The Grant County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 13 to move forward with planning for a new courthouse, contingent on securing external funding.

At a presentation of 50% design estimates, county planning staff said a renovation of the existing courthouse would have construction‑only costs of about $19.9 million and an all‑in budget (including architecture, furniture and equipment) of roughly $24.3 million. The architects estimated new construction at about $35.3 million construction‑only and approximately $39.7 million all‑in. Judges and county staff told the board security and operational needs favor a new judicial campus.

Chairman Ponce moved for the county to pursue the new‑construction option with the condition that the project proceed only if committed funding is secured; Commissioner Eloy Medina seconded the motion. Commissioners debated historic preservation and the risk of leaving the existing courthouse vacant, potential state matching dollars through the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), bonding options and alternatives such as gross receipts tax (GRT) or property‑tax‑backed bonds. The board directed staff to have the county's financial adviser present financing scenarios at the December meeting.

Judge representatives and county staff warned state matching funds are limited: commissioners were told the current statewide appropriation for courthouse projects is limited (approximately $20 million authorized for fiscal years 2027–2029) and that counties often must provide the '50% skin in the game' to access AOC matching funds. Several commissioners said making a public commitment helps the county argue for state support in Santa Fe.

The motion passed on roll call. Commissioners also discussed procedural next steps: refinement of budget and project prioritization, outreach to the county's legislative delegation, and a December presentation by financial adviser Mark Valenzuela on funding scenarios, including potential GEO bonds, voter‑backed debt or GRT‑linked approaches. The county manager and planning director will report back with additional estimates and a recommended path forward.