Council discusses "social goals" departments at first of three budget meetings

May 3—On Thursday, the Albuquerque City Council discussed the administration's proposed budget for the city's "social goals," which included budget heavy hitters such as the police department, fire and rescue and Health, Homelessness and Housing.

The Albuquerque Police Department alone makes up almost a third of the proposed $1.4 billion budget for fiscal 2025.

The Committee of the Whole meeting was the first of three public hearings during which all nine city councilors will hear department presentations. The next is scheduled for May 9 and will focus on the city's fiscal goals, including presentations from the departments of Municipal Development, Planning and Finance and Administration.

Here are some highlights from Thursday's meeting.

Civilian Police Oversight Agency

The agency investigates complaints and commendations made about APD.

Dianne McDermott, who was selected as the new director for the CPOA in February, presented the proposed agency budget, which asked for an increase in personnel dollars.

McDermott said the agency received more than 700 complaints last year, about half of which turned into formal investigations.

"We have had investigators leave due to the excessive workload in 2023," McDermott said.

Albuquerque Community Safety

Former department director Mariela Ruiz-Angel, who recently transitioned to a new role at the city, said ACS has had a "busy year."

That includes expanding service 24/7, adding programming like case management, and creating a motel voucher program that is accessible during late nights.

"To date, we've taken close to 70,000 calls," Ruiz-Angel said. "Nine out of 10 of those calls are diverted from APD."

Its budget calls for funding for the department's new facility on Kathryn and San Mateo SE and graveyard shifts, which includes four more staff roles.

It also asks for funding for the Domestic Violence Housing Voucher to be included again.

Arts and Culture

Director Shelle Sanchez said she was "confident" ABQ BioPark animals would be fed and library information technology needs would be met, despite concerns from councilors and constituents.

Food costs are rising at the BioPark, Sanchez said. But she said the department has been "absorbing" costs.

Additionally, Sanchez stated that despite having a request turned down to fund another veterinarian, the department had a plan to reclassify another position to bring a third vet on board at the BioPark.

Library advocates turned up at public comment to request the inclusion of IT dollars in the proposed budget. Sanchez said it was not the administration's intention to "shortchange" the library system, and there was a plan in place to fulfill the "critical need."

Fee increases at the BioPark — between $1 and $2 for in-state visitors and $5 for out-of-staters — also drew heat at the meeting, particularly because the increased revenue would go toward the general fund rather than specific Arts & Culture needs.