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Committee approves $135,000 for Midtown redevelopment project management; councilors question temp staffing model
Summary
The Finance Committee approved a $135,000 allocation from general fund balances for Midtown redevelopment project and administrative management. Councilors expressed concerns about unclear packet details, use of temp-agency staffing and long-term recurring costs before approving the one-time allocation.
The Santa Fe Finance Committee approved Feb. 24 a $135,000 budget amendment from general fund balances to fund Midtown redevelopment project and administrative management.
Daniel Hernandez, Director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA), told the committee the request covers short-term contract staffing to support MRA project work. Hernandez said one portion—$75,000—would pay a project manager hired through a temp agency (ItsQuest) and another portion—$60,000—would pay a second term position; both were described as non-recurring, fiscal-year-limited funds that run through June 30.
Hernandez said the $75,000 allocation covers a project manager working roughly half time (about 16–18 hours per week) through the temp agency and that the hourly contract rate referenced in discussion was $125 per hour for that temp arrangement. "He is only working half time, and his hours are anywhere between 16 and 18 hours a week," Hernandez said when asked to clarify hours. The director said the position will provide experienced real-estate project management skills to advance Midtown projects.
Councilor Tes Lindell expressed repeated frustration with packet clarity and with using high hourly contract rates for what was described as a part-time engagement. "I'm not going to be comfortable in paying $125 over the course of time," Lindell said, and asked that staff ensure the arrangement does not create a long-term recurring budget obligation without council review.
City Finance staff said the mechanism used—short-term contracting through a temp agency—was chosen to meet an immediate need without creating a recurring personnel obligation. Staff noted that if the MRA needs a permanent full-time position, that would be considered in the next budget cycle with recurring funding. Hernandez and the city manager said the individual identified for the role has already been doing part-time work for the MRA and brings experience that would advance current projects.
The committee approved the allocation after discussion. A roll call recorded yes votes from Councilor Cassett, Councilor Lindell, Councilor Lee Garcia and Chair Romero Worth; the motion passed. Committee members asked staff to clarify personnel hours, contract terms and next-year budget implications as the MRA uses the one-time funds to advance Midtown redevelopment work.
