Las Cruces City Council and Dona Ana County Commissioners convened on Monday to hash out the ongoing issues with ambulance service provider American Medical Response (AMR) and to strategize the allocation of funds from the recent opioid settlement. During the work session, officials discussed the contractual obligations of AMR and their failing response times, which have previously been cause for concern. According to the City of Las Cruces, the penalty for AMR's late responses could amount to over $2 million in liquidated damages for the fiscal year.
Assistant county manager, Stephen Lopez informed the joint work session that Dona Ana County Fire Rescue was forced to transfer roughly 225 patients monthly in the last quarter of 2024 because AMR was unable to swiftly respond. Lopez highlighted the financial implications, noting that this inability made the county miss out on billing an annual average of $1.4 million. Brad Douglas, the city attorney, mentioned that the city's contract with AMR includes an emergency takeover clause, which could potentially be triggered if non-compliance persists for six months within 12 months. According to Douglas, "2,607 calls for service in Quarter 2 were considered late," and "AMR can still contest alleged late calls from the second and third quarters," as reported by the City of Las Cruces.
Regarding the opioid settlement, the body was updated on the distribution of funds following the 2021 nationwide opioids settlements against various pharmaceutical entities. Dona Ana County and the City of Las Cruces stand to receive approximately $14.5 million and $9.8 million, respectively. An advisory council recommended focusing on four key strategies for the utilization of the funds, inclusive of treatment, recovery services, prevention programs, and data collection. Officials are to deliberate on whether to establish a trust fund to manage and potentially grow the settlement proceeds.
Moreover, city councilors received a briefing on the Las Cruces Museums' Master Plan, which has shown significant development in the last four years. Visitor numbers have been on the rise, with over 125,000 individuals engaging with the museums in 2024. The plan focuses on improving the identity, stewardship, and functionality of the museums. Efforts have included amplified borderland issue exhibits, grants for outreach, and an initiative to diversify speakers to augment exhibits. Collaborations with New Mexico State University, NASA, and others have brought forth pertinent exhibits for the southern New Mexico community. All city council regular meetings and work sessions, including this joint session, can be viewed via the City's YouTube channel.
City Councilors are scheduled to meet next at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 17, for a regular meeting at Council Chambers, 700 N. Main St. Details of these meetings and further updates on both the ambulance service discussions and opioid settlement funds will continue to be monitored closely.
