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Carlsbad council approves budget tweaks, multiple grants and event permits in routine session
Summary
Carlsbad City Council approved a quarter‑year budget adjustment, renewed a medical direction contract, accepted several state and federal grants (including a Trails Plus award for a Friendship Park pedestrian bridge), and approved a downtown event alcohol permit and firefighter equipment grant.
Carlsbad City Council on April 20 approved a suite of routine items that city staff said will support capital projects, public safety and downtown events.
City finance staff (Miss Salcedo) outlined third‑quarter fiscal‑year 2026 adjustments that include $235,000 to replenish funds for the North Mesa remodel, $500,000 in capital for a land-and-water conservation match for the Shorthorn rehabilitation project, $2,201,271 for the NMDOT TLPA Dark Canyon Bridge design, $900,000 in the fire protection fund to buy a fire engine and a $125,000 insurance operating increase tied to higher claims. The council passed resolution 2026‑21 to make those adjustments after a motion and roll‑call vote.
The council also renewed a one‑year medical direction contract with EMSRx, covering both the fire and police departments and costing the city $24,000 for the period May 1–April 30. Chief Souza told the council that the contract simply extends existing coverage for certified emergency medical dispatchers and includes no substantive changes to terms.
Separately, the council accepted a FY26 New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division reimbursement grant to cover firefighter recruitment equipment purchases. Chief Souza said the city was awarded $149,119.92 to reimburse equipment bought for 18 new hires and an additional $19,471 for a laundry unit to support decontamination.
The council approved a Trails Plus award to fund a 260‑foot accessible pedestrian bridge over the Pecos River at Friendship Park, a project staff estimated at roughly $2.7 million; Trails Plus provided $1,000,000 with a required local match of $771,008, and staff said the city has applied for additional Land and Water Conservation Fund monies to close the gap.
Council also authorized staff to submit grant applications to the National Fitness Campaign/Blue Cross Blue Shield for an outdoor fitness court at the Bob Forrest Sports Youth Complex and to the New Mexico Destination Forward program to offset remaining project costs.
Finally, the council approved a request allowing Milton’s Brewing to serve beer and wine in a fenced, controlled area during the downtown Lions block party on May 1, subject to licensing, insurance and compliance conditions.
All listed motions were approved by voice or roll‑call during the meeting; council members moved, seconded and conducted roll‑call votes for each item.
