Rate increases require more explanation than “we need more money for the money pit”
Are you alarmed by rate increases in your city bill? Wait until you see the new ones proposed.
Read MoreRate increases require more explanation than “we need more money for the money pit”
What you need to know, March 22, 2026: “Climate change, overuse send the Middle Rio Grande into ‘dire’ situation”
I link to an article by Laura Paskus, “Climate change, overuse send the Middle Rio Grande into ‘dire’ situation,” published March 20th by Source New Mexico.
USDA bridge-loan requirement siphons off T or C’s construction money and adds financing costs
Different government agencies' grants/loans come with different requirements and costs/rewards that the city commission doesn't consider--at least not in public--which is the only place that counts.
Police building renovation short of funds for completion, city looking for grants
A grant application for the parking lot renovation and solar-panel-covered parking canopy has been submitted, but more money is needed for the interior renovation.
No Kings protest should be aimed at local government
T or C Mayor Rolf Hechler claimed it was morally if not legally right to break a law and he'd do it again in response to a pending ruling from the court. The divine right of kings is resurgent for this local leader voted in three times so far.
Fear and favor applied to strays in new animal control ordinance
The larger issue is the city commission's disregard for the democratic principal of equality under the law.
City receives $3.03 million from state and U.S. legislators this year
Capital outlay money from state legislators or the governor comes with the least oversight and strings. Grants from U.S. legislators are nearly as hassle free. The city manager and more city commissioners participated in lobbying this year, receiving about one-third of what was requested from state legislators.
T or C’s electric facility in fairly good shape, but “redundancy” needed
The city's electric system was milked of its excess cash for many years, but proved to be better maintained than the water and wastewater systems, a recent study showed.
What you need to know, March 4, 2024: Water in Sierra County
I link to an article by two very long-term observers of water in New Mexico. They are factual, detailed, informed, careful, persistent, intelligent, public-minded people not motivated by private interests, money, power, or any ideology except public service. You need to hear what they say about your water.
Minor oil spill, but still . . .
The following description of an oil spill by a guest contributor is submitted anonymously by me, Kathleen Sloan, because this person fears retribution and violence, which has already been threatened.
T or C residents make it clear–they don’t want Sierra Gateway Alliance
T or C residents were clear, but city commissioners left it open whether the city will join the proposed private business/government alliance.
PreReal executive proposes alliance to lobby for tax money to handle coming economic boom
The Sierra County Commission balked on approving a joint powers agreement to create an alliance between government and private industries to seek funding for new infrastructure. The proposal goes to the Truth or Consequences City Commission next.