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Finance Committee approves three budget amendments for utilities staffing, land‑use contracts and paving
Summary
On Oct. 6 the Finance Committee approved three consent‑agenda budget amendment resolutions: $1,005,495 to reclassify 87 positions in Public Utilities, $1,225,850 reappropriation for land‑use contracts (general plan update and STR software), and $10,000,000 from 2025 GO bond for FY26 paving projects; all motions passed by recorded roll call.
The Santa Fe Finance Committee on Oct. 6 voted to approve three budget amendment resolutions taken from the consent agenda.
Public utilities staffing reclassification (Item D)
The committee approved a budget amendment to move $1,005,495 in the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Fund to salaries and benefits in order to reclassify 87 positions in the Public Utilities Department. Staff said the change creates consistent job classifications and pay bands to improve cross‑division flexibility and recruitment for certified water/wastewater operators. Committee discussion emphasized building a career ladder, reducing reliance on outside contracts, and making city pay competitive with neighboring jurisdictions. The motion passed by roll call with all committee members voting in favor.
Land Use contracts: General Plan update and STR software (Item J)
The committee approved reappropriation of $1,225,850 from unused FY25 general‑fund allocations to fund land‑use contracts including the general plan update and continuing funds for the short‑term rental software implementation. Land Use Director Heather Lamboy and staff said funds will cover phase‑two and alignment work for the land development code and support the OpenGov permitting rollout and other consulting work. Committee members emphasized the need for updated equipment for staff and continued public engagement. The motion passed by roll call with all committee members voting in favor.
GO bond paving allocation (Item K)
The committee approved reallocating $10,000,000 from the 2025 general‑obligation bond to FY26 complete‑streets design and construction, including planned paving projects. Public Works staff described pre‑bond work already underway (site assessments, contractor outreach and purchase‑order preparation) and said Airport Road is a top priority; contractors will be issued purchase orders in advance of spring paving season where possible. The motion passed by roll call with all committee members voting in favor.
Vote summary
- Item D (Public Utilities reclass): $1,005,495 — approved (unanimous recorded roll call) - Item J (Land Use contracts reappropriation): $1,225,850 — approved (unanimous recorded roll call) - Item K (GO bond paving allocation): $10,000,000 — approved (unanimous recorded roll call)
Speakers and staff for each item spoke at the Oct. 6 Finance Committee meeting. The committee’s approvals move the appropriations into staff control so departments can issue purchase orders, start consultant work and carry out staffing changes in accordance with city personnel and procurement rules.
