RUIDOSO INSIDER
VOL 54: February 2026
Mayor Lynn Crawford’s Update
In his February 2026 message, Mayor Lynn Crawford thanks residents and community partners for their strong participation in the Comprehensive Master Plan Public Charrette, highlighting the thoughtful ideas and collaboration that will help guide Ruidoso’s vision for the decades ahead. He addresses key community developments, including the 2026 Ruidoso Downs Race Track meet relocation and the continued presence of important racing events in the village, reinforcing Ruidoso’s enduring connection to its heritage.
The Mayor also underscores the importance of the March 3, 2026 municipal elections and the General Obligation Bond question, encouraging residents to stay informed and engaged as decisions are made about leadership and long-term infrastructure investment. He points readers to the newly released 2026 State of the Village report, noting the Village’s strong fiscal health, clean audits, and ongoing commitment to responsible governance, recovery, and resilience.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, participate in planning efforts, and tune in to Mondays with the Mayor on KRUI 1490 AM/99.1 FM each Monday from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
The Village began FY2026 with a cash balance of $75.3M and is currently projecting revenues at $121.6M, which amounts to $196.9M of available cash to spend. Several capital projects were rolled over from FY2025 and the Village has been very successful in securing grants for these projects. In addition, the Village has also been completing temporary repairs to infrastructure damaged in the South Fork Fire (June 2024) and the Monsoons of 2025, both Presidentially declared disasters. As of December 2025, the Village’s operating budget for personnel, operations, and capital outlay totaled $152.3M. Some of the grant funded capital projects include the Water Trust Board Grants for Country Club Subdivision Waterline Replacement Project and Phase II of the Water Tank Replacement Project, FEMA Disaster Projects, and several legislative appropriations. Therefore, anticipated ending cash balance for FY2026 is projected at $45.0M. All other revenue categories, especially Gross Receipts Taxes, are performing at budget and over last year’s actuals (impacted by the fire). As constituents rebuild and FEMA projects begin construction, GRT will be greatly impacted and continue to fund Ruidoso’s Recovery.
GROSS RECEIPTS TAX
The Village has seen a decrease in GRT due to the disasters; however, since the Village Council has always been conservative in budgeting revenues, the budget will still be met. As reported in the December 2025 Monthly Report, GRT collected is 52.55% of the budget, and actual receipts are up 17.11% over FY2025. Please refer to the December monthly finance report for more information.
LODGERS’ TAX
Another revenue area that is recovering from the fire is Lodgers’ Tax. As of December 2025, revenues are up 9.97% over last fiscal year (an increase of $93,037). The Village has finished implementation of new Short-Term Rental (STR) Software that will be used to identify unpermitted properties. The Village was successful in receiving a NM State Aviation Rural Air Service Grant of $3M to help secure a commuter airline to bring tourists to the Village.
DEBT FINANCING
The Village recently issued its Series 2025 General Obligation (GO) Bonds for water infrastructure projects. The bond cycling program began in 2014, and this is the twelfth issuance for a total of $18,000,000 in available funding. The GO Bonds are publicly supported funding options from a 1.5 mill levy on property taxes voters approved in the March 2024 election. During the March 2026 election, voters will decide whether to continue with the Mill Levy GO Bonds. The outstanding balance on these bonds is $10,055,000 as of December 31, 2025.
DEBT – BOND RATING
Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch rated several of the Village’s bond issues. The Village maintains an upper-medium to high-grade rating on its bonds. A bond credit rating represents the creditworthiness of a government entity.
DEBT – GO CAPACITY
State Statutes limit the general obligation debt a governmental entity may issue to four percent (4%) of the total average valuation. The current debt limit for the Village is $25,311,726, which is significantly more than the Village’s outstanding general obligation debt, which totaled $9,315,000 as of December 31, 2025.
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITY PROJECTS
In FY2026, the Village started work on over $11M of capital projects, most of which are continuation of projects started in prior years. Some of these projects include the FEMA restoration of the existing sewer line and lift stations, FEMA bridges, Pinecliff subdivision water line replacement, and the Public Safety Building (Horton Complex). As the Village completes these projects, they also serve as an economic impact strategy to help stimulate the economy with a spending multiplier effect by generating GRT revenue to the Village. In addition, a third of the projects are financed by grants obtained from both Federal and State Agencies. Construction of South Fork Fire recovery projects will allow the Village to create its own GRT that will help cash balances; however, this may be two years down the road.
AUDIT
The results of the FY2024 Audit were released and resulted in no findings and no material weaknesses. The Village completed the FY2025 audit on time, and it is currently under review by the New Mexico State Auditor’s Office (SAO). The audit results will become a public record in late March 2026. The overall financial health of the Village of Ruidoso remains robust, and both governmental and proprietary funds reported increases to the net position, thus exceeding required reserves and increasing the Village’s cash position.
January 13, 2026, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Approval of Application Submitted by Hall of Flame Burgers Co., Located at 2500 Sudderth Dr., Suites 1, 2 & 3, Ruidoso, NM, for Restaurant A (Beer and Wine) Liquor License with On-Premises Consumption and Patio Service.
» Approval of Appointment and Oath of Office for Yvonne Vigil as Village Clerk.
» Approval of Agreement with Altumint, Inc. for Automated Traffic Enforcement System.
» Approval of Task Order #2025-010P-04 with John Shomaker and Associates, Inc., for Hollywood Well Replacement Services.
» Presentation of Employees and Department of the Quarter
a. Department of Quarter – Convention Center
b. Employees of the Quarter
i. Administration – Madison Schlotfeldt (Staff Accountant II)
ii. Public Safety – Jessica Tijerina (Records Clerk)
iii. Community Services – Ben Girven (Library Assistant)
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
ENMU-Ruidoso released enrollment data on December 12, 2025, showing the fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth. Overall enrollment increased from 766 unduplicated headcounts in 2020-2021 to 1,216 in 2024-2025, representing a 59% increase in unique students served. As well as a 14% enrollment growth in unduplicated headcount over the last year.
“Our growth is due to the work of our outstanding faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to help students be successful,” said Dr. Ryan Trosper, ENMU-Ruidoso President. “It is also a testament to our local community, legislators, the ENMU System, New Mexico Higher Education Department, and our Governor for supporting higher education, including facility improvements for our campus, leading to a better campus experience for students.”
This sheet lists the FEMA funded projects that are currently underway in the Village of Ruidoso. It tracks where the project status is with FEMA as far as funding and where the project is in the repair phase and the reimbursement phase. This sheet is available for residents to view on the Village of Ruidoso website.
Happy New Year from the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce! The Chamber is working on several events for February. One of our most important events will be on February 4, 2026, at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe. Every year, we hold the Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe. This reception allows our Chamber Members and businesses in Lincoln County to speak one-on-one with our legislators.
This year, more than ever, we need to make sure we bring our concerns to our legislators. If we don’t speak up, then we cannot expect our needs to be met. The Legislative Session began on January 20, 2026, and will run through February 19, 2026. The public is invited to the reception. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Almost immediately following our Santa Fe Reception, we will be hosting a Candidate Forum for the Ruidoso municipal elections on February 9, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The March 3, 2026, election includes one Mayor seat and three Council seats. Come listen to the candidates so that you can make an informed decision when you go to the polls.
Valentine’s Day Weekend, we will be hosting our annual Vines in the Pines Art & Wine Festival, February 14 - 15, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. We will have New Mexico wineries present, as well as food and other boutique vendors, and live music. This is a great opportunity to indulge in some New Mexico wine tasting while enjoying local art, crafts, food, boutique vendors, and local brews available for those who aren’t wine drinkers. Bring your Valentine and enjoy fun for everyone! Tickets are available at HoldMyTicket.com or at the door.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM, we will be celebrating Pioneer Bank’s 125th Anniversary with a Business After Hours. Come out to their location at 1095 Mechem Drive and help celebrate.
If you are a member of the Chamber and would like to host a Business After Hours, we have openings and would love to get one scheduled for you. Please reach out to us at the Chamber at 575-257-7395. If you are not a member of the Chamber, we would be happy to discuss membership with you. We are an organization that is committed to making Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. Our mission is to foster development, growth, and prosperity in Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Lincoln County, and the surrounding area.
Ruidoso High School Expands College & Career Pathways
Ruidoso High School continues to expand its College & Career Readiness programs, giving students hands-on, real-world experiences that prepare them for life after graduation. Through pathways such as Educators Rising, Culinary Arts, and Dual Credit College & Career courses, students are exploring careers early, earning certifications and college credit, and building skills that translate directly to college, career training, and the workforce.
From growing future educators through classroom-based tutoring and dual credit, to preparing students for hospitality and culinary careers—including real-world experience at the Tepee Lounge—and offering college-level coursework focused on professionalism and career exploration, these programs are opening doors and strengthening local workforce pipelines.
2026 MUNICIPAL OFFICERS ELECTION INFORMATION
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
There will be one question on the Ballot:
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?
BALLOT ORDER:
Mayor
o Joshua Lance Richardson
o Lynn D. Crawford
Village Council
o Joseph W. Eby
o Everett Barrington Brophy
o Jason R. Gipson
o Darren Hooker
o Steven Paul Silva
o Adam Richard Sanchez
Important dates to remember:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026: Early Voting begins at the Clerk’s Office located at 313 Cree Meadows, Ruidoso, NM, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, regular business hours. This is also the first day for Absentee Ballots. Please note: Early Voting will not be held on February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day. Saturday, February 28, 2026: Last day of Early Voting at the Clerk’s Office from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026: ELECTION DAY! Voting will be held at the Ruidoso Convention Center located at 111 Sierra Blanca Dr., Ruidoso, NM, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
For questions regarding the Municipal Officer Election, contact:
Yvonne Vigil - Village Clerk
313 Cree Meadows
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 258-4343, ext. 1007
Lincoln County Medical Center Launches New Sleep Study Lab
Lincoln County Medical Center is expanding access to specialty care with the launch of a new in-house Sleep Study Lab, approved by the LCMC Board of Directors in December. The program brings much-needed in-lab sleep diagnostics to Lincoln County, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for care and supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia.
The lab will offer overnight, non-invasive sleep studies conducted locally, following national quality guidelines and supported by fellowship-trained physicians from Presbyterian Medical Group. This expansion strengthens continuity of care and reflects LCMC’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for the Ruidoso region.
December and early January have truly been one for the record books. From the days leading up to Christmas through the start of the new year, Ruidoso Midtown, and Ruidoso as a whole, welcomed an incredible wave of visitors. We love our tourists and invite you to come back and see us again soon. You are always welcome here.
Teaming up with the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, the final Winter Mixer of the season had an outstanding turnout. Business owners from across Ruidoso gathered to connect and mingle, making for a lively and productive evening. Special thanks go to Cafe Rio and Downshift for the fantastic pizza and wings; every last bite was enjoyed! A big thank you as well to Mike Cheney of Win Place & Show (WPS) for hosting a beautiful bourbon tasting. The hospitality and service of the WPS staff made everyone feel right at home.
Congratulations to Watusi for winning the Holiday Storefront Competition, and to OSO Productions for providing the music that perfectly wrapped up the night. It was a wonderful way to end the evening.
Adding to the excitement, Ruidoso was treated to much-needed rain and snow. Nature can be one of our greatest allies heading into spring, so here’s to you, Mother Nature, and keep it coming!
Looking ahead, great things are in the works for Ruidoso and Ruidoso Midtown. The Ruidoso Midtown Association is teaming up with the Ruidoso Humane Society for the first annual Wagfest & Ice Cream Krank- Off. This fun-filled event will feature Ruidoso’s first-ever themed dog parade, along with locally made homemade ice cream judged by People’s Choice.
And of course, Brewdoso is coming back on June 20, more affordable, bigger, and better than ever. We’re excited to welcome bands from near and far, including The Faux McCoy’s, Driveway Dive, Tejas Brother, and the great Fungi Mungle. More details are coming soon, so be on the lookout!
We would like to welcome two new businesses to our Ruidoso Midtown:
» Coco’s Confections & More - 2629 Sudderth Drive. A sweet, unique variety of homemade goodness meets everyone’s tastes.
» Ashley Dalton Farmer’s Agency - 2537 Sudderth Drive. If you’re looking for new insurance policies, here’s your one-stop shop. Stop in while walking in Midtown.
For year-round safety, be sure to sign up for weather alerts and Village of Ruidoso notifications at CallMeRuidoso.com. These updates are helpful year-round!
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.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up to date with all the latest news and events:
Website: ruidoso-nm.gov
Facebook: Village of Ruidoso
Have questions or feedback? Contact us.