Rio Rancho · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rio Rancho public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water and Wastewater Rate Increases
Rates went up 3 percent a year for water and wastewater through 2030 (approved in March 2025). Utilities officials plan to return to the governing body at the February work session to discuss serving customers outside city limits — a topic with potential rate implications for unincorporated residents.
Uncertain 2028 municipal election date
The state may move the 2028 presidential primary from June to February, which would bump the city's March 7, 2028 municipal election. Until that's settled, bond questions, the citizen survey and charter review timing are all up in the air.
Core and Liquidity Portfolio performance
The city's day-to-day operating investments — around $400 million including bond proceeds — are earning about 3.9% overall, with the core fund at 4%. Money-market liquidity yields dropped as the Fed cut rates, but the portfolio is structured to cushion that.
Permanent Fund Investment Policy Revision
Rio Rancho's Permanent Fund — set up as a long-term savings pot for city services — was worth about $15.9 million at the end of 2025. How it performs determines how much extra money the city can eventually draw for services without cutting budgets or raising revenue elsewhere.
Permanent Fund performance and allocation
The city's voter-approved permanent fund is growing well — past $16 million with double-digit returns this fiscal year. The consultant is shifting the mix slightly toward more equities and a small slice of real-return assets to boost long-term growth.
Non-Union Employee Pay Enhancement
Non-union city employees get the same PERA enhancement pay bump the union negotiated — a new tier for 5-9 years of service and bigger payouts at 10, 15, and 20 years, costing about $48,648 next year.
City funding and MOU with the Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber floated a $20,000 city-funded MOU for economic development work. Councilor Tyler wants a board seat, quarterly metrics, and a collaboration agreement attached, possibly at mid-year budget.
Broadmoor Senior Center Van Funding
A project to add exercise equipment to the Broadmoor Senior Center's outdoor terrace depends on federal community development block grant funding that hasn't been approved for next year, and the program's future is unclear.
CDBG Grant Awards for Community Services
The city adopted its plan for $522,046 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds, supporting homeless services, an ADA ramp project on Chayote Road, senior center improvements, and home repair programs for low-income residents.