By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Rio Rancho residents who think City Hall needs a few edits can now pick up the red pen. Mayor Paul Wymer wants seven residents to serve on the city’s Charter Review Committee, which will decide whether the city’s governing document needs changes.
Applications are due at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, through an online interest form on the city’s website, according to a city news release.
Voters adopted the City Charter in 1992, and it sets the basic structure and authority of city government. Municipal code requires a review every six years.
The committee convenes in early 2027 and gets 90 days to send recommended amendments to the Governing Body. Seats go to one resident from each council district plus one at-large member. Wymer appoints the residents, and the Governing Body confirms them. The mayor and two councilors also sit on the committee as non-voting members.
Proposed amendments face two hurdles. The Governing Body decides whether to send each one to the ballot and can make changes, which the committee can accept or reject. Voters get the final say.
One catch: Residents can serve on only one Charter Review Committee in their lifetime. Choose your edits wisely.
Apply for the Charter Review Committee:
- Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13
- Online: rrnm.gov/charterreview
- Read the City Charter: ecode360.com/RI2091
- More info: rrnm.gov