Los Alamos County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Los Alamos County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
North Mesa Recreation Area
Council moved an extra $1 million from a contingency into the North Mesa bike park phase one on top of $500K in the FY 27 budget, to speed progress. Councilor Cull voted against it, worried about dedicating money before design is done.
Fire Station #4 Art Project
The county has $20,000 set aside for art at the new fire station, but a bigger commissioned piece could be done by pooling funds with the state — costing the county at least $80,000 and taking two to three years. The board wants a month to think before recommending anything to Council.
Piñon Pool reopening under county operation
The county leased the Piñon Pool property for a nominal $1 and spent months cleaning, repairing and inspecting it. It reopens May 23 with daily hours, but repairs come at county expense since the lease is essentially free.
Olympic Pool Mechanical System Improvements
The aquatic center's 38-year-old Olympic Pool pumps are being replaced with a redundant pump-and-filter setup so one failure won't shut down the pool. Work happens during the current closure, with swimmers expected back by November.
Walkup Aquatic Center Closure and East Park Pool Partnership
The Aquatic Center's $3.3 million rehab hit a pump manufacturing delay, keeping the pool closed into January 2027. Twelve residents urged the county to help keep East Park Pool open with lifeguards or support, but staff said procurement rules, staffing shortages, and lifeguards' unwillingness to work outdoors block a quick deal; an Española MOU is being finalized.
Library Annual Report
Circulation of physical items is declining while digital use and adult programming grow, and staff say they can't add programs without more resources. The data will feed the library's strategic plan.