Albuquerque Mayor: State of the city's budget

Sunrise in downtown Albuquerque on the last Friday of Fall.

On the job for 18 days, Albuquerque's new mayor is taking a hard look at the city's $475 million annual budget.

Today, Mayor Richard Berry is planning to discuss the state of the city's budget with reporter's at a mid-morning news conference -- and 770KKOB will be there to cover it.

Revenue from gross receipts are expected to be off 9% (from the same time last year), and that could lead to budget cuts, adjustments, and even worker furloughs.

It appears Berry's new administration is starting out with a $24 million to $40 million deficit.

Albuquerque is not the only city struggling in the metro area. Rio Rancho city officials are also facing a $3 million deficit -- they'll decide if employee furloughs are needed sometime next month.

One on One with Ben Ray Luján After SF Health Care Tour

First-term U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján, Jr. is staying busy on his trip home to the 3^rd congressional district this week. Today he toured several facilities in Santa Fe to discuss health care reform.

He tells us what he learned in this audio podcast.



Listen to the story about Corporal Charlie an 84 year, wheel-chair bound, vet (in Gallup) who had his purple heart stolen. Luján says Open Hands helped "Charlie" get a new electric chair and that the gift has lifted the old soldier’s spirit. Luján's office is helping to replace the corporal's award medal.

Luján say health care costs must be lowered. He also give us his predictions on what action congress will take this year on health care.

To learn more about the congressman's view on the national health care debate read his guest blog on Barbara Wold's Democracy For New Mexico here.

Luján, Jr. also told us about his upcoming credit card forum and workshop this Saturday (3-4pm) at the Rio Rancho Library. Luján, Jr. says he’ll be discussing the new credit card holder’s bill of rights enacted to provide more consumer protection.

Listen to his comments in this second audio podcast.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley

Rio Rancho Scores A Victory Over Former City Manager

A district court judge ruled Thursday that the city of Rio Rancho did take proper action in correcting any violations of the state’s Open Meetings Act it may have made in terminating Jim Palenick’s employment contract. Rio Rancho blogger Eric Maddy has more details on his website The Score.