SW New Mexico News

Las Cruces City Council convened on January 21, 2025, to review and accept the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The report was prepared by the Finance Services Department in line with the City Charter and Government Accounting Standards Board requirements.

The audit was conducted by Patillo, Brown and Hill, a firm of licensed certified public accountants. They described their findings as an unmodified opinion, indicating no exceptions or negative findings. Chris Garner from the accounting firm noted that there were no difficulties during the audit process and praised the city for its well-maintained financial records.

Garner also commended Las Cruces for receiving a Government Finance Officers Association award. The city is one of only three governmental entities in New Mexico to receive GFOA’s Triple Crown: the COA Award, the PAFR Award, and the Budget Award.

In other matters, councilors approved a public art project for La Buena Vida Park. Public Art Coordinator Ceci Vasconcellos presented "Desert Kinship," an artwork by Kayla Blundell featuring stylized quail and cactus made from steel sheets.

The meeting also included an announcement of a partnership between the City and Las Cruces Public Schools called Thrive with Cariño to recognize students with exceptional character.

Future meetings include a Tax Increment Development District Board session on January 27, followed by a City Council Work Session at Council Chambers.

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