Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday will consider a rule change that could allow them to become county employees after their terms end.
The proposed amendment to the county code comes at the request of Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada, who is not seeking reelection.
The motion is for introduction and publication. If commissioners accept it, the rule change will be posted for 30 days and brought back for possible final adoption consideration on or after Dec. 10.
The county code currently prohibits an elected official from accepting paid work — full time, part time or consulting — from the county for 12 months after leaving office. The change would permit “an incoming elected official to appoint a former elected official to a position within their department for continuity and benefit to the office and the county,” according to the agenda.
Commissioners will also review three economic development projects and discuss extending industrial revenue bonds to help developers launch the operations. Sun Lasso Energy Center LLC plans to build a battery energy storage system at 10100 Central Ave. SW and seeks $190 million in bonds.
Sawmill Bellamah Properties LLC plans two residential developments, with the county issuing $86.1 million in bonds.
One would be a six-story building at 20th Street and Bellamah Avenue, with 140 market-rate apartments, co-working space and potential ground-floor commercial retail space for lease.
On an adjacent property, Sawmill plans to build an extended-stay hotel designed to accommodate visitors working in the film industry.
In each case, the developer would be responsible for paying back the bond debt, with revenue generated by the project. The county would not make a loan to the company or lend its credit.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
WHEN: 5 p.m. Oct. 22.
WHERE: Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers in BernalilloCounty@Alvarado Square, 415 Silver Ave SW.VIRTUAL: GOV-TV, on the county’s website or on Bernalillo County’s YouTube channel.