GRANTS, N.M. – The Grants City Council will hold a special meeting at noon Wednesday, March 11, to conduct a public hearing and vote on the qualifications and eligibility of District 1 Councilor Dolores P. Vallejos under multiple sections of the Grants City Charter.
According to the agenda, the meeting will focus on two charterbased issues: District 1 residency requirements under City Charter Section 2.02, and whether Vallejos is prohibited from serving on the council while holding another elected public office under City Charter Section 8.02.
The March 11 hearing comes as Grants faces broader questions over charter compliance and election administration after the city did not hold a municipal election on Municipal Officer Election Day, Tuesday, March 3. In earlier reporting, city officials cited the city’s 2023 “opt-in” ordinances shifting elections to the November regular local election schedule.
Public Hearing Format
The agenda lists two separate eligibility reviews as public hearings.
For the residency review, the agenda calls for a presentation by Vallejos followed by an “opposing evidence” presentation. The same format is listed for the holding-other-office review, again providing time for Vallejos and for opposing evidence.
Possible Council Actions
After the public hearing portion, the council is expected to consider two discussion/action items that outline the possible outcomes.
On residency, the agenda lists four potential determinations:
• The candidate met residency requirements at the time of filing and continues to meet them.
• The candidate did not meet residency requirements at the time of filing and is not eligible to hold the seat.
• The candidate previously met residency requirements but no longer meets them, resulting in forfeiture.
• The council cannot reach a final determination and orders additional proceedings.
On “holding other office,” the agenda lists three potential determinations: • The elected officer does not hold another elected public office and is in compliance with the charter.
• The elected officer holds another elected public office during their term and is in violation of the charter.
• The council cannot determine whether a violation occurred and orders additional proceedings.
Other Business
The agenda also includes a separate item: Resolution No. 26-1938, confirming the City of Grants’ participation in the Department of Transportation Municipal Arterial Program Local Government Road Fund Program.
The special meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026.