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Council clears wide set of routine and event items, and authorizes audit and lobbying contract renewal
Summary
In a series of mostly uncontested actions the council approved a resolution honoring Casique Jose Sierra Sr., adopted consent agenda items, authorized an investment‑policy amendment allowing up to 100% in money market funds, approved a modest budget adjustment, approved the city's audit engagement, renewed a one‑year state lobbying contract, and approved multiple community event permits.
The Socorro City Council addressed multiple routine and single‑issue agenda items that were approved by voice vote.
Key approvals included:
- A memorial resolution honoring Casique Jose Sierra Sr., recognizing his leadership for the Isleta Del Sur Pueblo (resolution read and placed on the record).
- Consent agenda: approved without recorded opposition.
- Budget technical amendment (Ordinance 6‑35 Amendment No. 2): staff presented a decrease in expenditures of $150 (clarified on the record as $150, not $150,000); council approved the amendment.
- Investment ordinance amendment (Ordinance 2‑50 Amendment No. 2): staff recommended, and the council approved, expanding allowable investments to permit up to 100% of investable deposits in money market funds and investment pools (previously up to 50%), following a CPA review.
- Audit engagement: the council authorized an engagement letter with SB and G PC to conduct the city's FY2025 annual financial audit, with estimated professional fees of $52,500–$56,500 plus out‑of‑pocket costs.
- Lobbying contract renewal: after discussion on interim work and continuity of legislative objectives, the council approved a one‑year renewal with Forma Group LLC for state legislative lobbying services.
- Event permits and fee waivers: council approved alcohol sales and a new margarita contest at the Harvest Festival, a fee waiver for Fiesta de San Miguel at La Purisima Church, and a parade permit and fee waiver for Waco Elementary's Veterans Day parade. Staff noted TABC permits and vendor coordination requirements where applicable.
Why it matters: These actions complete routine financial, governance, and community event business that maintains municipal operations and supports community programming.
Next steps: Staff will implement the approved contracts, complete audit engagement scheduling, publish required notices for the budget and tax rate, and coordinate event permitting logistics with applicants and public safety staff.
