Corrales council advances $200,000 in cash to stabilize repairs at historic village church

The Village of Corrales council voted to advance $200,000 of village cash to accelerate repairs on the village‑owned historic church after the Corrales Historical Society and contractors discovered extensive deterioration of interior adobe walls.

Ken Martinez, representing the Corrales Historical Society, said the old church—an icon on the village seal—was “in crisis” and called for immediate financial assistance to reinforce walls before replastering. Administrator Curry and staff recounted that the council previously received a legislative appropriation of $275,000 toward the project; contractors discovered additional damage that increased the estimate for complete interior stabilization and electrical upgrades.

Tanya (staff) outlined a budget picture presented by contractors and consultants: an initial figure of roughly $290,000 to stabilize and remud interior walls and complete necessary repairs, plus an estimated $67,000 for a heating and air conditioning upgrade. Curry and councilors said the historical society has pledged $35,000 and has already raised another ~$23,000; the council agreed to move $200,000 in cash into the budget immediately to allow work to proceed rather than waiting for additional legislative reimbursement.

Anne Van Camp, president of the Corrales Historical Society, thanked village staff and described the historical society’s fundraising campaign. Councilors said they expect further requests if additional damage is found, and staff committed to tracking costs and revisiting legislative funds as reimbursements arrive.

The council amendment to the final budget to authorize the $200,000 cash transfer passed in the meeting; staff said work was expected to resume shortly and the historical society hoped to have some repairs completed in time for a September event, though a faster timeline could increase costs.