After retiring in October from a long career in Nogales city government, Carmen Fuentes was looking forward to having more free time to spend with her children and grandchildren.
Her break didn’t last long, however. Patagonia’s town attorney, Michael Massee, who had worked with Fuentes in Nogales, was working on a project to review and update town codes. He recruited Fuentes to help in a contract position. When the Town Council approved a new position of deputy town manager in November, Massee encouraged Fuentes to apply.
With her broad range of experience in Nogales, and her sincere desire to serve the community, Fuentes got the job in Patagonia. She started on Feb. 13.
Fuentes began her civic career in 1998 as a permit technician in the Nogales Planning Department. She eventually became a building inspector and spent more than nine years in that department.
Fuentes’ viewpoint on city government expanded in 2008 when she joined the City Attorney’s Office, where she worked for 12 years. Fuentes worked on case management for a variety of actions involving 13 city departments.
“That was a big eye opener for me,” Fuentes recalled. She gained detailed insights about how policies, ordinances, decisions and record-keeping affect a wide range of departmental operations and outcomes.
In addition, staff from the City Attorney’s Office often filled in as interims when other departments had vacancies. That’s how Fuentes gained experience in the Nogales Housing Authority, dealing with housing policies and public housing programs.
Fuentes also filled temporary roles in the Human Resources Department, which she was already quite familiar with, having worked on the Employee Benefits Trust in her City Attorney’s Office position.
That ultimately led to Fuentes’ third major role in Nogales: Human Resources director for her last seven years with the city.
Beyond her official positions, Fuentes participated in other ways. “I was part of many groups and committees – not formal, but informal, within the city.”
“I am a certified municipal clerk as well,” Fuentes added. “I helped out the clerk when she wasn’t there for council meetings, and things like that.”
What has it been like to shift from full departments in a small city to the small staff of an entire town?
During her interview for the deputy manager job, she said, she explained that she understood how most of the departments work, but lacked experience from a city manager’s perspective.
“I said, if they’re up for the challenge, I’m up for the challenge!”
“What pulled me in even more was the service,” Fuentes continued. “I guess I’m just connected that way. I’m here to serve and help – that’s what I’m here for.”
For Fuentes, who grew up in Nogales, Patagonia had always been part of her life through events like the Fourth of July and spending time at the lake. But when she first started this job, she knew that she was the newcomer, the outsider. Her biggest concern wasn’t the work itself; it was wondering about being accepted by other town employees, and by the community overall.
To Fuentes’ surprise and relief, she has received full acceptance all around. “I’ve had a very good experience in that. Things have been going very well,” she said.
Fuentes has made a point to get out and meet people, too, such as by visiting the Senior Center, the library, and the restaurants and businesses in town. “During my lunch hour, I’ll have my lunch and go for a walk. I’ve been stopped (for conversation) twice, which I like, so I make myself available,” she said.
Looking ahead, Fuentes is focusing on both big projects and small details. She is eager to dive into the new initiatives that are part of the Early Action Community Investment Agreement that was recently signed with South32. “I’m so excited to be part of that,” Fuentes said. “That’s our main focus right now, for example, the daycare center – all these new projects that we’re hopefully starting in a short period.”
In addition, Fuentes works on streamlining the town’s administrative functions by updating documents and processes, and continues the code review project with Massee. “I love anything to do with policies and compliance,” Fuentes said. “That’s what my in-depth work has been in, ever since [my time in] planning and zoning, all the way to HR.”
Town Manager Ron Robinson said, “I really appreciate the skill set Carmen learned working in the City Attorney’s office. She knows how to create the format for Resolutions and Ordinances along with some court documentation she has recently done.”
As she contemplates the array of town projects, Fuentes is aware of the balancing act around changes and improvements. “We’re trying to make changes that make the town better,” she said.
Fuentes noted that, on one hand, citizens generally don’t want the town to grow. On the other hand, she said this year’s tourism and visitor activity was the “lowest in the last few years,” which affects town revenue, job opportunities, and overall vitality. “We respect that [people don’t want growth],” she assured. “But what can we do so that we don’t go [backwards] into the hole?”
“So along that line,” Fuentes continued, “one of my responsibilities is being part of a community specialist working group, working with the tourism association to reopen the Welcome Center and promote the town, and things like that. We’re hoping to kick that off in July.”
When asked what has been a pleasant surprise working in Patagonia, Fuentes said, “The people — how welcoming they are. It’s a small town, and it’s very family oriented. Everybody sees somebody walking and says Hi. I have a big family, and I come from a big family. So for me, it feels like home.”
Town Manager Robinson is quite enthused about having Fuentes on board. “One of the biggest benefits is that when I take time off, there is a manager still on duty to answer questions. This creates excellent continuity when managing the Town,” Robinson said. “And she’s a great person!”
As Fuentes continues to learn about the town and its opportunities, challenges, and particular ways of working, she will keep her focus on service. “I guess it’s in me just to be here and offer myself to whomever I can help. I feel lucky to be here.”