REQUESTING THAT THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE STUDY AND REVIEW THE MANDATE THAT NEW MEXICO COUNTIES PROVIDE FOR EXPENSES OF CERTAIN STATE AGENCIES.

WHEREAS, New Mexico counties are mandated to provide for expenses of various state agencies, such as expenses for office space, utilities and some maintenance costs for district courts, district attorneys, juvenile probation and parole officers and the department of health; and

WHEREAS, without any assistance in funding from the state, a county is mandated to cover expenses and capital requirements for various state agencies out of the county's general fund, which decreases the county's ability to serve the needs of the citizens of that county; and

WHEREAS, county officials recognize the benefit to the citizens of New Mexico of having state services available locally; however, both the state and the counties would benefit more from having fully developed guidelines detailing the financial responsibilities of the state and the counties in a manner that best serves the needs of state agencies as well as recognizes the limitations on county revenues;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that a legislative finance committee study and review the mandate that New Mexico counties provide for expenses of certain state agencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee work with the New Mexico association of counties, district courts, district attorneys, juvenile probation, jails and parole officers and the administrative office of the courts to develop guidelines detailing the respective financial responsibilities of the counties and the state regarding the mandate of counties to provide maintenance expenses and adequate office space to certain state agencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chairman of the legislative finance committee and to the executive director of the New Mexico association of counties.