CLLA faces funding uncertainty, leadership changes at October meeting

The County Livestock Loss Authority (CLLA) met this month in Socorro at the County Annex I to review finances, discuss depredation claims and elect new leadership amid uncertainty over future federal funding.

CLLA Administrator Deb Mahler reported that from October 2024 through October 2025, the CLLA spent $1,192,885, leaving a balance of roughly $316,000. She noted the organization had exhausted its 2024 federal grant within three weeks and has not yet received word on a 2025 grant award.

“If we do not receive appropriations, we would deplete that fund source next year,” said Mahler, with board member Tom Paterson adding that the $316,000 would be depleted within the first six months of 2026.

Board member Nelson Shirley emphasized the remaining county funds were one-time COVID-era allocations, not recurring funds, and “should be treated as rainy-day money.”

The board approved indirect damages payments limited to $600,000 to be paid out this fall, with Board Vice-Chair Nelson Shirley recusing himself from the vote.

“This is a conservative number that we’re paying, but the legislature authorized us, through the good offices of two of the folks who are sitting here today, authorized us to pay monies for indirect damages,” Patterson said, referring to State Rep. Gail Armstrong and Senator Crystal Brantley who attended the meeting.

Paterson said even if the legislature comes through with the money they won’t receive it until July.

“There may be a lag for our producers, which, of course, we don’t want. We’re just going to be very thoughtful as we go forward. But I just don’t see we have a choice.” Paterson said.

Four claims were tabled to allow the board time to develop consistent policies and standards for payments on feed, dogie calves, vet bills, labor and regularly updated price values on horses for horse depredation payments.

“The board, I think, is going to have to decide on some standards for this, because historically, at least going back to before the CLLA with the Coexistence Council, people were paid veterinary bills, the cost of actual medicines, but not for feed and not for the labor to feed the animal,” Shirley said.

In leadership updates, former chair Audrey McQueen, a Catron County commissioner, resigned and was replaced by fellow commissioner Haydn Forward, who was elected chair. Paterson, who is also the president-elect of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, was elected vice chair. Nelson Shirley also resigned from the board but will continue to serve in an ex-officio, non-voting capacity alongside McQueen.

The board appointed Sisto Hernandez, former chairman of the Coexistence Council, as non-government organization representative after a failed nomination for Anita Hand. Jim Paxton voiced concern that Hernandez, a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Arizona, is not a New Mexico resident while Paterson said historically that has not been a requirement.

“He knows the issues, he knows the people and he’s a Native American who can get us into doors that we need for other purposes, to try to deal with management and otherwise, and that’s invaluable,” said Paterson.

A special meeting will be scheduled to finalize compensation standards. The next regular meeting is set for Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Sierra County Government Building in Truth or Consequences.

Editor’s note: Jessica Carranza Pino contributed to this article.