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City of Carlsbad Newsletter: June 2026

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A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Neighbors & Friends:

As we head into the heart of summer, I encourage everyone to take a few extra precautions to keep your families safe while enjoying all that Carlsbad has to offer. With temperatures climbing quickly this time of year, please remember to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a moment. Always check the back seat before locking your car, keep plenty of water with you when outdoors, wear sunscreen, and try to avoid extended time outside during the hottest parts of the day.

We also encourage everyone spending time at Lake Carlsbad, the Pecos River, Avalon Reservoir, Brantley Lake, or any other body of water to practice water safety at all times. Children should always be supervised near the water, life jackets are strongly encouraged, and swimmers should remain aware of changing water conditions and currents. Please remember to swim only in designated areas, avoid diving into unfamiliar waters, and never swim alone. We want everyone to enjoy a fun and safe summer season.

We are excited to share a few updates at the Lake Carlsbad Beach Area The swimming area at the beach has been expanded and is now fully swimmable, giving residents and visitors even more room to cool off and enjoy the water this summer. Additional parking spaces have also been added to better accommodate the growing number of visitors enjoying the area throughout the season.

On June 12 and 13, we are proud to welcome the Annual MainStreet CavernFest to the www cityofcarlsbadnm com

Beach Area for the first time. We are excited to partner on what is sure to be a spectacular event. This year ’ s festival will feature live music, vendors, food, family activities, and a 5K on Saturday morning to help kick off the summer season. We also look forward to welcoming Friday night headliner RaeLynn and Saturday night headliner Easton Corbin to Carlsbad. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit https://www.cavernfest.com/.

We are also just one month away from this year ’ s Honoring 250 Years Carlsbad Fourth of July Celebration. As our nation marks 250 years, we are working to make this year ’ s celebration even more special for our community

On Friday, July 3, the celebration will kick off with live music at the Beach Bandshell featuring Topo Chico Cowboys, Last Child, and Maldad, followed by the Glow Mini Golf Tournament at the Municipal Golf Course.

On Saturday, July 4, the community can enjoy a full day of festivities beginning with the Annual MainStreet Fourth of July Parade and our annual Veterans Ceremony at the Cavern Theatre honoring the men and women who have served our country. The day will also include free family activities at the beach area, face painting, hair tinsel, Gellyball, Foam Fest, the watermelon eating contest, live entertainment throughout the day and evening, food trucks, and the return of the fireworks and drone show to close out the celebration.

This year, we are especially proud to honor all veterans during our annual veterans ceremony on Saturday, July 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cavern Theatre following the parade.

We encourage all veterans who would like to participate to register by June 22. Registration is available by scanning the QR code on the flyer or in person at City Hall, the Cascades Wellness & Recreation Center, or the Alejandro Ruiz Senior Center.

We would also like to thank the sponsors of this year ’ s Honoring 250 Years Carlsbad Fourth of July Celebration. Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC; Diamond Sponsors, Permian Resources and Equipment Share; Gold Sponsors, Intrepid Potash, Devon Energy, Exxon Mobil, International Minerals Carlsbad, Marathon MPLX, R360, and Navarro; and Silver Sponsors, Carlsbad Medical Center, First American Bank, and Southeast New Mexico College Your support helps make this celebration possible for our entire community.

We look forward to celebrating a safe, fun, and memorable summer together in Carlsbad.

Sincerely,

CarlsbadMayorRichardLopez

Email: mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Phone: (575) 887-1191

If the gas pump says “Please See Attendant,” are you:

Your alarm goes off in the morning, do you:

The office potluck signup sheet comes around, do you:

How early are you showing up to the airport?

The restaurant accidentally gives you someone else’s order.

Summer weekends are for:

You’re cooking and the recipe says “1 clove of garlic.”

Would you rather always have to:

Pets of the Month

Meet the adorable pets of our City of Carlsbad employees!

Name: Tinkerbelle

Pawrent: Dean Richardson

Tink is a sweet Cavalier King Chalres Spaniel But don't let that cute face fool you, she is a vicious puppy when its play time

Name: Ghost (Left) & Grimm (Right)

Pawrent: Becky Sue Meadows

Grimm's favorite hobby is napping and taking short walks from the bed to her food bowl. Ghost loves to .

Name: Hondo

Pawrent: Serina Nelson

A distinguished French Bulldog with a love for naps, treats, cuddles, and showing off his ever-growing bow tie collection

Name: Winston

Grand-Pawrent: Vera Ramirez "Winston" our Grandpuppy, loves getting new toys and playing fetch

PURCHASING

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

The Purchasing Department plays an essential role in maintaining the day-to-day operations of the City of Carlsbad. Our department consists of me, the Purchasing Manager, and Haley Bratcher, the Purchasing Assistant. Both of us are certified by the State of New Mexico as Chief Procurement Officers for the City of Carlsbad, a certification that requires ongoing training and testing every two years.

In order for the City to provide services to the public, we must be able to purchase a wide variety of goods and services needed to support City operations. The Purchasing Department oversees purchases made by the City and ensures those purchases are made in accordance with the State of New Mexico Procurement Code, as well as the City’s internal procurement policies and procedures.

Our department is involved in virtually every purchase the City makes, ranging from a box of paper clips to multi-million-dollar construction projects. For purchases of goods and services exceeding $20,000, the City often solicits formal bids or Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to fairly and equitably select contractors to provide the requested products or services. Bid awards are generally based on the lowest cost, while RFP awards also consider factors such as experience and qualifications.

An important responsibility of the Purchasing Department is helping ensure taxpayer funds are spent responsibly and efficiently. When reviewing purchase requisitions, we review department budgets to confirm funds are available and that purchases are being charged to the proper budget line item.

The Purchasing Department also works closely with departments across the City to help support projects and daily operations. Because the City provides such a wide array of services, including law enforcement, Fire and EMS, Water and Sewer services, and Solid Waste, we rely heavily on the expertise of staff within those departments to help prepare specifications for bids and RFPs and ensure the City is procuring quality goods and services that meet its needs.

Transparency and fairness are central to municipal procurement. The City of Carlsbad is governed by the State of New Mexico Procurement Code, which establishes regulations and best practices designed to ensure fairness, accountability, and integrity throughout the procurement process, including oversight related to the Governmental Conduct Act.

One thing residents may not always realize is that government purchasing differs significantly from private-sector purchasing. While private businesses can often move quickly, government entities must follow state-mandated procurement statutes and procedures. Although the process can sometimes take longer, these requirements are in place to ensure fairness, accountability, and proper stewardship of public funds.

I would also like to recognize Haley Bratcher for the important role she plays within the Purchasing Department. I truly could not do this job alone. The role Haley plays as my assistant is invaluable, and I thank her for all she does for the City of Carlsbad.

Sincerely,

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

We want to remind residents about the City of Carlsbad subscription service that helps keep you informed. Whether you're interested in City alerts, news, or public meetings, you can receive updates directly by email or phone, no social media needed.

To sign up or update your preferences, go directly to: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NMCARLSBAD/subscriber/new

Once there, you can just enter your email address and follow the prompts. It only takes a minute. You can choose the topics that matter most to you:

Alerts (email or text)

City News & Announcements (email or text)

Public Meetings & Agendas (email only)

This service continues to be an important way we connect with the community, especially for residents who may not use social media regularly. We encourage you to sign up through the link above and share this opportunity with family and friends.

If someone you know needs assistance getting set up, or if you have questions, please contact Valeria Bannister at 575-887-1191 for help. Staying informed is simple and assistance is always available!

Sincerely,

ValeriaBannister

JUNE EVENTS AND DATES

For more information, please visit the official City Events Calendar.

All Month Long:

City of Carlsbad Water

Park Party Reservations

Carlsbad Museum presents “Crazy World Ain’t It!” The

Art of John Van Hamersveld

Mon. June 1st through Thurs.

June 4th:

Inspired by Science Camp

2026

Cave Week at Carlsbad

Caverns National Park

Wed. June 3rd:

The Crafty Gazebo

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Thurs. June 4th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Baby Time

Carlsbad Public Library

Teen Time Painting Wind Chimes

Fri. June 5th:

Andy Mason Music

Program at Carlsbad Public Library

Carlsbad Public Library

Friday Craft and Snack

Eddy County CASA Project

Playhouse Kickoff Event at Halagueno Arts Park

Fri. June 5th Continued:

Rumble on the Pecos Car

Show Registration

Sat. June 6th:

Rumble on the Pecos Car

Show Lake Carlsbad Beach

Tues. June 9th:

Read & Splash at the Carlsbad Water Park

Carlsbad Public Library

Game on

Wed. June 10th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Toddler Storytime

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Thurs. June 11th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Baby Time

Thurs. June 11th Continued:

Professional Ventriloquist Meghan Casey at the Cavern Theatre

Fri. June 12th:

Storytime with the Fire Dept. and Stuffy Sleepover at Carlsbad Public Library

Father’s Day Dance at Alejandro Ruiz CavernFest 2026

Sat. June 13th:

Caffeine & Cultivation at Carlsbad Public Library

BGCC Adult Volleyball Tournament Carlsbad Area Art Association Show Entry CavernFest 2026

Sun. June 14th:

Flag Day Celebration

Tues. June 16th:

Read & Splash at the Carlsbad Water Park

Carlsbad Public Library Game on

Wed. June 17th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Toddler Storytime

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Brews & Books at Milton’s

Brewing

Thurs. June 18th:

Southwest Dairy Farmers -

Dairy Cow Presentation at Carlsbad Public Library

Thurs. June 18th Continued:

Carlsbad Public Library

Tween Time: Making

Friendship Bracelets

Fri. June 19th:

ALL City of Carlsbad

Offices CLOSED for Juneteenth Carlsbad Area Art

Association Monthly

Themed Juried Show

Awards & Opening

Reception

Sat. June 20th:

Boys & Girls Club Golf

Tournament

Gem & Mineral Show

Storytime at the Living

Desert Zoo

Tues. June 23rd:

Read & Splash at the Carlsbad Water Park

Carlsbad Public Library

Game on

Wed. June 24th:

The Crafty Gazebo

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Thurs. June 25th:

Carlsbad Public Library

Baby Time

Carlsbad Public Library

Pre-School Time

Fri. June 26th:

Storytime at the Living Desert Zoo

Carlsbad Public Library

Pint-Sized Polka

Sat. June 27th:

Carlsbad Public Library

STEM Club

Alejandro Ruiz Craft & Bake Sale

Ducky Affair at Carlsbad

Water Park

Tee Off with the Mayor Golf Tournament 2026

Sun. June 28th:

Tee Off with the Mayor Golf Tournament 2026

Tues. June 30th:

Read & Splash at the Carlsbad Water Park

Carlsbad Public Library Game on

For more information, visit the official City Events Calendar.

page 41 for the answer key.

NOTICES OF CONSTRUCTION – Constructors Inc.

Constructors, Inc. is scheduled to begin a Road Rehabilitation Project for the City of Carlsbad Public Works. The project will be on Roosevelt St. from S. Halagueno St. to S. Alameda St., and will run from Monday, June 1, 2026, through completion. All vehicles must be off the street and parked on the property to allow us to prepare the street for concrete and asphalt work.

Traffic Control signs will be placed at all intersections in the work area, and personnel will be on-site to assist the public and emergency services.

Work on Roosevelt St. will begin at 7am and end at 5pm each day of work, weather permitting. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Constructors, Inc. is scheduled to begin a Storm Drain Extension Project for the City of Carlsbad. The project will be on W. Greene St. from S. Canal St. to S. Halagueno St. intersection. The start date will be Monday, June 1, 2026, through the completion of the project.

Please use alternate routes around the project. Detours will be marked, and traffic control signs will be placed at all intersections in the work area.

Work on W. Greene St. will begin at 7 am and end at 5 pm each day of work, weather permitting.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. For any questions, please call 575-885-8838.

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURES FOR 2026

Juneteenth Day: Friday, June 19, 2026

Independence Day: Friday, July 3, 2026

Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026

Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026

Day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 27, 2026

Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24, 2026

Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026

New Year’s Day: Friday, January 1, 2027

CITY COUNCIL

Richard Lopez, Mayor mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

District 1

Edward Rodriguez | etrodriguez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Lisa Anaya-Flores | laflores@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

District 2

JJ Chavez | jochavez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Jeff Forrest | jjforrest@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

District 3

Karla Hamel Niemeier | kjniemeier@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Mary Garwood | msgarwood@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

District 4

Anthony Foreman | arforeman@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Mark Walterscheid | mewalterscheid@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

CITY ADMINISTRATION

Wendy Austin, City Manager wdaustin@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

Ken Ahrens, Deputy City Manager ksahrens@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

KC Cass, Chief Operating Officer kccass@cityofcarlsbadnm.com

www cityofcarlsbadnm com

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City of Carlsbad Newsletter: June 2026 by cityofcarlsbadnm - Issuu