By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton city commission met Tuesday evening for a budget public hearing before their regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. with the aquatic center being a big part of the discussion during both meetings and especially during City Manager Butch McGowen’s report in the regular meeting.
Commissioners heard from McGowen during the budget meeting that there wasn’t going to be much money left over after salaries, benefits and operating expenses. He noted they are looking at a $50,000 increase in the general fund based in part on a hopeful 3% increase in gross receipts taxes. They have budgeted a 15% increase in health insurance costs due to Obama Care.
The city is still trying to work with the county, RPS and the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District for a fiscal agent for grants. He also mentioned that if the $6 fee had been passed we wouldn’t be here having this discussion and the discussion about the aquatic center. The total cost of the aquatic center for the first nine months of the year came to $201,766. There will be a shortfall to cover the debt service on the aquatic center.
Another thing the commission should be looking at is the 3/12 budget reserve and building it up, yet that could be more difficult. McGowen noted the GRT is down over $600,000 since the 2006-2007 fiscal year. He has said many times and continues to do so “the commission has some hard decisions to make.”
As the regular meeting got underway Dan Campbell noted in the water board report that Lake Maloya is only 2 ½ feet below the spillway and is continuing to rise. He notes that this is due to water conservation measures and a decrease in population resulting in less water usage despite the fact the city is using water from Lake Maloya.
The commission approved the third quarter financials and budget adjustment eight for fiscal year 2014.
Jill Shaw with Heinfeld Meech & Company PC presented a short review of the city audit noting that the audit also included a look at some of the federal grants and more specifically at the airport construction grant. It was noted that the capital assets inventory was the holdup for not getting the audit in on time to the state. The audit was approved and accepted.
Kathy Harris, William Clark, and Butch McGowen were appointed to the Financial Advisory Board and Chris Candelario was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Advisory board.
McGowen reported that the city should see a signed agreement concerning the EL Portal and have that ready for the next meeting in May.
He noted that the city will look at restructuring the aquatic center debt but is doubtful that will be an option. The other option could include enacting the ¼% tax to help payoff the debt service on the aquatic center. It is an option that will effect the residents but one that the will have to get behind if they want to keep the aquatic center open. Marketing the center to outside areas and travellers was brought up and McGowen promised the commission to do a better job doing that to get more people to enjoy the facility. Some of the spectators spoke in favor of the center and keeping it open at all costs.
McGowen noted there will be a fireworks restriction put in place in the near future. A special meeting has been called for April 28 at 10:30 a.m. to handle a couple of matters that came up to late for this meeting and possible city manager interviews.
The commission will meet for a special meeting on May 6 at 6:00 p.m. for a budget workshop and approval of an audit firm recommendation. They will meet again for a regular meeting on May 13, at 6:00 p.m.
