Commission drops proposal to lower speed limit on South Roosevelt Road 8 after split vote

The Roosevelt County Commission debated and then voted down a proposal to change the posted speed limit on South Roosevelt Road 8 during its May 7 meeting in Portales.

Interim Road Superintendent Juan Dominguez presented Resolution 2024‑16, which would lower the posted speed from NM 88 east for approximately five miles to South Roosevelt Road G. Commissioners discussed concerns about the road’s condition and whether speed should be reduced while the county waits for funding to make repairs.

Commissioner Rodney Savage moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner Paul Grider seconded. The motion failed on the roll call: Grider voted yes, Criswell no, Dixon no, Savage yes and Lopez no, producing a 2‑3 vote against the resolution.

Commissioners who voted against lowering the speed limit expressed reluctance to impose a restriction before necessary road repairs could be scheduled and funded, while backers cited safety and existing pavement issues. No amendment or tabling motion was adopted; the proposed speed‑limit change will not take effect absent future action by the commission.