GRANTS, N.M. - On January 22, 2026, the Cibola County Commission held a meeting lasting two hours, addressing key financial updates and budgetary matters.
Gross Receipts and Financial Heath
An overview of the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT)status, with visuals insinuated the county’s GRT performance relative to previous years. The red line in the GRT tracker reflects the fiscal year’s GRT up to November 30, 2025. Notably, the county received $1,131,506 in Equalization funding for FYS6, set aside for annual revenue bond payments. December’s GRT, totaling $778,110, marked an all-time high for the county, surpassing previous distributions significantly.
The revenues are intricately connected to various designated funds, including the Correctional GRT that covers inmate costs in the Detention Fund, the Environmental GRT that funds the Northern New Mexico Solid Waste Authority, and County Infrastructure which is allocated for general purposes within the general fund.
Property Tax Collections and General Fund Management
The count has started property tax collection, with preliminary figures showing $875,591 in current property taxes, alongside $249,557 in delinquent payments.
Although only 25.4 percent of projected general fund revenues have been received, this is a common expectation at this point in the fiscal year. The strategy is to start with a robust cash balance of at least $6 million annually to avoid reliance on mandatory reserves. A midyear review highlighted that the departments are efficiently managing their budgets, with cumulative expenditures representing only 43.7 percent of the general fund budget.
Budget Adjustments and Compliance
Multiple budget adjustments were proposed to address various fiscal necessities, including unexpected revenue streams from New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) loan proceeds, which primarily support local emergency services like fire departments.
In response to escalating costs in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sector, a budget adjustments was introduces to ensure sustainability in funding. As County Manager Kate Fletcher said, “With the revenues, a lot of times, it is what it is. We try to project the best that we can… The items in red show where we receive more revenue than expected.”
To remain in compliance, it was unanimously voted that they make a budget adjustment.
Strategic Initiatives
The commission unanimously approved the selection of RMKM Architecture for the design of a public safety training center, which will include features like a track, shooting range for the Sherrif’s department, and a burn building for the volunteer firefighters.
Additionally, they considered a fiscal agent request from the Ramah Navajo chapter for a capital outlay project, aiming to assist in state funding procurement. Kate Fletcher said, “We do want to help them, but we have to think about the county first and then think about what we can do to help others.” She noted that, “We would literally put $650 into a separate fund… purchase it for them… then we would get reimbursed by the State… I have every confidence that we can do that, and we won’t lose any money.” However, if it is not reported correctly, they will not get reimbursed.
A resolution opposing proposed legislation prohibiting state and local governments from contracting for the detention of persons held for federal civil immigration violations was unanimously approved to show their opposition to House Bill 9.
A requisition to construct a concrete drive walk for the San Rafael fire protection was approved for $123,822.42. This will come out of the fire funds rather than the general funds.
The commission considered to add the New Mexico Pledge of Allegiance to all Cibola County agendas but was only approved by Chair Ralph Lucero and 2nd vice chair Georgia Routzen Sanchez. Because there was only two votes in favor of it, the motion did not carry, so it will not be implemented.
Upcoming
The next regular commission meeting will convene on February 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM.