By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos County Council made significant investments in its County employees during Tuesday night’s meeting.

Council unanimously approved increases in wages as well as the County’s contributions to Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico (PERA) for union and non-union County employees.

The raises were supported by all on council, which, as Council Chair Randall Ryti said, “I think this will be key in retaining and employing employees.”

Councilor Sara Scott added that increases in wages as well as the County’s contributions to PERA is a significant investment but one that the County can afford, at least in the short term.

“As we look at budget going out … we can afford it … and I think we should do it,” she said. “It addresses both the needs of the folks working in these jobs, retaining employees (and) the quality of service … that’s a priority of the community.”

Councilor Denise Derkacs pointed out it is an investment in the most important part of the County organization – the employees.

“I certainly support this,” she said.

County Manager Steven Lynne agreed.

“It’s our employees that get things done and they are our most important asset by far,” he said.

This was not the only investment Council made Tuesday night. It also unanimously approved funding requests for Rio Arriba County and the City of Española. The requests totaled almost $3 million and will be allocated through the Progress through Partnering Initiative.

Rio Arriba County Manager Lucia Sanchez and Deputy County Manager Matthew Casados requested funds for two projects: $800,000 for regional solid waste support and $1.5 million for a nursing home and medical rehabilitation center.

Española Mayor John Ramon Vigil presented a request for $600,000, which will go toward design and engineering plans for a cultural heritage museum and convention center as well as improvements to the historic Bond House.

Finally, council approved an amendment to the contract with iConsult LLC, which was hired to address improvements to the Los Alamos County Golf Course. The amendment is for an additional $16,630 for phase two design services.