RATON — Raton City Commissioners wrapped their September 22 regular meeting in just over 30 minutes Tuesday evening, again without Mayor Mantz, who, according to her husband, is finally out of the hospital and doing well after dealing with a broken leg. During the short regular session, commissioners approved the financial report, which noted a $50,855 gross receipts tax increase that’s a 7.3129% increase over the budgeted amount. The ending General Fund cash balance is $1,445,659. Commissioners also approved budget adjustment #1 for fiscal year 2016. Some of the adjustments include water capital improvements, debt service on the aquatic center, and street improvement transfers, including the final transfers for the Tiger Drive project. Today the city opened sealed bids for three projects, including the senior center roof, the First Street paving project and the Pecos and Galesteo streets paving work. Commissioners can expect a special meeting to award those bids. The commissioners heard a report from Municipal Judge Roy Manfredi and Court Clerk Sherri Romero, with Judge Manfredi noting with the current computer system there are a number of unpaid fines, some for people who have passed away and viewed as uncollectable. Romero talked about the 1,500 plus tickets written by city police officers so far this year. City Manager Scott Berry talked about a visit
with Senator Pete Compos, which covered economic development, street projects and needs. Anissa Construction is to proceed with work on the Multi-Model Center. Berry said work should begin just after October 1st. Berry also reported a state legislative committee for economic and rural development will meet at the Shuler on September 28-29. Berry asked that citizens partake in the meeting if they can. In other business, the commissioners approved the NMDOT Aviation Consumables grant application, something the city does every year to cover miscellaneous items used to operate the airport. The grant is for $10,000 and the city is required to participate with ten percent matching funds. The Raton City Commission will next meet at 6 pm October 13.
