The vote was unanimous after a short executive session at Wednesday's regular commission meeting.

The Assessor's Office values property for tax assessment in order to fund local government and the public school districts. The funding also benefits emergency services (sheriff, fire departments and ambulance), and special taxing districts (East Torrance, Claunch Pinto, Carrizozo and Edgewood Soil and Water Conservation Districts).

Cabber will officially take over Sept. 25.

"I appreciate your confidence, and I will work very hard," she said.

Shields made a brief statement.

"It has been my pleasure to work for the county," he replied to thanks from the commission.

Other commission actions

Rick Lopez, chairman of the Torrance County Republican Party made a presentation requesting commission meeting times be changed to the evening to accommodate residents who can't attend during the day. Lopez said he had been working with Martin Hibbs, former Democratic Party chair and Estancia mayor, on polling the public as to their wishes, and the majority preferred evening meetings.

Members of the audience, including Shields, said evening meetings rarely draw more than a few people, and, if an agenda item is important to an individual, they will be at the meeting.

Chairman Jim Frost said in the past they have accommodated hot-button issues with night meetings to fit more people's schedules and could continue to do so.

The commission took no formal action, but said they would consider the option. Commissioner Venessa Chavez-Gutierrez suggested the possibility of having one evening and one morning meeting each month.

The county's operating budget was approved by the state Department of Finance, according to County Manager Joy Ansley, who read the letter from DFA aloud for the record.

Public Health Nurse Audrey Rodriguez gave updates to the drive-through flu shots. H1N1 vaccinations are expected in New Mexico by mid-October, she said. Dates have been set for administration of shots on Oct. 30 in Estancia and Nov. 6 in Mountainair.

Sheriff Clarence Gibson gave updates on the status of the Sheriff's Department. He said six meth labs had been busted recently, including one fairly large bust in Moriarty last week. Two deputies will be attending Police Academy training in Santa Fe, he said, and the department is looking to purchase four-wheel-drive Ford trucks to save on maintenance and repair costs.