Council approves $700,000 for AFSCME wage increase and realigns budget allocations

Albuquerque's Committee of the Whole made significant strides in budget adjustments during their meeting on May 15, 2025, focusing on enhancing community services and addressing wage disparities. A key decision involved reserving $700,000 for AFSCME Green Circle positions, aimed at raising the minimum wage for employees below the established pay range. This move is expected to improve compensation for essential workers, aligning their pay with the results of a recent classification and compensation study.

Councilor Pena introduced Amendment Number 11, which proposed reallocating funds across various departments to better align appropriations with program needs. Notably, the amendment included a $50,000 increase for the public library and a $900,000 boost for mental health services, while also adjusting funding for the police department's professional accountability program. These adjustments reflect a commitment to prioritize mental health and community resources, particularly in light of ongoing challenges in these areas.

The discussions highlighted the importance of technical adjustments in the budget process, with council members acknowledging the necessity of correcting previous oversights. The budget office clarified that these amendments were essential for accurately reflecting the city's funding priorities and ensuring that critical services are adequately supported.

Despite some concerns about the clarity of the amendments presented, council members expressed a collective understanding of the need for these adjustments. The meeting underscored the city's ongoing efforts to enhance public services and support vulnerable populations, setting a positive trajectory for Albuquerque's budgetary commitments moving forward.