Water authority back to drawing board on executive director

Staff report

The Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority has gone back to the drawing board on finding an executive director.

James Blasing of Pueblo, Colorado, whom the authority had hoped to hire to the new position, withdrew his name from consideration about a week ago.

The authority met Tuesday morning in executive session, but took no action following the 45-minute session.

Authority Chair Gayla Brumfield said Blasing called her to inform her of the decision, and she has since corresponded with him via email.

Brumfield has said the executive director will manage contractors and engineers and “be the face” of the authority, and the position will pay between $85,000 and $110,000 depending on experience. The executive director would replace current Project Manager Paul van Gulick, who plans to retire.

The authority is responsible for the design, planning, construction, operation and maintaining of the Ute Water Project. The project will pipe water from Ute Lake to Curry and Roosevelt counties.

Clovis Mayor David Lansford has said he’s not convinced there is a need for an executive director or that the candidate could possess all of the skills sought.

The next meeting is set for 10 a.m. Dec. 18 at the Memorial Building in Portales.