Los Alamos County Council Regular Session - September 29, 2026

The Los Alamos County Council held a regular session on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting included proclamations, a consent agenda, public hearings on water rate increases and write-offs of uncollectible accounts, a board appointment, and the County Manager's report. Notable decisions included adoption of a corrected water rate ordinance (Code Ordinance No. 02-387) and appointments to the Environmental Sustainability Board.

Consent Calendar

• Acknowledgement of Receipt: Approved receipt of the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration approval of the FY2027 Los Alamos County Budget (Legislative File 22102-26).
• Engineering Services: Approved Agreement No. AGR26-60 with Black & Veatch Corporation for an amount not to exceed $551,775.00 (plus a contingency of $75,000 and NMGRT of $48,183.33) for a condition assessment of Abiquiu and El Vado hydroelectric plants for one year, with an option to renew for one year (Legislative File AGR1219-26). Also approved Budget Revision 2027-20.
• Draft Tube Repairs: Approved Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. AGR 25-925 with Andritz Hydro Corp. in the amount of $663,720.70 (including $81,771.75 for tariff fees and NMGRT of $5,417.38) for repairs to the Abiquiu Hydroelectric Plant draft tube, and approved Budget Revision 2027-22 for $87,190.00 (Legislative File AGR1239-26).
• DPU Budget Carryovers: Approved Budget Revision No. 2027-01A for DPU carryovers from FY2026 to FY2027 totaling $14,507,148 in expenditures, $3,619,826 in revenues, and a decrease in fund balance of $10,887,322 (Legislative File 21713-26).
• Grant Application: Approved the Department of Public Utilities' application to the New Mexico Finance and Administration Capital Development Program Fund for a grant to fund the EA-4 Power Line Replacement from Pajarito Cliffs Site to Rendija Road (Legislative File 22169-26).
• Broadband Easement: Approved a temporary construction, access, and utility easement for community broadband network infrastructure in the Mirador Subdivision, Phase III, Cadena Loop, owned by A-19-A-1 Acquisition Group, LLC in White Rock (Legislative File 22167-26).
• Library GO Bond Grant: Accepted the FY27 Library GO Bond Grant awarded by the New Mexico State Library in the amount not to exceed $57,529.61 (no match required) and approved Budget Revision 2027-19 (Legislative File 22166-26).
• Power Purchase Agreements: Approved execution of one or more Power Purchase Agreements in an aggregate amount not to exceed $18,509,400.00 plus applicable GRT, for the period October 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027 (Legislative File 22168-26).
• Fiber Asset Management: Approved Agreement No. AGR26-66 with Vetro, Inc. in the amount of $423,258 plus applicable GRT, for asset management and tracking of county fiber lines for a term of up to seven years (Legislative File 22193-26).
• Easement Dedications: Approved acceptance of public utility and public drainage easements and vacation of existing easements for The Hill Development (Legislative File 22104-26).
• Senior Center HVAC and Renovations: Approved Task Order No. 33, Revision No. 1 under Agreement No. AGR 22-18a with All Rite Construction Inc. in the amount of $3,640,246.52 plus applicable GRT for the Betty Ehart Senior Center HVAC replacement and general renovations project, established a revised project budget of $9,120,000, and approved Budget Revision 2027-25 (Legislative File 21900-26).

The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sam Gardner (191 Dome Road) expressed concern about increased security cameras and armed guards at Los Alamos National Laboratory gates, stating that surveillance and lockdowns undermine citizen safety and that the Council should prioritize people over GRT revenue from nuclear weapons development.
• Brandy Ingemann praised the recent mountain bike race (TransRockies SingleTrack) for its excellent organization, signage directing visitors to local businesses, and positive community impact, calling for more such events.
• James Warniky (speaking on behalf of East Park Pool) requested the Council direct county staff to assign lifeguards to East Park Pool instead of sending them off the hill, citing traffic risk, cost, and greenhouse gas emissions. He noted East Park Pool is 80°F, clean, and open, and proposed a short-term agreement for $2,000/week to cover chemicals and utilities.
• Mike Hargither (parent of two swimmers) emphasized the importance of local swimming for exercise, social connection, and youth swim programs (Aquatomics, high school). He urged creative solutions to use East Park Pool while the Aquatic Center remains delayed.
• Rowan Wademan (youth) preferred East Park Pool stay open to avoid a 30-minute drive to Española.
• Claire (youth, no last name given) noted that driving off the hill conflicts with homework and family time.
• Catherine Snelson (parent of a diver) highlighted that East Park Pool does not have diving boards, so divers have no local facility. She criticized the County for shortsighted planning given known supply chain issues and urged a solution for the high school dive team.
• Aki Koshina (high school swim and dive coach) emphasized that forcing swimmers to travel off the hill impacts study time and student enjoyment, and urged support for teenagers.
• Heath McLaughlin (coach and parent) seconded the request to keep East Park Pool open, noting that outdoor swimming can continue into colder months as demonstrated in other locations.
• Holly Smith Wilson (online) requested increased funding for bear-proof trash cans, stating she has been on a wait list for a long time and a recent bear tore apart her trash can lid.
• Becky Hubbard (online) opposed the water rate increase, stating her utility bill has already increased significantly (electric up ~15%, gas expected additional increase), and asked what justifies hikes exceeding CPI (currently 3-4%). She said such increases force families to use credit cards.
• Holly Smith Wilson (second comment) echoed opposition, stating young families find living in Los Alamos economically unaffordable due to cumulative rate increases and recent council salary increases, and urged DPU to become more economically efficient.
• Lyda Valdez (online) strongly opposed the water rate increase, saying she cannot afford to live on one income and must take a second job. She accused the Council of harming residents, especially elderly and young families, and said she would not vote for any of them.

Discussion Items

• Water Rate Ordinance (9A): Presenter Joann Gentry explained that the previous water rate ordinance (02-380) was adopted on June 30, 2026, but is void due to a clerical error that used an incorrect version. The new ordinance (02-387) corrects date references in service charge periods (changing "From 10/1/2027 through 9/30/2028" to "After 9/30/2027" and similar). No other rate amounts changed. The two-year increase (8% per year) remains as originally proposed, effective October 1, 2026, and October 1, 2027. The new ordinance also formalizes rates for irrigation meters, bulk sales to LANL, and Pajarito Mountain Service Area.

  • Councilor Neal-Clinton asked about safeguards to prevent future errors. Gentry stated that staff now manually reattach correct documents rather than relying on system duplication. County Attorney also signs the ordinance.
  • Neal-Clinton asked what happens if rate increases bring in less revenue than projected. Gentry replied that budget analysis will determine if rates suffice, and further increases may be needed.
  • Neal-Clinton asked what cost reductions were made before raising rates. Gentry said all line items were reviewed and reduced where possible, and low-interest loans from the Water Trust Board are being pursued.
  • Councilor Ryti clarified that the new LANL rate is based on their water usage (26% of produced water) and includes O&M costs; the Pajarito Mountain rate includes an energy charge for pumping.
  • Councilor Rieger confirmed no changes in rates from the prior version.
  • Public comment included opposition from multiple speakers citing financial hardship and cumulative rate increases.
  • Councilor Hand and Rieger voted against the ordinance, with Rieger arguing for better cost controls rather than rate increases.
  • The ordinance passed 5-2.

• Uncollectible Utility Accounts (9B): Resolution 26-22 authorizes write-off of 76 utility accounts totaling $31,800.33 from FY2022, deemed uncollectible after four years. Staff noted that collection agencies are used for utility accounts and paid 14% of collected amounts. Councilor Hand voted no; motion passed 6-1.

• Uncollectible Non-Utility Accounts (9C): Resolution 26-23 authorizes write-off of COBRA, Environmental Services, Airport, Library Services, and Ambulance Billing accounts totaling $263,145.73 from FY2022. Staff noted these accounts have been offset 100% by allowance for uncollectible accounts, so the write-off merely cleans up the books. Councilor Hand voted no; motion passed 6-1.

• Environmental Sustainability Board Appointment (10B1): Two candidates interviewed: Anastasia Letaw (Independent, 7 months in county, PM at LANL, master's in environmental planning) and John Key (originally Democrat but changed to DTS, freelance art director, applied for three boards). The interview panel recommended John Key. Council discussion noted Key's application also mentioned Art in Public Places, but staff clarified he applied for multiple boards. Key was appointed by a vote of 5-2 (Councillors Cole and Rieger voted for Letaw).

• County Manager's Report: Manager Laurent highlighted upcoming meetings, including a December 1 special meeting for ALPR discussion. She reported that bear-resistant trash cans are on order with an anticipated delivery of October 14, 2026 (funding is not the issue; availability is). Regarding the Aquatic Center closure and swimming alternatives, Laurent stated that staffing is the primary obstacle; the County is exploring opening Lucero Center in Española but faces staffing challenges (Española down to one guard, County has two potential guards). A government-to-government agreement is easier than a public-private partnership with East Park Pool. Laurent also addressed the September 28 Lumen fiber cut outage, noting that the County followed its after-action report from a previous outage, deployed message boards and Starlinks, but that communication with Lumen is difficult and expectations may be unrealistic. Long-term broadband investments will improve redundancy.

• Council Liaison Reports:

  • Councilor Havemann reported on the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting (Sept 23) regarding the Comprehensive Plan update. Key public feedback included opposition to conservation residential zoning, support for housing regulation reforms, concerns about the term "character," and mixed views on growth projections. The revised draft plan is expected to go to Planning and Zoning in November and to Council in December.
  • Councilor Cole reported on the Parks and Recreation Board meeting, covering the Los Alamos Mesa Trail project, North Mesa picnic grounds upgrades, and the FY26 year-in review.
  • Councilor Rieger reported on the Arts in Public Places Board meeting, which approved a joint process with the state arts board for art at the new fire station, discussed a deaccession policy, and unanimously rejected hanging banners on public art (e.g., Oppenheimer sculpture).
  • Councilor Neal-Clinton noted she missed the BPU meeting but would provide notes.
  • Councilor Hand reported on Health Council, the Northern Area Local Workforce Development Board, NCRTD executive session, and North Central New Mexico Economic Development Board meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Water Rate Ordinance 02-387: Adopted 5-2 (Hand and Rieger opposed). Amends water rate schedules with 8% increases effective October 1, 2026, and October 1, 2027, and adds new sections for irrigation, LANL bulk, and Pajarito Mountain rates. Corrects date errors from prior voided ordinance.
• Resolution 26-22 (Utility Write-offs): Approved 6-1 (Hand opposed). Removes 76 uncollectible utility accounts ($31,800.33) from accounts receivable.
• Resolution 26-23 (Non-Utility Write-offs): Approved 6-1 (Hand opposed). Removes uncollectible accounts for COBRA, Environmental Services, Airport, Library Services, and Ambulance Billing ($263,145.73).
• Environmental Sustainability Board: Appointed John Key to fill a vacancy (term: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2028). Vote: Key 5, Letaw 2. The interview panel recommended Key.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0), including all items A through K as presented.
• Next Steps: A December 1 special meeting will address ALPR policy. The Council will hold a work session on October 6, 2026, to discuss the swimming pool situation and communication resilience. The County Manager will provide additional updates on the Aquatic Center alternative (Lucero Center) when details are finalized. The bear cart delivery is anticipated October 14.