MILAN, N.M. - “For the first time in the history of the Village, our audit was perfect,” Milan Mayor Felix Gonzales said on Tuesday when asked about the Village’s successes of 2022. “That’s because of our employees. Candy Williams, the Finance Director, did a fantastic job. And our Manager, Linda Cooke, also did a great job.” Gonzales went on to say that the Village made sure their finances were in place. “We exceeded our expectations,” he added with enthusiasm.
Mayor Gonzales listed the Village’s achievements including a new soccer field by Milan Elementary that will be completed in the spring, the swimming pool is up and running though more work will happen in the spring to complete this community asset, phase one of the Fire Station remodel which includes the lower level where the trucks are stored and offices housed is well underway and nearly done. Thanks to Fire Chief Daniel Urioste obtaining a $400K grant, phase two will happen next, and that includes the upper level living quarters and kitchen. The Village was also able to obtain a new police car and a fully-equipped ATV for the Fire Department allowing them to expand their rescue territory.
“Denise Baca, our Village Clerk/Project Manager spearheaded all the grants and the paperwork involved to obtain Junior money and Capital outlay funds,” the mayor said. He also mentioned that the Village Hall will be moving in January if all things go as planned. The former TBK Bank on US Route 66 was donated to the Village. This new location will allow for a drive through window, so that residents can pay their utility bills quickly and easily without leaving their vehicle. A dedication for this new location will happen in the spring of next year.
Though the Village is awash in success for 2022, Mayor Gonzales stated that there are still issues that must be dealt with. “Our water system. We need to drill another well because the water table is getting lower and lower, so water and sewer issues are the big ones for 2023.” He said that the Water and Sewer Department need new vehicles and equipment in order to maintain the system. To actually drill the well, the mayor said that a drilling company will have to be contracted by the Village.
To add to the mayor’s 2023 Wish List, he added road improvements on Pinon, Willow, Cottonwood, Berryhill, and Tietjen. “These major arteries in the village all need renovation,” Gonzales said.
Mayor Gonzales stated that the employees of the Village of Milan are behind all of this success as well as the support and advocacy of state legislators Eliseo Lee Alcon (District 6), Harry Garcia (District 69), and Patty Lundstrom (District 9) who does not represent Cibola County but was raised in Milan and cares deeply about the welfare of this Village.