The Sandoval County Commission meeting on July 1, 2025, focused on urgent discussions regarding fire station facilities, particularly in the town of Cuba. The meeting revealed that Cuba was not included in last year's planning list for fire station development, raising questions about the need for immediate action.
Commission members discussed the necessity of prioritizing Cuba in the top five projects due to an unexpected situation involving the closure of Presbyterian Medical Services, which has implications for emergency response in the area. The commission acknowledged that they were not aware of this closure until recently, which has prompted a reevaluation of their emergency response capabilities.
The discussion highlighted the lack of existing fire station facilities in Cuba and the need for temporary solutions. While there are ideas for how to address this, funding for staffing remains a concern. The urgency of the situation was emphasized, with officials indicating that the timeline for building a new facility is critical.
Additionally, the meeting touched on the construction of a new substation in the Northern District, specifically near Ojo Encino, with a proposed budget of approximately $2.5 million. This substation is intended to enhance fire and rescue services in the region, although concerns were raised about the overall costs associated with building new facilities.
In conclusion, the commission's discussions underscore the pressing need for improved emergency response infrastructure in Sandoval County, particularly in light of recent developments affecting local healthcare services. The next steps will involve further planning and potential funding strategies to address these urgent needs.