Carrizozo trustees adopt water-planning resolutions, open public hearing on $1 rate increases

The Town of Carrizozo Board of Trustees on Feb. 10 adopted two water-planning resolutions and opened a public hearing on proposed rate increases that would raise water rates by $1.00 in fiscal year 2026–27 and another $1.00 in 2027–28.

Mayor Robert Hemphill presided as the board adopted Resolution No. R2026-03 (Project SAP 25-J2406-GF, a GIS system for waterlines) and Resolution No. R2026-04 (a 40-year water study). Trustee Jesse Samora moved to adopt both resolutions; Trustee Sissy Griego seconded the R2026-03 motion and Trustee Mital Bhakta seconded the R2026-04 motion. Roll-call votes for both measures were recorded as unanimous among the attending trustees (Samora, Beltran, Griego and Bhakta), and both resolutions were adopted.

The measures direct planning work intended to map the town’s waterlines and analyze long-term supply and infrastructure needs. Clerk/Treasurer Leann Weihbrecht presented financial material referenced during routine business; the transcript does not record a separate explanatory presentation of funding sources for the two water resolutions.

Mayor Hemphill opened a public hearing on the proposed two-step rate increase, and the transcript records that he spoke on the proposal and that there were no objections from the audience. The hearing’s opening and closing times in the transcript contain inconsistent timestamps (see clarifying details); the record does not show additional public testimony or a final vote on the rate change during this meeting.

The board’s next procedural steps for implementing any adopted rate change are not recorded in the transcript; no funding breakdown or effective date for the rate increase is specified in the meeting record.