By Roger Lanse

Town Manager Alex Brown stated that the preliminary FY 2016 budget needs to be in Santa Fe by the end of May. "It does not have to be approved by you," Brown told the council, "But we always do bring it to be approved by you." Because the gross receipts tax has been increased one-quarter of one percent an increase in GRT to the general fund is projected to be about 4.2 percent, Brown stated. "Actually, almost all of the operational costs for almost all of the departments will stay at zero - there is no increase. However, the judicial department is budgeted to go up about 10 percent."

Anita Norero, town staff, said they are recommending a 50 cent per 1,000 gallons increase in wastewater fees, while no increase in water rates are projected.

Brown told the council that when customers pay their utility bills at City Hall with a credit card, the town is charged a 5 percent fee by the credit card companies for credit card usage, which amounted to $47,000 last year. "We would like to recoup a portion of those charges," he said.

[Editor's Note: Brown clarified to the Beat that a small percentage would be added to the bills only  when a credit card or debit card is used for payment.

Mayor Michael Morones sponsored a resolution pursuant to adopting a Silver City Downtown Tax Increment Financing District. This district would allow the placing of a small increment of property taxes of about 440 downtown parcels into a fund having a 20-year life, to be used for grants, operating costs and renovations for improving the downtown area.

Charlie Dean, representing New Mexico MainStreet interests, informed the council that about $8,000 is projected the first year and by the end of the 20 years, the fund could have as much as $626,000, however, Dean said, there is no guarantee of increment size going into the fund each year. Council approved the resolution.

Council also approved a resolution authorizing the submission of a completed application for financial assistance to the New Mexico Finance Authority for improvements to the water system in the Chihuahua Hill neighborhood. Brown said the funding is for water line replacement and the town would only pursue the $726,000 venture if the town could get a 75 percent grant with a 25 percent loan.

Norero said that a bid of $540,885.47 was awarded to C&E Industrial Services of Sunland Park for a solid dewatering facility (belt filter press). She said a local business also bid but even with the 5 percent incentive that bid was not the lowest.

Morones declared May 22-24, as 20th Anniversary of the Silver City Blues and Bikes Festival Memorial Day Weekend. Faye McCalmont, Executive Director of the Mimbres Region Arts Council accepted the proclamation certificate.

District 4 Councilor Guadalupe Cano reminded residents that the Silver City Public Library is hosting a survey to determine what the community desires in library services.

Silver City Police Department Chief Ed Reynolds gave a brief presentation of bicycle safety and rules of the road.

District 3 Councilor Jose Ray Jr. thanked the SCPD for their bike patrols, saying, "They stop at stop signs, which is a welcome sight."

District 2 Councilor Lynda Aiman-Smith said that grant money is being used to develop a master bicycle plan for the town.

District 1 Councilor Cynthia Bettison stated that May is fibromyalgia month and gave purple ribbons to the other councilors, mayor and staff.

Morones stated that he thought the town should give more recognition to former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman for his work on the town's behalf. Morones said that Bingaman had already been given the key to the city.