Public Meetings - Hobbs, New Mexico

The Hobbs City Commission held a regular meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Commission Chamber. The meeting included proclamations, awards, public comments, and unanimous approval of multiple resolutions and action items. Mayor Jonathan Sena presided, with all seven commissioners present. Proclamations and Awards - National Nurse Practitioner Week (November 8–14, 2026): Proclaimed by the Mayor. Shauna, a nurse practitioner representing Lee County, spoke about the 43 nurse practitioners in the county and the need for 18 more to meet national benchmarks. She highlighted the role of NPs in rural communities. - National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (November 1–9, 2026): Proclaimed. Missy, from the Hobbs Animal Adoption Center, thanked the commission and emphasized the shift from shelters to adoption centers focused on spay/neuter and community care. - Municipal Court Week (November 2–8, 2026): Proclaimed. Judge Arthur and Judge Balou, along with staff, were recognized. Judge Arthur thanked the commission and stressed customer service and dignity for all court users. - New Mexico Recreation and Parks Association 2026 Awards: Recreation Director Doug McDaniel announced that the city’s Halloween events attracted 5,475 participants (2,063 at the Teen Center Boo Bash, 3,412 at the Core’s Spooktacular). The Core Blasters War event won the 2026 Youth Program of the Year award. The city’s digital recreation guide won a Kudos Award. Kevin Nagley received the Outstanding Voluntary Service Award. The commission also recognized the conference planning committee. Public Comments - Two members of the public registered to speak regarding condemnation properties. The commission deferred their comments to the relevant agenda item. During discussion of Resolution No. 7857, Nathaniel and Jessica De Leon (property owners at 1000 W. Princess Jeanne) addressed the commission. They expressed a desire to work with the city to avoid condemnation. The Mayor and Assistant City Attorney Amber Leija explained the process and directed them to provide contact information for follow-up. Discussion Items - Resolution No. 7855 – Lodgers’ Tax Allocations for FY 2027: Finance Director Deb Corral reported a fund balance of $2,314,727 as of September 30, 2026. Allocations recommended by the Lodgers’ Tax Board (totaling approximately $70,450) were approved for seven events, including the NMJC Foundation Scholarship Gala, Holly Jolly Fest, UTrip soccer tournaments, Lee County Center for the Arts Dueling Pianos, United Way’s Big Dill Pickle Fest and MLK Day of Service. The resolution passed 7–0. - Resolution No. 7856 – Rescinding Condemnation on Four Properties: Assistant City Attorney Amber Leija presented properties at 619 W. Clinton, 2001 E. Clinton, 521 E. Marland, and 1226 S. Starlink, which were brought into compliance by property owners at no cost to the city. The resolution rescinding condemnation passed 7–0. - Resolution No. 7857 – Condemning Three Properties: The commission condemned 615 E. Park, 1517 N. Cochran, and 1000 W. Princess Jeanne due to dilapidation, trash, and unsafe conditions. Notices were sent with no response or returned. The De Leons, owners of the Princess Jeanne property, spoke and agreed to cooperate. The resolution passed 7–0. - Bid No. 1633-27 – Veterinary Spay/Neuter Services: The commission accepted the sole bid from Dr. Linda Westall for three days/week at $150/hour plus $50 per health certificate. The contract is for one year with three optional one-year renewals. Approved 7–0. - Resolution No. 7858 – Ratifying Animal Welfare Fund Grant: A $220,000 grant (no match required) from the New Mexico Animal Welfare Fund for improvements at the Hobbs Animal Adoption Center (ventilation, noise control, safety). Grant period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028. Approved 7–0. - Task Order 2 to Square Root Services, LLC: For construction observation and inspection services on the Trunk Line F Phase 9 replacement project. Total cost $309,053.10, with a net increase of $170,850.66 after remaining funds from a previous contract. The task order runs through December 31, 2027; the project timeline extends to October 2028. Approved 7–0. Key Outcomes - All seven action items (minutes, proclamations, resolutions, bids, task order) passed unanimously (7–0). - Next meeting dates: Monday, November 16, 2026; Monday, December 7, 2026; Monday, December 21, 2026, all at 6:00 PM. - City Manager Manny Gomez reminded the public to vote on November 3 (Election Day), announced the Veterans Day ceremony on November 11 at 2 PM at Hobbs Veterans Memorial Complex, and free dumpster days on November 7 and 21 at Charlie Brown Park. He also recognized 30 graduates of the City of Hobbs/University of Georgia Leadership Academy. - Commissioner Chris Mills thanked the wastewater treatment plant staff for a tour, praising the complexity and dedication of the team.

The Hobbs City Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Commission Chamber. Mayor Jonathan Sena presided, and all commissioners were present. The meeting featured employee service awards, public comments, and action on several resolutions and an ordinance. Awards and Recognitions - City Manager Manny Gomez recognized eight employees for milestone service anniversaries, totaling 120 years of combined service: Deangelo Zaragoza (5 years, Fire Department), Selena Estrada (5 years, Human Resources), David Najera (5 years, Fire Department), Audrey Likins (20 years, Public Transportation), Julia Henry (20 years, Planning), Barbara Dunford (20 years, Recreation), Matt Hughes (20 years, Golf Course Superintendent), and Adrian Enriquez (25 years, Fire Department). Adrian Enriquez was noted for retiring that week. (The agenda listed only seven employees, but an additional 20-year recipient, Matt Hughes, was recognized during the meeting.) Public Comments & Testimony - Lou Maldonado invited the community to upcoming cemetery events: a Day of the Dead event on October 31 and a remembrance ceremony on December 10. - Sam Cobb, former mayor, spoke in strong support of the proposed gross receipts tax increase. He explained that the state's switch to destination-based taxation had reduced local revenue significantly, and that the increase was necessary to maintain services and infrastructure. He urged the commission to adopt the ordinance. Consent Calendar - Resolution No. 7846 – Approving a development agreement with Angelina Leyba for market-rate single-family housing. Passed unanimously as part of the consent agenda. Key Outcomes - Ordinance No. 1178 (Final Adoption) – Increased the municipal gross receipts tax from 6.5625% to 7.175%, effective July 1, 2027, estimated to generate $14.7 million annually for general municipal purposes. Passed 6-1. - Resolution No. 7847 – Renewed 2027 benefit plan offerings with no increase to employee medical premiums; dental plan switched to Delta Dental with a slight increase (about $2 per paycheck). Passed 7-0. - Resolution No. 7848 – Approved an affordable housing development agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Hobbs for three homes in the Albertson subdivision, funded by a $285,000 state grant; 15-year affordability period. Passed 7-0. - Resolution No. 7849 – Closed a portion of Shipp Street at Taylor Street to vehicular traffic for plaza improvements; property remains a public right-of-way. Passed 7-0. - Resolution No. 7850 – Approved budgetary adjustment 1 for FY 2026-2027, increasing revenues by $19.5 million and expenditures by $20.7 million, primarily due to grant funding; general fund reserve decreased from 45% to 44%. Passed 7-0. - Item 10 (Contract) – Approved a $186,845 contract with Mountain West Golf Scapes for pampas grass removal along Lovington Highway Health Walk, funded by the Maddox Foundation. Passed 7-0. - Resolution No. 7851 – Established a new recreation fee for use of the Hobbs Industrial Air Park runway and tarmac: $500/day use fee and $2,500 deposit, with a pilot program for single, multi-day, and weekend events. Passed 7-0. - Resolution No. 7852 – Accepted a $250,000 NM GRO grant for programmatic operational costs at the Hobbs Senior Center, funded by Senator Larry Scott, reducing general fund burden over two years. Passed 7-0. - Resolution No. 7853 – Accepted a $180,000 grant to purchase a mobile adoption unit for the Animal Adoption Center, featuring 17 kennels and a surgery suite; sponsored by Representative Elaine Sena Cortez. Passed 7-0. - Resolution No. 7854 – Approved a related-party contract with Watson Truck & Supply for $68,253 for a replacement engine for Fire Engine 513. Passed 6-0 (one commissioner abstained). Commissioner and City Manager Comments - Commissioner Fields invited the community to the NAACP state conference. - City Manager Gomez announced the permanent selection of Jimmy Jones as Police Chief, with a meet-and-greet on October 20; he also promoted upcoming events: Battle of the Badges and the Core event.

The Hobbs City Commission held a work session on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the city's long-term financial sustainability and a proposed gross receipts tax (GRT) increase. City staff presented on the city's financial challenges, including impacts from House Bill 6, a projected operating shortfall of $6.87 million for FY27, and the need for capital improvements. The proposed GRT increase of approximately 0.6125% (to a total rate of 7.175%) could generate an estimated $14.7 million by the end of FY28, if approved and effective July 1, 2027. No formal vote was taken; the session was intended for discussion and public input. Public Comments & Testimony - Jerome Brielli (business owner): Strongly opposed to the tax increase, arguing that the amount requested does not align with the need (citing $20 million for roads) and that the city should cut funding elsewhere, such as subsidies. He warned that if the increase passes, it will go to a referendum and likely be voted down. - Teddy Everidge (business owner): Questioned whether each city department has been audited and evaluated to identify shortfalls before raising taxes. City Manager Gomez confirmed that departments are reviewed annually through the preliminary budget process and a staffing analysis is underway. - Mr. Foster (former student of Mayor Sena): Expressed support for the city staff's presentation and acknowledged that while the decision is difficult, it appears necessary. He emphasized the need for reliable infrastructure (roads, sewer) and public safety. Discussion Items - City Manager Manny Gomez opened the session, noting that discussions began on September 9 and September 21. He acknowledged community concerns about timing and the specific increase amount (needed $6.87 million vs. potential $14.7 million generated). He explained that House Bill 6 shifted GRT from business location to destination of services, costing the city an estimated $15-20 million annually. - Todd (Finance Director) presented slides showing the city's revenue history, population growth (20% since 2010), annexation of 17 square miles (38 miles of added roads), and service expansions (parks, golf course, fire station). He noted that the city has already cut 30% from initial department requests, eliminated or consolidated 125 positions, and deferred capital replacement. The FY27 preliminary general fund budget shows a $6.87 million gap between payroll/operating expenses and estimated revenue. The city maintains a 45% reserve ratio ($51 million cash against a $115 million expense budget), but that only covers about 5.4 months of operations. - Commissioner R. Finn Smith questioned the reserve target, suggesting that with less revenue volatility under HB6, a lower reserve may be appropriate. He argued that the city's geographic growth and quality-of-life investments (airline subsidy, golf course) are essential and should be maintained. - Commissioner Dwayne Penick advocated for renegotiating contracts such as the airline subsidy (currently at 100% occupancy guarantee) and other social service agreements to cut costs. He emphasized that every bit helps. - Commissioner Christopher R. Mills noted the severe infrastructure needs, citing a sewer collapse on Grimes Street and another on Turner Street, and stressed that maintaining sewer and water services is a fundamental responsibility. - Commissioner Don R. Gerth commended staff for their transparency and hard work, stating that the increase, while unpopular, may be necessary. - Fire Chief Mark Deporto described the impact of budget cuts on his department: no Class A uniforms, helmets, radios, or ambulance purchases; call volume has doubled since 2009 but staffing has not kept pace. He noted that Lubbock, Midland, and Roswell have recently passed tax increases for public safety. - Police Chief Jimmy Jones reported that the police department had 109 sworn officers in 2014 but only 42 when he took over in June 2026. He has since added 8 officers (now 50), restarted a school resource officer program, and launched a pre-academy program. He warned that as hiring improves, the need for vehicles, equipment, and training will increase, reducing the year-end "clawback" of unspent funds. - Public comments (as summarized above) were taken from three individuals. Key Outcomes - No formal decision or vote was taken on the proposed GRT increase. The session was informational. - Commissioners discussed the possibility of a future referendum if the increase is passed, as noted by public commenters. - City staff committed to continuing the financial transparency website and engaging with the public via phone, email, and social media (text my gov). - The next steps include further deliberation and potential action at a future regular meeting. The city manager and finance director will continue to present the facts and options to the commission and residents.

The Hobbs City Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The agenda covered public concerns over a proposed gross receipts tax increase, partnerships for higher education and community health, a proposed new recreation fee, and the approval of grants for affordable housing and road improvements. Commissioners expressed strong support for first responders and school staff following a recent critical safety incident at the municipal schools. Proclamations - Fire Prevention Week: Mayor Sena proclaimed the week of October 4–10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week. Fire Chief Mark Deporto accepted the proclamation, highlighting this year's theme "Charge into Fire Safety" and thanking public schools for their partnership in fire safety education. Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Imbrielli (Owner, Rig Outfitters and Home Store): Expressed strong opposition to the scale of the proposed Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) increase. He stated the city's budget gap is approximately $6.87 million, while the proposed increase would generate $14.7 million annually. He urged the commission to first demonstrate spending cuts and efficiencies before imposing new revenue on citizens and businesses. - Nick Maxwell (Lea County Citizen): Raised concerns regarding the MoboTrex traffic signal equipment purchase on the consent agenda, questioning why the project scope shifted from 10 years to 5 years, the financial history of the project, cybersecurity and data privacy, and who has remote access. He also questioned recurring city subsidies for airline service, Rockwind, and the airport in the context of the proposed GRT increase. Consent Calendar - Approved 7-0: Routine items including Resolution 7841 (Cedars Apartments Lease Amendment), Change Order No. 1 for the Navajo & Bender Resurfacing Project, Resolution 7842 (MOA with Petsmart Charities), Purchase of Signal Equipment from MoboTrex LLC, and Resolution 7843 (Partial Right-of-Way Vacation Plat at 114 W. Park Street). Discussion Items - New Mexico Junior College General Obligation Bonds: Interim President Cathy Mitchell requested commission support for Higher Education Bond 3 on the November ballot. The $1 million bond would fund renovations to the John Shepherd Administration Building without increasing property taxes. - Zia Park Casino Summer Concert Series: Director of Marketing Ramona Hawthorne reported the series successfully drew tourism using Lodgers Tax funds. Data showed 48% of attendees for Drake White came from outside Lea County, 79% for Jesse McCartney, and 89.9% for Skillet (over 2,000 tickets distributed). Hotel occupancy reached up to 92% for the Skillet weekend. - Texas Tech Healthy Communities Program: Program Executive Director Irum Zaidi proposed a free chronic disease screening and prevention program in Hobbs. She highlighted high rates of premature death and diabetes in the region (e.g., 22% diabetic in Crane, TX vs. 8% federally reported). The program provides free screenings, monitoring tools, and health coaching, aiming to hire locally. - HIAP Recreation Fee for Non-Concert Events: Recreation Director Doug McDaniel presented a proposed pilot fee structure for non-concert events at the Hobbs Industrial Air Park. The proposed fee is $500 per day with a $2,500 deposit, a reduced rate compared to the large concert fee which allows up to 45 days of setup. No formal vote was taken, as the presentation served as a mandated discussion. Action Items & Resolutions - Resolution 7844 – Affordable Housing Grant: Approved 7-0. Accepted a $285,000 intergovernmental agreement with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions to support affordable housing development. - Resolution 7845 – NMDOT Road Improvement Grant: Approved 7-0. Accepted a $2 million grant from the state Department of Transportation to plan, design, and construct improvements on Del Paso (NM 132) and Turner Street. Funding was attributed to Senator David Gallegos ($400,000), Representative Scott ($1.1 million), and Representative Pettigrew ($500,000). Commissioner & City Manager Comments - Commissioners expressed profound gratitude for first responders, police, emergency medical services, and school staff for their rapid and effective response to a "dark day" emergency at the municipal schools the previous week. Commissioner Fields visited hero teacher Kelly Matthews to offer support. - Commissioner Mills warned of a "four-year demographic bubble" of youth impacted by the pandemic, anticipating continued challenges for community safety over the next several years. - City Manager Gomez thanked all agencies and announced the inaugural Lea County First Responders National Night Out on October 6 at City Park, and updated hours for the Hobbs Animal Adoption Center. Key Outcomes - September 21, 2026 Minutes: Approved (7-0). - Consent Agenda (Items 3-7): Approved (7-0). - Resolution 7844 (Affordable Housing Grant): Approved (7-0). - Resolution 7845 (NMDOT Road Grant): Approved (7-0). - HIAP Non-Concert Fee: Discussed; no formal action taken. - Next Regular Meeting: Scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM.