The Taos Municipal Schools board approved a $40,312.87 contract on Oct. 9 with San Juan Wildlife and Fencing Services to reduce prairie dog populations at several district properties.

"We finally got the quote to you all to see if we can do business with San Juan," said facilities director Mister Herrera, who presented the item. Herrera said the vendor was recommended by the Town of Taos and is licensed to perform the work in New Mexico. He told the board the company estimates an 85 percent reduction because animals may retreat to adjacent properties during the operation.

Herrera said the district solicited other vendors in New Mexico and Colorado; three did not respond and one declined because it lacked the required New Mexico licensing. Board members discussed coordination with the town and county and with private landowners; Herrera said most affected school sites border private property and that prior outreach to town and county officials had occurred but private-owner cooperation would also be needed.

Board members moved and seconded approval and called the roll. The board voted unanimously to approve the San Juan Wildlife quote, with members voting yes: Board member Concha, Board member King, Secretary Trujillo, Vice President Sprague and President Flores.

The contract covers prairie dog control at multiple district sites identified in the procurement documents; the district packet listed other vendors contacted and noted travel and licensing constraints that limited competition. Herrera and board members said the district will continue to coordinate with town and county officials and nearby property owners as work proceeds.