Santa Fe council approves multiple items; hears finance, library and CIP updates

The City of Santa Fe City Council met March 27, 2025, and took action on several routine and policy items while hearing staff reports on finance, department operations and capital projects.

What passed: Council approved the first reading of an ordinance merging and updating the city’s tobacco regulations; adopted an updated schedule of nonconsent towing fees by ordinance; approved repairs to a dump truck (unit 0634) not to exceed $6,006.19; accepted infrastructure for the Barber Lane (First Street) improvement for one-year inspection and warranty; approved a 36-month internet services contract for the Mayo Bruce Municipal Library with PS Lightwave LLC (effective July 1, 2025); adopted a consent agenda of administrative resolutions; and authorized the mayor to sign a match-commitment letter supporting a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) project to replace the City Hall backup generator with a natural-gas unit, subject to the grant’s 75/25 funding split.

Finance and grants: Finance Director Rudy reported strong year-to-date sales-tax receipts, noting a year-over-year month change for March of 24.8% and a year-to-date revenue figure that outpaced expenses for the fiscal year to date. Rudy said the city is awaiting a $400,000 FEMA reimbursement previously approved and that the audit draft includes a bookkeeping finding tied to the timing of construction invoices; he said the finding is being addressed and will not affect the city’s financial position.

Library internet contract and E-rate change: Library Director Becky summarized a recommended 36-month contract with PS Lightwave LLC that would provide 1 Gbps symmetrical service and position the library to receive fiber service in future years. Becky said the library had expected a 80% E-rate reimbursement but learned that the E-rate discount rate will be 60% for the coming year because the local school’s Title I percentage fell below 50%, increasing the library’s net cost; the change raises the library’s annual cost by roughly $2,200.

Tobacco ordinance: Community Services Director Georgia presented a consolidated ordinance that moves definitions and tobacco-product categories under a single chapter, incorporating language from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define products and paraphernalia. The first reading passed on a roll-call vote.

Generator match commitment: Staff described a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program opportunity to replace an inoperable City Hall generator. The grant would pay 75% of the project; staff estimated total costs in a conservative range up to $200,000 but said a realistic quote is nearer $150,000, leaving an estimated local match between $25,000 and $35,000. Finance staff pointed to available fund balance and an expected FEMA reimbursement as possible match sources; council authorized the mayor to sign the match commitment letter.

Barber Lane and other capital items: The council accepted water, sewer, drainage and paving work for a renamed First Street (Barber Lane) after IDS cleared final inspections and the developer supplied required documentation; staff said the subdivision build-out remains privately funded and may be gradual. The council also discussed capital equipment priorities for the 2025–26 budget, including police vehicle replacement, a road roller, a chipper and other public works needs; staff noted $200,000 of unexpected positive fiscal-year results and $400,000 of FEMA reimbursement that could be applied to capital needs.

Procedure, staffing and operations: Staff told council the city’s building official resigned suddenly; the city will advertise for the position and use contract inspection support in the interim. Community Services reported permit-processing improvements and that new fees began March 1. Parks staff said planning is underway for Behringer Park and the April 5 Easter event at Tamara Park.

Votes at a glance: - First reading, ordinance amending tobacco-product regulations — Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, outcome: passed first reading. - Award 36-month Internet services contract (PS Lightwave LLC) for Mayo Bruce Municipal Library — Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, outcome: approved. - Accept infrastructure for Barber Lane (First Street) — Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, outcome: approved. - Adopt ordinance updating nonconsent towing fees — Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, outcome: adopted. - Approve repairs to dump truck Unit 0634 (Rauser Truck Service) not to exceed $6,006.19 — Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, outcome: approved. - Authorize mayor to sign HMGP backup-generator match-commitment letter — Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, outcome: approved. - Consent agenda (resolution authorizing account representatives; Textful Prime move) — Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, outcome: approved.

Ending: Council scheduled ongoing budget/CIP discussion and an executive session to continue city manager candidate interviews. Staff will return with detailed cost quotes for planned capital equipment and with final inspection documentation for the paving punch list.