Have some opinions on how the city should budget its money? The public is invited to share its thoughts with Albuquerque city councilors at two upcoming meetings — one this Thursday and another next Thursday. The Committee of the Whole will meet May 2 and May 9 to hear resident input on the mayor’s proposed budget […]
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Library IT funds missing from mayor’s budget
The days of searching for a book using card catalogs and the Dewey Decimal System became obsolete at least a decade ago as libraries were computerized and digitized. This is one reason employees and supporters of the metro area’s 19 branches are concerned that the entire information technology (IT) budget — $400,000 — has been […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Local Gov.
State’s largest jail gets a new warden
After months with an interim warden overseeing the Metropolitan Detention Center, Bernalillo County has hired a new warden — from Florida — who will start his new position on June 17. Steven Kai Smith is currently a warden with the Volusia County Division of Corrections in Daytona Beach, Florida, according to a news release from […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Local Gov.
NMDOJ investigates complaints about county commissioners
The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) is investigating claims that some members of the Bernalillo County Commission have violated meeting rules. In a letter dated April 24, and addressed to County Manager Julie Morgas Baca and Attorney Ken Martinez, the NMDOJ said, “Based on the materials reviewed, there are indications that deliberations on public […]
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Councilor eyes return of Berry-era homeless labor initiative
An idea born under former Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry that provides day labor jobs for those experiencing homelessness could be making a comeback. “There’s a Better Way” was launched in 2015 and the initiative quickly gained national attention. After a year in operation, the Washington Post called it “a simple idea that works.” The […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Gov.
Tax and Revenue Dept. warns of fraudulent delinquent tax letters
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department is warning taxpayers about fraudulent demand letters going out to property owners who are delinquent on their taxes. The letters tell the owners to call a 1-800 number by a certain date or the state will seize their property. The letters are not from the state Taxation and […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Housing & Homelessness, Local Gov.
Commission publishes first-of-its-kind behavioral health ordinance
Bernalillo County residents may soon see a different, more efficient network aimed at helping them meet their behavioral health needs. The Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the publication of an ordinance that would create a behavioral health authority that would unify county behavioral health efforts. Vice Chair Eric Olivas said before the meeting that […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Local Gov.
Commissioners send message against reusing fracking wastewater
Pleas to save the groundwater from oil and gas wastewater flooded Tuesday night’s Bernalillo County Commission meeting. Public Pleas More than a dozen public comments were in support of a resolution to oppose a proposed rule change that would change the parameter of how all fracked wastewater can be reused. The rule change proposed by […]
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Barelas Park event to promote city summer programs
Spring has sprung, and city leaders want community members to come out and celebrate the return of warm weather while learning about the city’s summer programs for kids. Saturday’s Spring into Summer event will include music, food trucks, games and animals in need of homes. HOW TO PARTICIPATE: WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Local Gov.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Commissioners try to revisit controversial process to hire county manager
If at first you don’t succeed — try again. Bernalillo County Commissioners Steven Michael Quezada and Walt Benson will try to get a controversial resolution on the agenda for the commission’s Tuesday meeting to allow it to revisit the process to hire a county manager. The two commissioners will need some help from their colleagues […]