City Council Approves 2025-2026 Budget Including Dispatch Center Funding

The City Commission of Alamogordo held a special meeting on July 30, 2025, to discuss critical financial matters, including the approval of the city’s financial statements and the final budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026.

During the meeting, it was revealed that Fund 91, which pertains to the airport, ended the year with a negative cash balance. City officials noted that they are awaiting reimbursement from the state for a taxiway project, which has contributed to this deficit. However, other funds were reported to be in good condition, either meeting or exceeding expected cash balances.

The commission sought approval for the financials to submit to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) for the end of the fiscal year. The discussion also touched on the municipal court's financial situation, which has historically required subsidies from the general fund due to fluctuating revenues. Recent updates to ordinances and fees are expected to improve the court's financial standing moving forward.

The meeting progressed to the approval of resolution 2025-26, which amends the preliminary budget and adopts the final budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The city reported a significant increase in cash balances, revising projections from $56 million to $96 million, reflecting a surplus of over $40 million. This budget includes carryover funds for incomplete capital projects and a $3 million allocation for the dispatch center, funded partly by a transfer from the cannabis fund.

Additionally, the city secured a $27 million loan from the New Mexico Finance Authority, with initial projects underway, including the rehabilitation of a reservoir in La Luz. The general fund is projected to have $2.5 million in unbudgeted cash, although some of this is restricted for specific uses.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s financial health and strategic planning for upcoming projects, with a focus on ensuring that expenditures align with budgeted amounts. The commission unanimously approved the financial statements and budget, setting the stage for continued development and service improvements in Alamogordo.