Rio Rancho residents have two opportunities this month to weigh in before the city adopts a $452 million spending plan for the coming fiscal year — and the first public hearing is Thursday night.

The Governing Body opens public comment on the Recommended Fiscal Year 2027 Budget at its 6 p.m. regular meeting May 14 at City Hall. A second hearing follows May 28, when the body is also set to vote on adoption. The plan covers city operations from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

The proposed budget totals $452.3 million across all funds. The City’s two primary operating funds, the General Fund and the Utility Operating Fund, represent 55 percent of this total, with the General Fund — which covers core city services — being proposed at $169.9 million, and the Utility Operating Fund at $78.3 million. 

Key investments include two new police officers, nine firefighter/EMTs being formally added ahead of Fire Station 8’s opening, a 5 percent pay adjustment for all city employees effective July 13, and expanded park and senior center staffing.

The governing body is expected to adopt the budget and capital program on May 28 before submitting it to the state by May 31. A final budget, accounting for minor adjustments from the close of FY26, will be approved in July.

Speak at the FY 2027 Budget Public Hearing

When: Thursday, May 14, 6 p.m.

Where: Rio Rancho City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho

Budget adoption vote: Wednesday, May 28, 6 p.m.

Budget and capital program vote: May 28

State submission deadline: May 31

Final adopted budget: July governing body meeting 

View the full budget:rrnm.gov/fy27budget


Kevin Hendricks is an editor with nm.news where he oversees Sandoval County newsrooms. A native of Southeast ABQ, he reported for the ABQ Journal and Rio Rancho Observer before joining nm.news in 2024.

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