Q&A: Clovis city manager talks money, goals

Editor's note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials and community leaders. Justin Howalt is Clovis city manager.

Q: City commissioners in July approved the largest budget in the city's history -- $110.04 million for Fiscal Year 2024-25. How is all that money being spent?

A: The budget for fiscal year 2024-25 was allocated as follows: $32,754,736 for personnel services and benefits, $31,184,450 for operating expenses, $18,932,187 for capital outlay, $4,478,625 for debt service, $3,564,000 for road bonds, and $19,157,356 for grant expenditures.

Q: It's been about four months since the city commission approved the new ordinance forbidding camping on city property. What impact has that had on those with unstable housing situations, if any? Has anyone been cited for violating the ordinance?

A: Since the camping ordinance became law on Sept. 3, 2024, no citations have been issued under the new Sections 12.22.010 through 12.22.060.

The Clovis Police Department has responded to six calls involving homeless individuals camping on private property, none of which occurred in city parks.

In each instance, officers prioritized education over enforcement, informing the individuals about the new ordinance.

As part of the educational approach, officers have been offering information about alternative sleeping locations, such as the Lighthouse Mission and Nurstead's 24-hour warming center.

Based on the data, it appears these new ordinances have had minimal impact on those experiencing unstable housing situations but have helped bring attention to the issue.

Shortly before these new ordinances were passed, a homeless task force was established, led by Matt 25 in partnership with other local non-profits, to explore ways of reducing homelessness in Clovis. Representatives from the Clovis Police Department have been actively participating in the task force's monthly meetings.

Q: About $25 million was approved in September for construction of a new terminal at the Clovis airport. What's the status of that project and when do you think it will be complete? Also, what's next for the airport? Any plans for more direct flights to more cities out of Clovis?

A: The city commission awarded the new terminal construction project to EPX Construction Partners Inc. on Sept. 5, and the groundbreaking ceremony was held on Oct. 29.

Since that time EPX has been working on the excavation for the building and utilities. The project is scheduled for substantial completion in April 2026 with final completion scheduled in May 2026.

While the construction continues, the airport is continuing to work with the Federal Aviation Administration and state of New Mexico Aviation Division on the planning of other projects. These include the extension of Taxiway B, to include additional apron space as well as a new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting building.

The city is currently served by Denver Air Connections who provide the direct flights to Denver and Dallas-Fort Worth. This is made possible through the Essential Air Service Program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The state of New Mexico has recently created a similar program, which we plan to explore once the new terminal is fully constructed.

Q: What do you think was Clovis' most significant achievement in 2024?

A: The city of Clovis had many achievements in 2024. These include:

• Completion of the Hillcrest Senior Life Center

• Securing full funding and breaking ground on the new Clovis Regional Airport Terminal.

• Securing planning funding for improvements to the railroad crossings at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Norris Street.

• Ongoing improvements on MLK.

• Funding for drainage improvements on Purdue and Echols streets.

• Funding for and implementation of parks improvements.

Q: What do you think city priorities should be for 2025?

A: The city of Clovis has several priorities for 2025 such as construction projects that include the first phase of the Regional Behavioral Health facility, the Clovis Regional Airport Terminal, and drainage improvements for Purdue Avenue, and building rehabilitation projects including the Lyceum Theater, the new animal control facility, the Police Department, and the former Senior Center.

The city will also prioritize the implementation of a resiliency plan in relation to Cannon Air Force Base, an affordable housing plan, a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area plan, and an Economic Development plan.

Q: It's been more than two full years now since cannabis sales have been taxed and regulated in New Mexico. How much money has the city seen from those taxes and how is that extra revenue being spent?

A: Through December 2024, Clovis received $885,739 in excise tax from cannabis sales. This is 1/3 of the 12% excise tax on all recreational sales.

There is no classification in the reporting system from Taxation and Revenue for Gross Receipts Tax for cannabis sales.

In October 2024, the city commission approved utilizing the funds for the addition of six new positions in the Police Department.

- Compiled by David Stevens, The Staff of The News