EPCOG board members talk capital outlay, improvements

Eastern New Mexico News, Clovis, N.M.
·2 min read

Aug. 12—Adding the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) as an economic development partner seemed to be the idea of the day Wednesday as the Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG) held its regular meeting in Clovis.

The meeting's guest speaker, Jorge Ayala, regional director for EDA's Austin, Texas, Regional Office spoke to EPCOG about why to him it is important for the council to work towards being a partner with EDA.

"It may not always be an EDA funded project and I know you guys haven't done a lot with us, but I know you've had a lot of other funding activities in the district that have helped with that economic development," Ayala said. "We want to be included; we want to be a partner."

Ayala said he would like to attend a ribbon cutting and a groundbreaking with EPCOG in the near future. "For some communities, it can be a huge game changer in a lot of ways. And so, I would love to be able to do that here," he said.

The council also received an unexpected visit from New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales.

"We want to make sure that we're investing right back into our communities with the infrastructure and quality of life and with opportunities to grow," Morales tdold the assembly. "You have my commitment to that."

In regular business items, the council heard reports from Executive Director Sandy Chancey and other EPCOG staff members.

Chancey discussed several new hires and provided updates on funding.

"We were awarded $100,000 in capital outlay funds in the last (New Mexico Legislature) session," Chancey said. "The first thing we'll be doing with that is addressing our heating and air conditioning system. It needs a lot of help."

Chancey said there are some paint and drywall jobs that need to be completed, as well as some work on the doors. "We'll see how far I can stretch $100,000," she said.

EPCOG members voted to approve financial reports and budget adjustments for the month of August.

The council approved updates of EPCOG's personnel policy, adding language about employee discipline and how consequences are decided on a case-by-case basis.