Tuesday Final Meeting for Mayor Susan Payne as Alamogordo City Commission Tackles Infrastructure, Development, and Farewells

Alamogordo, NM – December 16, 2025 – The Alamogordo City Commission is set to hold its final regular meeting of 2025 tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Donald E. Carroll Commission Chambers at City Hall (1376 E. Ninth Street). The session marks the end of an era, featuring tributes to outgoing Mayor Susan L. Payne and Commissioner Gutherie, alongside key decisions on public safety infrastructure, economic development, and residential services.

The meeting opens with presentations, including the awarding of plaques to Mayor Payne and Commissioner Gutherie in recognition of their service. Mayor Payne will also present her own recognition and awards, followed by a community presentation on the “Thrive Guide,” a resource directory for critical support services aimed at local military families connected to Holloman Air Force Base.

Administrative items include approval of minutes from the December 2 meeting and setting the 2026 meeting notice standards and schedule under the Open Meetings Act.

Significant business items on the agenda:

• Adoption of Ordinance 1720, seeking Otero County’s designation of certain overlapping areas as a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area to spur revitalization efforts.

• Confirmation of Matthew Wade as an alternate Municipal Judge.

• Review of the city’s investment report for the quarter ending September 30, 2025.

• Awarding contracts for on-call bay door repairs and a major construction bid for Fire Station 2, valued at up to $1,330,033.32 (including gross receipts tax) to National Construction, Inc. This project aims to upgrade or expand facilities for improved emergency response in the growing community.

• Approval of revised budget adjustments and a 3.01% rate increase for residential solid waste collection via Southwest Disposal, effective January 1, 2026—continuing annual adjustments to cover operational costs.

New business includes discussion and potential action on the Quail Hollow #2 Subdivision, a residential development featuring new construction homes in an established neighborhood known for spacious lots and mountain views. The item, introduced by Commissioner Joshua Rardin, may involve zoning, platting, or infrastructure approvals.

The meeting will also highlight Mayor Payne’s remarks, reflecting on her four years in office and expressing appreciation to the community, followed by appointments to boards and committees. An executive closed session is planned to discuss a potential real property donation of up to 4 acres at 501 La Velle Road for a potential development as a homeless veterans community. 

Residents can attend in person, participate during public comment periods, or watch the livestream on the city’s YouTube channel. Accommodations for accessibility are available upon request.

This meeting underscores Alamogordo’s focus on growth, public safety enhancements, and community resources as leadership transitions to incoming Mayor Sharon McDonald in early 2026.

Sources:

• Official Agenda, City of Alamogordo CivicClerk Portal: https://alamogordonm.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2976/files/agenda/3786

• City of Alamogordo official website: https://ci.alamogordo.nm.us/336/City-Commission

• Local real estate listings and development notes on Quail Hollow Subdivision (various sources, 2025).

2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.org

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