Otero County opens applications for new small business COVID-19 relief
LA Junta Tribune
Additional help is on the way for Otero County businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic, as a new avenue to request that help opened Monday.
Otero County Economic Development Coordinator Danelle Berg said at the board of county commissioners meeting that a new COVID-19 relief grant program s application period just opened and that she is taking calls.
The grant is for businesses making less than $2.5 million in revenue annually. The bill provides $37 million in direct aid grants and annual fee waivers to struggling businesses, and also creates a grant program and allocates funds specifically for arts and cultural organizations as well as minority owned businesses, Berg said.
New Otero County commissioners swore their oaths of office on Tuesday and incumbent officials renewed theirs.
Sixteenth Judicial District Chief Judge Mark MacDonnell performed the swearing-in ceremonies for Otero and Bent county officials while District Judge Michael Schiferl swore in Crowley County officials.
William Culver, who served as deputy district attorney under District Attorney James Bullock for approximately eight years, also swore his oath, succeeding Bullock as district attorney of the 16th Judicial District.
Incumbent Commissioner Jim Baldwin, who ran for reelection unopposed, renewed his oath. He represents District 3.
Commissioner Rob Oquist was elected to represent Otero County District 1. Oquist will fill the seat left by Commissioner Keith Goodwin, who began his first term in November 2008.