April 28, 2020 • Regional News
Doña Ana County Commission calls on state to reopen businesses
At its Tuesday meeting, the board of commissioners voted 4-1 to approve an amended resolution that calls for the reopening of nonessential businesses while emphasizing those businesses adhere to public health guidelines, such as physical distancing, wearing protective gear and extensive sanitization efforts.
District 3 Commissioner Shannon Reynolds voted no.
While the resolution passed, the commission doesn't have any authority to reopen nonessential businesses. That's still up to the state.
Some members of the small business community spoke out in favor of the resolution. Many showed up in person to deliver public comments, while an audience sat in chairs feet apart.
Some said small business owners were competent enough to adhere to health guidelines, as businesses deemed essential have done.
The resolution was brought by District 4 Commissioner Isabella Solis, who said she understood the health measures enacted by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham but sought a more concrete timeline for reopening businesses.
Chair Lynn Ellins of District 1 led a vote to amend the resolution, which also passed, that mentions the state should ensure it has adequate data, contact tracing and testing capacity before reopening businesses.
Currently, New Mexico's stay-at-home order, which closed nonessential businesses and limited gatherings to five people or less, will be in place until May 15. The governor has appointed an Economic Recovery Council to weigh how best to reopen the economy.
This story is developing and it will be updated.