Mountainair Advances Sewage Treatment Project, Discusses Potential Rate Increases
Council adopts cemetery fee policy, approves $7,000 grant-writing contract, and receives notice of $10 million wastewater funding approval.
The Mountainair Town Council met on April 21, 2026, to tackle an agenda ranging from the finalization of cemetery protocols to a massive multi-million dollar upgrade for the town’s wastewater system. Mayor Peter Nieto led the session, which highlighted significant upcoming changes to the town's landscape and utility rates.
Laying the Groundwork: New Cemetery Policies
After months of deliberation and three advisory meetings, the Council officially adopted a new Cemetery Burial Digging and Fee Schedule Policy. The policy centralizes control of all excavations under the Town’s authority to ensure oversight and safety.
The New Fee Structure:
- Standard Weekday Digging: $300 for opening and closing (Monday–Thursday).
- Weekend/After-Hours: $330 to cover overtime for town crews.
- Double Burials: $400 for the initial (bottom) interment to account for the extra depth (10 feet), and $300 for the second (top) interment.
- Cremation Excavation: $75, though families may choose to dig their own at no cost, provided they follow town marking and depth requirements.
Honorary Discounts: In a move to better support local families, the Council increased the veteran discount to 10% and established a 5% discount for the spouses of veterans.
Private contractors are still permitted to perform burials, but the Council emphasized they must be licensed and bonded to protect the town from potential damage to existing gravesites.
The $10 Million Solution: Sewage Treatment Plant
Mayor Nieto announced a "full steam ahead" status for the long-awaited sewage treatment plant. After years of navigating EPA requirements and FAA restrictions regarding the airport location, the town has finalized a plan to build a modern, automated facility within the current plant’s footprint.
- Total Project Cost: Approximately $11 million.
- Funding Breakthrough: The Water Trust Board approved a $10 million package, consisting of a 90% grant and a 10% low-interest loan. Mayor Nieto stated that there was $3 million available through US Congress earmarks.
- Modernization: The new plant will feature SCADA systems, enabling Public Works employees to monitor operations via smartphone apps.
Mayor Nieto noted that while the $10 million loan is a 20-year commitment at less than 1% interest, residents should expect a modest sewer rate increase, likely between $4 and $5 (presumably per month) to cover the new operational costs.
Grant-Writing for a Natural Gas Federal Grant
The Council approved a $7,000 agreement with CAPGOV to pursue a federal grant for gas distribution infrastructure. Though the fee is a risk with no guaranteed return, the potential reward is over $1 million in federal funding to modernize the town’s gas lines. Mayor Nieto estimated a 75% chance of success, noting that small New Mexico towns have recently been prioritized for these funds.
Town Transitions and Updates
| Improvements | Status/Update |
|---|---|
| Rodeo Grounds | Funding is delayed until July 2026 due to a missing resolution from a previous administration. Purchases are unlikely to occur until August. |
| State Highway | Construction is slated to begin within two years. It will include mandatory bike lanes, a center median, and updated front-end parking. |
| Solid Waste | The town is currently losing money on trash services. A meeting with Universal Waste Services is scheduled to address billing discrepancies and potential rate adjustments for residents. |
| Budgeting | Resolution 2026-18 was passed to break down general funds into more meticulous categories (like EMS and Fire Marshall allotments) for better oversight. |
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with a reminder that the transition to a Cemetery Advisory Board is now official, with the aim of more consistent community involvement in cemetery maintenance and Memorial Day preparations.
The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026.