties on Thursday, Sep-tember 17th. The event was held in conjunction with New Mexico True Day at the New Mexico State Fair and provided an ideal opportunity for counties to showcase their distinct cultures. Nineteen New Mexico’s counties set up booths along Main Street to provide information to fairgo-ers on county services, local attractions, and the history of their communities. New Mexico State Fair Commission Chair Larry Kennedy, State Fair Commissioner Chuck Brown, State Fair Commissioner and McKinley County Manager Bill Lee, and State Fair Manager Dan Mourning, welcomed NMAC President and Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover, NMAC Execu-tive Director Steve Kopelman, and county repre-sentatives to a special presentation celebrating the rich heritage of county governments. The program included the reading of the Gathering of Counties proclamation signed by Governor Su-sana Martinez and recognition of the 2015 State Fair queen candidates.

NMAC President Stover continued the tradition of donating a gift to the permanent county art-work display at the state fair. This year’s contri-

bution was a painting titled “Anniversary Trail” by Los Alamos artist Janice Parker Muir. Ms. Muir has been recognized by her peers with signature status in Women Artists of the West, Pastel Society of New Mexico, Pastel Society of the West Coast, and the Pastel Society of Colorado. She is an associate member of the Oil Painters of Amer-ica. Following the festivities, county representa-tives from throughout the state enjoyed a special luncheon sponsored by Señor Tacos and Tortas.

(L-R) NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman, NMAC President Sharon Stover, State Fair Commissioner Larry Kennedy, State Fair Commissioner and McKinley County Manager

Bill Lee, State Fair Commissioner Chuck Brown, and State Fair Manager Dan Mourning

(L-R) NMAC President Sharon Stover, 1950 State Fair Queen Wilma Fulgham,

and 2014-2015 State Fair Queen Janna Mills

Mid Region Council of Governments Nationwide Retirement Solutions

NM EDGE/County College

Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District

Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments

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2015, VOLUME 3 11

Zia MembersARtHuR J. GALLAGHER & Co.15 Enterprise, Ste. 200Aliso viejo, CA 92656(949) 349-9857Nasreen Kopeckynasreen_kopecky@ajg.com

AutoMAtED ELECtIoN SERvICES7000 Zenith Ct. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87124(505) 891-0525tiffanie onealtoneal@elect ionpeople.com

CoNoCopHILLIpS3401 E 30th Streetfarmington, NM 87402(505) 320-1911frank Santiagofrank.Santiago@conocophillips.com

DoCuMENt SoLutIoNS, INC.4121 prospect NEAlbuquerque, NM 87110(505) 256-9579philip Houserphilhouser@dsinm.com

EQuIAN5975 Castle Creek parkway, Ste. 100Indianapolis, IN 46250(317) 806-2000Brad Devorkinbdevorkin@equian.com

HoLt MyNAtt MARtINEZ p.C.po Box 2699Las Cruces, NM 88004(575) 524-8812Blaine t. Mynattbtm@hmm-law.com

INLAND KENWoRtH uS, INC7711 fortuna Rd. NWAlbuquerque, NM 87121(505) 884-0300Mike Schreibermikes@inland-group.com

J-MAR AND ASSoCIAtES, INC4501 Bogan Ave. NE, Ste. A-4Albuquerque, NM 87109(505) 884-1978Kevin phillipskphillips@jmarassoc.com

LAW offICE of MARy t. toRRES201 third St. NW, Ste. 500Albuquerque, NM 87102(505) 944-9030Mary t. torresmtt@marytorreslaw.com

NM CLERKS, LLC1420 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Suite 208Albuquerque, NM 87110-5662(505) 620-2085Daniel Ivey-Sotodaniel@nmclerks.org

RBC CApItAL MARKEtS, LLC6301 uptown Blvd. NE, Ste.110Albuquerque, NM 87110(505) 872-5999 or (877) 412-8162paul Cassidypaul.Cassidy@rbccm.com

REDW, LLC7425 Jefferson St. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87109(505) 998-333Christoper Schmitzcschmitz@redw.com

SIDDoNS-MARtIN14233 Interdive WHouston, tX 77032(800) 784-6806Kirk Givierkgivler@siddons-martin.com

SouDER, MILLER & ASSoCIAtES3451 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste. DAlbuquerque, NM 87107(877) 338-7166Karen SerioKaren.serio@soudermiller.com

SoutHWESt CoRRECtIoNAL MEDICAL GRoup6303 Goliad Ave.Dallas, tX 75214(214) 563-8224todd Murphytodd.murphey@swcmg.com

SyStEMS MD9664 Eagle Ranch Rd. NW, Ste. 5Albuquerque, NM 87114(505) 792-4999Kelly Haddocksales@systemsmd.com

tRIADIC ENtERpRISESpo Drawer 471Deming, NM 88031(575) 546-0423Mike Hofacketandie@triadicnet.com

tRINIty SERvICES6216 Sutter AvenueCarmichael, CA 95608(855) 616-6946Don Leedon.lee@trinityservicesgroup.com

tRI-StAtE GENERAtIoN AND tRANSMISSIoN ASSoC., INC.4331 fulcrum Way NERio Rancho, New Mexico 87144(303) 254-3396Sarah Carlislescarlisle@tristategt.org

WAGNER EQuIpMENt4000 osuma Rd. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87109(505) 345-8411Rick Senasena_rick@wagnerequipment.com

Roadrunner Members

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Enchantment MembersCoASt2CoASt/WELL DyNE RX

1102 North A1A, Ste 202ponte verda Beach, fL 32082

Marty Dettelbach(919) 465-0097

marty@c2crx.com

pRofESSIoNAL DoCuMENt SyStEMS1414 Common DriveEl paso, tX 79936(800) 644-7112

Matt Bowmanmbowman@pdswest.com

A Tribute to Our Members MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

NOVEMBER 201512 Executive Committee Meeting 2PM (Santa Fe, NMAC Office)

13 NMML/NMAC Joint Legislative Meeting 9AM (Santa Fe)

DECEMBER 201510 Advisory Council Meeting 11AM (Santa Fe)

16 Multi-Line Board Meeting 8:30AM (Santa Fe)

17 Workers’ Compensation Board Meeting 9:00AM (Santa Fe)

18 NMAC Holiday Open House 11:30AM (Santa Fe)

JANUARY 201518-20 NM EDGE Classes (Santa Fe)

19 Legislative Session Opens Noon

19 Multi-Line Membership Meeting 8AM (Santa Fe)

19 Board of Directors Meeting 2PM (Santa Fe, SFCCC)

19-21 NMAC Legislative Conference (Santa Fe)

28 Executive Committee Teleconferences 11AM

FEBRUARY 201511 Executive Committee Teleconferences 11AM

2016 NMAC Legislative Conference - Online Registration Now OpenSanta Fe, New Mexico

January 19 - 21

Members of the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) have been coming together every January for over 30 years to meet with colleagues from all 33 New Mexico counties, as well as state legislators, strategic partners, business organiza-tions, and service providers. Register online now at www.nmcounties.org.

New Mexico Association of Counties444 Galisteo StreetSanta Fe, New Mexico 87501

MOVING FORWARDCalendar of Events