Three informative presentations on various subjects were the highlights of Tuesday’s Eddy County Commission meeting.
The first was an update on Happy Valley Park by David Derrington, in which he discussed improvements to the park such as new bathroom facilities, playground equipment, picnic tables, soccer goals, signage, trash cans, and basketball and tennis court refurbishments.
Other improvements to be made, contingent upon funding availability, include benches around the playground equipment, leveling the ground of the baseball field, the addition of a pavilion, and improved lighting throughout the park.
“The park has already seen increased usage by county residents,” said Derrington. “It’s had a positive impact on the community.”
The commissioners also heard an update on the Eagle Draw Flood District by Louise Tracy, flood commissioner. Tracy discussed her accomplishments over the past 11 years, such as taking care of trees and vegetation once infiltrating the effectiveness of the channel, before ultimately announcing her resignation.
“When I started in 2005, we had 20 years of maintenance to take care of,” said Tracy. “At this point, I think we have done all we can do; therefore, I’m submitting my resignation.”
The final presentation was given by Sharon Stover, president of the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC), and Joy Esparsen, Intergovermental Relations director with the NMAC, who discussed the NMAC’s goals, which include strengthening New Mexico counties’ ability to govern their own affairs and improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their constituents.
Stover and Esparsen discussed federal legislative initiatives, self-insurance pools, professional development, and additional resources provided to the county.
Immediately following the meeting, commissioners, along Eddy County Public Works employees, headed to Loving for the grand opening of Harroun Bridge.
“A lot of people were coming to us and complaining about the quality of the previous bridge,” said Commissioner James Walterscheid. “The county has put a lot of money and effort into this project, and now it’s a beautiful bridge that many people are able to take advantage of.”
