Title
Discussion and Possible Action on Judge Perry Klare’s Petition to the County Council Seeking Immediate Enrollment in the State of New Mexico’s Employee Benefits Plan as well as an Increase in Judge Klare’s Salary during His Current Term of Office
Recommended Action
I move that Council take no immediate action on the petition; that the request in the petition be considered when Council discusses compensation for all elected officials; and that the discussion regarding all elected officials’ compensation be placed on the agenda for the ______________________ Council meeting.
OR
I move that Council direct the County Manager to return to Council with an ordinance as soon as possible adding County health insurance eligibility for elected officials not currently eligible with the elected official responsible for 100 percent of the premiums and return to Council for a discussion regarding all elected officials' compensation at the September 16, 2025 meeting.
Background
On July 15, 2025 Judge Klare submitted a petition to the County Council, included as Attachment A, seeking (1) to have the County Council pass a motion directing the County Manager to immediately enroll Judge Klare in the State of New Mexico’s employee benefits plan per the eligibility rules for elected officials, and (2) to introduce and pass a resolution at the next feasible Council meeting to adjust the annual salary for the Office of the Probate Judge to a fair and equitable level that is commensurate with its judicial responsibilities and within the cap already authorized by New Mexico State law, aligning with the broader state-level discussions on local control over elected official compensation.
Upon receipt of the petition the County Manager requested that the Human Resources Division investigate, with the assistance of the County Attorney’s Office, the requests made by Judge Klare in his petition. On July 18, 2025, County staff attempted to meet Judge Klare about the finding from t...
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