[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6636120,"mediaKeyId","2615950-1eb783f4e8816a33642384198896c33e","parentId",2615950,"title","Rio Rancho approves lodgers-tax change, advances bond and salary ordinances; budget adjustment OK'd for 9‑1‑1 center","audioSeconds",1002,"startMs",750000,"endMs",1752000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615950-1eb783f4e8816a33642384198896c33e&start=750&end=1752","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615950-1eb783f4e8816a33642384198896c33e/thumbnail_750000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6636120/Rio-Rancho/Sandoval-County/New-Mexico/Rio-Rancho-approves-lodgers-tax-change-advances-bond-and-salary-ordinances-budget-adjustment-OKd-for-911-center","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636120-9c6f51dbf41a3d46378d9735525aad44/orig.mp4?Expires=1770574146&Signature=QKWGyip8qLE4ARQmRCBsyXaiddMFO4UHfEU23brTYajmwZWu7trF2Oqb3HbfnIQqHOVYtaaxjhzp~FzCpkuJkMC6sOOLaSXhGMxZFN9VxQfHgBl8YOMeZfIiSVs3wIbJExUElLhJLwDE-oDUuFnepB8wOrWfHv5X1FUiz-j0axxbMy9KicUI7KOSnBhV2x8QQouw6KFRQHAW3W2Cf4n7c1SPsJRASDH6-727cfC9UIRNq5A9KJOy-IBTdaXF94d4HDz4y5TLPAGYh5RssJC9nFdCGONw~LTrMPW5Mtfctc55vlPiNbH6AaTFwhHOvjEDzSn0flc0L-1I01VwKxrzDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rio Rancho","date","2025-03-13T18:00:00Z","article","The City of Rio Rancho governing body on March 27 took a series of votes on ordinances and a resolution that will affect tax collection, capital financing, municipal compensation rules and funding for the city's emergency communications center.

Lodgers tax: The council approved on second reading an ordinance amending Chapter 37.02 of the municipal code to account for short-term rentals as taxable premises and to address licensing and language updates that mirror applicable state statute. Director or staff presentation noted the change follows the governing body's earlier decision to allow short-term rentals to operate legally in the city effective July 1, 2025. Vote: O5 approved on second reading; recorded yes votes included Councilor Dapson, Councilor List, Councilor Linnentine, Councilor Weimer and Mayor Gregg Hall.

Gross receipts tax improvement bond (O6): On first reading, the governing body approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of gross receipts tax improvement revenue bonds, series 2025, in a maximum principal amount of $32,000,000. Finance staff said the financing would fund two priority projects identified in prior work sessions: a widening project described in staff materials and construction of Fire Station Number 8. Staff told the council the bond would enable the city to accept approximately $11,600,000 in federal funding and about $2,000,000 in state matching funds for the widening project; staff said the ordinance delegates signing authority to the mayor, city manager and finance director and sets maximum interest and maturity parameters. The ordinance received first-reading approval; staff anticipates closing on the bonds by mid‑May if the process proceeds as expected.

Industrial revenue bonds (O9 and O10): The governing body approved first readings to amend earlier IRB ordinances related to Quail Ranch Energy LLC's solar and storage projects. Economic development staff said the updates adjust the pilot (payment in lieu of taxes) schedule using 2024 property-tax mill levies and current student enrollment, producing a slight increase—about 0.65 percentage points—in the share payable to two local school districts (roughly $2,400 more for schools and $2,400 less to the city in the summary figures provided). Both O9 and O10 advanced on first reading.

Municipal compensation and court pay (O8): Councilors approved first reading of an ordinance to remove references to state law when setting future mayor and council salaries after a 2024 constitutional change; the ordinance sets numeric values so future elected officials' salaries are not tied to state statute. The ordinance also increases the salary for the elected municipal court judge from $70,000 to $80,500 effective upon the election of a new judge in 2026 and raises alternate municipal judge compensation from $175 to $200. Councilors emphasized the changes apply to future officeholders, not sitting officials.

Emergency Communications Center budget adjustment (R27): The council approved Resolution R27 to transfer $720,000 from the general fund to the building maintenance fund for upgrades at the Rio Rancho Emergency Communications Center. Manager Jolene Madrid said identified needs include replacement or upgrade of the uninterruptible power supply, fire suppression system corrections, septic system isolation and a remodel of office space. The total estimated project cost, including design, is $820,000; the city has previously allocated $200,000, leaving a $100,000 contingency buffer according to staff. The resolution passed unanimously as recorded.

Votes and next steps: Several items advanced on first reading and will return for second readings where required by ordinance procedures. The lodgers-tax amendment and the budget resolution were acted on to take effect according to ordinance and budget rules. For items advancing on first reading, staff identified expected timelines: O6 second reading set for March 27 (first reading occurred) and bond closing anticipated in mid‑May if approved through the remaining steps.

Why it matters: The votes affect municipal revenues and spending priorities'from capturing tax on short-term rentals to financing public-safety infrastructure and clarifying how future elected-official compensation will be set. The IRB amendments adjust long-term payment-in-lieu schedules that have small but direct impacts for local school districts and city receipts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rio Rancho - Governing Body Regular Meeting - Mar 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The governing body approved final reading of a lodgers-tax ordinance to capture short-term rentals, advanced an authorization for a $32 million gross‑receipts tax revenue bond on first reading, amended industrial revenue bond schedules for Quail Ranch Energy and approved a $720,000 transfer for emergency communications upgrades.","taxTitle","Rio Rancho, Sandoval County, New Mexico","taxId",2726,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6636125,"Rio Rancho leaders advance water-rate changes amid public concern over aquifer injection",207,903000,1110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615950-1eb783f4e8816a33642384198896c33e&start=903&end=1110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615950-1eb783f4e8816a33642384198896c33e/thumbnail_903000.jpg","/articles/6636125/Rio-Rancho/Sandoval-County/New-Mexico/Rio-Rancho-leaders-advance-water-rate-changes-amid-public-concern-over-aquifer-injection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636125-0ece575f90c1ff1344df9ac256aa76fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770574146&Signature=UT9QkxBWbPY8DX-3Z-ShOF0CI3KuNiR2KjO08jA7sQZDF3xqi2CPwjs6GUK2ZMMn8KVImdBvKiFTzPZrT8BqcNEikqUzH1faJCDJ9Sn-Czjhdiyyetrt0i2~Qx~FTahwKk~sqN0FW75Zo2emGZP789mSgJ~52KNpDd4aTgIq1PsT5C7nSQ~FfQsCPfE0utpI2sW53P6dMuMHSvACkpfN~6lf6G7f8vQbi2bvNZt16CdqBlfmXS701t8smydfU37diQOduxeIwkupqXoq4eWTcHlkq3zfihIp0cRq4w2b-3-YIf-pEIEcRCP8Krupm3RJejrLsMM2zC3n2EwzkDGvNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rio Rancho governing body on first reading approved a proposed multi-year adjustment to water, wastewater and water-rights rates as staff said the increases are needed to maintain and operate the city's utilities and preserve system reliability.

The proposed ordinance would establish a 3% adjustment to water, wastewater and water-rights rates for the multiyear period presented by staff, and a 5% increase for the bulk fill station. Director Isaac Gallegos told the council the adjustments follow a rate study conducted with consultant Water Works and are intended to provide revenue for operations and capital needs over the next five years. \"The rates before you will ensure that the utilities will have the revenue required to maintain and operate a reliable and safe water wastewater system, over the next 5 year period,\" Gallegos said.

The issue drew public comment and discussion. Steve Van Horn, a Rio Rancho resident and former chair of the Utilities Commission, warned the council that refreshing the aquifer by injecting treated effluent carries high cost and potential risks. \"Refreshing the aquifer by injection of treated sewer water is very costly and has the highest risk of negative effects on the aquifer,\" Van Horn said, adding that many hydrologic projections show less available water over coming decades. Van Horn asked the council to pursue broader public discussion of the injection program and its long-term consequences for ratepayers.

At the start of the meeting, public forum speaker David Starr raised broader concerns about water availability and urged the city to study sustainable living plans and regional water strategies. Council members and the mayor responded by pointing to investments and conservation measures the city has taken. Councilor Lindentine said Rio Rancho \"is leading the state in water innovation and sustainability,\" citing aquifer injection, arsenic treatment and system investments; she urged residents to consult the city's water reports for details. Mayor Gregg Hall also noted extensive work with the state engineer and regional partners to manage supply and downstream impacts.

Action and next steps: The governing body voted in favor of the ordinance on first reading; the transcript records assent votes for Councilor List, Councilor Weimer, Councilor Dapson, Councilor Linnentine and Mayor Hall. The ordinance will return for a second reading at a subsequent meeting before any rate changes take effect. Staff told the council it stands ready to answer follow-up questions and provide the underlying rate-study materials used to recommend the adjustments.

Why it matters: The rate changes are intended to fund operations and planned capital projects for water and wastewater infrastructure. Public commenters framed the vote within broader regional concerns about long-term aquifer health and the costs and risks of managed aquifer recharge by injection. Councilors emphasized both conservation gains the city reports and the need for ongoing public outreach about technical decisions.

The city's presentation and the public comments focused on financial and technical trade-offs; no final policy beyond the first reading was adopted at the meeting.","The Rio Rancho governing body approved first reading of a water and wastewater rate adjustment after staff presented a five‑year funding plan; public speakers and councilors raised concerns about aquifer injection, long‑term water supply and conservation investments.","actionData","errors"]

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Rio Rancho approves lodgers-tax change, advances bond and salary ordinances; budget adjustment OK'd for 9‑1‑1 center

Rio Rancho leaders advance water-rate changes amid public concern over aquifer injection