By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday April 30, 2024, for a budget hearing and a special meeting to go over a couple of proposals and the repeal of four of the dangerous buildings that were designated at an earlier date.
Commissioners along with City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci went over the budget for this year. Antonucci noted that this is a very rough draft and that she is still working with Department heads to finalize their spending requirements. Since many of the big construction projects have been completed this year, the city is still working on a list of projects that will provide more GRT income for the city.
The draft includes a 2% to 4% increase for salaries. Union talks are going on now for the Fire and EMS employees and Antonucci doesn’t have a final percentage there. Insurance premiums are going up, but final figures are still not finalized.
Antonucci recommended budgeting a 3% increase for GRT. GRT has stayed at about 5% this year, the 3% would give them some cushion. The small cities reimbursement was about $500,000 this year but it can vary so it is hard to budget for that income.
Commissioners heard about an MOU with Colfax County for an infant surrender device or a baby box. The device will be located at the Raton Fire Department. The city will provide power and an internet connection for a camera system in the box and the 24-hour alarm monitoring system.
Bixby Electric sent a proposal for installing a rental10 KW Regulator at Crews Field Airport for the lighting at the airport. The total cost of the project is $16,395.54 including GRT with rent for the regulator is $750 per month. Antonucci is expecting it to be in use for about four to five months. This regulator will fill in until the new electrical vault is fully installed and completed.
Fulcrum Contracting quoted $57,314.29 including GRT for work on the plumbing at the Shuler Theater. This needs to be completed as soon as possible since the city has a grant with the State of New Mexico that needs to be used this fiscal year.
Commissioners had previously approved assigning six properties in Raton as dangerous buildings. At this meeting four of those assignments of dangerous buildings are being requested to be rescinded. The properties are 1521 Cedar, 108 Pecos, 524 S 1st and 1133 Price Street. Steve Draper was on hand requesting that his property be taken off this designation. He is currently working on the property but has a very limited income. The car port that Draper has started is currently on city property according to a recent survey. The stuff on the south side of his property is also on city property and needs to be removed. Draper is also contesting the survey of the property. The commission voted to uphold the original resolution and this property will remain as a dangerous building.
Attorney Donald Gallegos was at the meeting to explain what the legal proceedings are to handle these designations. The property owner then has a right to appeal the designation. The city then can put a lean on the property or have a contractor remove the stuff that is causing the problem.
Brenda Abeyta was on the phone to request that her property be taken off the dangerous building designation at 108 Pecos. The main problem with the property is the debris or abandoned vehicles in the yard and those needing to be removed. The problem with the cars is that the owner is unknown and there is no title for the vehicle. Abeyta will now have about 20 days to start working on the appeal in court. Abeyta is having a problem finding an attorney. This ordinance is a tool to help the city and property owners to clean up their property. Commissioners upheld the resolution for this property.
Commissioners viewed pictures of the property at 524 South 1st Street. The property owner was not present to voice his appeal on the designation. Commissioners voted to uphold the current designation of a dangerous building.
Again, Mrs. Miller, the property owner for the property located at 1133 Price Street was not on hand to voice their appeal. Antonucci noted she has health issues and was unable to be at the meeting. Gallegos noted that Mrs. Miller has two more levels of appeal for this decision. Commissioners voted to uphold the designation of the property.
