At a packed Village Council meeting on Tuesday night, July 29, council members advanced several financial decisions ahead of the new fiscal year, setting the stage for Cloudcroft’s 2025–2026 operating budget.
Karen Gutierrez of High Water Mark, part of the firm assisting with the village’s financial restructuring, shared a projected General Fund revenue of $1.78 million—a figure described as “cautiously optimistic.”
Here’s a breakdown of nine critical votes passed unanimously by the council:
1. Pay Raises for Public Works & Water Operators
To retain skilled workers and remain competitive with neighboring communities, the council authorized wage hikes of 15–30% for the current Water and Public Works staff. The new total payroll allocation—covering salaries, increases, and two new hires—comes in at $542,000. New roles will start at $18/hour, plus full benefits.
2. Police Payroll Budget Approved
$608,504 has been allocated for the salaries of four full-time officers. This does not include equipment or vehicles, and it comprises 34% of the overall General Fund.
3. Lodger’s Tax Spending to Be Monitored
The council approved a partial Lodger’s Tax allocation through December 2025. How the funds are used will be reviewed before January 2026, when officials will decide whether to renew or adjust the funding.
4. Municipal Court Fund Set
The village’s court operations were funded with a $20,090 budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
5. Finance Department Funding
The Finance budget was set at $400,686. This includes Gutierrez’s contracted services and salaries for Finance Director Sylvia Hall and a vacant full-time clerk position, both with full benefits.
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6. Library Budget Includes Multiple Duties
A total of $91,054 was allocated to the Library. Director Sandra Barr’s responsibilities span multiple departments, including Planning & Zoning and Municipal Court operations.
7. Community Center Maintenance Supported
The Old Red Brick Schoolhouse—which houses the Community Center—received an $18,000 allocation for cleaning and upkeep. This does not include areas occupied by the Library or Teen Center, which fall under different budget lines.
8. Motor Vehicle Department Still Closed, But Funded
Although the Cloudcroft MVD office remains closed, the council approved funding in hopes of reopening it in the near future.
9. Council Compensation Added for First Time
For the first time in village history, the council approved $29,850 for its own operations, including $15,000 earmarked for stipends—though compensation cannot begin until the next election cycle. If divided evenly, each seat could receive around $3,000 annually.
The council will reconvene Thursday, July 31 at 6:00 p.m. to finalize the budget.
2025 Local Election Overview
Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Filing Day for all local candidates is Tuesday, August 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Otero County Clerk’s office.
Seats up for grabs include:
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Mayor
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Two 4-year trustee positions
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One 2-year trustee position
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Two school board positions
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Municipal Judge
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Upcoming Village Meetings
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Special Council Session – Thurs., July 31, 6:00 p.m.
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Otero County Electric Cooperative Member Meeting – Sat., Aug. 2, 10:00 a.m., CHS Gym (Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
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Planning & Zoning – Wed., Aug. 6, 9:00 a.m.
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Parks & Recreation – Mon., Aug. 11, 6:00 p.m.
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Special Planning & Zoning Meeting – Tues., Aug. 12, 9:00 a.m.
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Fire/EMS Committee – Wed., Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m.
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Village Council Meeting – Tues., Aug. 19, 6:00 p.m.
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School Board of Education Meeting – Tues., Aug. 19, 6:00 p.m.
Ruidoso Flooding Disaster Update
By Jonny Coker
Severe flooding devastated parts of Ruidoso on July 8, 2025, as heavy rain fell over burn scars from the previous year’s wildfires. The sudden floods swept through homes and businesses near the Rio Ruidoso and tragically claimed three lives—including two children.
Village leaders in Ruidoso say the compounding effects of consecutive natural disasters have overwhelmed local infrastructure and left many residents facing an uncertain recovery.
loudcroft Ultra Returns August 16th
Runners, hikers, and trail enthusiasts will gather for the Cloudcroft Ultra on Saturday, August 16th. Distances include a 53k, 9.5-mile, 4.75-mile, and a 1-mile Kid’s Dash—all set against the scenic backdrop of the historic Rim Trail (T105), once used by Indigenous communities, homesteaders, and loggers.
All races start and finish at the Zenith Park Pavilion, with the Kid’s Dash looping around the park grounds.
