CIBOLA COUNTY - As department heads gave their reports to the Cibola County Commission on Aug. 12, Road Department Supervisor Jimmy Chavez concluded his by thanking Cibola County for a wonderful 26 and one-half years, “I will be retiring, effective Sept. 1,” he told the officials.

Commissioner Pat Simpson, right, listens as chairman Michael remarks to Simpson’s Road Department idea.BEACON / JARAMILLO

Chavez told the commission he is the longest standing county employee, serving under all county managers the county has ever had. “I am grateful,” he said. “My children were in elementary school when I started and now they have their own families. I'd like to now spend time with my grandchildren.”

Chavez' department took most of the commission's meeting time in regards to approval of related road department resolutions and a discussion requested by Commissioner Patrick Simpson. The first year commissioner had an idea of getting the commissioners more involved in servicing the resident's road needs.

“I'd to see each district get the road department crew, with equipment, for one to three weeks, and fulfill the needs of the residents, priority jobs first,” Simpson told the other commissioners. “As the crew finishes with one district they can move to the neighboring district for whatever time needed, and so on.”

Simpson clearly stated that Chavez and his department are doing a wonderful job but the commissioners know their districts best and get all the calls to what is needed.

County Manager Scott Vinson said, “You guys were the ones elected and know your districts better than me or Mr. Chavez… if you (commissioners) prioritize and provide a list, I think this is an excellent idea.”

Simpson also noted that the Cibola County is a large county and that the department needs more operators. “We expect too much from such a small crew,” Simpson said. “I understand we are facing tough economic times, however, we need more operators to get the jobs done.”

Vinson concluded the discussion by stating that in August he will have drafted a resolution that might fit Simpson's idea. The commission could discuss the idea further but it is already too late for this year but would the commissioners could get more involved in next year's co-op road projects.

Road projects

The commission unanimously approved three resolutions related to applications for funding road projects next year. All three require a 25 percent match.

The first is for funds from the School Bus Route Program (DOT) for $159,87. The second is the Special Project Program (DOT) for $100,828 and the third is for funds from the state County Arterial Program for $95,688. Residents are welcome to get a list of the roads affected at the county manager's office.

The commission and road department manager briefly spoke about projects getting done much faster next year because of new road equipment being purchased by the county.

Commissioner Lloyd Felipe brought up the possibility of collaboration efforts on road projects between the county and tribes. Simpson quickly replied stating, “Does any of that casino money go to roads?” Felipe jokingly answered, “No… a good portion goes to (Governor Bill) Richardson.”

Simpson said, “I think Cibola County residents should come first because they are the taxpayers.”

Vinson added, “Collaboration efforts between the communities in Cibola County need to take place more and more because state and national funds are becoming less and less. The pie portions are getting smaller,” Vinson said. “We can work with the tribe in order to get roads done.”

Proclamation

The county declared September as 'Dictionary Project Month.' The project is being spearheaded by Grants Fire and Rescue. It is engaged in the promotion of literacy and pursuit of academic excellence by providing a dictionary to all students across the United States.

For more information on the project call Fire Chief Robert Hays at 876-2245.

Editor's Note: See Tuesday's Beacon for more news from the regular Cibola County Commissioner meeting