Roosevelt county manager talks issues

Amber Hamilton is Roosevelt County’s manager. She and other area officials are regularly asked to respond to questions about recent issues:

Question: You said earlier this month that the county is playing “catch-up” in trying to meet deadlines for jail accreditation. Is that because detention center leadership does not consider the accreditation a priority or what has happened? Why is it important for the jail to meet standards set by the New Mexico Association of Counties Accreditation Program?

Hamilton: The accreditation process has been and will remain a priority for the Roosevelt County Detention Center.

This accreditation process benefits Roosevelt County as it is based upon researched and proven best practices raising our level of excellence. It is vital for the entire staff to fully understand the importance of this process and be able to actively contribute.

It’s now a priority for every staff member; and there is extensive internal communication, training and guidance as the process is being fully implemented.

The detention center initiated this process last year, but wasn’t able to drive this process successfully as revealed by the third-party assessment recently completed.

Q: How many lawsuits are pending against the county jail? Can you give us a guess about how many might be settled out of court, how many might be dismissed without settlement and how many might go to court?

Hamilton: My records reflect one pending lawsuit against the detention center. We’ve received four other tort notices to-date also in regard to the facility. I cannot speculate on how many of those tort notices might advance into lawsuits or future action.

Q: The county recently terminated its contract with legislative lobbyist Mike Miller. Are you concerned the county’s needs may not be effectively relayed to Santa Fe without him? Is that a role you can fill as county manager, or might it fall to another county employee?

Hamilton: Mr. Miller has been a terrific advocate and gifted lobbyist for Roosevelt County for many years. During this new phase for Roosevelt County, the commissioners and other elected officials along with myself are committed to continuing to represent the county’s needs with each of our legislators. We have strong positive relationships with each of them and appreciate their service to Roosevelt County.

Q: You’ve seen the list of capital outlay projects approved by the Legislature. Do you have a feel for whether the governor might use her line-item veto power to scratch any of those projects? Were their projects on your priority list that were not approved by the Legislature?

Hamilton: As the county has continued to see a decrease in capital outlay projects, grants locally and around the state, there are always priority needs on our list we are not able to secure funding for. Each year the commissioners compile a list of priorities and we really focus on the top five highlighted needs from this list during the session in regard to capital outlay.

Q: Assuming all of the capital outlay projects are approved, how will that improve the bottom line in the county budget?

Hamilton: The largest amount of funding will be directed to improve various county roads and any additional funds for such projects will further complement the long-term road management plan.

As costs have risen, it’s become increasingly expensive to maintain the existing 1,200 miles of chip-sealed, caliche and dirt roads throughout Roosevelt County the road department is tasked with maintaining.

I strongly believe they are doing a phenomenal job as each of them are truly committed to their work. Everyone has each worked hard to make the necessary adjustments in lieu of the budget challenges and reduction in force that have impacted their department and the entire county.

Q: Talk about the morale of county employees as they’ve had to deal with all of the budget concerns in recent months. And what are department heads doing to keep spirits up and make sure taxpayers are met with smiling faces and helpful attitudes?

Hamilton: We have a great team at the county whom chose to work here and value serving the taxpayers. The elected officials and department directors are encouraged to openly communicate with their team regularly in regard to the budget or any county business as it relates to their function.

I believe in communication and feel it’s very important to keep everyone informed. The county has endured some challenges in terms of the budget and have worked together to find solutions.

There are regular potlucks and celebrations and each department and office have been encouraged to find their own creative outlets to keep morale positive.

— Compiled by Managing Editor Alisa Boswell