Council accepts $15M lead‑line grant and other awards, approves mid‑year budget adjustments

The Las Cruces City Council voted Tuesday to accept a package of grant awards and to adopt second‑quarter budget adjustments for fiscal year 2026.

Grant Manager Gabriela Prats presented awards that the council accepted by roll call vote. Key awards included a $15,000,000 grant from the Water Trust Board through the New Mexico Finance Authority to fund lead service line replacement construction and associated activities; a separate Water Trust Board grant and loan package for $2,700,000 (grant) with a required local match of $450,000 to design and rehabilitate the Chillsore 2,000,000‑gallon water tank; a Police Department law enforcement retention grant from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for $124,571 to support retention differentials (including FICA/Medicare); a Fire Department remodel grant of $400,000 for Fire Station No. 4; and a FEMA award of $456,182 (with a 10% match of $45,600) to fund paramedic training for 15 EMTs.

Prats told council the $15 million Water Trust Board award is intended for construction/replacement work once lead service lines are identified through the city’s survey and inventory. Assistant Utilities Director Carl Clark, during earlier CCR remarks, explained the replacement project follows identification of lines and noted the city will use boosters and other operations planning to maintain service during tank work.

On the budget side, Budget Analyst Vanessa Perez presented second quarter adjustments that the council approved. Highlights include a requested $82,500 increase to the Senior Meals Program in Quality of Life (to cover a drop in Nutrition Services Incentive Program funds and higher food costs), Parks & Recreation adjustments to complete playground and skate park work, Fire Department expenditure increases to cover consultant and New Mexico Health Care Authority payments partially offset by estimated revenue from ambulance services and supplemental payments, and a $2,200,000 reclassification of Environmental GRT revenues into the General Fund. Comptroller Josie Trevino and other staff explained a $600,000 transfer to cover prisoner care invoices after earlier county overbill credits were exhausted; staff specified prisoner care runs about $120 per day per person.

Roll calls recorded during the motions showed Councilors McClure, Matisse, Harris, Munoz and Mayor Eric Enriquez voting yes on the resolutions and ordinances recorded in this meeting; Councilors Bencomo and Curran were absent for the votes recorded on the floor.

The council did not attach conditions to the lead‑line award beyond standard Water Trust Board requirements; staff said the project will move into construction after surveys identify the lines to be replaced. Council members and staff agreed to return with more specific project scheduling and public‑outreach plans as work begins.