Cibola County commissioners certify election results, approve service agreement and $69,656 laptop purchase; two deputies sworn in

The Cibola County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 16 certified the results of the 2023 regular local election, approved a yearly Solid Waste Authority service agreement and authorized a $69,656 requisition for Dell laptops and data processing equipment, and accepted the swearing-in of two new deputies.

First Vice Chairman Martha Garcia presided in the absence of Chairman Daniel Torrez and Commissioner Ralph Lucero. On a motion by Commissioner Robert Windhorst, seconded by Commissioner Christine Lowery, the board convened as the Canvassing Board and voted 3-0 to approve the local election results. The board then reconvened as the Commission and recorded the same 3-0 vote to conclude canvassing.

Sheriff Larry Diaz performed a swearing-in ceremony for Deputy Monica Young and Deputy Joshua Pacheco. The commission also recognized Public Safety Telecommunicator graduates Allyssa Whetten (NMLEA PST 161, valedictorian) and Emily Naef.

In new business, the commission approved a yearly service agreement with the Solid Waste Authority on a motion by Commissioner Lowery, seconded by Commissioner Windhorst (3-0). The board next approved a requisition for Dell laptops and data processing equipment totaling $69,656 after a motion by Commissioner Windhorst and a second from Commissioner Lowery (3-0).

The meeting included the required motion and roll-call language describing lawful executive-session subjects under New Mexico Statute Section 10-15-1 (litigation, real property, personnel and other authorized topics). The transcript indicates no executive session was convened and that no final action was taken in closed session.

The board approved minutes for the Oct. 26, 2023 meeting by a 3-0 vote. The commission announced county offices would be closed Nov. 23–24 for Thanksgiving and set its next regular meeting for Dec. 21, 2023. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:41 p.m.