Las Cruces earmarks $500,000 to replace roof at Fire Station 4 after leaks displaced staff

The City Council approved a combined package May 19 to fund a full roof replacement at Fire Station 4, after staff reported repeated leaks that have displaced personnel and disrupted operations.

Budget analyst Vanessa Perez and CIP staff presented the request as two linked actions: an internal budget adjustment (Resolution 25-137) reallocating roughly $209,000 within the general fund and about $291,000 from a 2023 SSGRT fund; and a Capital Improvements Program amendment (Resolution 25-138) to add the re‑roof project into the FY26 CIP. Council approved both measures.

Dominic Susie, presenting on behalf of facilities/fire operations, said "the roof is in pretty rough shape" and described repeated leaks that have reached dorm areas and the kitchen, forcing firefighters to be displaced at times. He told council personnel have used buckets and moved beds to avoid leaks. Staff said the work will replace the roof over the dorm area, kitchen and apparatus bay.

Councilors asked about mold testing and staff said a recent bathroom water leak at Station 4 had produced mold that was abated; the department has since been using an exterior trailer for showers while that work continues. Facilities staff said they will institute a closer inspection and maintenance schedule, including a proposed two‑month roof inspection cycle and more frequent work‑order entries to prevent future neglect.

Councilors framed the issue as a public‑safety priority because displaced firefighters can reduce response capacity in a district. Both the budget adjustment and CIP amendment passed unanimously.

Implementation notes: staff will complete the design and contract work to replace the roof sections cited and coordinate temporary arrangements for displaced personnel during construction. Council did not identify additional funding sources; the project is funded from the general fund and the SSGRT allocation as approved.