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Rio Rancho reviews FY27 budget; proposes 5% pay increase and new public-safety hires
Summary
City Manager Matt Geisel told the governing body the FY27 recommended budget is structurally balanced, includes a 5% across-the-board compensation increase and funds 21 new positions (13 in public safety), with a formal adoption vote set for May 28 and public hearings May 14 and May 28.
City Manager Matt Geisel presented the City of Rio Rancho's recommended FY27 budget at a May 21 work session, telling the governing body that "the FY 27 budget is structurally balanced and furthers the goals outlined in the city's strategic plan." The public will have two hearings, on May 14 and May 28, and the governing body is scheduled to vote on adoption on May 28.
Geisel said the recommended budget covers July 1 through June 30, 2027, and reflected a conservative five-year forecast that projects recurring revenues exceeding recurring expenditures and maintains the city's 25% reserve policy. He told councilors the city will present a budget amendment at adoption to recognize a roughly $1.4 million adjustment tied to police compensation negotiations.
The recommended package includes a built-in 5% compensation increase across the board and a simultaneous 5% rise in the city's share of health-care premiums. Geisel outlined estimated recurring costs for the compensation adjustment at about $2,600,000 to the general fund, $82,000 to the utilities fund and $15,000 to the Convention and Visitors Bureau fund. He also listed 21 new positions proposed in FY27, 13 of which are public-safety related: nine firefighter positions (to staff new Fire Station 8), two police officers, and two real-time crime center operators.
Councilors questioned details and asked staff to confirm public links to budget documents; staff said the budget is posted at rrnm.gov/fy27budget and would verify the link shown to the public. Several councilors pressed for follow-up on union negotiations: staff said the fire union has tentatively agreed to a 5% increase while police compensation requires a separate budget adjustment at adoption if ratified.
Geisel emphasized the process and next steps, saying staff will bring forward any amendments that result from further hearings or negotiations. The governing body can still propose additional amendments at the May 28 adoption meeting.
The budget presentation closed with staff and council scheduling additional work sessions and requests for more line-item detail ahead of the adoption vote.
