By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners gathered at Raton City Hall for their second regular meeting of the month to discuss quotes for playground equipment and discuss a proposal on a citywide Wifi design service.
During the public comment period several local residents spoke in protest to a data center coming to Raton based on the MOU from the February 10, city commission meeting. The MOU is only for a feasibility study and a request not to divulge any proprietary information that is shared with the city by Atterix during the study period of six months. The city has not in any way approved the construction of a data center or hub or node at this time.
A discussion on the American with Disabilities Act transition plan followed with commissioners hearing the scope of the plan. The plan will provide a framework for achieving equal access to the City of Raton’s services, programs and activities. The City of Raton is committed to being ADA compliant. Patrick Minioer worked on the plan with Dave Little that was presented Tuesday night. The plan will help the city with grant funding and the final plan was also forwarded to NMDOT as streets, sidewalks and curbs will be worked for better access. The full plan will be brought to the commission at the next meeting for final approval.
Commissioners approved the Solano’s Boot and & Western Wear 70th year in business celebration to be held on September 19th, 2026, at the store and will block off Park Ave from Second Street to the alley. Sandy Solano indicated that they are planning on food and dance for the celebration.
Baca Valley presented a proposal for design services for a citywide Wifi project. The project is primarily geared for the downtown area more specifically on First Street from Rio Grande to Savage Ave and Ripley Park along with coverage surrounding the Raton Aquatic Center. The cost of the proposal is $26,500.
Donna Klassen was appointed to the financial advisory committee she brings over 30 years of experience in finance to the committee.
Commissioners discussed the Lindmark billboard in Capulin which is up for renewal. The cost of the billboard is $23,868 a year. Commissioners approved the renewal with the addition of local events being placed on the billboard.
The discussion about bear proof dumpsters came up as the city looks to replace some of the current dumpsters that are showing signs of rusting out on the bottom. The discussion considered a government-to-government proposal from the Colorado Corrections Industries for replacement and repair components for existing dumpsters. The cost of the proposal is $43,475, which will include 25 dumpsters and parts. The city is seeing considerable rusting on the bottom of several dumpsters in town and will need the bottoms repaired or replaced.
Commissioners discussed four contracts for playground equipment at Roundhouse Park because of a recent recreation grant that the city received. The grant must be expended by the end of June 2026 when it will expire. At Roundhouse Park the plan is to place exercise equipment around the walking trail and playground equipment will be placed near the aquatic center itself. The commission decided to save some money and have the exercise equipment installed without shade. Jason Phillips noted that the playground equipment and exercise equipment with installation will expend $355,969 of the $1million grant. Phillips noted that the estimate for the repair on the trails is slightly above budgeted and he is working on ways to remedy that issue.
The city will be asking for a grant extension for the grant on the small bridge project on Railroad Ave and for work on the north underpass. Both Grants will expire on June 30, 2026, creating a need to extend the grant due to construction and weather delays.
City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci presented the January 2026 financial report which includes a continued uptick in GRT which is 7.2% above budget but slightly lower than last February. The city received the small cities tax which was $651,310 which is slightly above what the city budgeted. GRT tax will increase to 8.6750% on July 1, 2026, as a result of an increase in Colfax County GRT.
Commissioners also approved Budget Adjustment #8 for FY26. Adjustments are mostly line items transfers to cover expenses and grant reimbursements.
NERPO (North Eastern Regional Planning Organization)will meet in Raton on Wednesday covering road issues. Work continues on the casino project, and a trip is planned to visit the tribe in the near future. The city received capital outlay money in the amount of $600,000 and will those funds will go to the purchase of a sanitation truck and other equipment.
The next regular meeting of the Raton City Commission will be on March 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers.
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