DEMING — The Luna County Board of County Commissioners will take up a wide-ranging agenda Thursday evening, December 18, with items spanning public safety, economic development, environmental policy, and county finances during its regular meeting at the Luna County Courthouse.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and will open with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Commissioners are expected to approve minutes from both the work session and regular meeting held November 13.
One service award will be presented, recognizing Richard Casillas of the Luna County Detention Center for 10 years of service to the county.
Several presentations are scheduled early in the meeting, including the swearing-in of Luna County firefighters by Judge Chandler. Additional briefings will cover the Deming Alley Activation project, an update from the New Mexico Border Authority on its creation, purpose, and current projects, and a presentation from Glitz Cosmetology highlighting its work and role in the community.
The consent agenda includes approval of more than $5.6 million in accounts payable and nearly $2 million in payroll, along with multiple budget-related resolutions addressing increases, transfers, and the disposition of county property. Commissioners will also consider the oath of office for the appointment of Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Huerta.
Elected officials are scheduled to provide reports, including updates from the Assessor, Clerk, Probate Judge, Treasurer, Sheriff, and members of the commission.
A key item on the agenda is a public hearing on Ordinance 121, which proposes eliminating single-use plastic bags in Luna County. The hearing will allow for public comment before commissioners consider adoption of the ordinance. A second public hearing will address a variance request for a property on Spring Canyon Road SE, seeking approval to allow water hauling during development.
New business includes an appointment to the New Mexico County Insurance Authority, a resolution recognizing public safety telecommunicators as first responders and as critical infrastructure, and a resolution related to a Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management mitigation grant for a backup generator for People’s Water Co-Op. Commissioners will also consider an award recommendation for economic development services under RFP 114-003 and review the proposed 2026 Luna County holiday schedule.
Later in the meeting, the commission will recess to convene as the Claims Board to review indigent claims. No claims are listed for consideration for December 18.
The County Manager is expected to provide a report, followed by a review of upcoming meetings and events. County officials note that Luna County offices will be closed December 25 and 26 for the Christmas holiday, and a mandatory employee meeting with service interruptions is scheduled for Friday, December 19.
The agenda also includes an executive session to discuss limited personnel matters in the Assessor’s Office and the Luna County Sheriff’s Office, as permitted under state law, before final adjournment.
The meeting is open to the public.