Commission approves a slate of contracts and routine resolutions; several grants and capital projects move ahead The Taos County Commission approved resolutions to certify the county road inventory and to trade in equipment, accepted the FY2025 audit, and approved contracts for community‑center renovations, maintenance building repairs, drainage work at Saint Anthony School, senior-center retrofit, and a wildfire‑risk thinning project.

Taos County is making strides in community development with new contracts for renovations, repairs, and wildfire risk reduction projects!

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #TaosCountyCommission #PublicSafety #LocalInfrastructure

Taos County moves on dark‑sky recognition and drafts ordinance; proclamation adopted Commissioners heard a proposal to pursue Dark Sky Park certification for Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, received details on a county dark-sky ordinance draft (Kelvin limits, curfews, nonconforming-light rules), and adopted a proclamation for International Dark Sky Week (Apr. 13–20, 2026).

Taos County is taking a giant leap towards preserving its night skies by pursuing Dark Sky Park certification for the stunning Rio Grande del Norte National Monument!

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#TaosCounty #NM #NightSkyProtection #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal #AstrotourismOpportunities

Residents urge county action on hydrogen-plant proposals and express concerns about Los Alamos activities Multiple public commenters told commissioners they oppose proposed hydrogen plants in Cuesta and elsewhere, citing noise, water use and community impacts; another speaker urged the county to adopt a resolution opposing increased plutonium 'pit' production at Los Alamos.

Residents in Taos County are sounding the alarm over proposed hydrogen plants and nuclear production plans, raising urgent concerns about health, safety, and community impact.

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#TaosCounty #NM #TaosCountyCommunity #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #HealthSafety

Commission accepts Taos County FY2025 audit; auditors issue clean opinions Taos County commissioners accepted the FY2025 financial audit after a presentation from Cordova CPAs. Auditors reported unmodified opinions on both financial statements and the single audit, highlighted revenue gains and recommended cybersecurity and capital-asset improvements.

Taos County's financial audit reveals a healthy boost in revenue and a clean bill of compliance, but cybersecurity and internal controls need urgent attention!

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#TaosCounty #NM #FederalAwardCompliance #TaosCountyAudit #CitizenPortal #FinancialTransparency

Commission hears regional economic-development and heritage-area grant updates; earmarks cited for local training programs A commissioner summarized North Central New Mexico Economic Development District senior-program outcomes and the WIN workforce program; another speaker described Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area events and reported earmarks and grants, including funding mentioned for a Taos County housing training program and entrepreneurial programs.

Exciting developments are on the horizon for Taos County as funding for senior services, housing training, and workforce programs could transform local economic opportunities!

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#TaosCounty #NM #HousingInitiatives #WorkforceTraining #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment

Taos Housing Partnership to present county employee housing survey results Taos Housing Partnership introduced work under a county contract to compile a Taos County employee housing survey and to guide development of a 9-acre parcel behind the Taos County Administrative Complex for workforce housing; technical team presentation was announced.

Taos Housing Partnership is set to unveil crucial survey results that could reshape employee housing in the county!

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #WorkforceHousing #CommunityDevelopment #EmployeeSurvey

Commission votes to reinstate distribution of Gross Receipts Tax revenue for Fire and EMS The commission approved a resolution to reinstate disbursement of GRT revenue for fire protection and EMS after staff presented financial analysis saying prior sharing was no longer fiscally responsible; commissioners emphasized no reduction in 24/7 fire/EMS service is planned.

Taos County's commission just approved a crucial resolution to restore funding for Fire and EMS services, ensuring our first responders remain fully supported and ready to serve.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #FiscalSustainability #TaosCountyFireEMS #CommunitySupport

Kit Carson House presenters outline drainage repairs, new QR audio exhibit and $750,000 federal grant match Presenters told Taos County commissioners about completed courtyard drainage work, installation of six QR audio stations and a Taos County Lodgers Tax–funded 4-minute video; they announced a National Park Service Save America's Treasures grant for $750,000 that requires a $750,000 match.

Exciting renovations at the Kit Carson House are underway, with a $750,000 federal grant on the line and new QR audio exhibits ready to enhance your visit!

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #PublicEducation #CulturalPreservation #HistoricRestoration

Commission approves construction change order, engineering contract increase and court security agreement Taos County commissioners approved a change order for sheriff's office renovations, increased an on‑call engineering contract by $1 million for public works design, and authorized an intergovernmental agreement to provide magistrate court security on a trial basis through June.

Taos County is making major strides in public safety and infrastructure with new renovations for the sheriff's office and a $1 million boost for engineering projects!

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CourtSecurity #InfrastructureDevelopment #TaosCountyPublicWorks

Taos County reports lodgers‑tax grant growth, approves guideline changes and plans applicant workshop Taos County staff reported increased lodgers‑tax requests and awards through FY2026, noted a widening gap between amounts requested and reimbursed, and the commission approved guideline changes and a public workshop to help applicants improve proposals.

Demand for Taos County's lodgers-tax grants is skyrocketing, but funding gaps are emerging—find out how the county plans to adapt!

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#TaosCounty #NM #GrantPrograms #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #TaosCountyLodgersTax #CommunityOutreach

Taos County commissioners find Torres Pit asphalt operations were not abandoned, allow plant to continue as nonconforming use After a court remand asking the county to determine whether asphalt production at the Torres Pit was a continuous nonconforming use, the Taos County Board of County Commissioners heard argument, testimony and public comment and voted that the plant was not intentionally abandoned and may continue as a legal nonconforming use.

Taos County commissioners have ruled that the controversial asphalt operations at Torres Pit can continue, despite community outcry over health and environmental concerns.

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#TaosCounty #NM #TaosCountyAsphalt #PublicHealth #CommunityTestimony #CitizenPortal #LandUseRegulations

Taos County affirms planning commission, denies neighbors’ appeal of 12‑lot family transfer exemption After a court remand restored appellants’ right to appeal, the Taos County Commission affirmed the planning commission’s approval of a 12‑lot family transfer exemption, rejecting requests from neighbors that the board attach subdivision‑style safety conditions to the ministerial approval.

Taos County has upheld a controversial decision to create 12 new lots, sparking a heated debate over public safety and development regulations.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CommunityPlanning #TaosCountyFamilyTransfer #CitizenPortal #PublicHealthSafety #LandUseRegulations

Taos County Commission approves organizational appointments, resolutions, contract awards and an $800,000 courthouse change order At its Jan. 6 meeting the commission approved resolutions adopting Open Meetings Act procedures and meeting conduct rules, appointed members to several boards and commissions, awarded an ITB for NM 150 slip-lining to TJV LLC, authorized the county manager to sign the contract, approved consolidation forming Taos County Fire District 4, and approved an $800,000 change order for the historic courthouse project.

The Taos County Commission made pivotal decisions at their January 6 meeting, including the consolidation of fire districts and an $800,000 investment in the historic courthouse restoration.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal

Taos firefighters say county rescinded municipal distribution of voter-approved fire tax, risking town department budgets The Taos Professional Firefighters president told commissioners the county rescinded municipal distributions of a voter-approved 0.25% public-safety tax, removing about $800,000 from the Town of Taos budget and raising concerns about staffing and response capacity. He asked for transparency about prioritization of public safety dollars.

Taos firefighters are sounding the alarm as the county's decision to rescind a crucial public-safety tax could jeopardize emergency response and staffing in the community.

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#TaosCounty #NM #EmergencyServices #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

Residents and service providers urge Taos County to extend shelter hours as cold weather approaches; county staff cite legal limits Residents of Nest and advocates with Dream Tree Project told the Taos County Commission that current shelter hours — which require leaving by about 5:30 a.m. — put people at risk during an incoming cold snap. County staff said statutory limits on direct payments constrain immediate cash assistance but will research options and consider staff support.

As winter weather looms, residents of the Nest shelter are pleading for extended hours to avoid dangerous early morning conditions that threaten their safety and health.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CommunitySupport #HousingNeeds #TaosCountyShelter #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Holy Cross Medical Center finance update shows near-term loss; HDAA payment expected to restore balance Hospital officials told the Taos County Commission the hospital ran an operating loss year-to-date but expects a $3.4 million HDAA payment in December that should move operations into the black; commissioners pressed staff on contractor status, facility projects and staffing.

Holy Cross Medical Center faces a challenging operating loss but is poised to bounce back with a critical $3.4 million funding boost expected this December.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CapitalProjects #TaosCountyHospital #HealthcareFinance #CitizenPortal #CommunityHealth

Taos County pauses municipal disbursements from voter-approved fire/EMS GRT to stabilize county services The Taos County Commission voted Dec. 16 to temporarily suspend the 55% municipal disbursement of the 0.25% gross-receipts tax dedicated to county fire protection and EMS (Resolution 2025-53), citing multi-year structural deficits and the need to stabilize county operations; the suspension begins following a 180-day notice window for affected agreements.

Taos County takes a bold step by suspending municipal disbursements from the vital fire and EMS fund to tackle a staggering $1.147 million deficit—what does this mean for local emergency services?

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#TaosCounty #NM #CommunitySupport #FiscalResponsibility #TaosCountyFireEMS

Taos County authorizes counsel to prepare notice to withdraw from E911 JPA after 180 days The Commission authorized county counsel to draft and send a letter initiating the 180-day notice to end the E911 joint powers agreement, saying service will continue unchanged during the notice period and the action is intended to increase operational autonomy of the county dispatch center.

Taos County is set to take a bold step by initiating a 180-day notice to end its E911 Joint Powers Agreement, aiming for greater operational autonomy and enhanced local service delivery.

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#TaosCounty #NM #ServiceDelivery #TaosCountyDispatch #PublicSafety #LocalGovernance

Senator briefs Taos County on state funding requests for Holy Cross Hospital expansion State Senator Roberto Bobby J. Gonzalez told the Taos County Commission the Legislature has received appropriation requests totaling previous asks of $15 million and $7.5 million and that the figure currently under discussion is about $22.5 million to provide building space and house doctors at Holy Cross Hospital.

State Senator Roberto Bobby J. Gonzalez is pushing for $22.5 million in state funding to expand Holy Cross Hospital and secure housing for doctors, aiming to boost healthcare in Taos County.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CommunityDevelopment #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal

Taos County details wildfire-risk work, highlights local crews and Good Neighbor Agreement Taos County officials told commissioners Dec. 2 that since 2022 the county has attracted roughly $5.3 million for forest restoration and wildfire-risk projects, used Good Neighbor Authority agreements to expand local contracting and volunteer crews, and is asking commissioners to help extend work into under-served watersheds.

Taos County has leveraged over $5.3 million in federal and state funding to tackle wildfire risks, empower local crews, and enhance community resilience through innovative projects.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CommunitySupport #WildfireRiskReduction #CitizenPortal

Taos County creates grant-funded Economic Mobility and Opportunity Officer Taos County commissioners approved a grant-funded Economic Mobility and Opportunity Officer position that will report to the county manager, be funded for 2.5 years through an ICMA Economic Mobility Special Assistance grant, and is budgeted at $77,500 (pay grade 17).

Taos County is taking a bold step toward enhancing community health and economic prospects by creating a grant-funded Economic Mobility and Opportunity Officer position!

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #TaosCountyEconomicDevelopment #EconomicMobility #HumanServices

Taos County Commission approves multiple roads, construction and grant items; rolls called on resolutions and contracts The commission approved two NMDOT Transportation Project Fund resolutions, awarded multiple bids and ratified contracts for public-works and community improvements in a single meeting; votes were recorded by roll call where staff recommended approval.

Taos County commissioners just gave the green light to crucial road and construction projects, paving the way for improved infrastructure and community upgrades!

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityImprovement #InfrastructureDevelopment

Taos County commissioners deny appeal of special-use permit for proposed cell tower after contested hearing The Taos County Commission voted 3-2 to deny an appeal of a special-use permit for a proposed wireless communications tower after a public hearing that included technical testimony on network coverage, visual impact and the NEPA review.

In a contentious public hearing, the Taos County Commission upheld a special-use permit for a new wireless tower, igniting debates over coverage needs and environmental impacts.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityInput #TaosCountyWireless

Taos County hearing on 95-foot monopine tower in Arroyo Hondo draws hours of testimony; no final decision recorded At a Sept. 16 Taos County Board of County Commissioners hearing, residents, church leadership and telecommunications representatives debated an appeal of a Planning Commission approval to place a 95-foot concealed cellular tower at Grace Community Church in Arroyo Hondo. The planning director recommended upholding the Planning Commission; public-­s

A heated debate unfolds in Arroyo Hondo as residents clash over a proposed 95-foot "monopine" tower that could reshape their community's landscape and property values.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TelecommunicationsAccess #CulturalResources

An Otherwise Beautiful Morning Oil on Canvas 20" x 30"

Finished this one finally. This is to exorcise the morning that my van caught fire on the way to the Cherry Creek Art Festival.

#oilpainting #contemporaryrealism #newmexico #landscapepainting #jonathankeeton #artistinportugal #taoscounty

Fall migration is on and the hummingbirds are swarming our feeders. Total joyful chaos!

#hummingbirds #blackchinned #broadtailed #rufous #northernnewmexico #taoscounty

Taos County Commission Considers November Ballot for Hospital Mill Levy Renewal Commission plans to include county-wide mill levy for Holy Cross Medical Center on November ballot.

As Taos County faces a critical decision on renewing the mill levy for Holy Cross Medical Center, the community's health and future hang in the balance.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #TaosCountyHealthcare #CommunityInvolvement #CivicAccountability #HealthcareFunding

County Approves Fiscal Year 2526 Budget with $300K for Emergency Preparedness Commissioners finalize conservative budget focusing on actual expenses and community needs.

Taos County's new budget prioritizes emergency preparedness with a $300,000 allocation, ensuring the community is ready for any crisis.

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#TaosCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #TaosCountyEmergencyPreparedness #DisasterReadiness #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityNeed

Taos County Planning Department Nears Full Recovery After System Downtime Planning department improves application turnaround times following a six-week system outage.

Taos County is on the fast track to revitalizing local services with a new solar canopy, quicker permit approvals, and an upcoming online system to streamline applications!

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#TaosCounty #NM #BuildingPermits #CitizenPortal #TaosCountyInfrastructure #RenewableEnergy

Commissioners Discuss $2.37M Contract for County Sheriff Office Improvements Commissioners address R and M Construction contract for sheriff office renovations and parking lot.

Taos County is making strides towards a brighter future with a $2.3 million investment in sheriff office improvements and a commitment to community collaboration!

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#TaosCounty #NM #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #InfrastructureImprovement