Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas, a Democrat, will face Republican Thomas Wayne Riley in November’s election to determine if Olivas will earn a second term. Olivas defeated radio station owner Byron Powdrell in the Democratic primary ending Tuesday 55% – 44% according to unofficial results from the county clerk’s office. In the Republican primary, Riley, […]
Bernalillo County
Posted inBernalillo County
BernCo balanced its budget, expands free programs without raising taxes
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — For Bernalillo County families already stretched by rising costs, the new county budget aims to lighten the load, with no tax hikes and more free programming at community centers. Faced with an $8.5 million budget gap, county leaders balanced the $857.7 million budget without raising taxes or cutting services, […]
Posted inLocal Government
Planning for the 4th of July? What you need to know about ABQ’s fireworks rule
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — As Burqueños prepare to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial — the United States’ 250th birthday — they’ll have to navigate Albuquerque’s rules on what fireworks can legally be set off in their neighborhoods. Recent wildfires across New Mexico and within city limits may have firefighters on alert, but city fire […]
Posted inLocal Government
As City works to plug budget hole, County approves record $1B budget with surplus
By Jesse Jones, City Desk in The Paper. — Unlike councilors in the City of Albuquerque who are trying to plug a $30-ish million budget hole tied to slower economic activity, Bernalillo County will start the year on stable financial footing, having closed an $8.5 million budget shortfall. Correction: An earlier version of this article […]
Posted inLocal Government
The Bernalillo County tax civil war: Assessor vs. Treasurer
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — A legal fight over a short-term rental tax has escalated into a civil war inside the Bernalillo County government — and a Democratic primary battle in the background — pitting top financial officials against each other over millions in tax revenue and allegations of ethical misconduct. The dispute simmering between County […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
Rio Grande water levels “no longer sufficient” to meet irrigator and river needs, says MRGCD
Middle Rio Grande Valley farmers are facing a tough, unpredictable irrigation season. While an early runoff from the mountains allowed for a head start, river flows have already plunged by about a third since early March. While water demand climbs, river flows have dropped to 30% of early March levels, straining the region’s irrigation system. […]
Posted inBernalillo County, City Desk ABQ, Energy, Local Government, The Paper., Westside Albuquerque
Inside the Oso Negro project: Bernalillo County’s newest weapon against power outages
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — With an uncertain future for power rates and unreliable power grids, Bernalillo County residents may see more stable electricity rates and a stronger power grid, following the approval of a $175 million battery storage project on Albuquerque’s Westside. Bernalillo County commissioners approved an industrial revenue bond, 4-1, March 11, […]
Posted inBernalillo County, City Desk ABQ, Elections & Politics
Former sheriff will file to run against BernCo sheriff John Allen in Dem primary
A 27-year law enforcement veteran will file to run against Bernalillo County John Allen in the June 2nd Democratic primary election, City Desk has learned. Phil Snedeker tells City Desk he will file qualifying paperwork and signatures Tuesday morning on local filing day. He has served in the criminal justice system for 47 years, according […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Courts, Justice & Safety
Two Navajo Nation officers injured in To’hajiilee shooting west of ABQ; suspect in custody
The Paper. — Two Navajo Nation Police officers were injured Friday morning during a shooting in the community of To’hajiilee, sparking a localized shelter-in-place order. The New Mexico State Police confirmed to news outlets they are leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. According to a social media post from the Navajo Police Department, officers […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Government
Photos: On his birthday, hundreds honor a life of service for BCSO sergeant
Hundreds gathered Monday, March 2, on what would have been his birthday at the Rio Rancho Events Center to honor Sgt. Michael Barrett Schlattman, a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputy, died in the line of duty on Feb. 23 at age 52. Schlattman joined BCSO in 2012 and was promoted to sergeant in July […]