City of Albuquerque Committee of the Whole Meeting on FY25 Social Goal Budgets - May 2, 2024
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City of Albuquerque Committee of the Whole Meeting on FY25 Social Goal Budgets - May 2, 2024
The meeting was called to order at approximately 11:30 AM on May 2, 2024, and was extended to about 11:15 PM. All councilors were present, with Councilor Baca arriving later and Councilor Champagne attending via Zoom. The meeting focused on the first of three public hearings for the city's FY25 operating budget, specifically the social goal departments: police, fire, civilian police oversight, community safety, health housing and homelessness, youth and family, parks and recreation, city clerk, economic development, arts and culture, and senior affairs. The council heard public testimony, reviewed department presentations, and discussed key issues including staffing, fee increases, and funding for critical services. The two budget-related resolutions (R36 and R40) were deferred to the next meeting on May 9, 2024.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mitch Graham (co-chair, Library Advisory Board) requested $400,000 in recurring funding for library IT, noting that the proposed $300,000 non-recurring amendment is insufficient and could jeopardize $1.3 million in federal E-rate matching funds.
- Winter Torres (CEO, New Mexico Eviction Prevention and Diversion) urged the city to prioritize housing and homelessness prevention, emphasizing the need for rapid construction.
- Angela Mim (president, Friends of the Public Library) supported the $400,000 recurring IT funding request, highlighting the library's role in providing internet access and educational services.
- Miguel Titman (representing Albuquerque Firefighters) thanked the council for support and requested continued resources for fire services, including the brush truck program.
- Augustus Pedradi expressed support for the previous speaker's comments.
- Miriam Wells (Albuquerque resident) expressed support for the library and biopark, noting the library serves over 500,000 people and the biopark serves 1.5 million annually.
- Kristen Lee (co-executive director, Explora) requested restoration of Explora's funding to FY24 levels (an additional $250,000), citing the success of the X Studio teen center which served over 7,000 teens in its first year.
- Neil Copperman (director, AMP Concerts) requested funding to support free library concerts and downtown activations, noting they have served over 20,000 people at libraries.
- Kathleen Larise (incoming board president, Explora) reiterated the request for $250,000 additional funding, noting Explora welcomed over 400,000 visitors last year.
Discussion Items
- Budget Overview: Finance staff presented the FY25 proposed budget, including a $569.5 million gross receipts tax revenue estimate (0.4% growth) and a $792.8 million general fund. The budget includes $4.4 million for APD wage increases, $3.1 million for AFR, and $2.2 million for approved issue papers. Revenue increases include $5.9 million from plan permits and fees.
- Police Department (APD): Chief Harold Medina reported 950 sworn officers (including 70 cadets) out of 1,000 funded positions, with a goal of 1,000 by year-end. The department has reduced uses of force by 50% and increased arrests. The budget includes $4.4 million for a 4% wage increase and $800,000 for DOJ monitoring. Councilors discussed response times (average 41 minutes in 2023, but priority one up 40 seconds), ShotSpotter benefits (26% decrease in shots-fired incidents), recruitment efforts, and the impact of DOJ consent decree on staffing. The department's prudent program savings are $2.8 million.
- Fire Department (AFR): Chief Emily Haddamillo reported 759 sworn members (including cadets) out of 777 full staffing, with a 73% clearance rate for the ADAPT program. The department received a class 1 ISO rating and accreditation. The budget includes $643,000 for ADAPT and $110,000 for fleet and behavioral health. Councilors discussed the brush truck pilot program ($200,000 in overtime), atypical staffing, and the need for a new medic truck. Negotiations with the fire union are ongoing.
- Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA): Director Diane McDermott requested $355,000 for three additional investigator positions, citing over 700 complaints in 2023 and a 70% compliance rate for case timelines. The agency is working toward DOJ compliance.
- Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS): Acting Director Jody Escobel (presented by Director Mariella Ruiz Angel) reported that ACS has taken nearly 70,000 calls, with 90% diverted from APD. The department expanded to 24/7 operations, created a motel voucher program (spent less than $30,000 in six months), and integrated data systems. The budget request includes $478,000 for four new positions and facility support. Councilors discussed unionization, training, and the need for additional staffing for swing and graveyard shifts.
- Health, Housing, and Homelessness (HHH): Director Gilbert Ramírez presented a $52.2 million budget, including $8 million for affordable housing vouchers (down from $13.4 million in FY24), $4.2 million for Gibson Health Hub maintenance, and $250,000 for West Side Emergency Housing Center operations. Councilors questioned the reduced voucher funding, the status of safe outdoor spaces and sanctioned encampment line items ($350,000), and the Built for Zero program. The department noted that $8 million is adequate based on historic spend rates.
- Youth and Family Services: Director Katarina Sandoval reported on the new department, including the transfer of crossing guards and a Restorative Justice coordinator. The budget includes $1.7 million for crossing guards and $250,000 for the Westgate bike shop. Councilors discussed child development center staffing and the need for senior services at the West Side Shelter.
- Parks and Recreation: Director David Simon highlighted the city's park system ranking improvement from 40th to 23rd nationally. The proposed budget includes $1.9 million in non-recurring funding for various initiatives. Councilors discussed fee increases for golf (estimated $500,000) and aquatic programs ($176,000), as well as the Mondo indoor track program ($320,000). Council President Lewis opposed the fee increases, arguing they are not tied to specific service improvements.
- City Clerk: Clerk Ethan Watson requested $400,000 for temporary staff to address the IPRA backlog. The department has made progress with temporary staff and expects to have a better sense of permanent needs next year.
- Economic Development: Director Max Gruner presented a $4.99 million budget, including $1.25 million for Job Training Albuquerque and $893,000 for non-recurring initiatives such as Three Sisters Kitchen and Black Chamber of Commerce. Councilors discussed funding for Main Street programs and the need for more support for nonprofits.
- Arts and Culture: Director Dr. Shell Sanchez presented a $51.4 million budget, including $1.5 million for sponsored events and $100,000 for biopark train operations. The administration proposed fee increases of $5 for out-of-state and $1 for in-state zoo visitors, expected to generate $1 million. Councilors expressed concern about the lack of a dedicated line item for animal food and the denial of a $200,000 issue paper for a third veterinarian. The administration stated that reversion funds and vacancy savings would cover these needs.
- Senior Affairs: Director Anna Sanchez presented a $10.95 million budget, with $225,000 for security enhancements and $350,000 for food costs. Councilors discussed the need for better transportation, technology training, and vegan meal options at senior centers. The department is working on a parking study at Los Volcanes Senior Center.
Key Outcomes
- All budget-related items were deferred: Resolutions R36 (FY25 operating budget appropriation) and R40 (one-year objectives) were both deferred to the next meeting on May 9, 2024, by unanimous votes (9-0).
- No votes were taken on the proposed budget, fee increases, or specific department funding. The council will continue discussions on May 9 (physical goal departments) and May 16 (budget markup), with final adoption scheduled for May 20.
- Council directed staff to provide additional data on several items, including:
- APD response times, ShotSpotter statistics, and officer recruitment retention.
- AFR staffing levels and atypical apparatus data.
- HHH voucher spend rates, Built for Zero implementation details, and West Side Shelter services.
- Parks and Recreation fee revenue allocation and pollinator program funding.
- Arts and Culture animal food funding and veterinarian position.
- Senior Affairs case management for unhoused seniors and parking solutions.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome everyone. I would like to call this committee the whole meeting to order. Um, all counselors are present. Uh, Councilor Baca will be here shortly, and we have Councilor Champaign on Zoom. So, welcome again. Um, Vice President Grout. Thank you, Madam Chair. Members of the public, city staff, and the media have the ability to view this meeting in person and on live streams through four different platforms. Gov TV on Comcast Channel 16, the Gov TV website, YouTube, and Zoom webinar. The live streams can be accessed from most smartphones, tablets, or computers. Also, this meeting is closed caption, and you may enable your closed captioning services on your television or at um device at this time. The video recording of this meeting will also remain available for viewing at any time on the city council's website. Council staff is available via telephone if members of the public need assistance finding the videos online. Please call 768-3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 p.m. Members of the public have the opportunity to address the committee if they have signed up to speak on an item per the rules published in on the agenda and on our website on Friday. Today is the first of three public hearings the council is required to hold on the city's operating budget. Today's meeting will focus on the social goal budget budgets, which include police, Albuquerque fire rescue, civil police uh civilian police oversight agency, community safety, health housing, and homelessness, youth and family, parks and recreation, city clerk, economic development, arts and culture, and senior affairs. On May 9th, the council will hold a second hearing to discuss the city's physical goals budgets, which will include municipal development, planning, general services, environmental health, transit, animal welfare, aviation, legal, solid waste, internal audit, inspector general, human resources, technology and innovation, finance and administration, and city support. The council will hold a third committee of the whole meeting on Thursday, May 16th, to consider amendments or substitutes. No live public comment will be taken at the May 16th meeting, although written comment will be accepted. At the end of the May 16th meeting, the budget as amended or substituted will be sent to the Monday May 20th City Council meeting for adoption. Live public comment and written comments will be accepted at the May 20th council meeting. Thank you, Madam Vice Madam Vice President. So I think we will start with our budget staff. So Mark, this is your budget first budget meeting with us at council. So do you have any opening remarks? Madam Chair, committee members, members of the administration. Before we delve into the City of Albuquerque's FY25 operating budget, I'd like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to City Council's effort in this critical capacity. As someone more experienced in capital budgeting, I am very eager to apply my skills while also embracing the learning curve associated with the intricacies of the operating budget. To ensure we are well prepared to address your questions and provide detailed insights. And in our next session next Thursday. Should there be any need for further detail? We are supported by department directors and deputy directors present here who can offer additional clarity. Preparing the city's budget is a fend is the fundamental responsibility of the city council, and it is one we approach with utmost seriousness. Thank you for your guidance, support, and commitment to this process. We look forward to working closely with all of you to craft a budget that reflects our shared priorities and aspirations for Albuquerque. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Motsko, and to the rest of the finance staff, so appreciate that. We'll now move on to public comment. Members of the public are able to address the committee if they have signed up for the agenda item for the instructions published on the agenda and our website. So here are the public comment ground rules. Each participant has one minute to present. Comments are to be addressed to the committee members only through the chair. Any disruptive conduct or a non-germane commentary will result in removal from the meeting. So Mr. Cornelius, with those nice words, would you please call up the first speaker? Thank you, Madam Chair. Tonight's first speaker is Mitch Graham, followed by Richard Ms. Skimmons.
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