Dona Ana County Commissioners appoint interim county manager

Dona Ana County Commissioners hired a temporary replacement a week after abruptly firing County Manager Julia Brown.

Tuesday, commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Chuck McMahon as interim county manager for the next year while they work to find a permanent replacement.

“I’m interested in this county. I’ve been here for 17 years. I’m very committed to the county,” said McMahon.

“McMahon has been loyal to the county moving us forward,” said District 3 Commissioner Ben Rawson.

While commissioners still haven’t explained why they fired Brown, or what their relationship with her was like, Commissioner Isabella Solis said McMahon will hopefully take the county in a different direction.

“One of the things I would like to see happen is to bring some sort of unification with the body of the commissioners and build trust,” Solis said.

McMahon signed a one year contract and will make roughly $144,000.

Commissioners will discuss there search for a permanent replacement during next week’s meeting.