The Bernalillo Fire and Rescue Department will receive $2.5 million in funding from various sources, as the Town Council approves budget adjustments for public safety and community programs accompanied by resolutions backing state policy changes and infrastructure development.
The meeting focused on approving budget adjustments and resolutions, including $2 million for two fire department projects and funding for an enrichment program from allocated General Revenue Operating and Workforce (GROW) funds.
The fire department’s capital outlay projects included $900,000 for a fire engine and $1.1 million for a fire station. In addition to the legislative funding, BFDR was awarded a $500,000 state Fire Grant for infrastructure improvements at Station 2, including upgrades to grading, drainage and retaining walls.
According to Bernalillo Mayor Jack Torres, they met with the neighbor who is frustrated with the sandy-sloped drainage next to the fire station.
“I think she’ll be the happiest person other than the chief,” Torres said.
The Youth and Family Enrichment program also received $240,000 from GROW funds.
“We had a real battle with PFA (Public Finance Authority) to get them to release these without a fiscal agent,” Torres said. “But we persevered.”
Bernalillo officials went to Santa Fe and provided extensive documentation to the finance authority. According to Torres, after considerable effort, the PFA finally agreed to release the funds.
The council voted to support a variety of resolutions that addressed local and statewide issues, including tax code reform, behavioral health funding, housing shortages, EMS support, water infrastructure improvements and police staffing shortages.
“These are in reference to all the concerns that we’d like to present to our legislators,” Mayor Jack Torres said.
The council supports resolutions on:
- State and Local Tax Reform: Urging the protection of municipal revenue and existing funding sources.
- Behavioral Health Programs: Advocacy for increased funding to address addiction and mental health challenges.
- Improved Tax Department Relations: “We’re hoping to build more of a partnership rather than an adversarial relationship,” Torres said.
- Housing Shortages: Urging the governor, legislature and New Mexico Finance Authority to find solutions to rising housing costs statewide.
- Increased EMS Funding: Support for funding enhancements to improve emergency medical services, backed by provisions in House Bill 2.
- Water Infrastructure: Advocacy for additional resources to improve water infrastructure in municipalities and local governments statewide.
- Statewide Radio Network: Support for state funding to help municipalities join the Interoperable Radio Network and cover significant subscriber fees.
- Police Staffing: Addressing the shortage of certified police officers, with a request for assistance from the state.
- Local Road Infrastructure: Support for allocating 100% of motor vehicle excise tax to the Road Fund for local road construction.
In other news…
The town will host holiday events, including the Christmas Tree and water tower lighting, on Dec. 6. This year’s tree will honor the late former Councilor Dale Prairie. The annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 will begin at the north end of town, proceed to Avenida Bernalillo and end at the park with a bonfire and treats for children.
Coat and toy drives are ongoing to support those in need this holiday season, following a successful school supply drive.
Torres highlighted two generous donations: 91 jackets from the Alegria Adult Community and a $2,000 contribution from the United Methodist Church.
Torres said the church donation is “pretty amazing because it’s a tiny congregation and they’ve just really stepped up for us for the last several years.”