FY25 Audit, Renovations, and Board Appointments
GRANTS, N.M. — The July 8 Grants City Council Meeting discussed the fiscal year 2025 audit, the city hall main entrance renovations, approved library, recreation, and lodger’s tax board appointments, and work on Well 1.
FY25 Audit
The City’s auditor delivered positive news, saying, “The good news is… the city has continued to make progress.”
The audit, which was explained to adhere to both auditing standards and yellow book standards, resulted in a clean audit report. The auditor explained, “We have to look at internal control a little bit differently and pick samples… The audit rule has about 20 items that they want us to look at for state law compliance.” He explained that the city successfully eliminated the qualification for capital assets, which is a major accomplishment.
While the audit was mostly positive, there was one minor finding. The auditor informed, “We do have one finding. It is a minor finding… If we were in another state we would’t have to have the one finding we have.” The finding involved a few funds were within less than $100 that they were over budget and then there was one about $13,000.” The auditor reassured that this was just a violation of state law and not significant, adding, “This is the lowest level of finding.”
Overall, the auditor commended the city’s progress, saying, “I think the city has made a lot of progress with the types of findings and has done a really good job.”
City Hall Main Entrance Renovation
City manager Andrew Valencia explained “The primary purpose is to reduce the risk of handling cash including theft, lost, fraud, and processing errors, while improving accountability, employee safety, and overall operational efficiency.”
The project will enhance the customer reception area, such as removing the double entry doors and replacing the flooring with new walk-off carpet. The scope included demolishing existing flooring, preparing for new carpet, removing double doors, and repairing walls. The construction cost is estimated to be $3,500.000, with a $280.00 Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). This was approved, and will be funded by the City Hall maintenance budget.
Board New & Re-Appointments
Jae Luree King was re-appointed to the Library Board for a two-year term. King has a Master of Library Science and over 20 years of experience working in libraries. In the application of appointment, King wrote that she is a retired librarian who loves mentoring middle and high school students.
Alex Ramirez was approved for a two-year term on the Recreation board. Having an associate and bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and currently employed as a coach, Ramirez expressed in his application that he would like “to better Grants and allow our youth to be able to succeed in not only education but sports as well.”
Kenneth Polk was approved for a two-year term on the Lodgers’ Tax Board, having experience as a planning and zoning commissioner and 38 years of federal agency management. Polk stated that by being on this board he wants to make “positive contributions to improve Grants.”
Well 1 Work
Alpha Southwest was explained to be working with the City of Grants and OSE to address Well 1 issues. They have agreed a permanent temporary solution, which will be implemented to prevent cross-contamination. The Council approved this in the amount of $299,927.59, excluding NMGRT.