The Corrales Village Council began planning its preliminary budget in a recent work-study meeting.
Key projects and allocations to improve infrastructure and community facilities were among the topics at the May 28 council meeting, with final approval of the budget slated for mid-July.
“That’s when we’ll know exactly what we’re okay with, we’ll look it over and make sure that we’re not spending too much money and we’re not too extravagant,†Mayor Jim Fahey said. “We’re not anticipating [spending] too much more money but we anticipate some increase because we’ve been getting an increase every year for about the last six or eight years.â€
According to Fahey, the village anticipates about $1 million in additional revenue beyond the budgeted amount. The growth is attributed to new businesses opening and a steady increase in gross receipts and property taxes. To date, the village has issued over 900 business licenses.
The planning discussions also covered initiatives to enhance employee welfare.
Fahey said the plan is for a 3.8% cost-of-living raise for village employees. First responders’ retirement benefits will go up a tier, to attract and retain qualified public safety professionals.
“Our employees here in the village account for about 66% of our budget,†Fahey said.
Capital improvement projects
The council plans to allocate funds to get projects around the village completed.
The council may earmark money to the Public Works Department as matching funds for roadwork. Fahey said the decision to do so arose because the council did not select the Public Works Department to secure bond money and Michael Chavez, the public works director, has several road projects that need to be finished.
The council is also intent on improving facilities around the village.
Fahey said the council wants to renovate the recently purchased Wells Fargo building to make it accessible and functional for Corraleños. Additionally, the council wants to install freestanding bathrooms in the park near the recreation center and on each soccer field, making them available for use during the growers market.
The council also plans to build an emergency bridge, estimated to cost around $100,000, to improve access to a heavily wooded residential area. This bridge will be for emergency use only and will not support regular traffic.
Public safety
Public safety remains a priority, with funds allocated to support the police and fire departments. The village aims to add a second transport-capable ambulance and a fire pumper truck to the emergency fleet, which currently includes one emergency transfer vehicle and several wildland firefighting vehicles.
As reported by the Comment, on top of the village’s wish list is the Angel Hill water tower, which would link to the fire suppression system and allow the village to install a sprinkler system to fight fires in the Bosque.
Community input
The Corrales preliminary budget’s final approval from the Department of Finance and Administration is expected by mid-July, at which point the council will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a balanced and effective budget for the upcoming fiscal year.