Santa Fe County has been working for months on an ordinance that will govern oil and gas drilling in the county. Residents have expressed frustration about a lack of public input on the new ordinance. The ordinance is almost done, and the public's chance to comment on it is approaching.

The following are important dates related to the progression of the ordinance through the county system:

Nov. 27: Draft version of the ordinance completed. The county will post the draft ordinance on its Web site (www.santafe county.org) and publish title and general summary of the ordinance.

Dec. 6: Rep. Rhonda King, D-Stanley, and Santa Fe County Commissioner Mike Anaya will host a public meeting to hear comment on the ordinance. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Turquoise Trail Elementary School.

Dec. 21: Written comments on the ordinance are due.

Early January: Santa Fe County will conduct a special meeting and public hearing to discuss the ordinance. Date to be announced.

Jan. 29: The ordinance will be considered for adoption during a regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.