Las Cruces council appoints Ikani Tamopayo as city manager

The Las Cruces City Council on April 1 approved Resolution 24‑100 to appoint Ikani Tamopayo as city manager on a three‑year contract with a $216,000 base salary, a $500 monthly vehicle allowance and standard city health and leave benefits. The resolution passed by recorded roll call, 6–1.

Deputy Human Resources Director JC Borrego told the council the action formalizes the council’s internal selection process: nine candidates applied, three were interviewed in closed session, and the council’s top candidate was Tamopayo. Borrego described the stated monetary provisions and leave accruals in the employment agreement and noted the manager must contribute to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).

During the meeting Mayor Pro Tem Ben Como and other councilors emphasized the demands of the position; one councilor noted the job is effectively 24/7 and explained the pay and benefits reflect that level of responsibility.

After the council vote the new city manager spoke to the chamber, thanking councilors and staff and promising to "give you each a 120% of myself," and saying he expects to rely on the city’s staff of about 1,700 employees to serve the community.

The council’s recorded votes on Resolution 24‑100 were entered in the meeting record: Councillor McClure voted no; Councillors Matisse, Graham, Kran, Flores and Bencomo voted yes; Mayor Enriquez voted yes. The resolution’s adoption concludes the internal hiring process the council discussed in closed session on March 18 and March 20 under NMSA 1978, Section 10‑15‑1(H)(2).

The appointment takes effect under the terms of the employment agreement presented to the council; the city manager said his office will be open for meetings with councilors and staff in the coming days.