Mayor Susan Payne reflects on decade in office and announces she will step back from commission duties
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Summary
Mayor Susan Payne delivered a wide-ranging farewell at the Dec. 16 meeting, recounting accomplishments including downtown revitalization, Bonita Lake reopening, pay increases for city staff and public safety initiatives, and said she will step away from commission life to teach public administration and spend more time with family.
Mayor Susan Payne used her final scheduled commission meeting on Dec. 16 to reflect on a decade of public service and to announce she will not seek another term on the City Commission.
Payne recounted initiatives during her tenure — including downtown revitalization ("great blocks"), completion of infrastructure projects such as the McKinley Channel extension, reopening Bonita Lake, conducting a citywide employee salary study that raised pay broadly, and improving pay for police and fire personnel. She described difficult moments including the deaths of officers and city employees and stressed her support for public safety and staff.
Payne spoke at length about community engagement, volunteerism, and partnerships with Holloman Air Force Base and local foundations. She thanked staff by name, praised the Sacramento Mountains Foundation for funding community projects, and recognized volunteers who supported civic projects. She also announced an intention to teach public administration part time at her alma mater.
Payne framed her decision as a desire to spend more time with family and to hand the mayoral role to Mayor Pro Tem Sharon McDonald, encouraging the incoming leadership. She closed by offering to remain available as a resource and pledged support for a smooth transition.
No formal commission action was required or taken on her remarks; the meeting proceeded to other agenda items and adjournment into executive session.
