Eduardo Garza

The City Commission held a special meeting to discuss and act upon key financial resolutions. Discussions included the approval of the Department of Finance Authority quarterly report for the period ending June 30th, 2025, which involved reviewing cash balances across various funds and addressing negative cash balances in specific funds due to reimbursement timings and revenue shortfalls. The commission also considered and approved an amendment to the preliminary FY2025-2026 budget, incorporating carryover fund balances and adopting the final budget. This included revisions based on updated cash numbers, carryovers for incomplete capital projects and operating purchase orders, and the addition of funds for the dispatch center, offset by transfers from the cannabis fund. Additionally, the budget included funds procured from a loan for capital projects, such as the rehab of the reservoir.

The budget hearing workshop included a presentation of the preliminary fiscal year 2026 budget. The presentation covered the budget adoption timeline, an overview of all funds combined, and an overview of individual budgets. Key discussion points included revenue assumptions, such as gross receipts tax, property tax, franchise fees, charges for services, investment income, and grants. Expenditure categories, including salary and benefits, services, and capital outlay, were also reviewed. Transfers in from various funds were discussed to cover operational costs.

The meeting included an invocation and pledge, followed by congratulations to the mayor-elect. Public comments addressed concerns about crime and support for a local gymnastics program. The city manager provided updates on various projects, including fire station 2, duck pond, tanks, south reservoir, and fairgrounds, and noted a walkthrough of the golf course with a punch list of items needing completion. Discussions also involved a damaged fence at the golf course, the RFP for the 19th hole, waiving online fees for water bill payments, and potential resolutions related to utility shutoffs and disconnections. Recognition was given to the space hall for epilepsy awareness month, and concerns were raised about a speed bump and road conditions on 14th Street. The Air Force conveyed their excitement about developments in the city.

The meeting included an invocation and pledge, followed by a presentation from Alamagordo Main Street supporting the RAD retrocade project. The discussion emphasized the potential of RAD retrocade to revitalize the downtown area, create jobs, and provide entertainment options for various age groups, including families, teens, and airmen. Business owners and community members spoke in favor of the project, highlighting its potential to attract tourism, support local musicians and artists, and enhance the overall community spirit.

The meeting addressed incentives for builders in specific areas, particularly regarding narrow and deep lots. Discussions included the possibility of selling lots cheaply as affordable housing, splitting larger lots, and re-zoning options. The commission explored the potential of donating city-owned land for micro farms or community gardens, while also addressing the regulations surrounding foreclosed properties. Additionally, the commission discussed the possibility of partnering with nonprofits and investors to build affordable housing, and the requirements for accepting funds from the Sacramento Foundation.