Officials optimistic on grant alternative

Noting insurance issues, Quay County manager Richard Primrose expressed skepticism Monday over a proposal from Runway Bay at Ute Lake developers to have the county apply for a federal $100,000 grant to acquire airplane refueling equipment for the site.

However, Primrose and Runway Bay principal Sid Strebeck expressed optimism they and county attorney Warren Frost could meet to come up with an alternative for the grant. Its application must be submitted by March 31.

Runway Bay at Ute Lake project manager Windsor Lacewell said the development on the lake’s south side includes new housing with attached hangars for those who own private planes. The development would include a 3,600-foot-long asphalt runway and a 2,600-foot grass runaway.

Lacewell said Runway Bay at Ute Lake envisions two marinas, private boat ramps, a 250-unit RV park, a golf course, winery, brewery, hiking trails and convenience stores.

He said the project will break ground next month, and many lots are “selling fast.” Lacewell said the development would create jobs and growth for the county, Logan and Tucumcari.

Lacewell said he wants the county to act as a fiscal agent to apply for a $100,000 Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to buy a fuel truck and fuel storage tanks east of one of the runaways. He said Runaway Bay at Ute Lake would lease the equipment for five years, then take over ownership.

After consulting with an attorney for New Mexico Counties, Primrose said Quay County would be prohibited by its insurer from entering into such an arrangement. Primrose said he is supportive of the development, but “we have to cover our insurance.”

Frost also questioned why the county would have to essentially own the fueling equipment.

Strebeck said he was receptive to an alternate use for the grant, such as a hangar.

“I wouldn’t want you to have any (liability) exposure,” he said.

Commissioner Jerri Rush, noting the commission’s next meeting on March 22 is before the grant application deadline, suggested that Strebeck, Primrose and Frost meet to work out an alternative.

Commission Chairman Franklin McCasland agreed with the idea.

“I want to help you as much as we can,” he said to Strebeck.

In other business:

• Alan Daugherty, president of the Tucumcari Historical Research Institute board of directors that runs the Tucumcari Historical Museum, told commissioners the board eventually may ask for permission to use the Quay County Fairgrounds for horse demonstrations. The institute jointly operates the museum with the City of Tucumcari.

Daugherty said in the wake of city budget cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum seeks to increase revenue through more programs and bus tours. He said the museum has seven buses scheduled to stop there this year and wants more. Daugherty said persuading tour operators to stay longer because of more museum programming would bring more revenue to it and area businesses.

McCasland voiced support for the museum board’s efforts. “We appreciate what you’re doing,” he said.

• Commissioners approved an application to the New Mexico Finance Authority for a $150,000 loan so the Nara Visa fire department can buy two brush trucks. Primrose said the fire department would use about $140,000 in cash on hand to complete the purchase.

• Commissioners approved an application so firefighters at five rural districts in the county can enroll in the New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Association’s pension plan. County Fire Marshal Lucas Bugg said he anticipated enrolling the other four rural districts by the end of the month.

• Commissioners approved a Quay County Law Enforcement Protection Fund application request from Sheriff Russell Shafer to receive $23,600 for his six certified officers. Such funds generally are used for equipment purchases.

• Commissioners approved a yearly resolution that states the county officially is maintaining 1,108.4 miles of roads.

• Primrose reported the county’s gross-receipts tax revenue in February was “still doing good” because of construction projects.

• Commissioners went into closed executive session to discuss threatened or pending litigation and limited personnel matters. No action was taken.