Doña Ana Dash: August 15, 2025

A Weekly Update from Doña Ana County Government

This week’s report highlights progress in flood recovery, public engagement events, emergency response efforts, financial operations, and interdepartmental initiatives that continue to serve residents throughout Doña Ana County. Each department has been working diligently to meet community needs and enhance internal systems for long-term success.

Information Technology

CRM Training and Technology Deployment

The Information Technology Department finalized training materials for the County’s new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, “See Click Fix”. (Need to confirm with IT this is correct) These materials have been uploaded to the County SharePoint training library to ensure that staff across departments can access and review content as needed. This rollout aims to streamline public service requests and issue reporting for County residents.

In support of law enforcement operations, the department also completed laptop setups for detectives with the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office (DASO). These devices are scheduled for deployment next week and are expected to enhance field reporting and investigative capabilities.

Additionally, the department completed documentation related to the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) process. This ensures that County staff follow a consistent and legally compliant process for handling public information requests, thereby supporting transparency and accountability.

Finance Department

Operational Continuity, Onboarding, and Audit Readiness

The Finance Department welcomed a new member, Abraham Palma, who joined as Accountant I on August 4. His addition comes during a period of high activity as the department continues to prepare for both routine audits and special audit reviews.

Over the past week, Finance processed payroll and accounts payable for the current pay period and issued 127 purchase orders, supporting ongoing operations across multiple County divisions. The team successfully onboarded five firms into Workday Strategic Sourcing, a procurement platform that helps manage contracts and supplier relationships more efficiently.

Seven additional contracts were executed for Fiscal Year 2026, ensuring service continuity and budget compliance. Staff also worked to compile five years of requested documentation in response to a special audit involving Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding, while also preparing detailed checklists related to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB 61).

Two of three outstanding conversion issues related to Workday accounting processes were resolved this week, with continued collaboration from AVAAP consultants to finalize the month-end financial close. In terms of year-end reconciliation, the department located reports to support accrual entries, verified accounts payable data to address reporting inconsistencies, and continued compiling Q4 and year-to-date invoices and checks for 2025.

The grants division is reconciling ledger balances and has run a preliminary Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) in preparation for audit submission. In the fixed assets area, access to the Lease Query system is nearly transitioned, and the team continues to work on accrual adjustments and external audit requests. Daniela Andrade is providing additional support to ensure all documentation is submitted to Hinkle + Landers, the County’s external auditors, by the August 15 deadline.

Health and Human Services

Full Utilization of DWI Program Funds Marks Major Milestone

Health and Human Services reached a significant benchmark in its management of the Local DWI Program. Over the past three years, staff have worked diligently to improve the utilization of the $1.3 million in annual distribution funds allocated to this program. These funds support a range of services including misdemeanor compliance monitoring, alcohol and substance abuse treatment, and community prevention initiatives.

Historically, the County had to return unspent funds to the state. However, through more strategic planning and efficient program delivery, the department successfully reduced those reversions to less than $100,000 in prior years. For Fiscal Year 2025, HHS is proud to report that 100% of the $1.3 million allocation was expended—marking a major accomplishment that reflects the County’s commitment to fully leveraging state funds to address substance use and promote community well-being.

Emergency Management

Coordinated Flood Recovery and Community Outreach

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continued intensive flood recovery planning in response to recent storm events. Staff coordinated daily with State officials to document local damages, assess community needs, and determine eligibility for potential federal disaster declarations. These planning sessions helped establish short-, mid-, and long-term recovery priorities and explore funding options for rebuilding and resilience.

In addition to interagency coordination, OEM representatives attended community meetings in Vado and Butterfield. These gatherings provided residents with real-time updates, created space for public feedback, and helped County officials better understand concerns on the ground. Staff also participated in the National Night Out event on Main Street alongside the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the Southern New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps. This engagement promoted emergency preparedness and highlighted available resources to residents.

The office played a central role in supporting the County’s Disaster Housing Program by working with nonprofit partners to distribute funding and simplify documentation requirements for applicants. This effort ensured that assistance reached impacted families as efficiently as possible.

Throughout the week, OEM responded to multiple citizen inquiries related to flood impacts, guiding residents to services and maintaining accurate, consistent communication during a critical recovery phase.

Doña Ana County Fire Rescue (DACFR)

Community Presence and Fire Officer Recruitment

Doña Ana County Fire Rescue joined hundreds of residents at the National Night Out celebration in downtown Las Cruces on August 5. From 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., the department staffed a booth with two firefighters, two fire prevention specialists, and a recruitment coordinator, providing children and families with fire safety materials, giveaways, and demonstrations. It is estimated that more than 500 people visited the DACFR booth during the evening.

In addition to community engagement, DACFR completed a recruitment process for the position of Lieutenant Firefighter-EMT. Five candidates participated in the hiring process, including three external applicants and two internal team members. Filling these positions will enhance field supervision and improve overall service delivery during emergency responses, particularly in high-volume service areas.

Doña Ana County Animal Control (ACO)

Code Enforcement and Public Education Initiatives

Animal Control Officers participated in the first A.C.E.S. (Animal Control Enforcement Sweep) project of the FY25–FY26 fiscal year on August 7. The event was held in the La Reina area and involved site visits to 70 properties to enforce animal care regulations, provide education, and ensure compliance with County ordinances. Follow-up activities are already scheduled: the Clean-Up with Carlos Day is set for August 16, and an additional A.C.E.S. sweep will occur on September 4.

ACO also participated in the August 5 National Night Out event in Las Cruces. The department’s booth featured one officer and the County veterinarian, offering educational materials and interactive activities, including a safe (and fun) snake-handling demonstration using a realistic prop. The event helped build trust with the public while promoting responsible pet ownership and wildlife awareness.

Finally, the ACO Court Hold Facility returned the last of four animals displaced during the Vado flood response to their rightful owners. This marks the conclusion of animal care assistance provided during that emergency, ensuring pets were safely reunited with families impacted by the disaster.

Community Calendar

The following public meetings and events are scheduled for August. Residents are encouraged to participate and engage with County departments and elected officials.

Community Meetings:

• August 18, 6:00 pm – District 1 Community Meeting with Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez

Location: La Mesa Community Center, 744 San Jose Road, La Mesa

• August 19, 6:00 pm – District 1 Community Meeting with Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez

Location: Mesquite Community Center, 129 Tawa Avenue, Mesquite

• August 26, 6:00 pm – District 1 Community Meeting with Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez

Location: Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces

Health and Safety Trainings:

• August 25, 10:00 am – Overdose Prevention Education & Naloxone Training

Location: Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces

• August 26, 8:00 am – Mental Health First Aide Class (Youth- English)

Location: Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces

• August 27, 8:00 am – Mental Health First Aid Class (Adult-English)

Location: Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces