Small Town News

County reworks auction plans

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The De Baca County Commission heard Tuesday that an auction of surplus equipment planned for September or October will be delayed.

Meeting in regular session, the Commissioners heard County Clerk Laurie Pettigrew explain that state procurement statutes govern the sale of surplus property and a number of steps must be followed for the auction to legally occur.

Pettigrew said an auction of county surplus equipment held in 2008 was "very informal" and did not comply with state procurement statutes.

"We cannot do that again," said Pettigrew, after taking to representatives of the Association of Counties and officials from Santa Fe County who conduct a similar sale every year or two.

Pettigrew listed multiple steps that must be followed, including passage of a resolution with a detailed listing of all property to be sold and the estimated condition and value of each item. When the list is complete, it must be sent to the office of the State Auditor for approval, which requires about 30 days. Once approved by the State Auditor, the list must advertised and the auction scheduled.

Pettigrew estimated that the auction would be delayed until after the first of the year.

Courthouse maintenance director Paul Gauna, who is organizing the auction, said he would begin the process to comply with the proper steps.

In other business Tuesday, the Commission:

Heard Pettigrew report that she will seek about $40,000 in legislative funding through State Sen. Stuart Ingle for new software for the County Clerk's office.

Pettigrew said the current software package her office is using is no longer adequate and an over-the-counter version Quick Books Pro is now being utilized for payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable. The software, which she said is much easier to use, cost less than $1,000.

Pettigrew said she is seeking the legislative funds to purchase software from Triadic, a version which is being used in the offices of the County Treasurer and the County Assessor.

She said implementation of the Triadic software, which also requires a significant yearly service contract, would allow the Clerk's office staff to electronically reconcile its books with the Treasurer's office. That process is now being done manually, she said.

Approved the county's Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan, which prioritizes projects sought for the county.

Closure of the county landfill, purchase of equipment for the solid waste transfer station, construction of a new detention center and construction of a new courthouse are the top four items on the list.



Copyright 2010 De Baca County News, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 De Baca County News Fort Sumner, New Mexico. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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