Hobbs City Commission Regular Meeting - October 5, 2026

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.