Doña Ana Dash: August 22, 2025

A Weekly Update from Doña Ana County Government

From capital improvements to community celebrations, this week’s report highlights achievements across departments, upcoming initiatives, and the people who make it all possible. Whether it’s enhancing public safety, streamlining operations, or celebrating creativity, Doña Ana County continues to deliver meaningful services with impact.

Video Rewind

Showcasing County Stories

This week, we spotlight the trending video content produced by our new internal Creator Squad. The Creator Squad is an initiative composed of staff from across County departments who volunteer to produce dynamic and engaging videos for the public. These videos are shared on our official social media channels and are designed to highlight important projects, programs, and stories happening throughout Doña Ana County.

Check out our top videos of the week!

Doña Ana County International Jetport

Expanded Runway Boosts Regional Trade and Connectivity

On Tuesday, August 19, Doña Ana County officials celebrated the completion of a major infrastructure upgrade at the International Jetport with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the end of the runway expansion project. This event signaled the official opening of the newly reconstructed Runway 10-28, which was widened by 50 feet and structurally reinforced to more than double its previous weight capacity. The runway now supports aircraft up to 215,000 pounds, including Boeing 757s.

Funded through a $20 million investment tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this project positions the Jetport as a critical hub for air cargo operations and cross-border commerce. The improvements expand opportunities for global trade, reduce reliance on rail and trucking, and open new avenues for economic growth in the Borderplex region.

County leadership was joined by Lt. Governor Howie Morales, Representative Nathan Small, and members of the Legislative Finance Committee to celebrate the project’s completion. All emphasized the importance of infrastructure that delivers long-term value to local businesses and communities.

To see highlights from the event and hear from community leaders about the impact of this project, watch our short video recap below:

Facilities and Services

La Mesa Fitness Court Ribbon Cutting

On August 18, the Facilities and Services Department held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the La Mesa Community Center to celebrate the opening of the County’s second Outdoor Fitness Court® and Studio. The new court, developed in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico and the National Fitness Campaign, is part of a larger wellness-focused redevelopment of the La Mesa walking path area.

Designed to support a wide range of activities, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, and dance, the Fitness Court® is open to everyone age 14 and older. The space promotes health and accessibility through adaptable workouts and a free companion app that offers digital coaching support. County leadership expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and shared plans to add shade structures and additional amenities later this year. The event was documented by the Digital Communications Division.

 Fire Rescue Services

Apparatus Procurement and National Engagement

Deputy Chief Yvonne Feijoo represented Doña Ana County Fire Rescue at the Fire-Rescue International Conference in Orlando, Florida. During the conference, she attended several sessions focused on emerging tactics, leadership strategies, and operational innovations in the fire service field. The event also offered valuable networking with fire chiefs, vendors, and public safety officials from across the country.

Back home, Deputy Chief Cody Haver and his team led the procurement process for three new fire engines. After identifying departmental needs, they obtained competitive quotes, selected the best options, secured Board of County Commissioners approval, and completed all requisitions for purchase. These engines are scheduled for delivery in the coming months and will provide essential support for emergency response, significantly enhancing field capacity across the County.

Health and Human Services

LDWI Program Success

The dedicated team at Doña Ana County Health and Human Services has transformed how the Local DWI Program utilizes its estimated $1.3 million in annual distribution funds, and FY25 marks a groundbreaking achievement.

For the first time ever, 100% of the allocated funds were successfully expended, fueling vital services like misdemeanor compliance, alcohol and substance use treatment, and prevention initiatives that directly benefit our community.

In previous years, unused funds had to be returned to the state agency. But thanks to strategic planning and relentless commitment, staff have slashed reversion amounts to under $100,000, and now, they've eliminated them entirely. This is an achievement because the distribution amount is different each year and the exact amount is not known until closer to the end of the fiscal year.

This milestone is more than just a financial win, it's a powerful testament to the department’s unwavering dedication to maximizing every dollar for real, measurable impact in the lives of Dona Ana County residents. In addition to fiscal success, participant outcomes and feedback are positive.  Below are program evaluation highlights.

Evaluation Highlights

• The total number of screenings entered for FY25 was 519. This represented 411 individuals.

• It was the first offense for 62% of those referred to the Compliance Program for DWI.

• 79% of the population had at least one prior alcohol or drug-related arrest.

• For those who reported drinking monthly, the average age at which regular drinking began was 20.

• Among individuals who used drugs at least once a month, the average age they started monthly use was 19.

• 95% of those who completed an Exit Survey reported that their experience with the compliance office was positive.

• The flexibility, information, and support offered by the supervisors was mentioned frequently as the most helpful.

• 94% of those who completed an Exit Survey reported that they are less likely to repeat their offense due to their involvement in the Compliance Program.

• 73% of those who completed an Exit Survey reported an improvement in family relationships and 80% reported an improvement in their quality of life due to their experience in the Compliance Program.

• The number of respondents who were employed at the time of completing the program increased by 2 people.

• The number of respondents who lived in stable housing increased by 5 people.

Financial Services

Audit Prep, Procurement, and End-of-Year Closeout

The Finance team continued supporting critical operations while advancing progress on multiple audits and financial reporting tasks. Highlights from the past week include:

• Completion of both regular and special check runs for accounts payable, along with payroll cycle 17 and associated liability payments.
• Mailing of 1,723 utility bills and processing of 78 incoming warehouse deliveries.
• Issuance of 94 purchase orders and development of bid materials, including one RFP for security services, one ITB for materials testing, and two ITBs for construction contracts.
• Posting of a construction bid packet for WWTP improvements in Salem and Rincon, and evaluation of bids for the ice rink rental RFP.
• Execution of seven new contracts for upcoming fiscal activities.
• Creation of a shared Accounting calendar to improve coordination and transparency on key deadlines.

The department is currently preparing and submitting documentation for both Doña Ana County and CRRUA audits, due to external auditors Hinkle + Landers. Simultaneously, staff are finalizing the FY25 accrual process, continuing grant reconciliation and SEFA validation, and resolving issues related to Workday financial reporting with the support of Avaap. A test close of year-end financials in the Workday sandbox was completed in partnership with the Treasurer’s Office, with final error resolution in progress.

Information Technology

Strategic Plan, Bond Updates, and Staffing

The Information Technology Department refreshed its Strategic Plan and posted updated documents on the County website. Efforts also continued on content development with Sunny505 for the upcoming bond communications campaign.

Recruitment efforts are ongoing for several critical positions including Infrastructure Supervisor, Programmer Analyst, Support Supervisor, Systems Analyst, Senior Network Engineer, and Network & Systems Administrator. In addition, IT staff are working to migrate digital resources to Sunland Park as part of the CRRUA transition. These moves reflect the department’s continued work to modernize infrastructure and support long-term service expansion.

Animal Control (ACO)

Field Response and Community Engagement

Animal Control Officers returned the last group of animals displaced by the Vado floods to their owners, concluding a compassionate response effort that included temporary shelter and care for four pets.

Watch the video below!

ACO also took part in National Night Out in downtown Las Cruces on August 5, where staff hosted a booth featuring educational materials, community outreach, and hands-on activities such as a snake-handling demonstration, using a very convincing prop, of course.

Additionally, officers conducted property visits as part of the first A.C.E.S. (Animal Control Enforcement Sweep) project of the FY25–FY26 cycle, inspecting 70 properties in the La Reina area. Follow-up events are planned, including Clean-Up with Carlos Day on August 16 and another A.C.E.S. sweep on September 4.

Detention Center

RFPs and Water System Programming

The Detention Center has finalized internal paperwork for the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) related to religious services. This procurement aims to formalize and expand spiritual services for individuals in custody. Staff are also continuing technical work on the ACORN water system, which supports detention facility operations.

Welcome, August All-Stars!

Doña Ana County is proud to welcome the newest members of our team. From accounting and emergency management to facilities and detention, each of these employees brings new energy and skill to public service:

• Abraham Palma, Accountant I – Finance

• Gabriel Lopez, Officer Trainee – Detention Center

• Daniela Andrade, ICMA Fellow – County Manager’s Office

• Matthew Calmes, Emergency Management Coordinator – OEM

• Kaily Guerra, Document Technician – Assessor’s Office

• George Perez, Grounds Maintenance Worker – Facilities & Services

• John Parra, Grounds Maintenance Worker – Facilities & Services

Not pictured:

• Luis Carranza, Equipment Operator – Roads

• Ashanti Enriquez, Officer Trainee – Detention Center

• Pamela Salcido, Accountant I – Finance

We are excited to see the impact each of you will make in your new roles!

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 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

Special Events:

Hatch Chile Festival

• August 30, 8:00 AM - August 31, 6:00 PM

 Location: Village of Hatch, 133 Franklin Street, Hatch, New Mexico

In closing

As summer winds down, Doña Ana County continues to deliver on its mission to serve, protect, and uplift our communities. From major infrastructure milestones and public health achievements to expanded emergency response capabilities and creative employee engagement efforts, this week's updates reflect our ongoing commitment to progress and transparency. Whether through new public amenities, strengthened partnerships, or data-driven improvements, each department continues to contribute to the quality of life for every resident.

Thank you for staying informed and connected with the work we do, together, we’re building a stronger Doña Ana County.