Yesterday, the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration released the Fiscal Year 24 Executive Budget Recommendation from the administration of the Governor. According to a release, the budget is composed of $9.4 billion in recurring spending, and 11.9 percent increase from the last fiscal year. In addition, the executive recommendation will maintain reserves at 34.9 percent while increasing investments in areas including homelessness, health care and behavioral health, education and child well-being, public safety, and economic tax rebates. The executive budget also includes $91.3 million going towards a 4 percent pay increase for all state employees. The full details of the FY24 Executive Budget Recommendation are available online at https://www.nmdfa.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Fiscal-Year-2024-Executive-Budget-Recommendation.pdf.
The Gila Regional Foundation Board has named Karen DeGenevieve, the 2022 GRMC Employee of the Year. Ms. Genevieve was specifically recognized for her important role in keeping the GRMC Cancer Center open after it was originally announced it would be closing last year. The Foundation Board also suggested that the name of the cancer center be changed to the Karen DeGenevieve Cancer Center and that Board would pay for the necessary new lettering and installation. Furthermore, the Grant County commissioners and the GRMC administration would need to approve this change.
In U.S Forest Service Gila National Forest news, the Silver City Ranger District and Gila Supervisor’s Office has sold out of their supply of load tags and can’t sell firewood permits until they are resupplied. Residents in the Silver City area can go to the Wilderness District in Mimbres, Black Range District in Truth or Consequences, or the Glenwood Ranger District in Glenwood. The Silver City office should have firewood permits available again on Wednesday, January 18th.
