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.
2026 G.O. Bond Question and Mill Levy Presentations
The city is selling the bonds voters approved in March 2026: about $12.4M for roads, $4.4M for public safety, and $1.2M for quality-of-life facilities. City staff stressed this won't raise taxes — it's just the final green light on the sale, expected June 24-26.
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.
2023–2028 Strategic Plan implementation
The city is three years into its five-year strategic plan, and about 70 objectives haven't been started yet. Councilors are deciding which of those are still worth pursuing and which should be shelved — a big signal for where future staff time and budget will go.
Repurposing the expiring higher education gross receipts tax
A 0.25% tax that brings in about $6 million a year sunsets June 30, 2028. Staff want to discuss in December converting it to a general services tax to fund operations — possibly including a new streets and right-of-way facility that needs bonding.
Possible switch to bi-monthly commission meetings
Starting February 2027, the commission meets every other month instead of monthly, since about four meetings a year were being cancelled anyway. Fewer meetings means more robust agendas and better-prepared staff reports, with special meetings available if needed.
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.
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 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.
Voting representation at the New Mexico Municipal League Annual Conference
Rio Rancho gets one vote at the Municipal League's annual business meeting, where League officers are elected and policy resolutions affecting cities statewide are adopted. Naming a delegate means the city actually gets to use that vote.
Board and commission appointments
Four volunteers were slated for city boards: Mathew Bose (Public Infrastructure Advisory Board), Tom Camacho (Arts Commission), Kevin Kofchur (Planning and Zoning Board) and Alena McAllister (Library Board of Trustees).
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.
Fiscal Year 2027 Balanced Budget
The city's $109.1 million general fund spending plan includes 5% pay raises for all employee groups, a $1.4 million police pay boost from the union deal, 21 new positions, and health premiums up 5%. Reserves stay above the 25% policy minimum. Water and wastewater bills rise about $3 a month under the already-scheduled rate increase.
Removal of Advisory Board Member Juan Martinez
Before the consent calendar, a resident sharply criticized the removal of Juan Martinez from the Public Infrastructure Advisory Board, calling it retaliation for asking questions and claiming he himself was blackballed from boards years ago.
FY2027 Final Budget Adoption
The council locked in next year's budget, deferring some City Hall renovation projects and trimming the Tulip Road design to keep the required 25% reserve, while adding roughly $381,000 for employee pay reclassifications and longevity pay.
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.
FY 2027 Recommended Budget
The proposed budget covering July 2026–June 2027 is structurally balanced, with 21 new positions, a 5% employee pay adjustment, and a 5% health premium increase. Adoption is scheduled for May 28.
$18 Million General Obligation Bond Issuance (Series 2026)
The council moved forward on the bonds voters approved in March — $18 million split between roads ($12.4M), public safety ($4.4M), and quality-of-life facilities ($1.2M). Expect road reconstruction on Baltic, Springer, Ridgecrest, and Honduras, plus police vehicles, a fire engine, an ambulance, and park/library improvements.