Paul Bennett

The commission reviewed the preliminary municipal budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, focusing primarily on the general fund and options for achieving a balanced budget. Discussions covered the redirection of gross receipts tax revenue, the utilization of specific funds for public works projects including a desalination facility and lake rehabilitation, and the impact of employee salaries and benefits on general fund expenditures. Additionally, the commission addressed concerns regarding the economic impact of personnel departures from Holloman Air Force Base.

The City Commission meeting covered several business items, including the presentation of awards for service, a report from the Otero County Economic Development Council, and a request for support for a Habitat for Humanity project. The commission amended the convenience center fee structure, approved architectural design services for a natatorium, and discussed the procurement process for a 24-lane Family Fun Center. An ordinance for a loan agreement with the New Mexico Finance Authority was approved for publication. The commission also addressed sewer service line repairs at two private properties, granting a waiver for one and a payment plan for the other. Additionally, the commission reviewed a personnel manual amendment and a water bill abatement request for rental properties. Finally, a code of conduct complaint was reviewed, with no further action taken.

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.