By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City commissioners began their regular meeting for April 28, 2026, with the presentation of four proclamations before beginning the business part of the meeting where they tackled event forms, MOU, and project recommendations.
Ken Ryan spoke about the Atterix MOU noting that he has question that he has presented to the commissioners. One of his big concerns is about environmental issues, including water and electricity. Bruce Daitz also spoke against the data center/node wondering why we need it and also the impact on water. Joel Swanson also spoke against the feasibility study on the data center.
Brian Cotter noted that there were 43 patients for the mammography clinic they held at MCMC and with those numbers in mind the hospital will look into bringing mammography back into the radiology unit.
Max Holland spoke against the hiring of Neil Segotta as city manager. He has spent his time and should not be hired as the city manager.
After approving minutes and certification of the last closed session commissioners approved the event form for the Independent Riders Run for the Wall event on May 16, 2026. An estimated 200-300 riders are expected to fuel up and ride through Raton.
Commissioners approved an MOU with the Raton Elks for the adult softball league that will utilize Bonahoom Park next to Longfellow School. Eric Ortega plans to start in June this year and go for 16 weeks of softball.
The Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board recommended that $7526.96 be given to Raton Mainstreet from the Annual Events Fund for the Santa Fe Trail Balloon rally to be held over the 4th of July weekend. They are hoping for at least 15 balloons this year and sponsorships will be $600 for a full sponsorship and $300 for half sponsorship.
Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Honeyfield asked about the status of the lodger’s tax funds. City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci noted that with the closure of one hotel the lodger’s tax funding will be tight for this upcoming year.
Commissioners approved $7096.23 for the Cinco De Mayo by the Nasty Whips Car Club. $500 will come from the print advertisement fund, $500 from the digital media fund and $6076 will come from the annual event fund.
Commissioners heard a proposal for the demolition of property at 220 North 4th Street. There were four bids for the project Desert Vaugh bid $55,400; Gonzales Construction bid $41,618.75; Magill Enterprises bid $38,000; Raton Property Maintenance bid $46,150. Magill Enterprises was chosen to do the project with the total cost including GRT of $41,138.15
The Raton Regional Aquatic Center is making repairs and will need to replace the sand filter in the water filtration system. The cost of the replacement will be $318,541 including $58,934 in add ons. With GRT the total cost of the project is $344,847.87. It was noted that a change order may be necessary because there may be a crack in the pool wall that cannot be estimated until the pool is drained and the crack can be fully explored.
Phil Long Ford provided a quote for F150 Crew Cab 4×4 pickup for the public works department. The purchase will be made on the state purchasing agreement for $51,936.
Commissioners heard from City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci about the FY26 budget adjustment #9. The adjustments include line-item adjustments for savings from unfilled job positions and other items to prepare for the end of the fiscal year.
Antonucci also provided the commissioners with the FY26 3rd Quarter financial report. The report includes a 6.31% GRT increase above what the city budgeted. The gas tax continues to be down and is about 3% down compared to last year.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a New Braun Ford F550 Type I ambulance utilizing the Houston Galveston Area Council contract. The cost of the new ambulance will be $549,810.00. $205,000 will come from the Department of Health grant funds and $40,000 will come from Colfax County. The balance of the funding, $304,810, will come from General Fund Reserves. Fire Chief Anthony Burk noted that the one good thing about this ambulance is that the box can be moved to a new vehicle chassis.
Commissioners discussed the design of the vinyl sign in Capulin with Lindmark Billboard. All the commissioners wanted a photo to go on the billboard rather than the graphic that was presented. The request for three new designs with photos was approved.
Deputy City Manager Jason Phillips noted in his report that construction is underway in several locations. The north underpass will be closed for about three weeks as the concrete work will get underway and painting will be done. Discussions with Picuris tribe are being scheduled as well as state parks about Sugarite Canyon State Park.
Commissioners voted to go into executive session to once again discuss the city manager’s position.
The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
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