IX. Summary

Building a specifically designed building for the needs of the 8^th Judicial Court or the County Administration would be very cost effective when compared to renovation ideas proposed in the past. If the County would consider other options, then the taxpayers and residents of Colfax County can ultimately get the best deal for their tax dollars.

Considering incremental solutions without incorporating them into the broader, long-term needs of the County can be more expensive, since problems raised by each increment have to be surmounted before proceeding to the next piece of the solution. Purchasing the Bank of America building can cost more than building a purpose-built judicial complex both in the short-term and long run.

If Colfax County had considered solutions like Chaves County Administrative Center in 2000, 2001 or 2003, instead of pushing an equally expensive renovation plan, the County’s needs would have been met for the next 50 years.

It has to be kept in mind that Colfax County is a small county, with a seemingly static population. The overall population of Colfax has not changed in the last three censuses, remaining around 14,000 residents for the last 30 years. Historical records show Raton and Colfax County spending money to encourage tourism and industry to relocate here as far back as 1912, when $800 was appropriated to encourage Texas Tourism.

Economic growth and new industry are just not finding their way to Colfax County. The few businesses that have come investigate the potential here have been turned away, turned off, or discouraged from locating here. That list of recent possibilities includes Flying J Truck Stops, Applebee’s Restaurant, Halliburton Oilfield industries, Cabela’s Sporting Goods, to name a few. If the purpose of Economic Development is to protect existing businesses from outside competition, then obviously no new companies or jobs will find a home here. With no new businesses there can be little possibility of increased sales, taxes, jobs or revenues to cover the ever-increasing costs of County government.

The County Administration needs to consider the taxpayers burden and cannot go carte blanche into the 21^st Century taxing and spending. There is an obligation to live within our means and obtain the best goods and services for the hard working residents of Colfax County.

Now is the time for Colfax County residents, taxpayers and voters to make known their wishes for responsible government and future needs. Any lavish spending for any government projects, be they City or County, will burden you and your children for decades to come. Excessive spending will also take priority over government services and when cash-strapped the governmental services will be curtailed to pay for long-term obligations incurred.

References:

Chaves County website:

http://www.co.chaves.nm.us/index.html

Chaves County Administrative Center details:

http://co.chaves.nm.us/admcntr.htm

Chaves County Architect website:

http://www.dcswarchitects.com/Portfolio/profiles/CCAC/CCAC.php

Chaves County Courthouse Renovation/Expansion Architect website:

http://www.dcswarchitects.com/Portfolio/profiles/CCCOURT/cccourt.php

Torrance County website:

http://www.torrancecountynm.org/

Eddy County website: