ANNUAL REPORT NEW MEXICO ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES SERVICE EDUCATION ADVOCACY LEADERSHIP

Transcription

1 ANNUAL REPORT NEW MEXICO ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES SERVICE EDUCATION ADVOCACY LEADERSHIP

2 2014 NMAC STAFF Executive Services Steve Kopelman, Executive Director Grace Philips, General Counsel Susan Mayes, Executive Services Manager Aelysea Webb, Executive Coordinator Tasia Young, Ph.D., Lobbyist Brian Moore, Lobbyist Finance Santiago Chavez, Finance Director Carolin Rios, Senior Accountant Charlotte Martinez, Accountant Clarissa Baca, Receptionist/Assist. to Office Mgr Intergovernmental Relations Joy Esparsen, Intergov. Relations Director Katelyn Quiroz, IR Administrative Assist Meeting Services Kathy Callender, Mtg Services/Business Dev. Risk Management/IT Taylor Horst, Risk Management/IT Director David Borton, Senior Systems Administrator Cynthia Stephenson, Risk Management Specialist Rahwa Asghedom, RM Data Analyst Loss Prevention Sal Baragiola, Loss Prevention Manager James Chavez, Loss Prevention Specialist Manuel Romero, Loss Prevention Specialist Art Murphy, Loss Prevention Specialist Caryl Rodriguez, Loss Prevention Coord. Workers Compensation Theresa Griego, WC Claims Manager Steve Chappell, WC Claims Adjuster Sal Ongaro, WC Claims Adjuster Ray Mengel, WC Claims Adjuster James Lucero, WC Medical Only Adjuster Annemarie Hill, WC Admin. Assistant Multi-Line Robin Martinez, ML Claims Manager Diane Blackburn, ML Sr. Claims Examiner Jeannette Chavez, ML Sr. Claims Examiner Velma Herrera, ML Sr. Claims Examiner Jennifer Ortiz, ML Claims Examiner Randy Chavez, ML Claims Examiner Darlene Salazar, ML First-Party Claims Examiner Bobbie Dalton, ML Claims Admin. Assistant Dear New Mexico Association of Counties Members: This past year was an extremely busy and productive one for NMAC. We are very proud and honored to represent the interests of New Mexico county government and to provide you with a broad array of services and programs. I want to especially thank our Past President Wendell Bostwick for his leadership, and members of the NMAC Board of Directors for their service and commitment. In addition, I want to recognize the outstanding work of NMAC staff. Many of you have had the chance to visit our beautiful new offices at 444 Galisteo Street, only one block from the State Capitol. The building was designed to maximize the amount of natural light and to be a showcase for county government in New Mexico. Please come by and visit whenever you are here in Santa Fe. The three self-insurance pools continue to perform at a high level, and the fund balances for all three pools increased substantially from the prior year. We continued to increase the scope and effectiveness of our loss prevention services, and our claims staff received excellent results on our outside claims audit. The annual conference in Luna County was a rousing success, and the folks in Luna County are to be commended on a job well done. Over 800 attendees came from all over the state. We had a very challenging and difficult legislative session over the issue of hospital funding under the new Safety Net Care Pool. We are continuing to work on finding a satisfactory resolution to the problem of Medicaid funding for hospitals. One of the major initiatives implemented by Commissioner Bostwick during his presidency was the creation of four NMAC policy committees Criminal Justice Reform, Healthcare, Public Lands & Natural Resources, and Tax. These committees, which are comprised of county elected officials and key staff, are working on critical legislative initiatives and policy issues affecting counties throughout New Mexico. We are hopeful that these policy committees will substantially enhance the NMAC legislative process. NMAC is your association and we are here to serve you. If you would like to find out more about the services we offer or if you have suggestions or recommendations, please give me a call or drop me an . Sincerely, Steve Kopelman Executive Director 1

3 TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS FOR Hosted the National Association of Counties Rural Action Caucus in October in Santa Fe Established four new policy committees to focus on county taxes, health care, criminal justice reform, and public lands and natural resources Santa Fe County joined the Multi-Line and Law Enforcement Pools NMAC joined 28 other state associations in requesting congressional support for a long-term reauthorization of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st Century Act (MAP-21) that supports county surface transportation priorities Filed a writ of superintending control to request statewide guidance to County Clerks and expedite a decision by New Mexico Supreme Court on same gender marriage licenses Received a Prison Rape Elimination Act grant for juvenile detention centers Workers Compensation Pool was the only pool out of 14 pools managed by broker John Chino of Arthur J. Gallagher to have a decrease in excess insurance rates for renewal NMAC now providing Mental Health First Aid Training Hosted the 10 th Annual Gathering of Counties with county booths along the New Mexico State Fair Main Street Received a grant from the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange to assist counties with community outreach for the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion TABLE OF CONTENTS NMAC Staff 1 Welcome 1 Top 10 Highlights 2 NMAC Board of Directors Legislative Program 4 NMAC Financial Statement 5 Special Initiatives 5-6 Self-Insurance Pools 7 WC Pool Board of Directors 8 WC Pool Financials 8 ML Pool Board of Directors 9 ML Pool Financials 9 Loss Prevention 10 Law Enforcement & Detention Advisory Committee 10 Intergovernmental Relations 11 Meeting Services 12 Advisory Council 13 Affiliates 13 NM EDGE 14 New Mexico Association of Counties is a non-profit, nonpartisan association representing and serving New Mexico s 33 counties. As a professional association of county elected officials and employees, NMAC supports and promotes the idea that all county elected officials and professional county employees must have the opportunity to act together to solve problems and to work for the progress of county governments in New Mexico. NMAC provides numerous programs and services to counties including legislative representation, self-insurance, legal assistance, and professional development. 2

4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS President. Wendell Bostwick President Elect Paula Garcia Vice President Sharon Stover Treasurer Alvin Maestas DIRECTORS Bernalillo County Maggie Toulouse Oliver Catron County Susan Griffin Chaves County James Duffey Cibola County Edward J. Michael Colfax County Bill Sauble Curry County Matt Murray DeBaca County Rosalie Gonzales -Joiner Doña Ana County David Gutierrez Eddy County Glenn Collier Grant County Brett Kasten Guadalupe County Alvin Maestas Harding County Pete Callahan Hidalgo County Ed Kerr Lea County Pat Snipes Chappelle Lincoln County Rhonda Burrows Los Alamos Sharon Stover Luna County Dora Madrid McKinley County Carol Bowman-Muskett Mora County Paula Garcia Otero County Cathe Prather Quay County Janie L. Hoffman Rio Arriba County Alfredo L. Montoya Roosevelt County Jake Lopez San Juan County Clyde Ward San Miguel County Elaine A. Estrada Sandoval County Orlando Lucero Santa Fe County Liz Stefanics Sierra County Walter Armijo Socorro County Danny Monette Taos County Gabriel J. Romero Torrance County V. Linda M. Jaramillo Union County Van H. Robertson Valencia County Mary J. Andersen EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS NACo Urban Board Edward J. Michael NACo Rural Board Janie L. Hoffman NACo Board At-Large Liz Stefanics NACO WIR Board Walter Armijo NACO WIR Board Danny Monette Multi-Line Board Ron Lethgo Workers Comp Board Robert Anaya Probate Judges Affiliate Alice Salcido 3 B OARD OF DIRECTORS NMAC Leadership (L-R) President Wendell Bostwick, Treasurer Alvin Maestas, Executive Director Steve Kopelman, Vice President Sharon Stover, and President Elect Paula Garcia NMAC Board of Directors Activities The NMAC Board of Directors met six times and held three teleconference calls during the fiscal year. In the same time period, the Executive Committee met eight times and held four teleconference calls. Highlights of action items include: Selected the following Board priorities for the 2014 Legislative Session: Property Tax Equity Non-Residential Sales Disclosure Notice of Liens Medicaid Benefits Suspension Detention Gross Receipts Tax Delinquent Property Tax List Delinquent Property Tax Collections NMAC Board Elects New Officers During the June NMAC 78 th Annual Conference in Luna County, the Board of Directors elected new officers and Executive Committee district representatives. The officers elected to a one-year term are: Mora County Commissioner Paula Garcia as President, Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover as President Elect, and San Juan County Assessor Clyde Ward as Vice President. The new district representatives to the Executive Committee elected to a two-year term are: Santa Fe County Commissioner Liz Stefanics District I, Socorro County Commissioner Danny Monette District III, and Grant County Commissioner Brett Kasten District V. Continued work on county participation regarding SB 268 Replacing Sole Community Providers with Qualifying Hospitals Authorized NMAC to file a Writ of Superintending Control to request statewide guidance to county clerks and expedite a decision by the New Mexico Supreme Court on same gender marriage licenses Updated and approved the NMAC Policy Statement Book Coordinated efforts to support continued funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Provided support for royalty revenue sharing payments to counties from the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act Passed resolutions supporting the right to farm and lower speed limits on county roads NMAC joined 28 other state associations in requesting congressional support for a long-term reauthorization of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st Century Act (MAP-21) that supports county surface transportation priorities Approved the resolution on Preemption of Local Authority Approved a resolution to recommend removal of Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) identified by BLM as not meeting the criteria for wilderness designation Updated NMAC Travel Reimbursement and Conference and Meetings Policies Hired Steve Kopelman as NMAC Executive Director Authorized NMAC to hire Grace Philips as General Counsel Authorized NMAC to form a Legal Bureau under the Multi-Line Pool for litigation attorney and paralegal Hosted six legislative district meetings Established an Emergency Medical Services Committee to look at funding needs Established a sub-committee to evaluate the needs of the affiliates Established four policy committees to focus on criminal justice reform, health care, public lands/natural resources, and taxes Worked collaboratively with NMML on tax policy reform Approved the NMAC Budget Approved the NMAC Financial Audit as of June 30, 2013 Awarded $180,000 for the Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program

5 2014 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM Legislative Session Overview & 2015 Preview Although NMAC tracked more than 100 bills during the day session, there was no issue of more significance and greater impact to county government budgets than the proposal by the State Human Services Department to take an existing 1/8 th percent of local option gross receipts tax revenue to fund the state s new Safety Net Care Program (SNCP). After several months of negotiation with the State Human Services Department, the New Mexico Hospital Association, and the Governor s Office, NMAC negotiated legislation that requires counties (except for Bernalillo and Sandoval) to pass an ordinance dedicating to the new state Safety Net Care Pool (SNCP), an amount equal to a gross receipts tax rate of 1/12 th percent, applied to the taxable gross receipts reported during the prior fiscal year. Counties may use public funds from any existing authorized revenue source for such purpose. Although the bill passed by the Legislature (SB 268 et al.) would have put a three-year sunset provision on county transfers to the SNCP, that provision was line-item vetoed by the Governor, removing the original limited appropriation, and obligating counties to pay an undetermined amount for an unlimited period of time. The NMAC Board voted in August of 2014 to support legislation in the 2015 session that will remove counties responsibility to fund Medicaid and the SNCP, and to consider the consolidation of existing county local option gross receipts tax increments. NMAC research shows that most county gross receipts taxing authority are unused and/or unusable, because it is so restrictively earmarked by the Legislature. Legislative Process NMAC s legislative program originates with resolutions developed by members of Affiliates at the Annual Conference in June. Additional recommendations are brought forth by four new year-round policy committees on the issues of criminal justice reform, healthcare, public lands and natural resources, and taxes. Resolutions are reviewed by the Executive Committee in July, and final selection of priority issues is made by the Board of Directors in August. Priority issues are taken to the appropriate interim legislative committees in the Fall and the NMAC Executive Committee meets jointly with the Executive Board of the New Mexico Municipal League in November to discuss legislative priorities. A legislative team of two contract lobbyists and four staff members works during the session to implement the priority issues selected by the Board. Top - NMAC Lobbyist Tasia Young and NMAC President Wendell Bostwick present Representative Bob Wooley with the Legislative Excellence Award for his leadership on salary equity initiatives. Middle - National Association of Counties Deputy Legislative Director Paul Beddoe joined NMAC members during the Legislative Conference to provide an update on federal initiatives and health care funding. Bottom - NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman and NMAC President Wendell Bostwick present Senator Mary Kay Papen with the Legislative Excellence Award for her leadership on mental health issues. 4

6 S PECIAL INITIATIVES NEW MEXICO ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION* June 30, 2014 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 51,367 Accounts Receivable 6,857 Prepaid Expenses Deposits 2,175 Total Current Assets 97,352 Investments Certificates of Deposit 100,000 Mutual Funds 540,421 Unrealized Gain (Loss) 265 Total Investments 640,686 Property and Equipment 5,538,164 Less Accumulated Depreciation (1,146,875) Net property and equipment 4,391,289 TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,129,326 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 331,268 Unearned Member Contributions 0 Deferred revenue-grants 325 Total current liabilities 331,594 Other Liabilities 2,615,720 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 2,947,314 Net Assets $ 2,182,012 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 5,129,326 * This is an unaudited statement pending final year-end adjustments Relocated Offices for NMAC in Santa Fe & Albuquerque NMAC moved into the new Santa Fe office the end of August We hosted an Open House in October with more than 200 attending! We are located at 444 Galisteo Street, Santa Fe, NM There is plenty of parking and available meeting space in our conference room for up to approximately 24 people at the table and several guests. NMAC also expanded our Albuquerque office space at 111 Lomas Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM We are in the U.S. Bank building on the fourth floor (room 424). Meeting space is available in the conference room for up to 12 people at the table and several guests. A guest parking lot is located at the corner of 1 st and Slate Street. NMAC Hosts NACo Meeting NMAC hosted the National Association of Counties (NACo) Rural Action Caucus (RAC) in October 2013 in Santa Fe. County elected officials from rural areas across the nation are dedicated to solving critical issues impacting rural life and development. These initiatives include advocacy for reauthorization of the farm bill with increased funding for rural development programs and funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). NMAC/NMML Joint Meeting The New Mexico Municipal League (NMML) hosted the 29th Annual NMAC and NMML Joint Executive Committee meeting in November 2013 to discuss legislative platforms and strengthen the working relationship that exists between New Mexico s cities and counties. National Association of Counties The 2013 NACo Annual Conference was held July in Tarrant County, Texas, to establish national policies affecting counties and work collaboratively to find innovative solutions to challenges facing American communities. More than 2,000 county representatives, including a New Mexico delegation of more than 50 people, participated in the conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Implementation of the Affordable Care Act, cyber security, and protection of the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds were key issues during the four-day event. Featured guest speakers at the conference s general sessions included U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U. S. Army veteran J.R. Martinez, and CEO of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Matthew K. Rose. Conference participants attended a variety of educational workshop sessions to gain greater understanding of issues affecting county government such as environmental benefits and immigration reform. NMAC Board in Sierra County in October

7 NACo s Resilient Counties Initiative During , NACo President Linda Langston created the Resilient Counties initiative to provide support for local governments and communities responding to disasters. The number of federal disaster declarations has increased dramatically since 1953 and natural disasters such as storms have become larger and more frequent, affecting multiple states and resulting in higher costs for counties, their citizens and businesses. Within the Resilient Counties initiative, NACo worked to strengthen county resiliency by building leadership capacity to identify and manage risk and allow counties to become more flexible and responsive. Additionally, the Resilient Counties initiative explored ways that counties can develop and implement locally driven strategies to foster economic competitiveness and create great communities. NACo Advocacy Efforts Five-year Farm Bill signed into law with $228 million in new mandatory rural development resources and more than $400 million for the Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. Flood Insurance Reform Bill signed into law that saved residents from skyrocketing premiums in 2,930 counties. Senate passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act with overwhelmingly bipartisan support, positioning the bill for consideration by the House. A regulation was blocked that would have required the replacement of all fire hydrants, at an estimated cost of $2,000 each. An exemption secured from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) employer mandate for county volunteer firefighters and other volunteers. Funding of $270 million for the Secure Rural Schools program was included in The Helium Stewardship Act. In the FY15 U.S. House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill language was included to block implementation of the new Waters of the U.S. proposed regulation released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. NMAC leadership welcomes U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujan (third from left) during the NMAC Legislative Conference. Representative Lujan has served as New Mexico s 3rd congressional district representative since

8 SELF-INSURANCE POOLS Workers Compensation Pool As of June 30, 2014, the Pool s unaudited assets increased $2.6 million from the previous year to $21,618,288, and the Pool s fund balance grew from $483,819 to $1,411,573. As of May 31, 2014, loss ratios have remained under 100% for the last six years, including the current policy year, with the Pool s 11-year average loss ratio at 93.17%. Alternative Service Concepts performed an independent audit of the Pool s claims handling procedures and gave the Pool a score of 96.2% for the 52 claims that were reviewed. The Pool received an unmodified opinion (the highest opinion) on its independent financial audit for In , the Pool was the only public entity pool of 14 managed by broker John Chino of Arthur J. Gallagher to receive a reduction in its reinsurance costs. However, for the Pool s reinsurance costs increased 10.3%, while member contributions increased just 1.6% pool-wide. Workers compensation rates are increasing due to upward pressure across the country, in part caused by increasing medical costs. Thirty-one of New Mexico s 33 counties are members of the Workers Compensation Pool. Multi-Line Pool The Pool s assets as of December 31, 2013 totaled $18,646,446 and the fund balance was $5,987,030. As of March 31, 2014, loss ratios have remained under 100% in five of the last 11 years, which includes the current policy year, with the Pool s 11-year average loss ratio at %. Alternative Service Concepts performed an independent audit of the Pool s claims handling procedures and gave the Pool a score of 95.2% for the 37 claims that were reviewed. The Multi-Line and Law Enforcement Pools both received a clean, unqualified opinion on the 2012 financial audits. Pool-wide, contributions increased 6.77% in 2014, with increases and decreases for members capped at 10%. On December 10, 2013,the Santa Fe County Commission voted to join the NMAC Law Enforcement and Multi-Line programs and to have the county s Multi-Line and law enforcement coverage provided by NMAC effective January 1. Santa Fe County became the 29 th member of the Multi-Line and Law Enforcement Pools. Both Pools fiscal and policy years begin on January 1, while the Workers Compensation Pool fiscal and policy year begins on July 1. Law Enforcement Pool The Pool s assets as of December 31, 2013 totaled $21,687,795, an increase of nearly $2 million and the fund balance increased $1.5 million to $5,200,247. As of March 31, 2014, in eight of the past 11 years the Pool s loss ratios were under 100%, including the current policy year, with the 11-year average loss ratio at 88.92%. Alternative Service Concepts performed an independent audit of the Pool s claims handling procedures and gave the Pool a score of 90.5% for the 40 claims that were reviewed. The Multi-Line and Law Enforcement Pools both received a clean, unqualified opinion on the 2012 financial audits. Pool-wide, contributions increased 2.43% in 2014, with increases and decreases for members capped at 10%. Twenty-nine of New Mexico s 33 counties are members of the Law Enforcement Pool. 7

9 WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE POOL NEW MEXICO COUNTY INSURANCE AUTHORITY WORKERS' COMPENSATION POOL Balance Sheet - Unaudited Financials June 30, 2014 CURRENT ASSETS ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 1,024,859 Investments $ 20,593,428 TOTAL ASSETS $ 21,618,288 CURRENT LIABILITIES LIABILITIES AND POOL NET ASSETS Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses $ 20,206,715 NET ASSETS Fund Balance $ 1,720,355 Current Year Net Assets $ (308,782) Total Net Assets $ 1,411,573 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 21,618, WORKERS COMPENSATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lance Pyle Curry County Manager Chair Joe Crelier Bernalillo County Director of Risk Management Vice Chair Gloria Jean Chavez Guadalupe County Finance & Safety Officer Secretary/Treasurer Brenda Sanchez Chaves County Public Service Administrator Danny Gonzales Luna County Human Resources & Payroll Director Doug Decker McKinley County Attorney Jon Paul Saari Grant County Manager Kristi Galloway San Juan County Risk Manager Phillip Rios Sandoval County Manager Robert Anaya Santa Fe County Commissioner NMAC Representative Wayne Hancock Doña Ana County Commissioner EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Wendell Bostwick NMAC President Curry County Commissioner NMAC honored many county leaders and staff for their risk reduction efforts and commitment to professional excellence during the year. Shown are the representatives from San Miguel, Dona Ana, and Santa Fe Counties. Dan Bryant Attorney Otero County NMAC Attorneys Affiliate Representative 8

10 2013 MULTI-LINE INSURANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MULTI-LINE INSURANCE POOL Ron Lethgo Assessor Chaves County Chair and NMAC Representative Teresa Byrd Deputy County Manager of Finance Bernalillo County Vice Chair Orlando Lucero Commissioner Sandoval County Secretary/Treasurer Kelley Kuenstler Manager Luna County Lonnie Freyburger Commissioner Torrance County Nita Taylor Manager Lincoln County Ron Ortega Commissioner San Miguel County Wayne Hancock Commissioner Dona Ana County Wendell Bostwick Commissioner Curry County EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Wendell Bostwick NMAC President Curry County Commissioner Doug Decker Attorney McKinley County Attorneys Affiliate Representative Patrick Snedeker Warden/Detention Administrator San Miguel County LEDAC Chair NEW MEXICO COUNTY INSURANCE AUTHORITY MULTI-LINE POOL Balance Sheet Enterprise Fund December 31, 2013 ASSETS Law Multi-line Enforcement Program Program Total CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 764,907 $ 1,680,422 $ 2,445,329 Investment in the Local Government Investment Pool 953 1,588 2,541 Investments 14,939,038 19,409,366 34,348,404 Accounts receivable - Subrogation, Deductibles 159, , ,642 Accounts receivable - Reinsurance 437, ,115 Due from New Mexico County Insurance Authority, current portion 101, ,211 Accrued interest on note receivable 45,667-45,667 Total current assets 16,011,114 21,687,795 37,698,909 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Due from New Mexico County Insurance Authority, net of current portion 2,635,332-2,635,332 Total non-current assets 2,635,332-2,635,332 TOTAL ASSETS $ 18,646,446 $ 21,687,795 $ 40,334,241 LIABILITIES AND POOL NET POSITION CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 13,849 $ 9,501 $ 23,350 Claims and claim adjustment expenses 5,802,456 6,473,232 12,275,688 Total current liabilities 5,816,305 6,482,733 12,299,038 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Claims and claim adjustment expenses 6,843,111 10,004,815 16,847,926 Total long-term liabilities 6,843, ,815 16,847,926 POOL NET POSITION HELD FOR MEMBERS' BENEFITS Unrestricted 5,987,030 5,200,247 11,187,277 Total pool net position held for members' benefits 5,987,030 5,200,247 11,187,277 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND POOL NET POSITION $ 18,646,446 $ 21,687,795 $ 40,334,241 Mental Health Training In May 2013, NMAC funded the training for 10 training slots for county detention and law enforcement personnel to become trainers in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). This included Grace Philips and Art Murphy from NMAC. The program is designed to provide information about mental health illness including the types of illnesses, symptoms, and intervention strategies. Since the initial training, several classes have been provided to detention and law enforcement staff throughout the state. This will continue to be a priority training initiative for NMAC. In May 2014, NMAC received a MHFA grant from the AETNA Foundation for $5,000. These grant funds are designated for training in rural areas in New Mexico for the Mental Health First Aid Public Safety Expansion Project. In conjunction with this program, NMAC is working toward contracting for a series of trainings in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) specifically designed to address the needs of detention staff. This program will be designed to provided intervention and de-escalation strategies for detention staff when dealing with intense and potentially violent incidents with inmates in a detention setting. Implementation of this program is set for fall of 2014 and will continue through

11 Risk Awareness Program (RAP) The following counties completed the current year in RAP: Chaves Year 3 38% decrease in ML claims and 100% decrease in Auto claims Curry Year 4 38% decrease in ML claims, 28% decrease in Auto claims, and 45% decrease in LE claims Harding Year 2 100% decrease in WC claims and 100% decrease in ML claims Hidalgo Year 2 73% decrease in WC claims and 25% decrease in Auto claims Luna Year 3 71% decrease in WC claims McKinley Year 7 58% decrease in ML claims San Miguel Year 5 69% decrease in WC claims, and 60% decrease in Auto claims Santa Fe Year 5 27% decrease in WC claims Sierra Year 1 53% decrease in ML claims and 61% decrease in Auto claims Taos Year 5 did not meet goals but did complete year 5 Torrance Year 6 25% decrease in WC claims, 57% decrease in ML claims, and 23% decrease in Auto claims Valencia Year 6 26% decrease in WC claims, 23% decrease in ML claims, 43% decrease in Auto claims, and 28% decrease in LE claims The RAP Program continues to reduce the number of claims for the counties that have taken advantage of this service. Currently, 21 of 29 member counties participate in the RAP Program. Many counties are just finishing their 1st year in the program and are not included in this update. LOSS PREVENTION 2013 LAW ENFORCEMENT Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) In 2012, the federal government issued final Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards that apply to local jails and juvenile detention facilities. The standards require facilities to implement policies to prevent, detect and respond to sexual misconduct. In 2013, NMAC together with Bernalillo, Chaves, San Juan, and Taos counties was awarded a $300,000 grant to support implementation of the federal standards in New Mexico juvenile detention facilities. Work performed under the grant produced an 8-hour staff training course and a 30-minute youth orientation video as well as updated sample policies. Funding also paid for participating counties PREA coordinators and county travel for trainings and meetings. Detention Policy Review Committee (DPRC) The Detention Policy Review Committee (DPRC) updated several critical sample polices this year. In addition to updating the sexual misconduct policies for detention centers, the DPRC also updated policies regarding inmate searches and classification to reflect the national PREA standard requirements and created a Special Management Housing policy with input from the Vera Institute of Justice. Adult Detention Professional Standards Council (ADPSC) In 2008, NMAC formed a statewide committee of detention professionals to develop comprehensive detention standards. These standards describe best practices in detention operations for our member counties. In 2012, Chaves County became the first detention facility to be accredited. Since then, the ADPSC has awarded accreditation to five more detention centers in Lea, San Juan, San Miguel, Santa Fe and Doña Ana Counties. The Multi-Line Pool Board of Directors has rewarded accredited counties with a 5% reduction in their law enforcement contribution. Training Advisory Committee (TAC) In January 2014, the NM Detention Officer Basic Training Curriculum was disseminated to detention administrators and trainers during the Detention Affiliate meeting at the NMAC Legislative Conference. This curriculum consists of a recommended 160+ hours of training, which would meet the entry level training requirements identified in the NMAC Detention Professional Standards. A Training Advisory Committee has been developed and is currently working on a standardized entry level curriculum for New Mexico juvenile detention officers. This curriculum will be developed and provided to all juvenile facility administrators once completed and will comply with the entry level training requirements under the NM CYFD standards. In continued collaboration with the New Mexico Corrections Department, a 40-hour Train-the-Trainer program will be conducted for detention staff in September of The Corrections Department is currently working on the schedule for this training and notification to detention facilities will follow soon. TRAINING COURSES 75 Total Courses NUMBER OF ATTENDEES 1,355 Total Attendees FIELD ACTIVITIES 31 Facility Safety Inspections LEGAL RESEARCH/REVIEW 53 Employment Matters 28 Detention Matters 43 Other Leal Issues & DETENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Patrick Snedeker Warden/Detention Administrator San Miguel County Chair & Multi-Line Representative Matt Murray Sheriff Curry County Vice Chair Chris Barela Adult/Juvenile Detention Director Doña Ana County Patrick Casias Sheriff Colfax County Todd J. Garrison Sheriff Doña Ana County Johna Gonzales Juvenile Detention Administrator Taos County Matt Elwell Detention Director Luna County Johnny Valdez Sheriff Cibola County EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Wendell Bostwick NMAC President Curry County Commissioner Gregg Mercantel Secretary New Mexico Corrections Dept. Sandra P. Stewart Director of Juvenile Justice Services Children, Youth & Family Dept. Curtis Cherry Jail Administrator Sierra County Ken Christesen Sheriff San Juan County 10

12 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS Wildfire Risk Reduction Grants The Wildfire Risk Reduction Program, administered by the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) through a partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), awarded 11 grants totaling $180,000 for Chaves County, Chimayo Conservation Corps, Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District, Forest Guild, San Juan County, Santa Fe County, Socorro County, South Central Mountain RC&D, and Valencia County. The Wildfire Risk Reduction Program for Rural Communities was established in 2005 under the National Fire Plan to assist communities throughout New Mexico in reducing their risk from wildland fire. The funds assisted with the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) updates for 48 rural communities, fuel reduction and thinning in two at-risk communities, and education and outreach projects in 76 communities Wildfire Risk Reduction Grants At the June 2014 Board of Directors meeting in Luna County, the Board of Directors approved 10 grants totaling $190,103 for Chimayo Conservation Corps., Inc., Colfax County Coalition of Firewise Communities, Inc., Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District, Forest Guild, Grant Soil & Water Conservation District, Hidden Lake & Elk Ridge Subdivisions, Lincoln County, Santa Fe County, Sierra Soil & Water Conservation District, and South Central Mountain RC&D Council, Inc. The funds will assist with the development of CWPP updates for 40 rural communities, fuel reduction and thinning in eight atrisk communities, and education and outreach projects in 35 communities. Partners for a Clean New Mexico In an effort to combat illegal dumping, NMAC continues to work with the Bureau of Land Management field offices to fund illegal dumping clean ups and educational programs. In , funding was provided to Doña Ana, Otero, Sandoval, and Sierra Counties Wildland Urban Interface Summit The state s leading authorities in wildfire preparedness met in Taos in April of 2014 to host the 5th Annual Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Summit. Officials with US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Forestry, New Mexico State Land Office, and New Mexico Association of Counties were on hand to discuss how communities across the state are implementing valuable principles such as the National Association of Fire Chief s Ready, Set, Go! and NFPA s Firewise Communities Program to protect homes and homeowners from the almost certain risk of wildfire that many New Mexico residents face. The theme for this year s summit was Creating Fire Adapted Communities. The two-day event included a field trip to Angel Fire and the surrounding areas to view fuel reduction projects and an air curtain demonstration. Education tracks provided the more than 160 participants with special insight on the cohesive strategy and fire adapted communities learning network. Leadership New Mexico The Local Government Leadership Program is an educational partnership between NMAC, NMML, the New Mexico School Boards Association, and Leadership New Mexico. The goal of the program is to develop and enhance leadership capacities of local officials while fostering a higher level of civic and community concern and participation. The 2014 Leadership Program included members from Bernalillo, Chaves, Eddy, Los Alamos, McKinley, San Juan, San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Socorro Counties. To date, the program has had 245 participants from 38 municipalities, 27 counties, two National Guard units, 11 local school boards and two regional councils of governments. Top - County queen candidates join in the special celebration of the Gathering of Counties Day at the New Mexico State Fair. Bottom - The Bureau of Land Management was one of many partners providing wildfire education information at the 2014 Wildland Urban Interface Summit. Gathering of Counties Day NMAC partnered with the New Mexico State Fair and the New Mexico Department of Tourism for a special 10 th Anniversary of the Gathering of Counties on September 19. The event was held in conjunction with New Mexico True Day at the fair and provided an ideal opportunity for counties to showcase their distinct cultures. Many of New Mexico s counties set up booths along Main Street to provide information to fairgoers on county services, local attractions, and the history of their community. NMAC President Wendell Bostwick hosted a special presentation honoring the rich heritage of county governments. The program included the reading of the Gathering of Counties proclamation signed by Governor Susana Martinez and recognition of the State Fair queen candidates.

13 MEETING SERVICES Business Partners NMAC supports alliances with various commercial entities that offer valuable services to our member counties through the Business Partner Program. The fiscal year experienced a 30% growth in our Business Partner membership, as well as a 10% increase in sponsorships at our annual conferences. NMAC continues to look for alliances to meet the needs of our members and to expand a solid member resource for the future. Conferences NMAC s two major conferences, the 2014 Legislative Conference and 78 th Annual Conference, attracted over 1,500 county elected officials, career employees, and guests. At the 2014 Legislative Conference, keynote presenter Dr. Stephen L. Kiser shared his expertise in agricultural policy, rural issues, and the impact current economic and political climate will have on the future of county concerns. In addition, NACo s Deputy Legislative Director Paul Beddoe updated the conference attendees on national issues surrounding health care and its effects on county government. Attendees to the 78 th Annual Conference were warmly welcomed to Luna County. Celebrating the diversity of Many Cultures One Community, conference attendees experienced the varied traditions of one of our most southern counties. NMSU s Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and economic futurists, Dr. Lowell Catlett, opened the conference with his own special insight on the trends and opportunities as New Mexico counties move forward. NACo Second Vice President Sallie Clark and the New Mexico Municipal League s President Elect Linda Calhoun shared their perspectives on local and county government. At both conferences, NMAC s affiliates met to discuss pertinent issues and forthcoming legislative priorities. 12

14 ADVISORY COUNCIL AFFILIATES Chair & NMAC Vice President Sharon Stover, Los Alamos County Assessors Affiliate Clyde Ward, San Juan County Attorneys Affiliate Dan Bryant, Otero County Clerks Affiliate Mario Jimenez, Doña Ana County Commissioners Affiliate Paula Garcia, Mora County Cooperative Extension Service Affiliate Glenda Belcher, Curry County Detention Administrators Affiliate Joe Chavez, Valencia County DWI Coordinators Affiliate Rob Mitchell, San Juan County E-911 Directors Affiliate Shirley Valdez, Valencia County Finance & Purchasing Affiliate Charlene Schlarb, Lincoln County Fire & Emergency Managers Affiliate Fred Hollis, Socorro County GIS/RA Affiliate Levon Sink, Union County Health Services Affiliate Liza Gomez, San Juan County Human Resources Affiliate Kiki Arellano, San Miguel County Information Technology Affiliate Conrad Cordova, Taos County Land Use Administrators Affiliate Alex Tafoya, San Miguel County Managers Affiliate Lance Pyle, Curry County Probate Judges Affiliate Alice Salcido, Doña Ana County Public Works Affiliate Harold Garcia, San Miguel County Risk Management Affiliate Bert Hanneman, Otero County Sheriffs Affiliate Ken Christesen, San Juan County Treasurers Affiliate Cathe Prather, Otero County Ex-Officio Steve Kopelman, Executive DIrector Incoming Advisory Council Chairs At the NMAC Legislative Conference in January, several affiliates elected new officers to serve the next two-year term from The new officers began their terms at the conclusion of the Annual Conference in June The Advisory Council members include: Assessors Gary Perez, Santa Fe County Attorneys Dan Bryant, Otero County Clerks Mario Jimenez, Doña Ana County Commissioners Susan Flores, Otero County Cooperative Extension Services Jack Blandford, Luna County Detention Administrators Matthew Elwell, Luna County DWI Coordinators Dian Irwin, Sandoval County E-911 Ken R. Martinez, Santa Fe County Finance & Purchasing Leandro Cordova, Taos County Fire & Emergency Managers Paul Quairoli, Otero County GIS/RA Acting Chair Gail Rogers, Socorro County Health Services Scott Annala, Lincoln County Human Resources Kiki Arellano, San Miguel County Information Technology Lawrence Esquibel, Valencia County Land Use Alex Tafoya, San Miguel County Managers Mike Gallagher, Lea County Probate Judges Christine Tenski, Otero County Public Works Harold Garcia, San Miguel County Risk Management Bert Hanneman, Otero County Sheriffs Ken Christesen, San Juan County Treasurers Patrick Varela, Santa Fe County 13

15 NM EDGE NMAC SUPPORT OF NM EDGE EDGE County College graduates celebrate their achievements during annually during the NMAC Annual and Legislative Conferences. NMAC provides a $5,000 annual contribution to the NM EDGE Program. Public Sector Specializations NM Certified Geographic Information Systems Specialist (NMGISS) NM Certified Health Care Official (NMCCHCO) NM Certified IT Professional (NMCITP) NM Certified Jail Specialist/Jail Professional (NMCJS, NMCJP) NM Public Purchasing Officer (NM PPO) NM Certified Risk Management Professional (NMCRMP) NM Certified Public Purchasing Specialist and Purchasing Professional County Focus In addition to the nationally recognized Certified Public Manager designation and the Certified Advocate in Public Ethics Program, NM EDGE offers the following county-specific designations, developed in close collaboration with NMAC: NM Certified Public Assessing Officer (NMCPAO) NM Certified County Clerk (NMCCCL) NM Certified County Commissioner (NMCCC) NM Certified Treasury Official (NMCTO) * Handbooks for these offices are updated with the help of each curriculum committee. NM EDGE & County College NMAC and New Mexico State University s Cooperative Extension Service (CES) were the founding partners when the County College program rolled out in What began as a vision of the late Samuel O. Montoya, former NMAC Executive Director, and Bob Coppedge, CES, has evolved into the NM EDGE which operates County College, Certified Public Manager (CPM), the Certified Advocate in Public Ethics (CAPE) and public sector specialization programs. In 2008, Cooperative Extension Service brought the Certified Public Manager program to New Mexico and joined it with County College. A restructuring of County College to complement the CPM design occurred in At that time it was suggested that an umbrella organization be formed under which NM CPM, County College, and other public sector offerings could operate. The NM EDGE (Education Designed to Generate Excellence in the Public Sector) began as such in The NM EDGE County College program has experienced significant growth since 2010, in large part due to the collaborative efforts between NM EDGE and the New Mexico Association of Counties. New Mexico Certified Public Manager Program Earns National Accreditation The New Mexico Certified Public Manager Program, administered by the NM EDGE, received accreditation by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium Board at its October 2011 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. The program consists of three levels: Certified Public Official (CPO), Certified Public Supervisor (CPS), and Certified Public Manager (CPM). General Information The NM EDGE employs a full-time staff of four and two part-time, temporary employees, with offices in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces. Classes are offered in conjunction with NMAC conferences every January and June, at week-long sessions held in Albuquerque every September and March, and by request at affiliate fall and spring conferences. Additional classes are offered on request. Students NM EDGE is open to all public sector employees in federal, state, and local government. Currently, NM EDGE has more than 500 active students, the majority of whom come from New Mexico county government. NMAC graduated its first employee at the CPO level in January, The NMAC Multi-Line Pool Board offers scholarship support for New Mexico county detention employees wishing to earn the designation of NM Jail Specialist and Jail Professional. NMAC loss prevention staff members teach in the program. NMAC staff works with NM EDGE and the NM EDGE Curriculum Committees to develop countyspecific curriculum and classes. Their contributions of time and expertise are instrumental in assuring class and certification content remains current and meaningful for county students. NMAC provides free exhibit space for NM EDGE at NMAC Legislative and Annual Conferences each year. NMAC offers support of the NM EDGE County College through collaboration on mutual projects throughout the year and on an on -going basis. NMAC provides training for newly elected officials through scholarships which allow them to enroll in the program and to take several classes free of charge. The results have been immediately positive, meaningful, and instrumental in creating an environment for life-long learning at the county level. 14

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