- State Treasurer and Auditor warn local governments and banks against risky practice (KUNM, 5/15/2023)
- The state treasurer and auditor of New Mexico have warned that some local governments in the state are involved in a banking practice that violates state and federal laws, posing a risk to taxpayer money. The practice involves bypassing the requirement for collateral insurance on bank accounts with balances above $250,000 by having unauthorized individuals sign for the accounts. They have issued an alert to ensure that banks cease this practice, as it jeopardizes public funds and may involve conflicts of interest.
- Man sentenced to 3 years for unfair bidding practices with Dora Consolidated School District (KFDA, 7/3/2024)
- Steven Butler, a Dora man, was sentenced to three years in prison and five years of supervised probation for engaging in unfair bidding practices with the Dora Consolidated School District, where he worked as the head of maintenance and used his position to secure contracts for his own company, costing taxpayers. An audit by the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor, followed by an investigation by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the New Mexico Justice Department, led to the discovery of his illegal activities.
- Lawmakers express frustration over unspent public safety funding (Albuquerque Journal, 8/12/2024)
- Lawmakers in New Mexico expressed frustration over the state government’s failure to spend millions of dollars allocated for public safety initiatives. Despite significant funds being available, bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies have prevented these resources from being used to address pressing issues like crime and law enforcement shortages. The situation has sparked concerns about the state’s ability to effectively manage and deploy crucial public safety funding.
- CYFD leader pushes back on lawmakers suggesting more state oversight of agency (Santa Fe New Mexican, 9/18/2024)
- Lawmakers on the Legislative Finance Committee expressed frustration with the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) over ongoing workforce issues and inadequate child placement efforts. Some suggested external oversight for CYFD, an idea that failed in past legislative sessions, but CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados resisted, citing existing federal and state oversight. Despite millions of dollars in appropriations for workforce development, the department continues to struggle with high turnover and vacancies, while also facing difficulties in recruiting foster families and accessing federal funds for prevention programs.
- Feeling the water pressure: New Mexico’s approach to aging water systems can lead to leaks, shortages (Albuquerque Journal, 9/28/2024)
- Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, is struggling with water infrastructure issues, losing approximately 25% of its water to leaks in aging pipes. Despite recent efforts to fix over 200 leaks and upgrade the water system, the city still faces numerous ongoing problems. A recent report by the Legislative Finance Committee highlights similar infrastructure challenges across New Mexico, identifying $5.7 billion in future water and wastewater repair needs and pointing to inefficiencies in state funding processes that often delay project completion.
- Legislative report finds state’s sagging crime clearance rate holds back public safety initiatives (Albuquerque Journal, 11/20/2024)
- A legislative report in New Mexico highlights that the state’s violent crime clearance rate has dropped over the last decade, with only 1 in 7 cases currently being solved compared to 1 in 4 previously. Lawmakers attribute this trend to factors such as low conviction rates, evidence collection challenges, and staffing shortages, despite significant funding increases for law enforcement and judicial systems. The report recommends improving data sharing, boosting support for released inmates, and expanding mental health and drug treatment programs, while legislators express frustration over the lack of results from increased spending on public safety initiatives.
