Tensions emerge between new mayor and trustees during Estancia special meeting

The Estancia Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, marked by extended discussion over staffing decisions at Town Hall, concerns about grant compliance, and the appointment of a new town clerk.

The meeting was called to order at 6:15 PM at the municipal building on Williams Avenue. All trustees were present, with Trustee Martin Lucero participating by phone.

Public comment raises concerns over grants and clerk termination

During public comment, former mayor Nathan Dial criticized the handling of town business during the transition to the new administration, particularly the termination of the town clerk and new mayor Runnel Riley allegedly missing deadlines for a grant.

Dial stated that missed paperwork and delays nearly jeopardized approximately $5 million in Water Trust Board funding and raised concerns about additional state and federal grant reporting deadlines. He attributed the issues to actions and inactions during the first week of the new mayor’s term.

Mayor Runnel Riley responded that he had been hospitalized during part of that period and said the issues would be addressed.

"Trust me, it will be handled. Anyone else?" Riley said in what appeared to be a confrontational tone. "Now's your time. You got something to say, I'm happy to listen to anything anybody has to say. And that goes for employees too, okay."

Mayor pro tem and board appointments

Trustees approved the appointment of Trustee Albert Lovato as mayor pro tem, replacing Trustee Patrick Sanchez. The appointment passed unanimously.

The board also unanimously reappointed former trustee L. Morrow Hall to the Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority Board.

Appointment of town clerk prompts extended debate

The most prolonged discussion of the evening centered on the appointment of Amanda Gallegos as town clerk.

Mayor Riley chose to allow the contract with former town clerk Michelle Jones to lapse, claiming there were problems during Jones' tenure. Riley did not elaborate as to the nature of those alleged problems. Riley claimed that terminating Jones was within his authority. "I have the right to not reappoint any at-will employee," he said.

Riley said Gallegos was qualified for the position and described her as the best candidate available. Riley acknowledged he did not seek other candidates for the position. "But I assure you, we couldn't have found - I couldn't have found - a better candidate anywhere," Riley said.

Trustees Patrick Sanchez and Amy May expressed concern that the board had not received her résumé earlier or had an opportunity to meet her before the vote. Riley asserted, "You've all had an opportunity to see her qualification [sic]."

Trustee Amy May objected to the timing of the appointment and questioned how the board could approve a clerk it had only just met. She also defended the work of the previous clerk, Jones, citing grant funding as evidence of effective performance.

Mayor Riley responded that the clerk serves at the mayor's pleasure and that the former clerk chose not to remain during a transition period after being informed she would not be reappointed.

Trustees ultimately voted unanimously to approve Gallegos’ appointment with reservations, citing the need to stabilize town operations.

Employee wage discussion tabled

Trustees discussed concerns raised by Mayor Riley regarding employee raises, particularly whether certain employees had been overlooked in previous adjustment cycles. Trustee Albert Lovato noted that employees received raises at the beginning of the fiscal year. Trustees Sanchez and May noted that wage discussions typically occur during the budget process. Mayor Riley said, "I would prefer not to."

The board voted to table the matter for a future meeting.

Deputy clerk and economic development positions discussed

Mayor Riley proposed reinstating a deputy clerk position. Riley said he had concerns regarding a single employee overseeing financial functions. Trustees acknowledged the benefits but raised concerns about funding and staffing levels. Riley responded, "I think we need to put that check and balance back in place for [newly-appointed clerk] Amanda's good, our good, and the citizens' good, so that we have a check and balance on the taxpayer dollars that we are spending."

The board agreed to table the deputy clerk discussion until the town’s financial position could be reviewed.

Mayor Riley raised a desire to recreate an economic development coordinator position. While Mayor Riley said a similar position had previously generated significant grant revenue for the town, trustees expressed concern about the long-term sustainability of funding. No action was taken.

Training and Municipal Day

Trustees discussed upcoming training opportunities for newly elected officials and plans to attend Municipal Day in Santa Fe in early February, where local officials advocate for capital outlay funding. Multiple trustees indicated they planned to attend.

Executive session

The board voted to enter executive session pursuant to the Open Meetings Act to discuss threatened or pending litigation and personnel matters. The meeting recessed into executive session following a roll-call vote.