Council Receives Updates on Upcoming Budget, CIP Program and Airport

City Council met in a work session Monday, March 24, 2025, and received updates from staff about the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget review, the Capital Improvements Program and the Las Cruces International Airport’s Master Plan.

Jacqueline Rubalcava, Budget and Grant Administrator, said the City used a ‘BASE’ method to develop the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. BASE stands for Balanced, Accountable, Sustainable and Efficient.

The 2025-26 fiscal year budget incorporated different budgeting methods and formulated a process that works best for the City. It was created in three phases:

1. Minimum budget required to maintain current contractual and legal obligations
2. Operating costs necessary to maintain the current level of services provided
3. New budgetary requests, one-time, non-recurring items, new personnel and new reclasses

The proposed new budget will next be presented during a City Council work session and public hearing set for April 14, 2025.

In other business, Cynthia Alamillo, Capital Improvements Program Manager, provided councilors with a review of the CIP for fiscal year 2026. CIP has a positive outlook for the upcoming year. The program is committed to continued improvement, with enhanced collaboration and transparency and the development of innovative thinking as they move forward with their projects.

The CIP prioritizes capital needs and identifies potential funding sources, informs the selection of legislative priorities and functions as a tool to communicate future needs with the public.

CIP produces a six-year plan, approved by Council, for capital projects.

Finally, Andy Hume, Airport Administrator, presented the newly completed master plan for the airport.

The plan outlines an ambitious new vision for the airport that includes runway extensions, partnerships with New Mexico State University and the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park and increased economic development opportunities.

The next step is to bring the Master Plan to Council for adoption, update the strategic business plan and implement the Capital Improvement Plans.
Monday’s Council work session, along with all Council meetings, can be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel.

City Council will next meet in a regular meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St.