Ruidoso Downs council appoints interim city attorney, clerk and moves forward on police chief nomination

The Ruidoso Downs City Council used its organizational meeting in January 2026 to fill several key municipal posts and set procedural next steps. Councilors approved an interim city attorney, confirmed an interim city clerk/treasurer and approved a nomination for chief of police, while discussing procurement timelines and staffing continuity.

Why it matters: The appointments aim to stabilize legal, records and public-safety leadership after a period of turnover. Councilors said continuity in those offices is necessary for ongoing city business, including RFP processes and record modernization.

Chair (speaker 2) nominated Nan Winters to serve as interim city attorney, saying the nominee "is knowledgeable of things that are in the works right now" and that keeping her on would prevent gaps while the city issues an RFP. Winters, introduced by the chair, described a long career in local government law and said she and her firm specialize in municipal work and public-records law.

The council voted to approve Winters as interim city attorney by roll call. Council discussion clarified the interim nature of the appointment and that the city would issue an RFP for a longer-term contract; Winters said procurement rules could limit how much she could help draft an RFP if she intended to submit a bid.

Chair also nominated Mark Hargrove for chief of police, citing Hargrove's prior local service and experience. Councilors questioned the nominee about his vision and time horizon; supporters emphasized his training and leadership credentials. At least one councilor raised concerns about past local political dynamics, saying those concerns should be recorded. The council seconded the nomination and approved it by roll call.

On the clerk's post, councilors nominated and approved Selena Chavez, who has been serving as interim/deputy clerk. Chavez told the council she has worked in the clerk's office and with municipal records since 2020 and plans to modernize records and ensure statutory deadlines are met. She also said she would submit an application for the permanent clerk-treasurer position.

Next steps: Councilors said they will publish an RFP for permanent legal services and complete any contract processes required by state law. The administration also intends to finalize staffing and to provide any follow-up reports to the full council.

The meeting moved on to other agenda items after the votes.