By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners heard about the SkillSharp program, approve the final capital outlay priorities and deliberate on the change order for Stoven Construction work at the animal shelter for their first regular meeting on Tuesday evening November 10, 2026.
Patricia Duran presented a report on the SkillSharp & Hiset programs at the Center for Community Innovation. CCI hired Patrick Garza in July of 20206 to head the program. SkillSharp was set up to help individuals with resume building and interview etiquette for people in the job market. Duran noted that it appears the resume program has hit a lull in part because America’s Job Center is offering the same and our program is often a second or third choice.
The Hiset program is designed to help students with general learning skills and currently has six students enrolled in the program. One problem encountered is that Luna Community College is no longer doing in-person tutoring and the program has switched to IXL which has proven to be an excellent tool for tutoring. Garza is working with the high school to possibly provide Seniors as tutors.
ICC plans to keep the program going with a grant they received from the ProLiteracy Fund until May 2027 noted Duran. “The state is offering waivers for test fees and offering the program to be proctored online eliminating the needs and the need for a Hiset Administrator position.” According to Duran.
Duran noted that they are working with Raton High School on their dual credit courses through Santa Fe Community College to expand that to students who have already graduated to continue their higher education. She said they are also trying to funnel their Hiset students into the online courses that go to certifications and degree plans.
Commissioners heard from Neil Segotta about a change order for the work being done at the animal shelter. Scope of work to be done includes reconstruction of the north kennel trench drain, cleaning an existing drain, installation of lighting in the covered dog runs, painting of exposed brick walls and modifications to existing trench drain covers. The cost of the work on items one, three, four and five comes to $26,312.00 plus GRT, City Engineer Jaden Welch did not recommend the approval of item two work for $3645 noting that the cost is excessive and that city crews can complete the work at a substantially lower cost.
Commissioners approved the grant in aid for the library from the New Mexico State Library. The $10,532.02 grant will be used for library collections, staff salaries and professional development, library equipment and other expenditures for the library. The deadline for using the funds is June 30, 2027.
Commissioners acted on 2027 Legislative Capital Outlay priorities for the upcoming session in January. The top priority on the list is the drainage and storm drain improvements for $500,000, Public works equipment purchases for $600,000, Raton Police patrol car replacement for $523,457 and ADA Park improvements asking for $55,000. The city will also seek $2 million for the Kearny Film School through the Governor’s Capital Outlay funding.
Commissioners also approved the correction of a typo on Resolution 2026-58 budget adjustment #3 and then approved the 2027 Holiday schedule for 2027.
The downtown Wi-Fi project is ready for construction and will have an RFP ready soon. Met with the I-27 project group and they will have public information meetings on the project. City Hall door replacement is underway. Glass will be placed on the new counter tops for Raton Water and City Hall. The city got good news on the damaged ambulance indicating they will receive over $104,000 for repairs.
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