RUIDOSO INSIDER

February 10, 2025, Village Council Meeting Highlights:

» Approval of Proposal from Rymarc Construction Inc., for the Apache Hills Waterline Project, Excavating and Installing New 6” C-900 PVC Waterlines and Tying into Existing Lines, Utilizing NM GSD Statewide Price Agreement #30-00000-23-00070 in the Amount of $89,030.17 Including NMGRT.

» Approval of Adoption of Ordinance 2026-09, an Ordinance Amending the Village of Ruidoso Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 42, Fire Prevention and Protection; Article II, Village of Ruidoso Fire Codes; Section 42-32. Violations, Penalty, and Fees.

» Approval of Task Order #2026-001P-02 with Bohannan Huston, Inc for Professional Engineering Services on Flood-Damaged Infrastructure, including McDaniel Bridge, Main Road 2 Bridge, North Loop Bridge, Sleepy Hollow Bridge, River Trail Bridge, and Robin Road Bridge, in the Amount of $3,337,221.25 Including NMGRT.

» Approval of Task Order #2026-001P No. 1 with Stantec Consulting Services for Professional Engineering Services on Flood-Damaged Infrastructure, including PW 19, Alto Dam Pedestrian Bridge Footing Design, PW 62, Two Rivers Park Culvert Replacement, and Guardrail Replacement in the Amount of $216,211.63 Including NMGRT.

» Approval of Biennial Memorandum of Understanding between New Mexico MainStreet Program, Village of Ruidoso, and Ruidoso Midtown Association to Dedicate Collaborative Resources, Adopt Local Economic Growth and Revitalization Tools, and Establish Economic Development Funding for Operations and Program Implementation to Restore Economic Vitality Within the MainStreet Economic Redevelopment District from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.

Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at Village Hall

The Village of Ruidoso 2026 Municipal Officers Election will take place on March 3, 2026.

At the Election, voters will elect:

» A Mayor to serve a four (4) year term

» Three (3) Councilors to serve a four (4) year term

Terms of office begin on April 1, 2026

Learn More —>

Independent Power USA has announced the signing of a Project Participation Agreement with the Village of Ruidoso, creating guidelines for developing and running a waste-to-fuel energy conversion facility in Ruidoso. The project will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to process organic waste streams, including wildfire and food debris, wood, and other non-hazardous biomass, into renewable diesel and biochar using a controlled low-temperature thermal conversion process. In addition, it will reduce landfill disposal, mitigate methane emissions, and produce drop-in renewable transportation fuels.

According to Mayor Lynn Crawford: This project is a big win for the Village and Lincoln County. This investment in New Mexico is in line with the New Mexico Clean Fuels Standards (HB-41, 2024) and represents an estimated $139 million capital investment. It is also expected to create more than 100 construction jobs and approximately 86 permanent operating positions once the facility is complete.

Learn More —>

Now that the Village has completed its strategic planning, the budgeting process is underway. The first step involves projecting recurring revenues, which encompass Gross Receipt Taxes (GRT), property taxes, service charges, utility fees, licenses, permits, and more. Typically, revenue analysis includes figures through February, constituting approximately 67% of the fiscal year, and looks back five years to identify trends. Once revenue projections are established, recurring personnel and operations costs are determined. As these expenditures often exceed revenues, budget cuts become necessary. Discussions on these cuts take place during the budget hearings with the Village Council, usually held in mid-April.

While some items may be cut from the budget, they are not entirely forgotten. During the mid-year budget review in December, if actual revenues surpass projections, these costs could potentially be added back into the budget. It’s important to note that the budget is dynamic and undergoes quarterly adjustments through a budget amendment submitted to the NM Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division (DFA-LGD) for approval. The state ensures that a fund is not over-expended, meaning expenditures do not exceed revenues and the beginning cash balance.

The final aspect of the budget involves non-recurring or one-time expenditures, primarily related to capital outlay. Examples include the acquisition of equipment, vehicles, land, or construction projects. The ending cash balance from the previous fiscal year can be allocated to these one-time cash uses.

Additionally, the General Fund must set aside 16% of the cash balance as a reserve; no other fund has this reserve requirement. However, in the enterprise funds, the Village allocates contingency funds within the budget to offset unforeseen or emergency expenses. Non-recurring revenues, such as grants, are added to the budget only upon receipt of a Notice of Grant Award.

A balanced budget ensures that recurring expenditures equal recurring revenues, and non-recurring expenditures plus any reserves are less than or equal to the beginning cash balance. During the Budget Approval meeting in May, the Village Council approves the budget, which is then forwarded to DFA-LGD for approval by June 1.

On the ballot on March 3, 2026, will be a question asking voters to authorize $3 Million of General Obligation bonds: Shall the village of Ruidoso issue up to $3,000,000 of General Obligation bonds to be repaid from property taxes, for the purpose of enlarging, improving, and/or extending the production and distribution components of the Village’s water system?

Residents WILL NOT see a tax increase with the continuation of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Bond Program. This program was designed to set the mill levy rate (property tax rate) at a rate to ensure a continual approval of $3 Million at each election. By getting voter approval on a GO Bond every two years, residents can continue with the program without increasing their property taxes.

As part of the Capital Improvement Program that is funded by the GO Bond, the Village of Ruidoso is planning to implement several other key water infrastructure projects, including:

• PRV (pressure reducing valves) replacement

• Leak detection services

• Alto Dam improvements

• River Well rehabilitation

• Hollywood Well rehabilitation

• Wingfield II waterline replacement

February was a very busy month for the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. We hosted our annual Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe on February 4. With more than 110 attendees, Lincoln County was well represented. Thank you to Rep. Harlan Vincent for his support of the event. Representative Vincent sponsored a House Memorial declaring February 4, 2026, as Lincoln County Day in the House of Representatives.

In addition, Representative Vincent honored Lincoln County residents for their service during the South Fork and Salt Fires. Those honored were the Community Foundation of Lincoln County; Logan Fle Fleharty, James Flores, and the crew at Scorpion Tattoos; and ENMU-Ruidoso. The Chamber hosts this event every year to allow our Chamber members and residents of Ruidoso/Lincoln County to attend the legislative session and meet many of our legislators and those individuals who are making the decisions that affect us. I highly encourage everyone to take the opportunity to attend this event next year.

On February 9, 2026, the Chamber hosted a Candidate Forum giving Ruidoso residents an opportunity to get to know the candidates for mayor and council. We had over 250 people in attendance, and it was a very informative evening. Thank you to all the candidates for their commitment to Ruidoso.

Over Presidents’ Day Weekend, the Chamber hosted the Vines in the Pines Wine Festival. With 12 New Mexico wineries, two local craft breweries, bourbon tastings, and boutique vendors, this event is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It brings many people to our area to shop, dine, and recreate over the three-day holiday weekend.

The Chamber is the organization that supports our community, and we work hard every day to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. Membership in the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the future of our community. If you are interested in joining the Chamber and working with us to support this community, please call us at 575-257-7395.

Ruidoso Municipal Schools students were recently recognized at the New Mexico State Capitol during the 2026 Legislative Session, highlighting the district’s commitment to civic engagement, bilingual education, cultural celebration, and student voice. Ruidoso High School students and their sponsor, Deanna Oberheu, participating in Wild Friends of New Mexico, were recognized at the New Mexico Legislature for their advocacy in support of Senate Memorial 3, demonstrating how classroom learning can translate into meaningful civic engagement.

The experience was the culmination of several months of interdisciplinary learning focused on civics, science, and the legislative process. Students received instruction on how the New Mexico Legislature functions, with Wild Friends representatives visiting classrooms to help them understand how student voices can influence public policy.

Ruidoso Municipal Schools also received statewide recognition for excellence in Bilingual Multicultural Education Programs during Bilingual Day at the Legislature, held February 12, 2026. The New Mexico PublicEducation Department’s Language and Culture Division honored the district’s bilingual programs at Sierra Vista Primary, White Mountain Elementary, and Ruidoso Middle School for their strong instructional models and commitment to cultural identity and bilingualism. Each school received a certificate at the Capitol recognizing its excellence and contribution to bilingual education in New Mexico.

The Ruidoso High School’s Indian Club, along with their sponsor, Tanis Torres, attended American Indian Day at the Roundhouse. Students supported the Hoops 4 Hope basketball game, which raised funds for UNM and the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, and engaged with state leaders throughout the day.

Students had the opportunity to cheer for Representative Harlan Vincent, present gifts, and recognize Dustine Alvarado, who was named Honorary Lieutenant Governor for the day. The experience included meetings with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senator Rex Wilson, offering students meaningful insight into leadership and public service.

These recognitions reflect the dedication of Ruidoso Municipal Schools students, staff, and families, and the district’s belief that education extends beyond the classroom.

ENMU-Ruidoso was recognized by the NM House of Representatives recently for the College’s support, leadership, and public service during the recent emergencies and recovery efforts. The certificate was presented February 4, 2026 at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Lincoln County Legislative Reception.

Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC) is moving forward with the construction of a new on-site helipad, an important infrastructure project that will significantly improve emergency medical access for residents of Lincoln County and surrounding rural communities.

The helipad will be built on property adjacent to the hospital campus and will allow air medical helicopters to land directly at LCMC. Currently, patients who require air transport must first be taken by EMS to off-site landing locations, including Ruidoso Downs’ All-American Park or the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport. Eliminating this additional step will reduce transfer times and help lower costs for patients. Construction began in February and included site preparation and necessary demolition.

For rural communities like Lincoln County, timely access to emergency and specialty care can be lifesaving. The helipad will strengthen LCMC’s ability to care for patients experiencing serious trauma, heart attacks, strokes, and other critical conditions that require rapid stabilization and transfer to higher-level care when needed. Direct on-site landings will support faster, safer transitions of care during medical emergencies.

The helipad project is part of LCMC’s broader long-term planning and reinforces the hospital’s role as a key provider of emergency and time-sensitive care across the region. This investment by Presbyterian Healthcare System reflects an ongoing commitment to patient safety, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.

LCMC will continue to share updates with the community as construction progresses and remains committed to investing in infrastructure and services that improve access to high-quality care close to home.

Midtown businesses have been back in full swing after a short break courtesy of Mother Nature! Contrary to what Punxsutawney Phil told us, we have enjoyed some beautiful weather lately, and the streets and shops of Midtown have welcomed visitors enjoying a stroll. We’re still hoping his prediction will bring us a bit more snow (minus the ice). The view of Sierra Blanca from Midtown is always beautiful with a fresh, white blanket of snow.

We’ve got a lot of fun planned for Ruidoso and Ruidoso Midtown in the coming months. The Ruidoso Midtown Association is teaming up with the Humane Society of Lincoln County for the first annual Wagfest & Ice Cream Krank-Off in May. This fun-filled event will feature a themed dog parade and a homemade ice cream competition. Dust off your ice cream makers and start dreaming up some delicious flavor treats!

Brewdoso will be back and better than ever on June 20, 2026, with affordable entry, great entertainment, and more family fun! We’re excited to welcome bands from near and far: The Faux McCoys, Driveway Dive, Tejas Brothers, and Fungi Mungle. Information and tickets at Brewdoso.com.

Plans are also underway for the first Spring Business Mixer of 2026. Stay tuned for more information!

Check us out on Instagram @midtown_ruidoso and online at RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com.

For year-round safety, be sure to sign up for weather alerts and Village of Ruidoso notifications at CallMeRuidoso.com.

The Village of Ruidoso will soon implement a new speed camera system designed to enhance traffic safety and support the Ruidoso Police Department’s ongoing efforts to address speeding complaints throughout the community.

This initiative will introduce a combination of stationary and mobile speed enforcement cameras. One stationary camera will be installed in the school zone on White Mountain Drive to help protect students, families, and school staff by encouraging drivers to follow posted speed limits. In addition, two mobile units will be deployed and rotated to different areas around town where speeding has been identified as a concern.

The speed cameras will issue civil citations for violations. Each citation will carry a $100 civil penalty. Because these are civil citations—not criminal traffic offenses—they will not impact a driver’s record and will not affect insurance rates. However, unpaid citations will be forwarded to a third-party collection agency.

To ensure transparency and fairness, properly placed signage will notify drivers when they are entering a speed enforcement area. The Village views this system as a proactive and effective method to improve safety, and it is considered a preferable alternative to installing speed humps on various streets throughout town.

The implementation and deployment of the cameras are expected to take approximately 90 days. During this time, the Village will work closely with the selected vendor to provide additional information and public outreach, so residents and visitors understand how the system operates and its role in improving overall traffic safety.

By combining technology, clear communication, and targeted enforcement, the Village of Ruidoso aims to create safer roadways for everyone in the community.

The Village of Ruidoso is rated as a High-Risk Area for Catastrophic Wildfire. To mitigate potential threats, the Village has become a Firewise community.

This means the Village has taken steps to reduce forest fuels within its boundaries. To accommodate this, the Village Council adopted a set of ordinances requiring all properties within the Village to reduce fuels, which requires landowners to thin their properties to Firewise and Ordinance Standards.

As a result, the Village has been able to increase its ISO rating, which helps reduce insurance costs and increase the availability of home insurance for residents. Since the adoption of the Ordinances, several wildfires have impacted properties within the Village, confirming that our program does, in fact, reduce damage.

The Ordinances require landowners to take measures to reduce and maintain fuels on their properties:

1. The landowner must thin their property to Ordinance Standards and maintain the Standard.

2. The landowner is required to have the property inspected every 10 years by the Forestry Department.

3. The inspection ensures the Standards are met. Following the inspection, the Forestry Department issues a 10-year letter of certification, provided that the property is maintained to the Ordinance Standard.

4. A vital part of the strategy is removing the fuels from the Village so that it does not add to the severity of a fire. This is accomplished through a fleet of grapple trucks that pick up thinned material and transport it out of the Village for grinding into mulch.

5. To support this activity, every landowner is required to pay a yard waste fee on their monthly utility bill of $6.76 up to 1 acre if the property is certified and $20.28 per acre if the property has not been certified or the certification has expired. The rate increases the month after the Certification expires, and the landowner is charged the higher fee until the property is again brought into compliance and a new certification is issued. Money from this fee is used to pay for the grapple truck support in removing the thinned material and partially supporting the Forestry Department.

For more information regarding the certification expiration date, please contact the Forestry Department at 575-257-5544.

Stay Connected with Ruidoso

Mondays with the Mayor
Tune in to 1490Krui.com at FM 99.1 and AM 1490 radio every Monday from 8:00 – 10:00 AM to hear the latest from Mayor Lynn Crawford. Feel free to call or text with your questions.

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• Website: ruidoso-nm.gov

• Facebook: Village of Ruidoso

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