Clovis City Commission Meeting – July 23, 2026

The City of Clovis Commission met on July 23, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. to consider a consent agenda, a final budget adoption, a demolition resolution, an expansion of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) plan, a revenue review process, and a controversial protest of supplemental well applications. The meeting also featured a proclamation declaring July 23, 2026, as Charlie Crockett Day.

Proclamation – Charlie Crockett Day

• Mayor Mike Morris and Curry County Chairman Brad Bender jointly proclaimed July 23, 2026, as Charlie Crockett Day in Clovis and Curry County, honoring musician Charlie Crockett for recording his album Clovis at Norman Petty Studios and for bringing international attention to the city’s musical heritage.
• Dr. Jonathan Fuentes, President of Clovis Community College, introduced the proclamation. Charlie Crockett spoke about his connection to the region, his admiration for the studio’s history, and his gratitude for the recognition.

Consent Calendar

• Eleven items were approved unanimously without discussion, including:
  • Resolution 3387-2026: Participation in the Local Government Road Fund program for pedestrian sidewalks on South Oak Street.
  • Resolution 3388-2026: Final quarter financial report for FY2026.
  • Lodger’s tax disbursements.
  • Application for FY26 State Homeland Security Grant.
  • Year three of a three-year agreement with Clovis Economic Development for professional services.
  • Amendment to award for Lysium Theater architectural consulting (RFP 23080202) to NCA Architects LLC.
  • Annual agreement for federal and state legislative services with Capitol Consultants.
  • Annual reports for LEDA retail projects: Zia Power Sports, Rory’s LLC, and North Plains Mall Marshall’s.
  • Utility cooperative agreement with NMDOT for sewer line improvements on US 60/84.

Resolution – FY2027 Budget Adoption

• Finance Director Leanne Melanson presented the final FY2027 budget. Adjustments from the preliminary budget included:
  • Personnel costs updated to reflect the compensation study.
  • Cash balances adjusted to actual June 2026 ending balances.
  • Revenue increased by $23.6 million (mainly grant revenue); expenditures increased by $21.5 million.
  • General Fund beginning cash: $11.4 million; required 1/12th reserve of $3.3 million; undesignated cash of $2.2 million.
  • Property tax updated to 2025 rates and collection rates.
  • New office specialist added to Building Safety; administrative assistant deleted from Emergency Management.
  • One-time e-gas funding for an EMS billing study and three document redaction software licenses for the Police Department.
  • American Rescue Plan funds (must be expended by December 31, 2026) allocated to the animal shelter project; construction drawings are 90% complete, pending a state grant agreement expected in August/September.
• The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Resolution – Unsafe Building Demolition

• Mr. Morris presented a request to demolish the structure at 916 Ross Street, which was damaged by fire and deemed a danger to public safety. The resolution (3390-2026) was approved unanimously.

New Business – MRA Expansion for Affordable Housing

• City Manager Justin Howalt explained that Spire Development, in partnership with the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE), proposes to build affordable housing on parcels west of 7th Street. To qualify for low-income housing tax credits from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, the land must be within a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA). The existing MRA does not include these parcels.
• The city contracted with Consensus Planning for $15,859.62 to amend the MRA plan and include the FOE-owned parcels.
• Ryan LeBear (Spire Development) presented via video: the project would include up to 100 units (55 units per phase) on Industrial Road and a 55-unit family project on the former VFW site on West 7th Street. Rents would be set at 30% of income for households earning approximately 55% of area median income, with a 50-year affordability deed restriction.
• Commissioner Paula questioned whether the city could guarantee the project would happen. LeBear stated that Spire has a strong track record of securing tax credits but cannot guarantee an award. The MRA expansion would also benefit future developers.
• The agreement was approved unanimously.

New Business – Revenue Review Committee

• Economic Development Director Ms. Burroughs requested approval to begin the 2026 revenue review process. Commissioners were asked to identify citizen representatives from each district. The item was tabled to the next meeting without a vote; commissioners agreed to bring back nominations.

New Business – Protest of Supplemental Well Applications

• Mayor Morris introduced a request to file protests with the Office of the State Engineer (OSE) against seven supplemental well applications filed by Art and Sandra Skop. The mayor argued that the city has a duty to protect its water investments and regional water security, noting that 95% of aquifer depletion is from agriculture and that the city has invested in conservation, water rights purchases, and the REPI program with Cannon Air Force Base.
• Public Testimony:
  • Commissioner Seth Martin (as a farmer and landowner) cautioned that the protest would “weaponize” the city against agriculture and set a dangerous precedent.
  • Art Skop explained that he is correcting well location errors on state maps and drilling supplemental wells to compensate for water taken by Cannon Air Force Base wells (drilled within 50–200 feet of his property). He offered to sell or lease his water rights to the city and noted ongoing litigation with Cannon Air Force Base over PFOS contamination.
  • Jonathan Vanderduesen (dairy farmer) argued that the protest would stifle agricultural investment and that farmers already conserve water; he asked what the city is doing to conserve (the mayor noted municipal water use has dropped 40% over 10 years to 5.7 million gallons/day).
  • Dr. Ladonna Clayton (Executive Director, Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy) supported the protest, stating that the conservancy is already protesting and that the city’s voice is important. She reported that the conservancy has retired 56 irrigation wells, transitioning 11,120 acres, saving an estimated 37,000 acre-feet over four irrigation periods. Static water levels have increased in the paleo channel area.
  • Former Mayor Lansford urged the protest, noting that the aquifer is in crisis and that the city has a responsibility to protect Cannon Air Force Base and long-term water supply.
  • Commissioner Paula and Commissioner Tarsen opposed the protest, arguing it infringes on private property rights and sends a negative message about Clovis’s water supply.
• Vote: A motion to deny the protest passed 4-to-2 with two abstentions. Voting “yes” (to deny): Commissioners Paula, Zamora, Porter, and Tarsen. Voting “no”: Commissioners Bryant and Garza. Abstaining: Commissioners Jones and Casals. The motion carried, meaning the city will not file the protest.

Reports

• Lodgers Tax Advisory Board: Met July 14; recommended allocating $97,000 of $195,000 requested for 10 events.
• Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee: Commissioner Paula reported new artwork at Roy Walker, free yoga/Zumba, open volleyball, upcoming pickleball league at Hillcrest Park, reopening of Aquatic Center on July 27, new baby giraffe at the zoo, and “Christmas in July” event at the zoo July 23–26.
• Investment Report: Leanne Melanson reported that the city’s portfolio ended June with $74.4 million, down from $81.3 million due to large payments for the airport terminal and behavioral health center. Interest earned in June was $112,000; 12-month interest was $2.5 million. Gross receipts tax receipts are 2.3% over actual and 18% over budget. The state pool rate dropped to 3.637%.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted consent agenda (11 items), FY2027 budget, and unsafe building demolition resolution.
• Approved MRA expansion agreement with Consensus Planning ($15,859.62) to facilitate affordable housing development.
• Tabled revenue review committee appointments to the next meeting.
• Voted 4-2-2 to deny the mayor’s request to file protests against Art and Sandra Skop’s supplemental well applications.
• Next Meeting: Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. A public meeting for the Llano Estacado Roadway Improvements will be held July 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Colonial Park Golf Course.