Mayor Eric Enriquez City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
Mayor Eric Enriquez City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
Las Cruces City Council approved the issuance and sale of Taxable Municipal Gross Receipts Tax Revenue Bonds to address a $20 million settlement related to a civil lawsuit filed by the estate of Teresa Gomez. This decision was made during a meeting on January 6, 2025.
The settlement, reached in November 2024, is the largest financial agreement in a civil lawsuit for the city. It stems from an incident involving Teresa Gomez, who was fatally shot by Felipe Hernandez, then a Las Cruces police officer, on October 3, 2023. Following an investigation by both the Las Cruces Police Department and the Officer-involved Incident Task Force, Hernandez faced criminal charges and was arrested in January 2024 for second-degree murder. He was subsequently relieved of his duties in May 2024.
The council's approval allows for issuing bonds up to $21 million with a maturity date no later than June 1, 2046.
In other matters discussed at the meeting, councilors agreed to transfer a dispenser liquor license to Cruces Total Golf at 170 W. Picacho Ave., pending approval from the New Mexico Alcohol Beverage Control Division.
Additionally, a resolution regarding seeking candidates for the vacant City Manager position was removed from Monday’s agenda but will be addressed during a special meeting scheduled for January 13.
Regular meetings and work sessions of the City Council can be viewed on their YouTube channel. The next special meeting is set for January 13 at Council Chambers.
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