Eddy County has provided several updates regarding changes in operation as of today.
The Eddy County Motor Vehicle Department announced Monday that it will be assisting customers by appointment only. At this time, only five people will be allowed in the lobby area. Others are asked to wait outside the door until allowed to enter by an MVD employee.
The registered owner or applicant in need of transaction will be the only individual allowed into the office. Family members should be left at home.
Anyone needing to make an appointment should call 746-1323 for business such as title transfers, Real ID/driver’s license or Standard ID/driver’s license transactions, exams, and VIN inspections. Bring and have documents ready, such as insurance cards on paper forms, proof of residency, or whatever documents are requested during the phone conversation. Anyone who does not have the needed documents will have to reschedule their appointment.
Road tests are being suspended at this time until further notice.
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The Eddy County Clerk’s Office and Artesia sub-office have announced they will be closed to the public effective immediately.
“My staff is here manning the phones and fulfilling copy requests and email documents paid by credit card,” said County Clerk Robin Van Natta. “Our index records are online back to 1980 for research purposes. I am working with our vendor to make the old index books available as well.
“If you are coming from out of town, we ask that you conduct your business online or over the phone. We will make you an hour appointment if you meet criteria acceptable to public health directives. Please be aware of the issues we are facing in providing service while keeping staff safe and healthy.”
Information on specific activities requiring clerk’s office assistance includes:
• Real estate, land records, document filing, and related activity: Recording can be done by mailing documents to 325 W. Main St., Carlsbad, N.M., 88220. Call the clerk’s office if special attention is needed, and staff will work to provide documents of record. Over-the-counter service is suspended until further notice. Anyone operating a business has the option to eFile with one of the county’s eFiling partners: Simplifile, CSC Indigo, EPN, and Indecomm.
• Marriage licenses: Marriage licenses will be issued by appointment only. Individuals will be required to answer a few questions, and if they meet the criteria within public health directives, an appointment will be scheduled. If the situation is not an emergency and can wait, it will wait.
• Elections: Voters with a valid New Mexico driver’s license can register/update or check their voter registration information online. Anyone needing a voter registration form or application to vote absentee may call 575-885-3383 and have the forms mailed.
“I would encourage you to follow the governor’s stay-home directive in order to keep you and your families safe and healthy,” said Van Natta. “Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
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The Eddy County Road Department announces it will be closed to the public effective today. The department will remain open for business but encourages residents to conduct all business via email or telephone with appropriate personnel.
Contact information includes:
• Roe Day, permitting manager: 575-689-7331, rday@co.eddy.nm.us
• South Road Department: 575-885-4835, ngustin@co.eddy.nm.us
• North Road Department: 746-9540, jbanda@co.eddy.nm.us
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The county says it is also working to clarify all aspects of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s “stay-at-home” public health order as quickly as possible.
“It’s vitally important to stress that, even in a ‘stay-at-home’ order, essential utilities and services will still be provided and people will still be allowed to go out for groceries and other supplies,” said Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway. “Residents are still allowed to go outdoors. Restaurants may remain open for delivery and carry-out, according to the state.”
“Given the guidelines issued in the order, service provided to the citizens of the county are considered essential services,” said County Manager Allen Davis. “Several are noted specifically, and others are inferred in the order. As such, I ask county employees to continue to do their assigned job in a manner that will minimize contact and interaction with the public as directed by the state order.
“To accomplish this, we will control public access to workplaces and limit the number of people in those workplaces. I will continue to work with the elected officials and Eddy County department heads to define specific measures and get them put in place. Working together and watching out for one another, we can and will work through this tough situation.”
