Town Council Approves Sanitation Rate Hike, Road Work, and Raises
The Mountainair Town Council met on August 5, 2025, in a wide-ranging session that touched on infrastructure, emergency response, hiring and salaries, and upcoming community events.
Council Approves Sanitation Rate Increase
A public hearing was held to discuss proposed changes to sanitation fees. Town Clerk Cheryl Allen explained that, after analysis, staff recommended a 5% increase (up from the originally proposed 3%) to cover rising costs and build reserves for future improvements. The rate hike applies to both residential and commercial services.
“... [We] were looking through this - this was with the mayor, the projects administrator [Mary Zamora] , and our treasurer-clerk [Roy Hubbard] as well as myself and we were realizing that we need to not only just cover the overruns that we had but actually generate some more income in order to provide funding that we can use for improvements with the water system and just make sure that it's maintained properly and just generate any additional income for the town. So you'll see in the table, spreadsheet that I provided for you tonight. The 3 % is highlighted in a pink color. That's what we had recommended, but we're not recommending that anymore. We are instead recommending a 5 % increase. At 5 % increase, residential cart fee would be $24 .29, and that's Previous expense was $23 .13. A double cart, which is now charged at $42 .96, would instead be charged at $45 .11. Then the commercial rates also increase. For a commercial cart, that would be going up from $286 .40 to $372.,” said Allen.
The 5% increase is in addition to an already-in-place 3% annual increase. The town council unanimously approved the 5% increase recommended by the town clerk. Allen stated that she believed the new rates would generate approximately $1,000 more in revenue for the town each month.
Department Reports Highlight Fire Calls, EMS Activity
Fire Chief Josh Archuleta reported 32 calls in July, including four structure fires and two vehicle fires. He commended Public Works for aiding in emergency responses, often arriving first on scene to shut off gas lines.
EMS Chief Josh Lewis noted that the department responded to 40 of 43 calls in July and passed a surprise New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) inspection in June with only three minor findings. Apparently in response to social media activity, Lewis urged residents to bring concerns to Mountainair Fire and Rescue so that they may be addressed.
Police Department Sees Wage Boost Amid Hiring Efforts
To remain competitive with neighboring agencies, the council unanimously approved wage increases for law enforcement:
- Chief of Police: +$5.00/hour
- Patrol Officers: +$3.00/hour
Chief Paul Lucero expressed gratitude for the pay increase. Mayor Peter Nieto explained that Officer Stephen Aragorn had left the Mountainair Police Department to become a school resource officer closer to where Aragorn resided.
Patrol Officer Pay Scale
| Performance Level | Previous Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Probationary | $32.50 | $35.50 |
| Mid-Performance | $33.50 | $36.50 |
| Full Performance | $34.50 | $37.50 |
| Top Performance | $35.50 | $38.50 |
Chief of Police Pay Scale
| Performance Level | Previous Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Rate | $40.50 | $45.50 |
| Mid-Performance | $41.50 | $46.50 |
| Full Performance | $42.50 | $47.50 |
| Top Performance | $43.50 | $48.50 |
Projects and Equipment Purchases Approved
The council approved several spending measures and projects:
- Police Department Project: Projects Administrator Mary Zamora stated that the town had obtained $25,000 to rehabilitate the second floor of the police department. This rehabilitation project will not make the second floor accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Mayor Nieto said, meaning that this will not be a publicly-accessible space. The town council unanimously approved this project.
- Road Signs: Purchase of street and safety signs for $6,871.66. The town council unanimously approved this expenditure. Mayor Nieto said that the Dear Canyon Preserve Community Homeowners Association was also donating signs to the Town of Mountainair. The town council unanimously approved this expenditure.
- Public Works Supplies: Purchase of $14,044.55 in water system parts. The town council unanimously approved this expenditure.
- Public Works Fee Schedule: A new internal pricing and fine list was approved to guide budgeting and grant applications. Mayor Nieto clarified that the pricing and fine list did not imply the Public Works Department would be available for private projects. The town council unanimously approved this document.
Fire Department Bylaws Revised
The Mountainair Town Council approved two key changes to Mountainair Fire & Rescue’s bylaws:
- Fire Chief Term: Increased from one year to four years.
- Captain Structure: Codified two standing captain positions, one position for structure fires and one position for wildland firefighting.
Chief Archuleta joked that he was opposed to the longer term.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
Mayor Peter Nieto provided updates on several local happenings:
- Sunflower Festival (August 23, 2025): Vending extended on Main Street. No vendors will be allowed to set up their spaces on the sidewalk.
- Fire & Flavor Fest (September 13, 2025): New chili and salsa format due to food safety regulations.
- Homecoming Week (Sept. 11–12): Will feature a bonfire, fireworks, parade, and tailgating in lieu of a pep rally. The town will also host a 9/11 tribute.
Nieto also announced a $1.8 million request submitted to the US Senate for road repairs. If approved, it could be a “game-changer,” he said.
Personnel Updates
- Hiring: The town council approved Theodore Lopez to be hired on to the Mountainair Public Works Department.