Records receive high marks

The state’s official review of the city of Tucumcari’s fiscal year 2018 financial records resulted in a rating of “unmodified,” the best rating the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor can give, the city commission learned at Thursday’s regular meeting. Fiscal 2018 ended June 30, 2018.

City Manager Britt Lusk said the city can now breathe “a sigh of relief” after the state auditor gave the city a very low rating of “disclaimer” for its reported 2017 records.

“It’s like having a teacher tell you your homework was so messy you got a zero one year, then giving you an A-plus the next,” he said.

Lusk said the improvement would result in the city receiving better interest rates on loans and more favorable consideration on grant applications.

The auditors found fault, however, with the city’s tardiness submitting the report, which was due March 30 but not submitted until July 17.

The auditors also found fault with some internal controls on transaction reporting, how closing records were reported and some controls involving information technology procedures, according to the auditor’s report.

The commission voted to accept the report, with District 1 Commissioner Ralph Moya abstaining. Moya said he was not able to attend a special meeting July 18, at which the audit, budget and year-end financial status were discussed.

The commission also approved the city’s final budget for fiscal 2020, which began July 1 and continues through June 30, 2020.

In all funds, the budget calls for revenues of $16,252,401 and expenses of $16,153,124, leaving a projected balance of $99,277 for June 30.

The city’s general fund is expected to have tax revenues of $4,627,899 and expenditures of $4,469,843. After required reserves of $372,486.92 are taken out at year-end, the budget is expected to have balance of $800,700 on June 30.

The commission voted to approve the budget on a 4-1 vote with Moya abstaining.

The commission also approved by a 4-1 vote, Moya abstaining, the city’s year-end financial report that showed the city finishing the year with an overall surplus of $1,236,354.57.

In other action, the commission:

n Approved funding of $215,167.46 for senior transportation, homebound meals and meals served at the Tucumcari Senior Citizens Center from the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District’s Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging.

n Approved funding of $28,683.61 to purchase foods produced in the U.S. through the agency on aging. Moya asked about funds for purchasing from local sources such as the Tucumcari Farmers Market. Clara Rey, director of the senior center, said the opportunity to apply for funds to buy local produce has not arrived.

n Approved a permit for live music for an event at Kvols Park on Thursday as part of the Rattler Reunion.

Lusk requested the commission draft and approve a resolution encouraging residents to cooperate with the U.S. Census, which will be taken in 2020. He said a full count of city residents is instrumental in the drawing of congressional districts and how government benefits are distributed.

In his city manager’s report, Lusk:

n Mentioned problems with stone walls and sidewalks at Arthur Jimenez Park on the city’s east side. Lusk said tree roots cause buckled sidewalks and breaks in the wall, making repairs difficult.

n Asked residents along sections of East Hancock Street, College Avenue and Dawson Avenue to be patient as crews work on water lines, street resurfacing and new curbs.

n Noted New Mexico Department of Transportation workers have made repairs on traffic lights that have been malfunctioning.

n Indicated city workers need more guidance on siting for flag placements during ceremonies at the Tucumcari Memorial Park cemetery. He also said repairs are being made on sprinkler systems at the cemetery.

n Mentioned the state is adding 5 percent to existing tax breaks for film projects that shoot in rural New Mexico. The tax reduction would be 35 percent in rural areas, compared with 30 percent in more urban settings, he said. “We just have to get our name out there,” he said.

Moya requested a meeting of community officials to talk about progress on remodeling the Princess Theater downtown.

He also said people have complained to him the city commission is trying to halt growth in the city, which he denied. District 5 Commissioner Todd Duplantis said he, too, had heard that complaint from residents.

Moya said city economic development should not “be left up to one guy,” referring to Pat Vanderpool, executive director of the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation.

Duplantis suggested the commission hold a work session on the subject.

Moya said the city’s zoning enforcers should be aware of situations in which a property owner is not responsible for a mess left on their property. He said he was cited for material dumped at a trash bin on his property by others.

District 2 Commissioner Amy Gutierrez said residents in her district were concerned about sediment in their water last spring. Lusk said the sediment probably resulted from disturbances because of construction in the area.

She also called for more volunteers to serve on city boards and committees.

Duplantis asked whether there was a set of policies written for the city’s convention center. Lusk said the rules for using the convention center are included in contracts. Duplantis said the commission should consider passing a set of policies for convention center use.

Duplantis also asked whether volunteers could trim tall trees at the cemetery. Lusk said the trees are too tall to be safely trimmed by volunteers.

Mayor Ruth Ann Litchfield commended volunteers from Cannon Air Force Base who started cleaning up the disabled jet exhibited at the Tucumcari Historical Museum. The volunteers put in several hours in 107-degree heat, she said.