Commission reports: Water Authority interim budget approved; city investment report and humane-society clinic highlighted

Commissioners received multiple reports that included an update from the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, the city’s monthly investment report and a report on recent humane-society spay and neuter clinics.

The Water Authority report, delivered during the meeting, said the board approved an interim fiscal-year 2026 budget showing $338,000,000 in revenue and total expenditures of $332,000,000. The speaker reported that construction is underway in four major segments of the project, a fifth was soon to begin construction, and three major phases are complete. The speaker also said remaining phases were at or nearing 100 percent design and that the Water Trust Board had recently awarded funding for the next projects; a press release was expected.

City Finance Director Melonson presented the monthly investment report. She reported an ending cash balance of $85,700,000 after starting the month at $87,900,000 and noted a $1,600,000 airport terminal expenditure during a month with three pay periods. She provided closing balances for several city funds as presented to the commission (figures presented in the meeting): Fund 1 ending cash $18,900,000; Solid Waste $33,000,000; Environmental fund $610,200,000; Wastewater $103,600,000; Economic Development $647,600,000; Capital Outlay $655,400,000; Water quarter percent fund $668,100,000; Streets $752,000,000; Drainage Improvement $881,400,000; American Rescue Plan fund $945,000,000; local bank balances $23,300,000; a $10,000,000 CD; and $52,300,000 in the state investment pool. She said interest for the month was $260,000 and year-to-date interest was $2,800,000, up modestly from the prior year. She also reported GRT returns were about $2,000,000 higher than the same month last year.

Commissioner Casaus reported on the humane society’s spay and neuter clinic: the most recent clinic performed 89 dog surgeries and 138 cat surgeries, and the organization is planning a larger clinic in September with four veterinarians and an expectation to serve more than 600 animals. Commissioners discussed the need for a larger, air-conditioned facility for future clinics and ongoing fundraising efforts to cover a $2,500,000 funding gap for the shelter construction.

No formal commission votes were taken on these reports; the Water Authority approved its interim budget at its board meeting, and the commission received the presented financial and program reports.