Village Meeting Takeaways, Off the Beaten Path, Emergency Management, Mayor Debate, and More
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Village Council Meeting: 8 Takeaways
Trustees Hamilton, Maynard, and McCoy unanimously approved a village compensation plan drafted by consulting firm Grayson Mathews. Lubbock-based Audrey Davis telepresented at the meeting, sharing how the plan compared Cloudcroft to other Southeast New Mexico rural towns and other mountain resorts to arrive at the pay scale ranges.
Tuesday, September 23rd, the council plans a special meeting to discuss and rework the budget after mistakes were found, according to Mayor Tim King. Trustees Maynard and Hamilton were careful to emphasize that the compensation plan is a framework and not a requirement. Hoping to bring to a resolution a long-simmering struggle, Trustee Maynard requested that the raises for the Water and Maintenance Department appear on the meeting’s agenda so the Trustees can once again approve the raises promised and paychecks can be funded. Mayor King appeared to agree to place them on the next agenda.
Public Works Supervisor JJ Carrizal emphasized to the council the need to free up funding for projects such as road repair and fire hydrant replacement. Pumps in the Sewage treatment plant and the Chataqua lift station recently failed and were replaced at a cost of roughly $50,000. Also, the department’s deployment of new fire hydrants requires, in some cases, a temporary water shutoff of nearby properties for a few hours due to old valves. The public is notified of the affected areas through Facebook.
Chief of Police Rolando Hernandez resigned his post on Monday, September 15th, citing family obligations for his departure. Mayor King said he has a couple of new prospects. There was no mention of how the hiring process would work this time.
The council renewed the Cloudcroft Art Workshops lease for one year. Mayor King plans to have all of the village’s properties assessed to determine leasing agreements in the future. Trustee McCoy was the only “No” vote.
Village Finance Director Sylvia Hall was sworn in as Interim Clerk.
The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an application to the U.S. DoT’s Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program for the Cloudcroft pedestrian bridge project feasibility, planning, and design.
The Tiny Art Show is back at the Michael Nivison Public Library. All ages are welcome—bring your 7x7-inch-or-less artwork in any medium to the library by October 13th to participate. Join the reception and awards on October 17th at 6:00 p.m.
Watch the meeting through the Village of Cloudcroft Facebook livestream. You won’t see the council, though—the camera faces the audience.
Journey Off the Beaten Path
Donna Rand and Berle Van Zandt greet me in the patio and sculpture garden outside their pink-and-turquoise gallery, Off the Beaten Path.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Future Real Estate:
Lodgers Tax Board Meeting: 9-17 at 11:00 a.m.
The advisory board meets at the village chambers today. See the agenda here:
You’re Invited: Emergency Management Session
Do you have questions about emergency management for Cloudcroft? Leadership Cloudcroft will open to the public for this important topic.
We're accepting an additional 25 citizens-at-large to join our cohort of leaders in class on Day Four: Emergency Management session on September 20th at the CHS Commons.
See the agenda here and reserve your spot with dayfour@cloudcroftreader.com to join:
Record-Breaking Crowd Races at Cloudcroft’s High Altitude Classic
This year's Chubby Tire High Altitude Classic saw record participation and strong regional representation, according to organizer Mark Castelo.
Meet Your Next Mayor (And Trustees)
Check out the Reader’s 2025 Elections videos on YouTube:
Stay tuned—we’ll post more videos as the election race progresses.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like Osha Trail Depot:
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Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like:
Osha Trail Depot
Your destination for unique, hand-crafted treasures
Cloudcroft Sandwich Shop
In the heart of downtown Cloudcroft, New MexicoThe Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsSacramento Camp & Conference Center
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your SoulNew Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association
We Convert Abandoned Railroad Lines Into Recreational TrailsLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
Pizza and Summer Tubing start July Fourth!Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryThe PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the CloudsPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
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