Council Approves Amended Budget Guidance for FY 2015
Members of the Los Alamos County Council work through budget shortfall issues for FY 2015. County Attorney Becky Ehler listens at right. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Staff Report
The Los Alamos County Council voted 6-1, with Councilor Pete Sheehey voting no, to approve the Budget Guidance for FY 2015 as amended below:
The Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) revenue for fiscal year (FY) 2014, and for future years, is projected to be lower than in previous years. Since this is the primary funding source for most general governmental operations and capital projects, some changes must be made in Read More
Council Briefed on 4th Quarter and FY 2015 Budget
Deputy County Administrator Steven Lynne briefs Council and provides background financial information to the Council on the FY 2014 first quarter budget review and FY 2015 budget. Together with County Administrator Harry Burgess, Lynne asks Council to discuss and provide FY 2015 budget development guidance to staff. Lynne explained that there is a significant reduction in Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) revenue projected. The projection is about $2 million less GRT. This will require substantial changes to the FY 2015 budget in order to address projected shortfalls. Changes also are Read More
Council Recognizes Chamber’s 50 Years; Los Alamos Daily Post ‘Small Business of the Year’
Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce Manager Katy Korkos addresses the Council this evening about the Chamber’s 50th anniversary and the importance of business to the community, encouraging everyone to shop local on Small Business Saturday Nov. 30. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Councilor Rick Reiss, on behalf of the Los Alamos County Council, presents a proclamation honoring the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce for 50 years of service to the business community to Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce Manager Katy Korkos at tonight’s Council meeting in Council Chambers. Photo Read More
ALERT: Motorists Urged to Use Truck Route Today!
COUNTY News Alert:
Trinity Drive between Knecht and DP Road will not be open today at 3 p.m. as was stated in an earlier press release.
The road was closed early this morning to tie-in a high pressure gas line near the Del Norte Credit Union. According to County officials, this work has taken longer than expected.
Commuters leaving Los Alamos are strongly encouraged to use East Jemez Road (Truck Route)!
Los Alamos County Ice Rink Presents Skate with Santa and Elves Dec. 14-15
Images courtesy of R. Cowdry
COUNTY News:
Santa Clause is coming to the ice rink and taking time during his busy holiday schedule to bring his elves to help him greet boys and girls and hand out candy canes. Santa and his elves will 
pose for pictures on and off the ice.
Come visit Santa and his elves 4-6 p.m., Saturday Dec. 14 and 3-5 p.m. Sunday Dec. 15. Admission for the event is $6.50 at the door, $2.50 for children under 5. Admission includes skate rental. Passes will not be accepted for this special event.
For more information about “Skate with Santa and his Elves,” visit https:////www.losalamosnm.us/rec/rink Read More
Utilities’ Charter Review Recommendations Go Before Council Dec. 3
COUNTY News:
The portion of the Los Alamos County Charter related to the Department of Public Utilities’ functions, roles and responsibilities will be the main topic of discussion at the Tuesday, Dec. 3 Council meeting at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1000 Central Ave.
The Council’s appointed Charter Review Committee gave Council its recommendations on this part of the Charter earlier this fall and the Board of Public Utilities recently discussed its recommendations.
At the Dec. 3 meeting, the Council may consider all input and make a decision about proceeding with an election to make changes Read More
Los Alamos Police Blotter: Nov. 14 to Nov. 20, 2013
The following information is provided by the Los Alamos Police Department.
Neither arrests nor charges indicate a conviction, and neither means that a person is guilty of the charges filed against them.
DANIEL YAMADA
Nov. 14 at 12:01 p.m. / Police arrested Daniel Yamada, 31, of Los Alamos at 118 Central Park Square and charged him with child abuse.
Nov. 15 at 3:10 p.m. / A Los Alamos woman, age unknown, reported that someone damaged her property on 45th Street. The estimated loss is less than $1,000.
AARON EVEN
Nov. 15 at 4:41 p.m. / Police arrested Aaron Even, 25, of Los Alamos at 2500 Trinity Read More
County Council Work Session Targets Economic Development Planning and Budgeting
The Los Alamos County Council met for an Economic Development Planning and Budgeting work session at noon Friday at the White Rock Fire Station. The session allowed council to review, discuss, and provide input on the priority recommendations of staff to most effectively utilize the Economic Development Fund. From left, Councilors Fran Berting, Steven Girrens, Rick Reiss, Kirstin Henderson, Vice Chair David Izraelevitz, Chair Geoff Rodgers and Councilor Pete Sheehey. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
County staff gave a presentation on Economic Development Division goals and Read More
Schools, LANL, County on Regular Hours Today
Staff Report
Los Alamos Public Schools, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Los Alamos County are operating as usual today with no delays announced.
LAPS makes the decision to close school or delay the start of school, by 5:30 a.m. in order to notify bus drivers, school employees, and parents in a timely manner. Such announcements are made via the media of television, radio and websites.
LANL’s update information hotline indicates the Laboratory is on a normal operating schedule today.
Los Alamos County also is on a normal operating schedule today.
The following County facilities will Read More
Trinity Between Knecht and DP Road Closed Nov. 26
COUNTY News:
Trinity Drive will be closed between Knecht and DP Road from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26. This closure is required to safely tie-in a high pressure gas line near Del Norte Credit Union.
This work may be delayed due to weather conditions.
DP Road and Knecht Street will remain open, with detours to Central Avenue posted. No gas outages are anticipated.
The County thanks motorists in advance for their cooperation and patience. Direct questions about this road closure to the County Public Works Department at 505.662.8150. Read More
County Seeks Public Opinion of Council Goals
COUNTY News:
What do you think of the updates made Nov. 16 by the Los Alamos County Council regarding its 2011 Strategic Plan with goals and focus areas?
Los Alamos County has opened public comment on its “Open Forum” webpage regarding the Council’s proposed “2014 Updated Strategic Plan” after the Councilors met Nov. 16 in a four-hour work session to review and discuss its goals, which are part of the County’s long-range (20 year) planning process.
Link hereto share your opinion on the Open Forum now. Public comment on the strategic plan will remain open until 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 16. Citizens Read More
Police Chief Dino Sgambellone’s ‘Welcome’ Reception Set for Dec. 9
Chief Dino Sgambellone
COUNTY News:
The public is invited to a reception Monday, Dec. 9 to welcome new Los Alamos County Police Chief Dino Sgambellone to the community.
The reception is 4-6 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave. Refreshments will be served. Read More
DPU Conducting Phone Survey on Gas Safety
DPU News:
Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities’ customers may receive an automated phone survey on natural gas safety in the next day or so.
The calls will be launched from the Texas area and will have a (210) area code. Survey duration is approximately five minutes long and assesses customers’ knowledge of gas safety issues.
“Natural gas is safe, clean and efficient. But like other forms of energy, it is important to respect its potential dangers,” Public Relations Manager Julie Williams-Hill said. “Our job is to communicate natural gas safety. I hope that our customers will Read More
Governor Appoints Los Alamos Housing Manager Paul Andrus to Regional Board
Paul Andrus
STATE News:
Gov. Susana Martinez has appointed Paul Andrus of Los Alamos to the Northern Regional Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Andrus has more than 20 years of experience in community development and affordable housing. He serves as Los Alamos County’s manager of Housing and Special Projects in the Community and Economic Development Department.
Andrus was hired for the post one year ago, replacing former manager Steve Brugger who took a position with the County of Santa Fe.
Andrus is from Aurora, Colo., has a wife, children and three schnauzers. He and Read More
County Seeks Public Comment on 2014 Updated Strategic Plan
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County has opened public comment on its “Open Forum” webpage regarding the Council’s proposed “2014 Updated Strategic Plan” after the Councilors met last Saturday in a four-hour work session to review and discuss their goals, which are part of the County’s long-range (20 year) planning process.
“Open Forum” can be accessed through the County’s home page at https:////www.losalamosnm.us/. Public comment on the strategic plan will remain open until 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 16. Citizens are encouraged to review the updated plan and offer public comments on the forum for Read More
Winterfest 2013 Celebrates the Season
Light Parade 2012. Photo by Salvador Zapien/ladailypost.comThe Affordable Art Sale at the Fuller Lodge Art Center takes place Nov. 22–Jan. 4. This is a great opportunity to start holiday shopping, with art created by local and regional artists and affordably priced at $250 and under. Call 505.662.1735 Read More
Letter to the Editor: A Serious Charter Issue Regarding Utilities
A Serious Charter Issue Regarding UtilitiesA fundamental question in the Los Alamos charter regarding utilities pertains to the issue of who is in charge in the event that the County Council and the Board of Public Utilities arrive at a policy or management impasse.
At present the BPU has authority over the County’s Utilities Department while the Council has the legal responsibility for all county operations including utilities and is answerable to the voters. Clearly authority and responsibility should be joined or there is no accountability. There are Read More
No Trash or Recycling Collection; Eco Station Closed Thanksgiving and Day After
COUNTY News:
In observance of Thanksgiving, the Los Alamos County Eco Station will be closed and there will be no trash or recycling collection Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29.
If your normal collection day is Thursday or Friday, please place roll carts out by 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 for collection. Read More
Is This Your Cat? Found Near 48th & Trinity
SHELTER News:
This cat with distinctive smoky tabby coloring was found roaming near 48th Street and Trinity Drive.
She is friendly and being cared for at the Los Alamos Animal Shelter, which is open noon to 6 p.m., weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends.
Call the shelter at 505.662.8179. Read More
Highlights From November County Administrator’s Report to Council
County News:
County Administrator Harry Burgess included the following project highlights in his November report to Council:
- Golf Course Community Building: Good progress, with anticipated completion date January/February 2014.
- Teen Center: RFP for design services should be advertised this month, and could begin latter part of 2014. Several stakeholders meetings will occur during design process.
- Nature Center: Council approved contract with design-build contractor.
- Fuller Lodge Phase I: Most work is done. New fire suppression was tested and reached test point in
