To wrap up May, Bernalillo councilors moved quickly through their May 27 meeting, approving summer hires and hearing a financial update that showed tax revenue falling short of expectations.
The council gave the green light to hire lifeguards and camp aides for summer programs, while staff reported gross receipts tax revenue lagging behind last year’s pace. With budget planning underway for the next fiscal year, officials noted the slowdown may be tied to fewer construction projects.
The council approved hiring eight camp counselors for Camp Coronado, which runs June 9 through Aug. 1, and five seasonal lifeguards for the town pool, set to open June 18.
Lifeguards are completing their certification online this year since the town pool is five feet deep or less, according to Mike Kloeppel, the director of the recreation department. They no longer need to take an in-person class or test at a swimming facility and are expected to begin testing later this week.
“I would hope we make sure they can all swim,” Mayor Jack Torres said. “Even if it’s not required, that would not be a good thing if we had an incident and one of them can’t swim.”
Deputy Finance Director Jason Soto gave the Town Council a quick update on Bernalillo’s finances through April.
The town had brought in 81% of expected revenue so far—just a bit behind the 83% point in the fiscal year, Soto said. Spending was at 74%, keeping things under budget.
The Enterprise Fund, which covers things like water and sewer, was ahead of schedule with 93% of revenue already collected and spending at just 71%.
Gross receipts tax (GRT) revenue is running behind last year, and the town doesn’t expect to hit its full target. Soto said it is likely because there has not been much construction in the town, with the Old Highway 44 bridge being the only big project going on.
As of May, Bernalillo has received 80% of its projected GRT revenue and 89% of expected cannabis tax revenue, compared to 92% of the fiscal year completed.
According to Soto, the staff are finalizing the budget and preparing to submit it to the state. He said they also plan to present the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan at the next council meeting.
Get involved
The next town council meeting is at 6:30 p.m., June 9, at the Town Hall Council Chambers, 829 Camino del Pueblo.