Tucumcari commissioners pause $skid-steer purchase amid budget questions

Tucumcari — Commissioners on Thursday paused action on buying two pieces of equipment, including a Bobcat skid-steer, after questions about the city’s current budget projections and where the money would come from.

The request, presented as old business, asked the commission to approve purchase of an S7064 Bobcat skid-steer loader and a second compact tractor or similar unit to be shared among streets, parks and sanitation. The equipment manager said the skid-steer includes multiple attachments the city needs, while a cheaper compact tractor would not cover all uses.

Finance Director Miss Downey said staff had identified funds across several departmental line items and that department directors were instructed to stop nonessential spending to make the purchase feasible within this fiscal year. "The budget that was approved by this commission back in September lacked $1,300,000 of revenue," Downey told commissioners, and she said staff is preparing a final adjustment to align the FY25 budget with cash realities.

Several commissioners said they wanted to see the paperwork showing precisely which line items would be used to cover the purchase before voting. Commissioner comments focused on fiscal caution: one commissioner said he was uncomfortable awarding monies until the state auditor confirmed the city was in line for an audit.

Staff and the mayor noted vendor quotes could rise rapidly because of tariffs and new emissions rules; one staff member warned the vendor’s quote was valid only until June 19. City staff proposed a special morning meeting to consider the paperwork and, if acceptable, approve the purchase so the city could place orders before quoted prices expire.

The motion to pause the purchase and return with detailed budget backup passed; the commission scheduled a special meeting/work session for a staff presentation and potential final vote.

Commissioners said the decision balanced equipment needs—public works staff reported existing machines are near failure and are impacting routine maintenance—with the need for transparent, auditable budget records.

The matter will return to the commission at the special meeting set for June 19 (special meeting location and time to be confirmed).

Ending — Staff will provide the line-item breakdown requested by commissioners before the special meeting; the vote to approve the purchases was deferred pending that documentation.