What to expect: New county manager selection, State of the County Address on commission agenda

Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday are expected to name the next county manager.

The commission is to select from three finalists at its regular meeting and begin the process of negotiating an employment agreement. The hire is contingent on the chosen candidate passing a background check and coming to contract terms with the commission.

According to the agenda, commissioners may also approve the appointment of an interim manager, who would serve between Friday — the last day of work for retiring County Manager Julie Morgas Baca — and when the new manager begins work.

Before the regular meeting, commissioners will discuss the finalists in a closed session.

The finalists

The candidates are: 

• Marcos Gonzales, Bernalillo County’s executive development officer. He has worked in economic development since 2008 and been with the department since 2012. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

• Cindy Chavez, a supervisor in Santa Clara County, California, and Chair of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s board of directors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from San José State University.

• Joseph Lessard, most recently city manager of Ashland, Oregon. He was previously a senior planning director at Texas firm Knudson LP and assistant city manager of Austin, Texas. Lessard holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and political science from Washington State University and a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University Bloomington.

The candidates introduced themselves to the community at a June 18 public forum and answered commissioners’ questions.

Also at the regular meeting, Morgas Baca will present the State of the County Address. Commissioners will then recognize her for her service.

Consent agenda items include:

• Adoption of an ordinance establishing the Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Authority Division.
• Approval of $3.66 million in spending for replacement of vehicles and heavy equipment. 
• Acceptance of a $750,000 grant from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) for hiring at the sheriff’s office.
• Acceptance of a $550,000 DPS grant for combating gun violence.