Volume XVIII February 2023 - Ruidoso-NM.gov
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Volume XVIII · February 2023
I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday
with your friends and families and that 2023
is off to a great start!
Recently, I presented the State of the Village
to the VOR community. I highlighted the
projects that had been completed in 2022
like the Village Hall addition and the Cree Meadows Trail, along with the status of
many plans that will continue into 2023. One item that I really want to highlight is the
financial stability and good standing that the VOR currently maintains. During a time
when many municipalities saw their Gross Receipts Taxes (GRT) decrease, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford
experienced growth that can be tied to short-term rentals, tourism, and VOR
construction projects. We are projecting our fiscal activity to increase by approximately 6% over FY 2023.
Our Lodger’s Tax revenues have continued to increase as well, as FY 2023 is anticipated to increase by
21% year-over-year. In addition, cannabis sales in the Village since July 1, 2022 have averaged $27,909 per
month for a projected $300,000 that will be added to the General Fund.
It is time again to congratulate our Employee of the Quarter and the Department of the
Quarter. Mirna Polendo, the Community Development Administrative Assistant, was
selected as the Employee of the Quarter for her excellent customer service skills and
positive attitude. Whether she is working in her department or at the front counter, she
does a wonderful job serving the public and answering their questions. Mirna always has
a smile on her face and is willing to assist anyone needing help. A recent visitor to Village
Hall told us “Mirna is a ray of sunshine!”
Mirna Polendo
The Water Distribution Department has been voted Department
of the Quarter. This department works incredibly hard on Village
projects, repairing water line breaks and assisting with snow
removal. These employees are often called out at all hours of the
night to complete repairs after working their regularly scheduled
shifts. Although this department has been short-staffed for quite Water Distribution Department
some time, they all come together as a team to get the job done day and night!
Thank you, Mirna and everyone in the Water Distribution Department for what you do every day for the
citizens of this community!
Don’t forget to tune-in to Mondays with the Mayor on 1490 KRUI AM every Monday morning from 8:00 – 10:00
AM. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t be shy – call in and let’s talk about them! Until next time,
remember to be kind, be courteous, and support your friends and neighbors.
Mayor Lynn Crawford 1
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
Ruidoso Village Council Members
At the January 10, 2023 Regular Council meeting, the
Governing Body:
» Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem
» Adopted Resolution 2023-02, A Resolution Authorizing » Susan Lutterman
the Village of Ruidoso to Submit an Application to » Joe Eby
the Department of Finance and Administration, Local » Gary Jackson
Government Division to Participate in the Local DWI Grant » Tim Coughlin
and Distribution Program. » Darren Hooker
» Approved Ratification of Sub Grant Agreements (SGA)
with Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA) for Project Worksheets (PWs); PW95,
PW98, PW103, PW111, PW113, and PW117, in the Amount of $7,857,826.39, resulting in an increase
of $3,190,988.39.
» Adopted Ordinance 2023-02, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 14, Section 14-4. Licensing of Dogs
and Cats.
» Approved Revised Ruidoso Police Department Policies Pertaining to Complaints and Notices,
Internal Affairs, Discipline, Awards and Recognition, and Uniforms and Insignia.
» Approved Grant Award with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management’s Fire Protection Grant Council for the Purchase of the Mobile Cascade, in the Amount
of $201,205.67.
» Approved Agreement between Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell and the Ruidoso Fire
Department to Provide a Facility for Students to Complete the Clinical Phase of Emergency Medical
Services Training.
» Approved Award of RFP #2023-003P to Steven W. Carothers & Associates (SWCA) Environmental
Consultants to Conduct a Lincoln County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, in the
amount of $68,020.00, including Gross Receipts Tax and Authorizing the Mayor to sign the Agreement.
» Adopted Resolution 2022-55, a Resolution Establishing Rules and Regulations of the Mechem
Meadows Housing Development & 99 Sunny Slope Drive as Amended.
» Approved Memorandum of Understanding Between the Village of Ruidoso and Fawn Ridge
Property Owners Association for Emergency Water Supply.
2
WATER DEPARTMENT
Do You Have Eye on Water?
Monitor water usage online or with a smart phone with Eye on Water. Go to EyeOnWater.com
to create an account or scan the QR code below. Links for iPhone or Android apps are on the homepage.
To create an account, the service or billing zip code is needed (88345 or 88355.) Enter the account number
with all numbers and dashes, and then select “next.” If there is an existing account, just sign in.
Scan to Download the
Eye on Water App
Once logged in VOR utility customers will be able to see a leak alert, water usage at-a-glance, information
on the water meter, and the total gallons of water usage for the meter. Other accounts may be added to this
same profile, so there is no need to have to multiple log-ins. The total gallons used may be displayed by
day, last week, last month, or even over the last several years, simply select the period to review.
The leak alert function can be customized based on known usage, making it easier to identify possible
leaks or if just filling a hot tub. If this home is used as a short-term rental, an alert can be used if water is
left on or a commode is running after guests leave. To set this up, follow these steps:
» Click on “Edit Leak Alert”
» Set the expected flow type for the meter.
» Set alert for when hourly flow exceeds ___ gallons/hour for 24 consecutive
hours (this setting can be as low as one gallon).
» Set up email notifications for your account, or if you know @ text ending
for your carrier you may add that. Verizon customers may use their #
5759991234@vtext.com to receive alerts from Eye on Water. Check with
other carriers for the extension to receive simple emails by text. Multiple
emails and cell numbers can be added in this section.
Once this is done, a preview will be available and you can even send a test message.
Please be aware that the VOR Water Department is having to change out meters
because of the 5G upgrade. If the meter is not reporting at this time, utility personnel will be stopping by
to read the meter until the change-out is completed.
If you need further assistance, call the Utility Billing Department with any questions at 575-258-4343.
3
STATE OF THE VILLAGE
The overall State of the Village is one of resilience, strength, and optimism. This has never been more
evident than in the days and weeks that followed the devastating McBride Fire. This community stepped
up to help our fellow residents that were affected by the disaster, and the donations and assistance that we
received from around our great state was nothing short of amazing.
In 2022, Gross Receipts Taxes and Lodger’s Taxes both showed a healthy increase. Cannabis sales came
to the community and are now adding to the bottom line. The cash balance in the Ruidoso Wastewater
Treatment Plant Enterprise Fund (RWWTP) was successfully used to eliminate debt service payments on the
Series 2013 GO Refunding Bonds and the Series 2013 Wastewater Refunding Revenue Bonds. This resulted
in lower utility bills for all VOR utility customers.
It is essential that this community continues to come together and work toward common goals so the Village
can thrive and be successful. This includes working to find funding to support improvements to transportation,
workforce housing, broadband, water and wastewater infrastructure, and outdoor recreation amenities.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
» The Village began FY 2023 with a cash balance
of $72,663,018 and projected revenues at
$53,600,371, which amounts to $126,263,389 of
available cash to spend. Expenditures were cut
based on previous year’s usage and ended up
at $101,669,602.
» All capital outlay totaled $61,538,231, yielding
$40,131,371 for operations.
» Ending cash balance for FY 2022 is projected
at $24,593,787.
» The VOR completed their 2021 audit in a timely
manner and is currently under review by the New
Mexico State Auditor’s Office (SAO).
» The overall financial health of the Village of
Ruidoso remains strong and both governmental
and proprietary funds reported increases to net position.
» As of June 30, 2022, the Village’s governmental funds reported combined fund balances of
$26,884,821, an increase of $3,478,500 in comparison with the prior year.
LODGER’S TAX
» Lodger’s Tax receipts also exceeded prior year
amounts in April (March sales) and continued
growing at a rate of 22.23% over CY 2021.
» In FY 2023, the Lodger’s Tax Board projected
revenues at a $2.3 million level and as of December
2022, taxes collected are 36% from meeting
budgeted levels.
» As revenues exceed expenditures, the fund’s net
position remains strong and continues to grow.
» The outlook for 2023 is a continued upward trend.
4
Visit Ruidoso-NM.gov to read the complete State of the Village
GROSS RECEIPTS TAX
» While most municipalities lost Gross Receipts
Taxes (GRT) as COVID-19 suffocated many
municipality economies and caused them to
lose Gross Receipts Taxes (GRT), the Village
experienced growth.
» GRT taxes have increased from short-term rentals,
tourist activity, and Village construction projects.
» The Village experienced a growth rate of 13.9%
from CY 2019 to CY 2021.
» CY 2021 April distribution (February sales)
surpassed CY 2020 levels and continued to grow.
» Beginning July 1, 2022, cannabis businesses
started remitting GRT monthly (GRT taxes
assessed on sales plus a 12% Excise Tax).
» The Village and the County receive 33.33% of the tax.
» Each month’s distribution has averaged $27,909 and projected FY 2023 funds will add $300,000
toward General Fund Expenditures.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
» With a population of 8,062, Ruidoso currently has Capital Projects underway that would be expected
from a town four times its size.
» The Village currently has 67 projects between the
design and construction phases.
Below are some of the projects that have been completed
or are in progress:
» Alto Treatment Plant Rehabilitation – In Progress
» FEMA Restoration of the Sewer Line – In Progress
» Village Hall Addition – Completed
» Magistrate Court Building – In Progress
» Horton Complex Remodel – In Progress
» Cree Meadows Trail – Completed
» FEMA Bridge Replacement – In Progress
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
» The highest priority Community Development project for 2022 was to provide housing for those
families that were displaced by the McBride Fire.
» Eighteen manufactured homes were purchased using donations, grants, and local funds.
» This housing development is located at 1114 Mechem Drive and has been named Mechem Meadows.
» These homes will be held permanently in the Village of Ruidoso Housing Trust Fund as long-term rentals.
» The Village of Ruidoso and Mesa Apartments, LLC will continue to work together to reapply for the
9% tax credits from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority.
» If the tax credits are awarded, up to 70 apartments will be developed at 1104 Mechem Drive.
5
Village NEWS
White Mountain Sports Complex and Wingfield
Master Plan Updates
The Village of Ruidoso is working hard to improve our current facilities. Over the
past year, the Village has completed Master Plans for Wingfield Park and the
White Mountain Sports Complex. These Master Plans are the starting point
of a much larger process and will be used to help create the vision for these
facilities for the future.
Next steps include working on conceptual drawings and feasibility
studies. Conceptional drawings provide the Village with potential options
for how facilities might look, and feasibility studies help the Village to
understand the cost associated with these key projects and other factors that
might impact each project.
t o c o n t e s t
pho Enter the Scenic Southern New Mexico Photo Contest
Tag your photos with #scenicsouthernnm2023
6
2023 Legislative Session & Capital Outlay
On January 12, 2023, the Legislative Finance
Committee released a budget recommendation for
the 2023-2024 fiscal year that calls for spending
$9.44 billion from the state’s general fund, a 12%, or
$1.04 billion, increase over FY23 planned spending.
Reserves would be 30% of planned spending, safely
above the levels that served the state well during
the plunge in income at the start of the pandemic,
and with room for additional recommendations for
fund transfers and tax changes. The recommendation
includes $109 million to expand Pre-K, and $263
million recurring and $261 million nonrecurring
more for public schools, primarily for a new K-12
Plus factor in the public school funding formula and
school-year calendar changes. The plan for public
education is a total of $4.14 billion, or 6.8% more than the current year. In addition to extended school
time, the recommendation funds an increase for services aimed at students identified as at-risk for failure,
the educator pipeline, reading interventions, and implementation of the Indian, Bilingual Multicultural,
and Hispanic education acts.
General Fund appropriations for the Early Childhood Education and Care Department would increase
by nearly 72%, with the additional funding from the constitutional amendment approved by voters in
November. In addition to the major expansion of Pre-K, the spending plan includes $8 million for home
visiting parent education and support services for new families. Early childhood services would get an
additional $70 million from the Early Childhood Trust Fund for childcare for infants and toddlers and other
child services, including behavioral health. The committee recommendation also includes $80 million to
backfill federal Medicaid spending, which will drop with the official end of the public health emergency,
and $328 million for average pay raises of 5% for state and education employees. It contains additional
funding to increase the employer contributions to the public employee and educator retirement funds.
Other priorities in the budget include New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, Medicaid rates for healthcare
providers, and behavioral healthcare for children, in addition to targeted salary increases for university
faculty, judicial agency staff, child protective services workers, forensic scientists, and public school
principals. In addition to recurring spending, the committee proposal includes $1.145 billion in spending
for special projects, roads, and information technology.
During the 60-day legislative session which started on January 17, legislators are expected to receive
millions in Capital Outlay funds for projects in their home districts. In 2022, the Governor received $160
million in Capital Outlay, each senator received $3.1 million, and each House member received $1.86
million. More than $823 million was proposed for capital projects statewide during the 2022 session.
With the state projecting increased revenues and recommendations for Capital Outlay appropriations, the
Village of Ruidoso is preparing by increasing the Village’s ability to administer large projects. The VOR
has submitted the following five Village Council-approved Legislative Capital Outlay Requests totaling
$9,413,363 million.
» Workforce Housing ($1,000,000)
» Broadband Fiber Connectivity ($1,000,000)
» Bridge Replacement Construction ($6,000,000)
» Sewer Infrastructure Construction Improvements ($913,363)
» Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Development ($500,000)
The capital improvements planned by the Village are a strategy in the efforts for economic recovery and
are quality-of-life initiatives aimed at improving the Village’s aging infrastructure, in addition to enhancing
the recreational asset.
7
Winter EVENTS Check out our line-up of great events for winter!
Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
FEBRUARY 1: MARCH 1:
• Lincoln County Day in Santa Fe, • The Buddy Holly Story, Spencer Theater
Drury Plaza Inn, Santa Fe MARCH 4:
FEBRUARY 2: • Rhythm of Dance, Spencer Theater
• AARP Tax Services, MARCH 10-12:
Ruidoso Convention Center • Ruidoso Outdoor Expo, Ruidoso
FEBRUARY 5: Convention Center
• Full Moon Ecstatic Dance, RareBird Workshop
FEBRUARY 8:
• Ruidoso Writers Group,
Ruidoso Public Library
FEBRUARY 10:
• Pirates of Penzance by Oso Productions,
Ruidoso High School Performing Arts Center
(also performing Feb 11, 17, 18, 19)
FEBRUARY 11:
• Fort Stanton Garrison Activities
• Afternoon of Crafts and Tea, Fort Stanton •
FEBRUARY 12:
• Food for Kids Day, Winter Park MARCH 11:
FEBRUARY 18: • Hello Darlin’, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
• Cowboy Mardi Gras, Bonito Valley MARCH 12:
Brewing Company • Walk the Links 5K Walk and Run, White
FEBRUARY 18-19: Mountain Sports Complex
• Vines in the Pines Wine Festival, MARCH 17:
Ruidoso Convention Center • St. Patrick’s Day Hullabaloo, Bonita Valley
FEBRUARY 19: Brewing Company
• Kids and Family Talent Night, RareBird MARCH 18:
Workshop • Hank and My Honky Tonk, Spencer Theater
FEBRUARY 21:
• Job Seekers’ Resources,
Ruidoso Public Library
FEBRUARY 22:
• Ruidoso Writers Group,
Ruidoso Public Library
FEBRUARY 23:
• Entrepreneurial Resources,
Ruidoso Public Library
FEBRUARY 24:
• Keith Sweat, Inn of the Mountain Gods
FEBRUARY 25: Submit Your Event
• Spivey, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form
8
FEBRUARY 1: FEBRUARY 15:
• 10:30 AM World Read Aloud • 10:30 AM Hippopotamus
Day and Cooper’s Retirement Storytime
Celebration • Lego Marble Maze
• 1:45 PM Special Afternoon Challenge (2:00 PM, ages
Storytime, Ruidoso Public 5-8; 3:00 PM, ages 9+)
Library FEBRUARY 22:
FEBRUARY 8: • 10:30 AM My Eyes Storytime
• 10:30 AM Valentine’s • 2:15 PM Children’s Movie
Storytime Matinee: “Minions: The Rise
• 2:10 PM Children’s Movie of Gru”
Matinee: “Turning Red,”
Ruidoso Public Library
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
Happy New Year! We are excited about the upcoming
year with so many events planned. One of our most
important events will be on February 1, 2023. Each year,
we host the Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in
Santa Fe at the Drury Plaza Inn from 5:30 - 8:30 PM. This
reception allows Chamber members and businesses in
Lincoln County the opportunity to speak one-on-one
with our legislators. We must bring our concerns to our
legislators! If we don’t speak up, then we cannot expect
our needs to be met. The Legislative Session runs from
January 16 - March 18, 2023. Lincoln County Day in Santa Fe
Almost immediately following our Santa Fe Reception, we are hosting the Vines in the Pines Wine Festival
February 18-19 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Twelve New Mexico wineries will be attending along
with food vendors and other commercial vendors. Join us to celebrate a belated Valentine’s Day (or an
early Mardi Gras)! This year, there will be live music, including artists Matthew Palmer (Saturday) and
Eryn Bent (Sunday). If you missed these two musicians at AspenFest, you can catch them at the Vines in
the Pines. They are outstanding!
The Chamber’s Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony will be on June 9, 2023, at the Inn of the Mountain
Gods. At this event, we announce the winners for Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, and the
Beautification Award. If you would like to nominate someone for one of these awards, please contact the
Ruidoso Valley Chamber.
If you are a member of the Chamber and would like to host a Business After Hours, we would love to
schedule one for you. Please reach out to us at 575-257-7395. If you are not a member of the Chamber,
contact us to learn about the benefits of joining. Our organization is committed to making Ruidoso a better
place to live, work, and play. Our mission is to foster development, growth, and prosperity in Ruidoso,
Ruidoso Downs, Lincoln County, and the surrounding area.
9
DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS
Airport 575-336-8111 VILLAGE HALL:
575-258-4343
Convention Center 575-258-5445
Judicial 575-257-9055 • Capital Projects
& Purchasing
Library 575-258-3704
• Executive
Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030 • Finance
Police 575-258-7365 • Forestry
• Human Resources
Fire 575-257-3473
• Planning and
Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417 Zoning
Senior Center 575-257-4565 • Utility Billing
Solid Waste 575-257-1502
Street Works 575-257-6023
Water Distribution and Sewer Collections 575-257-2386
Water Production 575-257-5525
Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913 www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Safe Winter Driving
Living in “Nature’s Playground” can sometimes come with challenges when enjoying the Village,
especially when it turns into a winter wonderland. Here are a few tips for safe winter driving:
» Be vigilant and don’t crowd or pass snowplows. They
travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap
lanes, and exit frequently.
» As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter
coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath
the harness of a car seat. In a car crash, fluffy padding
in a coat immediately flattens out from the force,
leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then
slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.
» Check the wear and tear on windshield wipers.
Improper windshield wipers will cause visibility issues
in an already dangerous situation.
Below is the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which provides other useful
tips for winter driving. Please be safe during this beautiful time of year!
https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips
10FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more and more people are living where
wildfires are a significant risk. “Nearly 45 million homes abut or intermingle with wildlands, and more
than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk. By working together, residents can make their property
and their neighborhoods much safer from wildfire. As we enter the spring months, it is important to stay
mindful of wildfire dangers, and to make sure you are keeping your home fire safe,” (NFPA).
Follow some of the tips listed below to prepare for the
upcoming wildfire season:
1. Defensible space is considered the buffer between a
home and wildland vegetation. This space is often the
difference between a house surviving a wildfire event
or not.
2. Homes should be clear for 30 feet of all dead vegetation,
including pine needles, leaves, and piles of firewood.
3. Thin trees within the 30-foot zone to minimal numbers,
trim up high, and remove dead trees.
4. Mow grass and other ground vegetation regularly.
5. Remove railroad ties that butt up against a house, as
fires traveling up them are difficult to extinguish.
6. Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, Damage from the McBride Fire
porches, and decks. This prevents embers from
igniting a home.
7. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible
materials from accumulating.
8. Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of a home’s
foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch the
house, deck, or porch!
9. Keep lawns hydrated and maintained. If it’s brown, cut it down! Dry grass and shrubs are fuel
for wildfire.
10. Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fires.
11. Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair any that are loose or missing to prevent
ember penetration.
12. Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from
entering the home.
13. Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
For more information on how you can create a defensible space, follow the links provided below:
Ruidoso Fire Department: https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/ruidoso-fire-department
Ruidoso Wildfire Safety: https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/wildfire-safety-tips
NFPA:
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire
Ready for Wildfire and Firewise Communities:
https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/firewise-communities/
Ready, Set, Go: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/
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