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Deming council approves $1,500 for Deming Pride after debate over alcohol fees and budget impact
Summary
On Aug. 19 the Deming City Council approved $1,500 from the community events budget to support the 12th annual Deming Pride (Oct. 9–12, 2025) after debate about using taxpayer funds for an alcohol vendor fee; the original request was $4,000.
The Deming City Council voted on Aug. 19 to provide $1,500 in city funds to the Deming Pride Organization to support the 12th annual Deming Pride event scheduled for Oct. 9–12, 2025.
Councilors debated how much city support was appropriate after Azucena Vargas, Community Services Director, presented a $4,000 funding request from Manny Carlos, president of the Deming Pride Organization. Carlos told the council that sponsor withdrawals and scheduling changes left organizers short of the budgeted amount and that the event supports scholarships and youth programs. Carlos said a change in alcohol vendors reduced the alcohol-related vendor fee to $650.
The debate focused on whether city funds should cover expenses that include an alcohol vendor fee. Mayor Michele C. Shillito said, "I have a problem with the City providing alcohol for an event." Councilor Joe "Butter" Milo said he was reluctant to use taxpayer dollars to fully fund what he described as a special-interest event and worried about setting a precedent. Councilor Julian Monjaras said he supported the event as providing a safe space and community benefit but was concerned about taking money already allocated to other community events.
Monjaras initially moved to approve the full $4,000 request. Councilor Milo offered a friendly amendment to limit the city's contribution to $1,500; Monjaras seconded the amendment. The amended motion passed 3–1 on a roll-call vote: Monjaras, Milo and Councilor Irma Rodriguez voted Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Westenhofer voted Nay. The council directed that the approved funds come from the community events budget.
City Manager Aaron Sera noted it was "unusual" to receive the request after the municipal budget was finalized and that the Tourism Development Committee had not been able to act due to lack of quorum. Council and staff did not specify additional reporting or follow-up requirements for the use of the funds during the meeting.
The Deming Pride Organization plans scholarships and school outreach in addition to the Oct. event; organizers said they would pursue additional sponsorships and adjust the event budget as needed.
