A presentation on oil and gas assets in Eddy County by Jerry Wisdom of Total Assessment Solutions Corp. was the highlight of the Eddy County Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 5.
Staff kicked off the presentation by reading a letter from Eddy County Assessor Rhonda Hatch who could not attend the meeting.
“This is a self-rendering state,” wrote Hatch. “The state assessed bureau relies on oil and gas to accurately report their assets without conducting physical inspection, leading to potential inaccuracy. The state also lacks the personnel necessary to carry out field data collection. Through this project, Jerry and his team are out in the field collecting data, which has prompted companies to report assets more accurately and increase value for state assets. This project also served a dual purpose beyond county property tax assessments, as it also gathers GIS data for e911 services.
“Our appraisers do not possess specialized training or education in appraising oil and gas assets. This type of appraisal process demands extensive experience and education in the oil and gas industry which our team does not have. Also, given the potential presence of H2S our appraisers do not have the proper training or equipment to identify and manage this danger, putting their safety at risk.”
Hatch noted the county has seen a significant increase since 2018 in assessed value in drilling and pipeline, with values at $731,539,400 in 2018 and at $2,771,141,959 in 2023.
“We depend on Jerry Wisdom and his team to conduct physical property inspections and collect data in the field to ensure our data remains accurate and current,” she said.
Wisdom shared the following 2023 Eddy County data:
- 988 New wells drilled
- 88,047 pipeline markers inspected
- 42,481 Above Ground Services (AGS) inspected
- 20,200 wellbores inspected
- 16,283 gas meters inspected
- 2,415 gas compressors inspected
- 2,469 miles of lease roads mapped
- 32 active drilling rigs
Wisdom emphasized the need to update the current statute regarding the valuation of oil rigs, which is from 1978. Currently, an 18,000-19,000-foot drilling rig has a market value of $379,466. The price for a new 18,000-19,000-foot drilling rig is roughly $17.5 million.
“You need to talk to them about updating the statutes in place and bringing them up to the 20th century,” said Wisdom.
In other business, the commission approved the creation of a second full-time Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) Administrative Coordinator position with the authority to fill an additional position in the Eddy County Sherriff’s Office (ECSO) or county if necessary.
“The staff are necessary to shoulder the immense burden of this cumbersome and highly technical workload and to facilitate the county’s compliance with the IPRA statute’s tight deadlines and exacting requirements,” said Eddy County Manager Roberta Gonzales.
The commission approved a one-time contribution of approximately $75,000 to the National Center for Public Lands Counties. The contribution would be equivalent to 1% of what Eddy County received from the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF).
The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Western Interstate Region (WIR) Board of Directors are establishing the National Center for Public Lands Counties to weave together the narrative around public lands counties and the national interest by showing how public lands are interconnected with the country’s needs, according to Gonzales. The center will elevate the long-term policy and practice research, capacity and knowledge exchange of elected and appointed officials. Funds provided will not be able to be used on partisan issues or lobbying.
Eddy County staff also reported the following:
- Completion of a facelift in Commission Chambers
- Completion of a remodel and facelift in the assessor’s office
- Completion of remodeling on the first floor of the Eddy County Courthouse
- Continuation of remodeling work on the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) building on Main Street in Carlsbad
- The start of dirt work on the Loving apparatus bay
- The final stage of design for the new Mcnew and Tumbleweed fire stations
- Preventative maintenance in the Facilities Department
- A search for legislative funding for the Otis Splash Pad and health department remodeling
Eddy County Fire and Rescue Chief Joshua Mack reported two structure fires with fatalities last weekend, the receipt of med rescue certification, and his attendance at Leadership New Mexico.
Eddy County Sherriff Mark Cage reported that the ECSO’s canine program is growing.
Eddy County Community Service Director Steve McCroskey reported the county is finishing sewer work in Artesia and addressed concerns in the community about replacing all address signs in Eddy County. “Logistically, it is hard to do and it will cost over $250,000, not including installation,” said McCroskey. “We are working with fire services and new businesses to make sure they have new signage.”
As part of its consent agenda, he commission passed the following: - Resolutions
R-24-18; Disposal, removal, or revise items in the Eddy County inventory/assets
R-24-19; Indigent medical/hospital claims report
R-24-20; Certification of the 2024 annual county maintained mileage report - Agreements
A-23-76; Renewal No. 1: Clear Company Talent Platform tracking software
A-24-25; Application Cover Sheet for the FY25 DWI Program Grant and Distribution Funding, Amending and Replacing A-24-01
A-24-27; Ratification of TDS Commercial Service Agreement for Internet Circuit for 106 S. Main Street – OEM Building
A-24-28; Approve/Disapprove Memorandum of Understanding between Office of the Secretary of State and Eddy County
A-24-29; 2024 HIDTA Grant subaward recipient agreement with the County of Lea – Pecos Valley Drug Task Force
A-24-30; 2024 HIDTA Grant subaward recipient agreement with the County of Lea – Administration - Travel Requests
Scott Findle to attend F3 Certification in Ocala, FL from April 1, 2024, through April 5, 2024.
Chris Chavarria to attend VFIS EVD Instructor Class in Torrington, CT from May 1, 2024, through May 4, 2024.
William Guin to attend Emergency Services UTV/ATV/Trailer Ops & Safety Instructor in Seneca, PA from May 31, 2024, through June 2, 2024.
Rikka Yturralde and David Watson to attend Education on Image Trend in Minneapolis, MN from July 22, 2024, through July 27, 2024.