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Council reintroduces and defers three fiscal items including arts and Juneteenth funding to June 1
Summary
The council suspended rules to place R37 (arts funding), R38 (Juneteenth funds) and R39 (FY27 reconciliation) on the agenda and voted to defer final action on R37 and R38 to June 1 for required second hearings; R39 was moved for a do‑pass and passed unanimously.
The Albuquerque City Council on Wednesday moved to reintroduce and defer several fiscal items so the necessary two hearings can be completed before final votes.
Vice President Champagne explained R37 (listed in prior materials as R2636/R2637) would adjust FY2026 operating appropriations and provide an additional $280,000 in funding split among Bands of Enchantment, Route 66 Hispanic Cultural Events and the Olga Kern international piano competition, supported by a transfer from the Lodgers Tax Fund. Champagne said some of the funding was previously discussed and that the additional allocation includes $100,000 to complete the Bands of Enchantment season and another $100,000 for a Route 66 outdoor event, bringing Bands of Enchantment to an FY26 total the administration described as $780,000.
Councilor Tayes announced she was recusing herself from the R37 discussion. After brief public comment in support of local arts and cultural tourism, Champagne moved to defer R37 to the June 1 meeting for the council's second hearing required for fiscal items; the deferral passed on an 8‑0 roll call.
Councilor Rogers moved a 'do pass' on R38, which reallocates unspent FY26 council‑directed funds to support Juneteenth events and rescinds a prior ordinance reference; Rogers then moved for deferral to June 1 for the second hearing and the motion passed 8‑0.
Committee of the Whole Chair Grout moved a 'do pass' on R39, a reconciliation correction for FY27 appropriations that reallocates $150,000 from early retirement to council services to restore intended nonrecurring appropriations; Grout urged support and the council voted unanimously in favor.
Why it matters: The items move money between city funds and programs, affecting arts, events and internal council services. Deferral to June 1 schedules the required second public hearing and gives councilors time for review and administration to provide clarifications.
What comes next: R37 and R38 were deferred to the June 1 meeting for final action after the second hearing; R39 was approved as a do‑pass at this meeting. Councilors requested clarifications from administration about the precise breakdowns and prior veto history cited during discussion.
