Hurley leadership changes, winter housing funds, and regional health planning affect local services

A special meeting in Hurley on Jan. 9 resulted in a quick reshaping of local leadership and highlighted regional service developments that matter to residents across southern New Mexico. Judge George Moreno was sworn in by the Hurley Town Clerk and then administered oaths to the town's newly appointed leaders: Reynaldo Maynes was named and sworn in as mayor pro tem, and Robert Candelaria was selected to fill a vacant council seat. The Hurley Town Council will hold its next regular meeting on Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. at the Hurley Community Center, a key opportunity for public oversight and citizen engagement.

These municipal changes matter beyond Hurley because appointments change the balance of decision-making on budgets, local ordinances, and service priorities. Appointments often reduce the immediate role of voters until the next election cycle, making attendance at the Jan. 20 meeting important for residents who want to monitor policy direction and influence council votes on town services and contracts.

At the state level, the New Mexico Office of Housing distributed more than $820,000 to shelters and service providers statewide, including support directed to Deming. The funding is intended to bolster warming centers through the winter months by supplying cots, portable heating units, blankets, pillows, sleeping mats, and mattresses. Providers can also use funds for kitchen appliances, food storage improvements, winter clothing, hygiene supplies, and baby care products. For Hidalgo County residents, the infusion signals strengthened capacity in regional shelter networks during cold snaps and a greater likelihood that neighboring providers can accept or stabilize people seeking shelter.

Regional public health planning was also on display at a recent Grant County Commission work session. The Grant County Community Health Council presented a quarterly report detailing a new initiative at the local hospital and noted that two certifications were obtained to begin community training, including adult mental health first aid. Officials announced a three-day workshop to be held in Deming focused on regional behavioral health planning, prompted by state incentives. The workshop will emphasize a public health strategy to identify people with behavioral health and substance use disorders and connect them with appropriate support services. Hidalgo County leaders and service providers should track outcomes from that planning work, which could influence funding priorities and referral pathways across county lines.

On insurance, New Mexico’s Health Care Affordability Fund has been tapped to blunt premium increases for residents enrolled through BeWell after federal tax credits expired Dec. 31. State leaders authorized $17.3 million during a special session in October, adding to $21.5 million appropriated earlier, to reduce premiums and cost sharing through June 30. BeWell enrollees in Hidalgo County can find enrollment and plan details at bewellnm.com.

The takeaway? Pay attention to nearby town halls and county workshops, because leadership appointments, winter housing dollars, and regional health planning shape local service availability. If you care about shelter capacity, behavioral health access, or insurance costs, come to the Jan. 20 Hurley meeting, check with county human services about winter supports, and visit bewellnm.com to confirm your coverage options.