By Rodd Cayton, The Paper.
Without controversy, the Bernalillo Town Council on June 8 finalized the infrastructure capital improvement plan for 2028 through 2032. The panel had previously discussed the package, essentially a wish list municipalities in New Mexico submit each year, identifying capital projects they would like to undertake.
The only change between then and final passage, capital projects administrative coordinator Mari Hernandez told councilors, is an increase from $275,000 to $525,000 for a municipal network infrastructure replacement. The project list includes 17 items, with an estimated cost of $74 million. Those range from $10 million for a new police station to $20,000 for library upgrades.
Also at the meeting, Mayor Jack Torres introduced an ordinance that would change the hiring process for the fire chief to resemble the way other department heads are chosen.Torres said he recently found out that Bernalillo is probably the last municipality in the state in which the fire chief is hired by the mayor and ratified by the council; this change would make the fire chief a regular employee.
Torres told the Sandoval Signpost Tuesday that the current situation makes the fire chief an at-will employee, who serves at the pleasure of the mayor and council and therefore can be terminated without cause. He said the effect of the change will mean more candidates will be interested in the position, as it means greater stability. The matter will come up for approval at the June 22 council meeting.
The town is now seeking a new chief, after AJ Bonnett’s term wasn’t extended. Bryan Picchione is serving as interim chief.