Commission approves $1.63M crash truck for Jetport; commissioners question consent‑agenda practice

Doña Ana County commissioners voted May 26 to award a HGAC contract for a $1.63 million aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARF) vehicle to equip the county’s airport rescue team. Interim Fire Chief Sean Hack described the vehicle as a “pump‑and‑roll” crash truck carrying about 3,000 gallons of water, 200 gallons of foam and specialty extinguishing agent, and said it would enable IFSAC‑level certification and expanded airport rescue capabilities.

The item had been placed on the consent agenda but was pulled for discussion after Commissioner Kimble asked why a high‑cost purchase had not received prior briefing. Commissioners focused questions on whether the purchase was already budgeted and whether the county had followed appropriate budget and notification procedures. Assistant County Manager Steven Lopez said departmental restricted (fire) funds and the board’s policy allowing up to 25% intra‑department reallocations explain why staff believed the purchase could be handled through the consent process.

Chief Hack said the unit was available immediately from a vendor (no build time) and staff argued buying now avoided a two‑year build wait and rising apparatus costs. Commissioners pressed for improved agenda‑development and purchasing thresholds so future large equipment acquisitions are better vetted and not placed on consent without explicit prior notice.

Outcome: The board approved the resolution (2026‑74) by roll call. Commissioners asked staff to propose clearer SOPs for finance and consent‑agenda thresholds at an upcoming retreat to ensure large capital buys receive appropriate prior notice and review.