Mayor Hull closes out 12 years at final meeting Thursday

Mayor Gregg Hull will gavel in his final Governing Body meeting Thursday after 12 years leading Rio Rancho — and he’ll do it with a contested vote on the agenda.

The Governing Body meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at Council Chambers for what will be Hull’s last regular meeting as mayor. Among the items on the agenda: a final vote on Ordinance O5, which exempts employee insurance, benefits and supplemental retirement programs from the city’s standard competitive bidding process. 

The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading April 9. City officials say the change gives administrators more flexibility to secure better value for employees by routing benefits decisions through a third-party consultant.

But not everyone agrees. Rio Rancho Citizens for Government Accountability is urging residents to contact the City Council before Thursday’s vote, arguing the exemption reduces competition, limits public oversight and moves decisions out of public view. Corrine Rios, a group administrator and former mayoral candidate, shared the call to action online ahead of the meeting.

The council will also select a new Deputy Mayor tonight — the first organizational action of the Governing Body since Paul Wymer defeated Alexandria Piland in the April 14 runoff to claim the mayor’s seat. Wymer currently holds the District 4 council seat and will continue in that role until he is sworn in as mayor on April 30. Residents can submit written comments to the City Clerk before 4 p.m. today.

Rio Rancho Governing Body Meeting — Mayor Hull’s Final Session

When: Thursday, April 23 | 6 p.m. 

Where: Council Chambers, City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144)

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