RATON- While the rain was a welcome sight to the Raton city commission Tuesday evening, they weren’t as happy about the interim budget they are sending to the state. According to City Manager Scott Berry, this budget is very conservative especially in light of the Pioneer layoffs and a continued 4+% drop in gross receipts taxes. Berry noted while there are some million dollar projects in progress they are for near term, not long-term prospects. The other big question in this year’s budget is insurance premiums, which the city should know more about come July. Berry noted the county commission heard this week their premiums will only go up about 3%. Berry indicated they have heard rate increases as much as 15%. The commission moved through the other items on the agenda approving the agreement with Children Youth and Family Department for the Juvenile Justice Agreement. Of major note was the increase in the grant up to $128,418. Commissioners approved the financial report for April 2015 noting a 4.3174% decrease in
gross receipts taxes from the budgeted amount of $2,549,854 to an actual amount of $2,439,836. Commissioners approved Resolution 2015-19, a Raton Public Service budget adjustment, and the interim budget to be sent to the state for approval. Archuleta Construction was awarded the bid for roof repairs to the Wells Fargo Building in the amount of $20,500. The only other bid received was from David Parker Builders for $24,800. Serazio Construction’s bid for $200,875 was the only one received for the asphalt work on Tiger Drive, which will begin just west of the railroad tracks and go to Letton Drive. The city will use about $33,000 of gas tax money for the match. The city will purchase insecticide for about $3,000, for the county to spray for mosquitos within city limits. The county felt that, in the past the job was not done well, so decided to acquire the equipment and do the work themselves. Commissioners then approved Lodgers Tax board recommendations for the Raton Rodeo Association for $3,000 and Music from Angel Fire for $2,500. The board recommended $10,000 to Main Street for the inaugural Gate City Music Festival. Main Street however requested $12,500, which the commissioners agreed to. Commissioners then approved the new MOU with the Raton Chamber of Commerce. The MOU had been revised to include specifics on areas including accounting of chamber monies provided by the city. The new agreement details the duties of a tourism coordinator, which was also brought into question after a former tourism director was terminated. Berry noted in his report he had met with representatives from Senators Tom Udall and Martin Hienrich’s offices to discuss issues such as the Pioneer layoffs, mental health and the schools. Bids for the Multi-Modal project will be opened June 30. The next regular city commission meeting will be on June 9th at 6 pm.
