Serving the High Plains

Sheriff requests funding from state legislators

Staff Report

Quay County Sheriff Russell Shafer told county commissioners Monday that state legislators are considering several bills aimed at bolstering law enforcement capabilities for the region.

Shafer said he and Under Sheriff Dennis Garcia felt honored that the state House of Representatives is considering the legislation.

Among the several pieces of legislation considered, Shafer said, is House Bill 95, which adds law enforcement officers and emergency first responders to the state’s hate crime statute.

Shafer said he and Garcia spoke with area legislators seeking funds for the sheriff’s office budget and capital outlay needs.

Shafer presented a sheriff’s activity report from Dec. 22 - Feb. 2.

Shafer said during that time the sheriff’s office answered 325 calls for service; served 286 civil papers; transported 15 inmates in-state and one inmate out of state; issued 17 citations; and made nine arrests.

In other business, commissioners:

• Received a Quay County Extension Service’s Quarterly report from extension agent Brenda Bishop.

• Approved a bid from Fire District for 1 $138,500 to purchase a brush fire truck.

• Heard a road update from County Road Superintendent Larry Moore.

• Approved Resolution 24 to support New Mexico Senate Senate Bill 121.

• Approved the agreement between the Quay County Detention Center and NCA Architects LLC for the installation of ventilation vents at the detention center.