Portales, New Mexico Development News
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City of Portales Council Meeting 7/7/2026
Published: Jul 7, 2026
City Council Approves Water Rate Adjustments for Water-Intensive Businesses
The council approved a resolution to amend water rates for businesses that use water as their core product, such as laundromats and car washes. These businesses were previously billed under residential or commercial rates, which have tiered structures designed to penalize excessive water usage. However, these businesses, while using more than the average household's 6,000 gallons, are actually conserving water compared to less efficient methods. The resolution freezes their rates at the pre-existing 2023 levels until a third-party study can establish a fourth demographic for water-intensive businesses. This aims to prevent cost-prohibitive rate increases that could force these businesses to close.
City Council Considers Animal Control Officer Retention Fund Amidst High Turnover
The council discussed a proposal to establish an animal control officer retention fund to address recruitment and retention challenges within the animal control division. The fund would be financed by non-punitive fees collected by the department, such as adoption and registration fees, with the goal of increasing compensation for animal control officers and reducing high turnover rates, which currently stand at 900%. The proposed fund aims to raise starting pay to $17/hour for uncertified officers and $18.46/hour for certified officers, making the city more competitive in the job market. The presentation highlighted that current compensation is significantly below market rates, leading to experienced staff leaving before the city recoups its investment in training and certification.
Portalis Area Transit System (PATS) Operations Temporarily Suspended Due to Critical Issues
The council considered a motion to temporarily suspend the Portalis Area Transit System (PATS) operations due to critically low ridership, a severe lack of drivers, and operational challenges that pose risks to safety and efficiency. Ridership has declined significantly since COVID-19, making the cost per ride over $20. Grant funding has been reduced due to low ridership, and the city has struggled to recruit drivers, currently operating with only one employee responsible for all aspects of the program. The suspension is intended to allow for a full review of the program, re-engagement with grantors, and development of a sustainable plan with state and federal transportation departments. This suspension is not a termination but a pause to address critical issues before potentially relaunching a more robust and safely operated service, possibly with a broader regional scope.
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The Portales News archive
City of Portales Planning and Zoning Meeting 7/6/2026
City of Portales Water Conservation Town Hall
City of Portales Public Works Meeting 6/23/2026
City of Portales Council Meeting 6/16/2026
City of Portales Water Advisory Meeting 6/9/2026
City of Portales Council Meeting 6/2/2026
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