10-18-2024 3:56pm

City of Alamogordo Seeks Public Assistance in Seeking a New City Manager

Chris Edwards Editor

With the sudden resignation of Alamogordo City Manager Rick Holden the city of Alamogordo recently appointed Dr. Stephanie Hernandez as the "acting city manager." Now in a highly unusual move the city is asking for public comment and to attend an October 22, City Commission meeting and provide public comment on who should be the next city manager.

What are the requirements and responsibilities of a city manager in New Mexico per state law?

The state law that allows for a city commission to hire a city manager is 2023 New Mexico Statutes Chapter 3 - Municipalities, Article 14 - Commission-Manager Form of Government; Municipalities Over 1,000 Section 3-14-13 - Manager; employment; qualifications; salary.

Some key points in the law for citizens to consider. The manager shall be the chief administrative officer. He shall be employed for an indefinite term and until a vacancy is created by death, resignation or removal by the commission. The manager shall be appointed solely on the basis of administrative qualifications and his selection shall not be limited by reason of former residence. The manager shall receive a salary to be fixed by the commission.

The job...

A. The manager shall:

(1) enforce and carry out all ordinances, rules and regulations enacted by the commission;

(2) employ and discharge all persons engaged in the administrative service of the municipality;

(3) prepare and submit an annual budget; and

(4) make recommendations to the commission on all matters concerning the welfare of the municipality.

B. The manager shall have a seat, but no vote, at every meeting of the commission. Except when clearly undesirable or unnecessary, the commission shall request the opinion of the manager on any proposed measure.

Law enforcement responsibilities of the city manager. — The city manager is authorized to "enforce and carry out all ordinances, rules and regulations" enacted by the city council, but has no authority to exercise powers conferred upon sheriffs of counties to suppress disorders and keep the peace within the municipality, a power provided to the mayor under NMSA 1978, § 3-11-4. Authority of City Manager in a Mayor-Council Municipality (6/23/22), Att'y Gen. Adv. Ltr. 2022-02.

Sole authority to hire and fire personnel. — This section recognizes the manager as the chief administrative officer of a city under the commission-manager form of government, responsible only to the commission who may discharge him at will. Sole authority to hire and fire the personnel of the city is vested in the manager, without concurrence of the commission. 1957 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 57-126.

The city of Las Cruces is the second largest city in the state and during the 1960s was on a path similar to Alamogordo. The 1960 census showed Las Cruces with a population of 29,387 and Alamogordo's population of 21,723. Each city has a city manager style government.

However, the fiscal success and economic development of the two cities took divergent paths. Las Cruces thrives wirh economic diversity, a strong sense of artistic freedom and culture and strong growth. Alamogordo has slumped and lumbered along. One may find consistency in leadership in Las Cruces, and a sense of community pride and place as a result of strong city managers with longivity in the role. Alamogordo has had a history of not being able to keep a city manager for a long tenure thus of recent 7 managers in a decade.

As the public is invited to provide feedback on what it seeks in a city manager. Citizens should also consider is the vision and sense of place for Alamogordo. What should Alamogordo look like a decade from now and then 20 years from now.

When considering the role of city manager should Alamogordo citizens review the hob description of successful cities for guidance?

A few points from the job description of Las Cruces City Manager..

As the chief administrator, the Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, managing the work of City personnel, and implementing Council policies, goals, and objectives. The City Manager provides Council with policy and program recommendations and develops the Annual Budget and multi-year Capital Improvement Program. The City Manager currently has six direct reports, which include the Chief of Staff, Assistant City Manager (2), Fire Chief, Police Chief, and City Attorney.

The City Manager's Office in Las Cruces includes the following five divisions: Administration, Council and Community Support, Fiscal Management, Community Relations, and Fleet Management. The Office has 58.5 FTEs and a budget of $9.7 million.

The City of Las Cruces is seeking a transformational leader to serve as City Manager. This individual has a commitment to public service and is forward-thinking, politically astute, and demonstrates sound judgment and exceptional decision-making skills. The ideal candidate has worked effectively in a council-manager form of government and has successfully implemented and carried out Council priorities and policies.
The next City Manager is a relationship builder who effectively works with diverse groups of individuals and organizations. They are approachable and accessible and instill trust throughout the community, region, and organization. The successful candidate is a skilled communicator who demonstrates cultural sensitivity and understands the importance of effective civic engagement and in providing accurate and timely information. They are transparent, honest, and responsive.
The City Manager is open and demonstrates a collaborative management style. They lead a team of accomplished professionals and are fully invested in their continued development and success. The ideal candidate leads without bias and engages with staff throughout the organization and provides support, direction, and feedback. The Manager encourages and motivates employees and has experience in succession and workforce planning.
The ideal candidate demonstrates high ethical standards and integrity. The Manager is capable and competent in balancing multiple priorities and projects. They can manage high-pressure situations. The successful candidate has experience in municipal government functions, including financial and budget management, human resources, economic development, and risk management, and is familiar with public safety. They bring best practices in performance management, local government service delivery, and governance to Las Cruces.
The next City Manager recognizes the importance of the rich history of Las Cruces and is fully invested in the community's continued success. They will work closely with the Council to preserve the community's identity and history while planning and preparing for its future.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum requirements for this position are a bachelor's degree and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in government with demonstrated leadership in executive-level management to include manager, assistant manager, or department director.

Preferred qualifications include a master's degree, ICMA-CM, and experience working in the council-manager form of government. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated success in economic development, budgeting and capital planning, community engagement, and succession planning. Additional preferred qualifications include experience in developing intergovernmental partnerships and working with diverse stakeholders and at-risk populations.

Residency :
After employment/appointment, the City Manager must be a resident of the City of Las Cruces.

Let's select a city manager with vision, experience and competency and not allow the role to become yet another political one upsmenship hire with factions politicing for political leverage. Let's provide positive public feedback.