County manager talks about annual audit, county roads

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

With the county currently undergoing its annual audit, what do we know so far and what do you foresee as far as any issues with financial processes and so on?

I believe this audit process has been informative and instructional for the entire county team. There is always room for improvement in every aspect of life, and that's what keeps me focused in this job as well. I anticipate there will be audit findings as there were just too many issues with the prior year's budget. It's encouraging that many of the issues identified by the auditors with prior practices have already been resolved. We are looking forward to the auditor's objective assessment and will work to resolve any additional issues in this fiscal year.

The county seems to be between “a rock and a hard place” right now with getting county roads fixed. Are county officials looking at any game plans right now for temporary or permanent solutions for making problem roads safer?

Safety is always the top priority for the entire County. We want to hear from residents that have road concerns and will continue to be very responsive. The Road Department has been creative, resourceful and diligent in getting road issues resolved in a timely manner. With over 1,230 miles to maintain, they are very strong in establishing priorities. Just in the past two weeks, they have worked to improve Franklin Road and South Roosevelt Road N 1/2, which were both prioritized by the commission at the meeting earlier this month. At the same time, other staff have continued to work on school bus routes, Local Government Road Fund projects, chip seal patching, equipment repair and numerous other jobs.

link Amber Hamilton

With District 5 Commissioner Kendell Buzard recently resigning, where is the county at in the process of obtaining a new commissioner for that district? Has the district going unrepresented caused problems or concerns with citizens?

First, district five residents have been contacting all four of the remaining commissioners and my office with any concerns. I can assure you we never want anyone to feel unrepresented; we all serve the county as a whole. We have encouraged interested residents in district five to submit a letter of interest. The county will forward any letters on to the Governor's Office, and the governor will be making this appointment.

As you approach your one-year mark of being county manager, what are your thoughts on the various financial and departmental issues you have faced and overcome in your first year? Do you anticipate smoother sailing in your second year?

It has definitely proven to be a challenging year, a labor of love filled with lots of prayers. I could not have survived the past 12 months without the unconditional love and support of my family, especially my husband. I also greatly appreciate my coworkers and the support of the New Mexico Department of Finance Administration, as Michael Steininger has invested so much time and effort for Roosevelt County.

The elected officials and department heads have all actively worked together with county administration to find creative solutions. The county, specifically the commissioners have been faced with numerous difficult decisions and together we have overcome financial insolvency. The county did not get into this situation in a day or even a year, and it will take some time to rebuild reserves. We are operating on a very conservative, balanced budget and have key goals to ensure we rebuild our financial stability. I think this is key as well as the fact that we are looking forward.

— Compiled by Managing Editor Alisa Boswell