Pay Raise for the Grants Police Department and Roosevelt Avenue Pavement Project
GRANTS, NM – On March 8, the Grants City Council held a special meeting. The main topics involved raises for Grants Police Department, and repaving and updating Roosevelt Avenue from the intersection of Lobo Canyon Road to Sakelares Boulevard. It was stated that because the hospital sits on Roosevelt Avenue, it is considered a main arterial road. A resolution to acquire funding for the project was time sensitive and needed to be passed at the meeting because paperwork is due on March 15. A resolution for the Roosevelt Avenue project was passed.
City Manager Donald Jaramillo created a proposal for the City of Grants Police Department to remain competitive with other law enforcement agencies across the state. Certified police officers will see an increase in pay to $25.22 an hour. Police Chief Maxine Monte stated the GPD is still looking to hire six officers – four regular, one detective, and one sergeant. The pay raise was approved and is set to start on March 19.
Councilwoman Beverly Michael apologized to the police chief and department. She stated this issue could have been resolved last fall, but the city was to busy fighting over raising taxes when there was already funding available.
The next subject involved a pay increase for all city employees. The City Treasure of Grants, Victor Villalobos, stated that the city is looking at a tiered system for pay raises following the county's recently implemented model. 'We need to ensure we are fiscally responsible before moving forward,' he said.
Councilman George Garcia remarked, “Hearing from the town, we're pitting our citizens against the police and fire departments; we cannot be doing that. If you want more protection, you are going to have to pay for it kind of deal – citizens do not like that.” Councilman Garcia said an increase in pay for all city employees is needed. “We will never have the budget of Albuquerque or Rio Rancho – we can never match them.” While Councilman Garcia was making this statement, Mayor Erik Garcia interrupted the councilman three times as he was speaking by saying, “Yes, we can.”
Councilman George Garcia also implored citizens to get involved and contact legislators in Santa Fe and express their opinions on bills and laws that affect them.
Council meetings can be watched on the City of Grants Website through Facebook or YouTube. All public commentary has been turned off for citizens watching live sessions. If you wish to address the city council, you must attend meetings in person.