OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Las Cruces City Council Meeting April 6, 2026: GRT Budget & Community Priorities

City Council Meetings & Work Session — Monday, April 6, 2026
BodyLas Cruces, New Mexico
SessionCity Council Meetings & Work Session
DateMonday, April 6, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:47:15

Transcript — Verbatim
4:31

We're not on yet.

4:33

You're live.

4:34

You're on now.

4:35

Okay.

4:36

Thank you.

4:36

I was practicing.

4:39

Good afternoon.

4:40

Welcome to the City Council meeting.

4:41

Today is Monday, April 6th, 2026.

4:44

It's approximately one PM.

4:45

I am Mayor Eric Enriquez.

4:47

Before we start, I want to mention that we have the ASL, the American Sign Language Interpreters up front, available for us at every City Council meeting.

5:00

We will start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our interests around the globe, as well as the courageous men and women of the Las Cruces Police and the Las Cruces Fire Department that protect our city 247 365.

5:49

Okay, you're up.

5:54

Yeah, I think they're over there.

6:03

So we'll start out with our presentations of certificates and proclamations by uh Mayor Pro Tel Munio.

6:21

Thank you, Mayor.

6:23

Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you all for coming today.

6:27

I'd like to start at recognizing our graduates from the neighborhood leadership academy.

6:34

So as I um saying a few words, if the graduates would come up and join me, including Scott and Katrina for a picture and our mayor.

6:46

Congratulations, 2026 Academy graduates.

6:50

In 2017, the City Council adopted a strategic plan.

7:01

Now I know it's been windy, so um some of your hair might be messed up, so just wanted to help out there.

7:08

Um so 2017, the uh city council adopted a strategic plan to increase community government engagement leading to the creation of the neighborhood leadership academy.

7:18

The academy available to Las Cruces residents provides first hand insight into city services and programs through presentations by city personnel and on-site visits to public facilities.

7:31

Launched in the fall of 2017.

7:33

The program ran until spring 2020 when the pandemic paused in-person sessions.

7:39

Due to strong interest, the program resumed in 2024, spring of 2025, and now spring of 2026.

7:46

The Academy's mission is to equip the residents with knowledge of city government, enabling them to become effective neighborhood advocates and community leaders.

7:55

This free program helps residents understand how the city operates and how they can collaborate to enhance neighborhood quality of life.

8:04

Weekly workshops and field trips cover various city operations, services, and ways to bring about positive change.

8:12

Sessions include meetings with city leaders, parks and rec activities, utility codes, demonstrations, touring the new transit facility.

8:20

Participants also learn about public works, pavement management systems, and how our fire department has expansive services to ambulance and mental health calls.

8:36

Eleven weeks of presentations, demonstrations, and active involvement.

8:41

From what I understand, it was about 21 or 24 hours of total presentation time.

8:46

So outstanding, outstanding jobs.

8:49

So let's give uh the graduates a round of applause.

8:56

So Camera, Mayor, would you like to join us for the picture?

9:01

Yeah, would you squeezing this way?

9:35

Katrina.

9:40

Good afternoon, Katrina Golines, community outreach manager.

9:44

Um, I would like to tell everyone that this has been our largest class, one, also our largest graduating class.

9:51

We had 33 graduate today.

9:53

We had 55 originally sign up, but um, can you give everyone a round of applause for sticking with the program?

10:02

Thank you, and thank you, Council Mayor, for everything, thank you.

10:09

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you again, Katrina and Scott for uh and everyone who participated in this wonderful program.

10:20

Okay, now I'd like to read a few proclamations.

10:30

This proclamation is received by Sergio Teyas, the Fair Housing for Fair Housing Month.

10:37

Sergio, are you in the audience?

10:40

Or someone from the group.

10:46

Okay, proclamation.

10:49

Whereas fair and equal housing is a right guaranteed to all Americans, and whereas the principle of fair and equal housing is a fundamental human entitlement, and whereas the month of April 2026 represents the 58th anniversary of the signing of the Federal Fair Housing Act by then President Lyndon Baines Johnson, and whereas all citizens have the right to live where they choose within their financial means, and whereas people must not be denied housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital or family status.

11:29

And whereas we must as individuals assure equal access to housing for all in our communities, and whereas New Mexico acknowledges the importance of assuring fair and equal treatment of all citizens, now therefore we, the mayor and city council of Las Cruces, New Mexico do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as Fair Housing Month.

11:53

Congratulations.

12:01

The next proclamation is for graduate and professional student appreciation week.

12:06

Uh Anna Harman, Jay, and others who would like to join me, please come up with the and all of you are welcome to take pictures as well.

12:24

Proclamation.

12:26

Whereas graduate and professional students across New Mexico, especially those at New Mexico State University make invaluable contributions to a vibrant academic environment and to the long-term economic, cultural and intellectual prosperity of our communities, and whereas New Mexico's universities and NMSU in Las Cruces stand as beacons of higher education, fostering innovation, research, and intellectual growth, with their graduate students serving as essential pillars of academic excellence who push the frontiers of knowledge and dedication, perseverance and curiosity, and whereas graduate students play an indispensable role in advancing and upholding the land grant mission of teaching, research, and public service, strengthening both their campuses and the broader communities they serve.

13:22

And whereas the scholarly pursuits outreach and engagement of graduate and professional students enrich academia, expand opportunity, and positively impact residents throughout Doña Ana County, Las Cruces, and the state of New Mexico.

13:37

And whereas the diverse talents, global perspectives, and cultural contributions of graduate students enhance the social fabric of our communities, helping build a dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking people.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety████████████████16%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Capital Improvements Planning███████████11%
Public Works██████████10%
Budget Equity Analysis█████████9%
Procedural██████6%
Community Engagement██████6%
Women's Rights████4%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Las Cruces City Council Meeting – April 6, 2026

On Monday, April 6, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM, the Las Cruces City Council met under Mayor Eric Enriquez. The meeting featured presentations (Neighborhood Leadership Academy graduates, five proclamations, a transit 40th‑anniversary update, Capital Improvements Program overview, and Pets of the Week), extensive public testimony, and debated allocations for the new gross‑receipts tax (GRT) revenue. Key decisions included amendments shifting funds from a police‑fire driving track to deferred facility maintenance and reallocating design money from a municipal court to the library and from road improvements to a future recreation center.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution 26‑122 (fuel card services): Approved a contract amendment extending the term and increasing annual expenditure to $1.5 million (vote 7‑0).
  • Ordinance 3109 (procurement code update): Approved amendments to Chapter 24 of the municipal code to strengthen purchasing safeguards (vote 7‑0 with one absent).
  • Board Appointments: Councilor Munoz appointed Gilbert Almasquita to the Parks & Recreation Board; Councilor Matisse will be appointed to the MPO Policy Board; Larry Altamirano was reappointed to the Senior Programs Board (vote 7‑0).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Rocky Backis (electric rate consultant): Stated that El Paso Electric filed for a $70 million annual rate increase raising residential rates by 73% and urged the city to intervene urgently.
  • Lavon Hart (SNAP director): Reported that SNAP has performed over 650 spay/neuters in 2026, exhausted city contract funds, and is now relying on donations; thanked the council for past support.
  • Lynn Morer: Criticized Las Cruces Utilities for failing to timely notify 75 properties with galvanized piping (required under the Lead and Copper Rule); highlighted Fair Acres Elementary School as one of eight properties not notified.
  • Victor Vazquez (Neighborhood Leadership Academy graduate): Praised the program and asked for more budget seasoning for public safety.
  • Robert Williams (business owner, father of autistic son): Urged council to fund the library, finish the skate park project, and ensure all city officials receive autism training.
  • Christy Thomas, Olivia Kirkpatrick, and a father (Parks for All LC): Called for a fully inclusive all‑abilities park, noting that 15.5% of residents live with a disability and that existing parks offer only accommodation, not participation.
  • Multiple speakers (Jane Ash, Lara Jansen, Leslie Woods, Spencer Taylor, Albert Lee, Jim Hurst, and others): Expressed concern or disapproval of Mayor Enriquez’s participation in a Southwest Coalition for Life protest, arguing separation of church and state; some praised council members Bencomo and Harris for opposing Flock cameras.
  • Yoli Diaz: Supported the city’s lawsuit against Memorial Medical Center, alleging breach of the asset purchase agreement for indigent care.
  • Denali Wilson (All Safe New Mexico): Supported dedicating budget funds to design a juvenile gun diversion program.
  • Dan Romero: Presented road condition data: Las Cruces has 501 miles of paved roads; the PCI score is 67 (target 70); only $4.3M is budgeted vs. the recommended $12M/year; urged publishing the pavement report and redirecting EV bus funds to roads.
  • Tim Jenkins: Apologized for personal attacks on council and urged respect.
  • Alberto del Campo, Jay Cho, Spencer Taylor: Asked for more accessible meeting times (1 PM on Monddays) to allow working‑class and youth participation.

The majority of later public comment (Lucas Herman, Sierra Edminster, Heron Cavelo, Albert Lee, and others) opposed heavy police funding and urged that GRT money go to community infrastructure like libraries, rec centers, and parks.

Discussion Items

Resolutions 26‑123 and 26‑124 – GRT Revenue Allocation Council considered two linked items: 26‑123 (pay‑as‑you‑go funds already collected) and 26‑124 (bond financing for up to $20M in new projects).

Proposed allocations (initial staff recommendation):

  • 26‑123 (Pay‑as‑you‑go – $15.8M available): $4.3M deferred facility maintenance; $1.5M Hoagland‑Alameda intersection; $5M fire apparatus; $5M joint police‑fire driving track; $1.5M police vehicles.
  • 26‑124 (Bond – $20M proceeds): 60% maintenance ($12M): $5M fire station improvements; $4M street maintenance (including $500K traffic calming); $2.4M police/fire fleet upkeep; $600K ADA facility compliance. 40% new projects ($8M): $1M joint public safety training facility; $2M Bruins/Motel Blvd road improvements (staff later recommended redirect to rec center due to capacity); $2M municipal court design; $2M CIP gap funding; $1M Engler Road extension.

Council debate:

  • Councilor McClure proposed adding the library to deferred facilities to signal commitment; suggested reducing the driving track to match county contributions.
  • Councilor Harris questioned the high cost of police vehicles ($87K each) and supported shifting driving track money to deferred maintenance and library.
  • Councilor Bencomo argued the GRT was sold to the public as funding for maintenance, parks, streets, and facilities – not solely public safety; she noted the police department already receives the largest general fund share and that community input placed rec centers and libraries above a driving track.
  • Councilor Matisse defended the driving track urgency (loss of previous training site) and supported leaving allocations unchanged, but acknowledged library needs.
  • Councilor Coran supported redirecting municipal court design funds to the library and Bruins/Motel funds to a west‑side rec center.
  • Councilor Munoz (Mayor Pro Tem) thanked staff and noted the need to balance many priorities.

Votes and amendments:

  • 26‑123 was initially tabled until after 26‑124 discussion. After 26‑124 passed, it was brought back. Councilor Bencomo moved to reduce the driving track from $5M to $2.5M and redirect $1M to deferred facilities/asset maintenance. The motion passed 5‑2 (Matisse and Munoz dissenting). The amended resolution then passed 7‑0.
  • 26‑124 was approved with council consensus to shift the $2M municipal court design to the library and $2M Bruins/Motel road improvements to a future recreation center (west‑side preferred). The resolution passed 7‑0.

Key Outcomes

  • GRT budget (Resolution 26‑123) approved as amended: $4.3M deferred facility maintenance (now $5.3M after $1M addition), $1.5M Hoagland‑Alameda, $5M fire apparatus, $2.5M driving track, $1.5M police vehicles.
  • GRT bond (Resolution 26‑124) approved includes: $5M fire station improvements, $4M street maintenance ($500K traffic calming), $2.4M fleet upkeep, $600K ADA compliance, $1M joint training facility, $2M CIP gap funding, $1M Engler Road, plus redirection of $2M from municipal court design to library and $2M from Bruins/Motel to recreation center.
  • Council directed staff to begin planning an all‑abilities park and to include library needs in the upcoming Go Bond discussion (scheduled for May 11 work session).
  • Other business: Ordinance 3109 and Resolution 26‑122 approved; board appointments confirmed; city manager announced progress on downtown bollards for pedestrian safety and ongoing negotiations for the walnut skate park repair.

Meeting Transcript

We're not on yet. You're live. You're on now. Okay. Thank you. I was practicing. Good afternoon. Welcome to the City Council meeting. Today is Monday, April 6th, 2026. It's approximately one PM. I am Mayor Eric Enriquez. Before we start, I want to mention that we have the ASL, the American Sign Language Interpreters up front, available for us at every City Council meeting. We will start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our interests around the globe, as well as the courageous men and women of the Las Cruces Police and the Las Cruces Fire Department that protect our city 247 365. Okay, you're up. Yeah, I think they're over there. So we'll start out with our presentations of certificates and proclamations by uh Mayor Pro Tel Munio. Thank you, Mayor. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you all for coming today. I'd like to start at recognizing our graduates from the neighborhood leadership academy. So as I um saying a few words, if the graduates would come up and join me, including Scott and Katrina for a picture and our mayor. Congratulations, 2026 Academy graduates. In 2017, the City Council adopted a strategic plan. Now I know it's been windy, so um some of your hair might be messed up, so just wanted to help out there. Um so 2017, the uh city council adopted a strategic plan to increase community government engagement leading to the creation of the neighborhood leadership academy. The academy available to Las Cruces residents provides first hand insight into city services and programs through presentations by city personnel and on-site visits to public facilities. Launched in the fall of 2017. The program ran until spring 2020 when the pandemic paused in-person sessions. Due to strong interest, the program resumed in 2024, spring of 2025, and now spring of 2026. The Academy's mission is to equip the residents with knowledge of city government, enabling them to become effective neighborhood advocates and community leaders. This free program helps residents understand how the city operates and how they can collaborate to enhance neighborhood quality of life. Weekly workshops and field trips cover various city operations, services, and ways to bring about positive change. Sessions include meetings with city leaders, parks and rec activities, utility codes, demonstrations, touring the new transit facility. Participants also learn about public works, pavement management systems, and how our fire department has expansive services to ambulance and mental health calls. Eleven weeks of presentations, demonstrations, and active involvement. From what I understand, it was about 21 or 24 hours of total presentation time. So outstanding, outstanding jobs. So let's give uh the graduates a round of applause. So Camera, Mayor, would you like to join us for the picture? Yeah, would you squeezing this way? Katrina. Good afternoon, Katrina Golines, community outreach manager. Um, I would like to tell everyone that this has been our largest class, one, also our largest graduating class. We had 33 graduate today. We had 55 originally sign up, but um, can you give everyone a round of applause for sticking with the program? Thank you, and thank you, Council Mayor, for everything, thank you. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you again, Katrina and Scott for uh and everyone who participated in this wonderful program. Okay, now I'd like to read a few proclamations. This proclamation is received by Sergio Teyas, the Fair Housing for Fair Housing Month. Sergio, are you in the audience? Or someone from the group.

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