Tucumcari should be closely watching its dollars because funds from the state and federal government are being squeezed in the economic downturn, said several city commissioners at a regular meeting Thursday and a goal-setting work session on Friday.

Other cities are having tough times and Tucumcari should watch its finances, Mayor Antonio Apodaca said.

“The city is doing OK,” City Manager John Sutherland said.

At this time, the city's funds are slightly higher than its projected budget. The city has a $4.2 million general fund for its annual operating expenses, Sutherland said.

Sutherland said he had cautioned city department heads to watch their discretionary spending.

Also   several positions have not been filled, such as a vacancy in the city’s parks department, because most of the parks work is done in the spring and summer, Sutherland said.

At the city commission meeting:
l A postponement of the hearing on the demolition of the Sands Dorsey was agreed to at the request of the building owner’s attorney.

A  hearing date will be set in the future and will coincide with an  demolition cost report that is to be provided by the engineering firm that recommended the building be demolished.

l An agreement for a  $252,240 loan/grant was approved for improvements and upgrades to the city’s water system from the Water Trust Board.
The grant portion of the funding totals $201,920.

The funds will be used for the planning, design and engineering to replace a 220,000 gallon storage tank, about 6 miles of pipe, rehabilitation of three wells and other improvements.

l The Design Plus, LLC firm was approved to draw up plans for a water slide and solar heating of the water at the swimming pool.
The city has about $72,000 to complete these projects at the pool, said Doug Powers, director of the city’s Community Development Department.

  At it’s goal setting workshop, city commissioners focused on ways to clean up the city’s properties and the city overall.

The commissioners suggested that residents be allowed to bring their yard trash at no charge one  Saturday a month for a trial period of six months. A free day would encourage residents to clean up their properties, the commissioners said.

The commissioners but could not approve such an action at the work session, but are expected to put the item on the regular meeting agenda for approval.