The Las Cruces City Council has unanimously adopted a Resolution approving a contract for police auditor services to OIR Group, a limited liability company in Playa Del Rey, California.
The contract, approved during City Council’s Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 meeting, is for an initial term of one year, with an option to renew as many as four additional one-year terms. The contract will not be for more than $75,000 annually.
The City wants an auditing firm with extensive knowledge of police operations, procedures, and performance standards, experience conducting statistical analysis and auditing of internal investigations, along with the capability to present results and findings in a clear and concise manner to a non-police audience, including members of City Council and the public.
The contract with OIR will enhance police accountability by making periodic public reports based on monitoring and auditing activities. OIR will be required to provide semi-annual presentations to City Council outlining its findings and other relevant information.
City Council rejected an amended Resolution opposing New Mexico Senate Bill 227, after removing State House Bill 4 from the original Resolution. Senate Bill 227 is pending consideration before the New Mexico Legislature.
Senate Bill 227 would heavily regulate law enforcement regarding the use of force. The use of force could be regulated to such an extent that it is anticipated it will significantly increase litigation. The Senate bill could divert valuable City resources requiring the City to shift significant taxpayer dollars from other programs and services to cover potential liability.
Additionally, the Council voted to approve the following agenda items:
A Resolution declaring the City’s intent to issue taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds not to exceed $13,500,000 for the purpose of inducing Saputo Cheese USA, Inc., to expand its operations, by purchasing additional equipment, at the City’s West Mesa Industrial Park. Saputo Cheese purchased F&A Dairy in 2018.
A Resolution approving a contract for the Comprehensive Land Development Code Amendment with Freese and Nichols, Inc. The contract will be for an initial one-year term, with a renewable term for an added year. The contract will not exceed $600,000.
A Resolution supporting proposed state legislation that, if passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, would require New Mexico businesses to offer paid sick leave for all employees.
City Council indefinitely tabled a Resolution that would have proposed its support of deployment of zero emissions and low-emission City fleet vehicles as part of the City’s adopted Climate Action Plan. The Resolution was tabled after several amendments were proposed. The Resolution will be rewritten and submitted again to City Council at a later date.