GRANTS, N.M — The June 10 City Council Meeting discussed fireworks, the police and fire Public Employees Retirement Association pick-up, and the purchase of two vehicles by the street department.
Firework Restriction
Fire Chief Mike Maes explained, “This resolution is being presented due to the severe drought conditions and elevated wildfire risk currently affecting our region. The resolution is authorized under New Mexico Fireworks licensing and safety act and is consistent with the governor’s executive order, encouraging municipalities to adopt appropriate fireworks restrictions during periods of extreme fire danger.”
The resolution stated that no fireworks of any kind are to be used in woodland areas, areas with dry vegetation, dirt parks, open spaces, or recreational areas unless authorized by the city. Chief Maes said “[it is] not about eliminating celebration, it is about reducing uncontrolled wildfire risks.”
Permissible fireworks in New Mexico include cone fountains, sparklers, roman candles, helicopters, mines, and firecrackers. Fireworks permitted by state law are to be used on paved or barren areas free of dry vegetation.
The council agreed to prohibit the sale, possession, and use of missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, stick-type rockets, ground audible devices (including firecrackers), and aerial devices (including reloadable shells, roman candles, mines, and similar fireworks).
Violations may result in citations, confiscation of prohibited fireworks, criminal penalties, or civil penalties.
Police & Fire PERA Pick-Up
The City Council approved two resolutions to increase its contributions to Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) for its police and fire departments, aiming to improve recruitment and retention by offering more competitive retirement benefits.
The city agreed to contribute 23.48% of police employees’ PERA contributions, reductions their contribution rate from 19.80% to 15.15%. This change is part of the transition to PERA municipal Police Coverage Plan 5 and is intended to enhance workforce stability and reduce financial burdens on employees.
Mayor Erik Garcia said, “This is a pretty big milestone for us. We had set out… it has been [about] three years that we decided to make Grants the cleanest and safest city… And this is amazing. This is what we talked about, and a lot of people said that you guys couldn’t do it.”
Police Chief Maxine Monte said, “This is a huge milestone. It has been in the works for… for sure a year. and we struggled in following the right procedures according to the state of New Mexico, but we were able to push forward, bring it to a vote. We changed it to plan 5 and now it is just negotiation with the city in regard to picking up a portion that we are responsible for. This helps with recruitment, it helps with retention, so it just makes our department stronger and makes our team stronger, and those that we hire... this is a huge accomplishment and we appreciate all your support, as well as the city manager, the finance department, and our team that made this possible.”
Additionally, the city will contribute 19.34% of fire employees’ PERA contributions, lowering their contribution rate from 21.20% to 17.10%. This resolution supports the shift to PERA Municipal Fire Coverage Plan 5, as well as aiming to stabilize the workforce and ease financial pressures on employees. Like the police resolution, it is irrevocable, except for certain exceptions, and applies to all fire employees under the specified plan.
Chief Maes added, “It’s going to benefit everything that we give to [the fire department and police department].”
Mayor Garcia said, “We are not done yet… We’re going to make the City of Grants employees one of the best places to work in the City of Grants. Because the morale, the pay, everything is just going to be top notch.”
Street Department Vehicle Purchases
City Manager Andrew Valencia sought the approval for the Street Department to acquire two new trucks to enhance their operations. The department plans to purchase a 2026 RAM 3500 Crew Cab 4x4 Diesel and a 2026 RAM 2500 Crew Cab Gasoline 4x4 to replace older, less dependable units. Valencia explained that these new vehicles are expected to improve operational efficiency and reliability, as well as the ability to tow larger equipment with reduced wear. The board approved this purchase, with a total cost of $121,057.70, which will be funded through New Mexico Gas Tax funds.