Roosevelt County Commission approves ARPA-funded EOC design-build, IT service contract and multiple public-safety agreements

At its April 23 meeting, the Roosevelt County Commission unanimously approved several procurements and public-safety items, including ARPA-funded IT services, a design/build Emergency Operations Center, intercounty detention arrangements and a change to a recruitment incentive for law enforcement.

County Manager Amber Hamilton asked the commission to authorize use of State Price Agreement No. 30-00000-23-00080 to procure FocalShift Media information-technology services; Hamilton said the software will improve county communications and that ARPA funds may be used for the purchase. The motion to approve utilization of the state price agreement passed unanimously.

The commission also approved use of State Price Agreement No. 30-00000-23-00070 to contract White Sands Construction for the Emergency Operations Center. Hamilton said a design/build process could take about 180 days and that the facility is intended as a multifunctional space for emergency management, the sheriff's office and other county functions.

Detention Administrator Shayla Ramsey presented an agreement with Union County to confine detainees at the Roosevelt County Detention Center, stating the agreement matches recently approved terms with other counties; commissioners approved the agreement.

Sheriff Javier Sanchez asked the commission to raise the law enforcement employment buyout cap from $15,000 to $20,000 to help recruit certified officers. After brief discussion about potential effects on small municipalities, the commission approved the increase.

The commission also approved the New Mexico Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) user agreement that will allow deputies to run NCIC checks from in-vehicle units or tablets.

Votes and next steps: All motions passed unanimously. Hamilton will proceed with purchasing steps under the state price agreements and project planning for the EOC; the buyout contract and NCIC user access will be implemented through the Sheriff's Office.