As we move forward into this new year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in our Comprehensive Master Plan Public Charrette. Throughout that week of meetings, residents and community stakeholders came together to design a thoughtful roadmap for the next 40 years of our village. The ideas shared and conversations held during those sessions were truly inspiring, and your engagement demonstrates the strong community spirit that makes Ruidoso such a special place to call home.
I also want to address the Ruidoso Downs Race Track 2026 meet relocation to the Downs at Albuquerque. While this transition presents challenges, I want to acknowledge the dedication of all parties involved and their unwavering commitment to continuing Ruidoso’s racing legacy. I’m pleased to share that the NM Bred Horse Sale and Super Select Sale will still be held right here at the Ruidoso Downs Sales Pavilion, maintaining our deep connection to the horse racing industry that has been such an integral part of our community’s heritage.
Looking ahead, I want to remind everyone about the critical importance of our upcoming municipal elections. Three Village Council seats will be on the ballot, along with the mayor’s position. These elections will shape the leadership of our community for years to come, and I encourage each of you to exercise your right to vote. Equally important is the GO Bond question that will appear on your ballot. This bond is vital to our ongoing efforts to improve our aging infrastructure. As our village continues to grow and evolve, maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure is essential to ensuring the quality of life we all value. I urge you to carefully consider this measure and its long-term benefits for our community.
I’m also pleased to direct your attention to our 2026 State of the Village report, now available on the Village of Ruidoso website. This comprehensive report highlights the accomplishments and priorities of every VOR department, giving you valuable insight into the work being done on behalf of our community. I especially want to emphasize our strong fiscal health: the Village remains fiscally sound, our 2024 audit had no findings, and our 2025 audit was submitted on time. These achievements reflect our commitment to responsible stewardship of your tax dollars and transparent governance.
I encourage you to take time to read through the State of the Village report and stay informed about the important work happening across all our departments. Your continued engagement and participation make Ruidoso the thriving community it is today. And don’t forget to tune into Mondays with the Mayor on KRUI 1490 AM/99.1 FM from 8:00-10:00 AM. We love answering your questions!
Until next time, take good care and remember to be a good neighbor.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
STATE OF THE VILLAGE
FINANCIAL STABILITY
The Village began FY2026 with a cash balance of $75.3M and is currently projecting revenues at $121.6M, which amounts to $196.9M of available cash to spend. Several capital projects were rolled over from FY2025 and the Village has been very successful in securing grants for these projects. In addition, the Village has also been completing temporary repairs to infrastructure damaged in the South Fork Fire (June 2024) and the Monsoons of 2025, both Presidentially declared disasters. As of December 2025, the Village’s operating budget for personnel, operations, and capital outlay totaled $152.3M. Some of the grant funded capital projects include the Water Trust Board Grants for Country Club Subdivision Waterline Replacement Project and Phase II of the Water Tank Replacement Project, FEMA Disaster Projects, and several legislative appropriations. Therefore, anticipated ending cash balance for FY2026 is projected at $45.0M. All other revenue categories, especially Gross Receipts Taxes, are performing at budget and over last year’s actuals (impacted by the fire). As constituents rebuild and FEMA projects begin construction, GRT will be greatly impacted and continue to fund Ruidoso’s Recovery.
Budgeted
The Village has seen a decrease in GRT due to the disasters, however, since Village Council has always been conservative in budgeting revenues, budget will still be met. As reported in the December 2025 Monthly Report, GRT collected is 52.55% of budget and actual receipts are up 17.11% over FY2025. Please refer to the monthly financial report for December for more information.
LODGERS’ TAX
Another revenue area that is recovering from the fire is Lodgers’ Tax. As of December 2025, revenues are up 9.97% over last fiscal year (an increase of $93,037). The Village has finished implementation of new Short-Term Rental (STR) Software that will be used to identify unpermitted properties. The Village was successful in receiving a NM State Aviation Rural Air Service Grant of $3M to help secure a commuter airline to bring tourists to the Village.
DEBT FINANCING
The Village recently issued its Series 2025 General Obligation (GO) Bonds for water infrastructure projects. The bond cycling program began in 2014, and this is the twelfth issuance for a total of $18,000,000 in available funding. The GO Bonds are publicly supported funding options from a 1.5 mill levy on property taxes voters approved in the March 2024 election. During the March 2026 election, voters will decide whether to continue with the Mill Levy GO Bonds. The outstanding balance on these bonds is $10,055,000 as of December 31, 2025.
DEBT – BOND RATING
Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch rated several of the Village’s bond issues. The Village maintains an upper-medium to high-grade rating on its bonds. A bond credit rating represents the creditworthiness of a government entity.
DEBT – GO CAPACITY
State Statutes limit the general obligation debt a governmental entity may issue to four percent (4%) of the total average valuation. The current debt limit for the Village is $25,311,726, which is significantly more than the Village’s outstanding general obligation debt, which totaled $9,315,000 as of December 31, 2025.
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITY PROJECTS
In FY2026, the Village started work on over $11M of capital projects, most of which are continuation of projects started in prior years. Some of these projects include the FEMA restoration of the existing sewer line and lift stations, FEMA bridges, Pinecliff subdivision water line replacement, and the Public Safety Building (Horton Complex). As the Village completes these projects, they also serve as an economic impact strategy to help stimulate the economy with a spending multiplier effect by generating GRT revenue to the Village. In addition, a third of the projects are financed by grants obtained from both Federal and State Agencies. Construction of South Fork Fire recovery projects will allow the Village to create its own GRT that will help cash balances; however, this may be two years down the road.
AUDIT
The results of the FY2024 Audit were released and resulted in no findings and no material weaknesses. The Village completed the FY2025 audit on time, and it is currently under review by the New Mexico State Auditor’s Office (SAO). The audit results will become a public record in late March 2026. The overall financial health of the Village of Ruidoso remains robust, and both governmental and proprietary funds reported increases to the net position, thus exceeding required reserves and increasing the Village’s cash position.
LODGERS’ TAX REVENUE
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
January 13, 2026, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Approval of Application Submitted by Hall of Flame Burgers Co., Located at 2500 Sudderth Dr., Suites 1, 2 & 3, Ruidoso, NM, for Restaurant A (Beer and Wine) Liquor License with On-Premises Consumption and Patio Service.
» Approval of Appointment and Oath of Office for Yvonne Vigil as Village Clerk.
» Approval of Agreement with Altumint, Inc. for Automated Traffic Enforcement System.
» Approval of Task Order #2025-010P-04 with John Shomaker and Associates, Inc., for Hollywood Well Replacement Services.
» Presentation of Employees and Department of the Quarter
a. Department of Quarter – Convention Center
b. Employees of the Quarter
i. Administration – Madison Schlotfeldt (Staff Accountant II)
ii. Public Safety – Jessica Tijerina (Records Clerk)
iii. Community Services – Ben Girven (Library Assistant)
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
LEVEL 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS LEVEL 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Permitted commercial fire pits - OK
Outdoor cooking including charcoal - OK
Non-permitted fire pits, campfires, & fireworks - NOT OK
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY - RUIDOSO
From the Desk of President Ryan Trosper
ENMU-Ruidoso released enrollment data on December 12, 2025, showing the fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth. Overall enrollment increased from 766 unduplicated headcount in 2020-2021 to 1,216 in 2024-2025, representing a 59% increase in unique students served. As well as a 14% enrollment growth in unduplicated headcount over the last year.
“Our growth is due to the work of our outstanding faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to help students be successful,” said Dr. Ryan Trosper, ENMU-Ruidoso President. “It is also a testament to our local community, legislators, the ENMU System, New Mexico Higher Education Department, and our Governor for supporting higher education, including facility improvements for our campus, leading to a better campus experience for students.”
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
RECOVERY EFFORTS
FEMA Project Tracker
This sheet lists the FEMA projects that are currently underway in the Village of Ruidoso. It tracks where the project status is with FEMA as far as funding and where the project is in the repair phase and the reimbursement phase. This sheet is available for residents to view on the Village of Ruidoso website.
Upper Canyon Roads
Middle Canyon Roads
Cree Meadows/White Mountain Subdivision Roads
Upper Canyon Culverts
Perk Canyon Roads, Ditches, & Embankments
Perk Canyon Culverts
Main Bridge # 2, 2. McDaniel
1. Seer Road, 2. Bear Claw Avenue, 3. Hill Road, 4. Backwash Tank Service Road, 5. South Stump Road, 6. Malone Road, 7. Pinky Road, 8. Martin Road, 9. McDaniel Road, 10. East Riverside Drive, 11. West Riverside Drive, 12. South Mountain View Drive, 13. North Mountain View Drive, 14. North Loop Road, 15. Chestnut Lane, 16. Huckleberry Lane, 17. Sherwood Loop, 18. Emmons Drive, 19. Heidi Lane, 20. Yodel Lane, 21. Fox Drive, 22. Kenza Trail, 23. Forest Lane
1. Marie Lane, 2. Deck Road, 3. River Pine Circle, 4. Terrace Drive, 5. Fern Trail, 6. N. Grindstone Road, 7. Wilson Lane, 8. River Trail, 8. Robin Road, 9. Hart Avenue, 10. Foothill Road, 11. Starlite Road, 12. Kansas City Road, 13. Ike Wingfield Drive, 14. George McCarty Drive
1. Hill Road, 2. East Riverside Drive, 3. West Riverside Drive, 4. South Mountain View Drive, 5. North Mountain View Drive, 6. Emmons Drive, 7. Kenza Trail, 8. Forrest Lane
1. Maple Drive, 2. Ash Drive, 3. South Oak Drive, 4. Valonia Lane, 5. Porr Drive, 6. Alonzo Way, 7. Coyote Lane, 8. Johnson Road, 9. Slay Road, 10. Sleepy Hollow Road, 11. Hummingbird Lane, 12. Forest Service Road 127A, 13. Del Norte Drive, 14. Ranier Road, 15. Mont Blanc Drive
1. Maple Drive, 2. Ash Drive, 3. South Oak Drive, 4. Valonia Lane, 5. Porr Drive, 6. Johnson Road, 7. Sleepy Hollow Road, 8. Forest Service Road 127A, 9. Ranier Road, 10. Mont Blanc Drive
Middle Canyon Culverts 1. Wilson Lane, 2. Bradley Drive, 3. Hart Avenue, 4. Starlite Road, 5, Royal Drive, 6. Kansas City Road, 7. Ike Wingfield Drive, 8. George McCarty Drive
Canyon Roads & Culverts 1. St. Vitus Place, 2. Ebarb Drive, 3. Peak Drive, 4. Perk Canyon Drive, 5. Park Place, 6. Echo Drive, 7. W Redwood Drive, 8. Del Mar Drive
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
Happy New Year from the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce! The Chamber is working on several events for February. One of our most important events will be on February 4, 2026, at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe. Every year, we hold the Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe. This reception allows our Chamber Members and businesses in Lincoln County to speak one-on-one with our legislators. This year, more than ever, we need to make sure we bring our concerns to our legislators. If we don’t speak up, then we cannot expect our needs to be met. The Legislative Session began on January 20, 2026, and will run through February 19, 2026. The public is invited to the reception. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Almost immediately following our Santa Fe Reception, we will be hosting a candidate forum for the Ruidoso municipal elections on February 9, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The March 3, 2026, election includes one Mayor seat and three Council seats. Come listen to the candidates so that you can make an informed decision when you go to the polls.
Valentine’s Day Weekend, we will be hosting our annual Vines in the Pines Art & Wine Festival, February 14 - 15, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. We will have New Mexico wineries present, as well as food and other boutique vendors, and live music. This is a great opportunity to indulge in some New Mexico wine tasting while enjoying local art, crafts, food, boutique vendors, and local brews available for those who aren’t wine drinkers. Bring your Valentine and enjoy fun for everyone! Tickets are available at HoldMyTicket.com or at the door.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM, we will be celebrating Pioneer Bank’s 125th Anniversary with a Business After Hours. Come out to their location at 1095 Mechem Drive and help celebrate.
If you are a member of the Chamber and would like to host a Business After Hours, we have openings and would love to get one scheduled for you. Please reach out to us at the Chamber at 575-257-7395. If you are not a member of the Chamber, we would be happy to discuss membership with you. We are an organization that is committed to making Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. Our mission is to foster development, growth, and prosperity in Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Lincoln County, and the surrounding area.
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
Ruidoso High School continues to expand its College & Career Readiness programs, offering students valuable experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation. Through pathways such as Educators Rising, Culinary Arts, and Dual Credit College & Career courses, students are gaining hands-on learning, real-world exposure, and industry-recognized skills that position them for college, career training, and the workforce.
Educators Rising: Sara Ames Brown is helping address New Mexico’s teacher shortage by “growing our own.” Students in the Teacher Academy experience classrooms firsthand through tutoring and dual-credit coursework, allowing them to explore the profession before committing to an education degree. Research shows that teachers who work in their home communities stay longer and serve more effectively. This year, 55 students are participating in the Teacher Academy and Near Peer tutoring program.
RHS Culinary: Alexandria Armstrong is preparing students for hospitality and food service industries through courses such as Culinary Skills I, Pro Start I and II, and Culinary Entrepreneurship, also known as the Tepee Lounge program. Students earn food-handler certifications, gain experience in both back- and frontof-house operations, and even pursue dual credit toward a culinary certificate from ENMU-Ruidoso. At the Tepee Lounge, students apply their learning in a real workbased environment, planning menus, serving guests, and managing operations.
College & Career Readiness:
John Rucker supports collegebound and career-exploring students through teaching dual-credit courses such as Freshman Seminar and Business Professionalism, which allow students to experience college-level expectations while still in high school. His students prepare resumés, complete mock interviews, conduct job shadows, and practice professional communication, giving them a strong foundation for future employment. Shoutout to Mr. Rucker at Ruidoso High School.
Across all three pathways, it is clear that Ruidoso High School is empowering students with meaningful, real-world experiences that prepare them for life after graduation.
2026 MUNICIPAL OFFICERS ELECTION INFORMATION
The Village of Ruidoso 2026 Municipal Officers Election will take place on March 3, 2026. At the Election, voters will elect:
» A Mayor to serve a four (4) year term
» Three (3) Councilors to serve a four (4) year term
Terms of office begin on April 1, 2026
There will be one question on the Ballot: Shall the Village of Ruidoso issue up to $3,000,000 of General Obligation Bonds to be repaid from property taxes for the purpose of enlarging, improving, and/or extending the production and distribution components of the Village’s water system?
BALLOT ORDER:
Mayor
o Joshua Lance Richardson
o Lynn D. Crawford
Village Council
o Joseph W. Eby
o Everett Barrington Brophy
o Jason R. Gipson
o Darren Hooker
o Steven Paul Silva
o Adam Richard Sanchez
Important dates to remember: Tuesday, February 3, 2026: Early Voting begins at the Clerk’s Office located at 313 Cree Meadows, Ruidoso, NM, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, regular business hours. This is also the first day for Absentee Ballots. Please note: Early Voting will not be held on February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day.
Saturday, February 28, 2026: Last day of Early Voting at the Clerk’s Office from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026: ELECTION DAY! Voting will be held at the Ruidoso Convention Center located at 111 Sierra Blanca Dr., Ruidoso, NM, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
For questions regarding the Municipal Officer Election, contact:
From the Desk of The Chief Executive - Todd Oberheu
Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC) is expanding its clinical services with the launch of a dedicated Sleep Study Lab—an important step in improving access to specialty care for residents of Lincoln County and the greater Ruidoso region. In December, the LCMC Board of Directors approved the proposal to implement the program, including the purchase of specialized equipment and facility upgrades. Quality sleep is essential to overall health. Untreated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia are linked to higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and conditions that already disproportionately impact many New Mexicans.
In rural areas, factors such as limited access to specialty care, long travel distances, and higher rates of chronic disease can make sleep disorders both more common and more difficult to diagnose. By offering sleep studies locally, LCMC helps remove a significant barrier to care and supports earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Recent data shows strong demand for sleep studies among residents. Until now, many patients were required to travel long distances for in-lab sleep diagnostics—often delaying care or forgoing it altogether. Establishing an in-house sleep lab allows patients to receive high-quality testing closer to home, improving access, continuity of care, and health outcomes.
Operating the lab onsite also enables LCMC to maintain direct oversight of scheduling, quality standards, and the overall patient experience. The program will be supported by the expertise of Presbyterian Medical Group, the largest sleep medicine group in New Mexico, with all physicians fellowship-trained in sleep medicine.
Program Highlights
» Referral & Scheduling: Patients must be referred by a provider in Sleep Medicine, Neurology, ENT, Pulmonology, or Pediatrics. Prior authorization is required for certain insurance plans.
» Patient Experience: The lab will offer overnight, non-invasive sleep studies using EEG and other advanced monitoring technologies. Pediatric patients must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visitor policies are in place to ensure safety and comfort.
» Quality Assurance: The program will follow guidelines established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, with plans to pursue formal accreditation after launch.
With the opening of the new Sleep Study Lab, LCMC is positioned to offer a truly comprehensive sleep program, including both in-home and in-lab diagnostics. This expansion reflects LCMC’s ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the community and supporting the health of Lincoln County residents.
DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS
Airport 575-336-8111
Convention Center 575-258-5445
Judicial 575-257-9055
Library 575-258-3704
Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030
Police 575-258-7365
Fire 575-257-3473
Solid Waste 575-257-1502
Street Works 575-257-6023
Forestry 575-257-5544
Planning & Zoning 575-258-6999
Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417
Senior Center 575-257-4565
Water Distribution and Sewer
Collections 575-257-2386
Water Production 575-257-5525
Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
WINGFIELD HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM
Moments in American History
This is a big year for our nation – the 250th Birthday of the United States! To help celebrate, the museum has launched a new radio spot called Moments in American History. The spot will air after the Mondays with the Mayor show, around 10:00 AM on Mondays on KRUI 1490 AM and 99.1 FM.
Each week, the show will focus on some of the events that happened that week in the last 250 years of history. Museum Manager and Curator, Stephanie Long, will be choosing a few events that tell interesting stories or were important to the history of our nation and state. Happy Semi-quincentennial! Keep an eye out for other events that are happening around the nation for America’s 250th.
In other museum news, a new online portal for our collections database has launched. As new collection items arrive, they are cataloged and scanned. As records are updated, they are added to the portal. Visitors to the site can search through photo and archive collections at https://wingfieldheritagehouse.catalogaccess.com/. New items will continuously be added.
2026 is also the 50th anniversary of the Smokey Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew. The museum opened a new exhibit, Facing the Flames: A History of the Smokey Bear Hotshot Crew, last fall. The exhibit traces the development of wildland firefighting techniques, the growth of elite wildland firefighting crews, and the history of the Smokey Bear crew. Stop by and learn more about the men and women who work the wildland fires here and wherever they are needed.
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of RMA Executive Director Tim Duckworth
December and early January have truly been one for the record books. From the days leading up to Christmas through the start of the new year, Ruidoso Midtown, and Ruidoso as a whole, welcomed an incredible wave of visitors. We love our tourists and invite you to come back and see us again soon. You are always welcome here.
Teaming up with the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, the final Winter Mixer of the season had an outstanding turnout. Business owners from across Ruidoso gathered to connect and mingle, making for a lively and productive evening. Special thanks go to Cafe Rio and Downshift for the fantastic pizza and wings; every last bite was enjoyed! A big thank you as well to Mike Cheney of Win Place & Show (WPS) for hosting a beautiful bourbon tasting. The hospitality and service of the WPS staff made everyone feel right at home.
Congratulations to Watusi for winning the Holiday Storefront Competition, and to OSO Productions for providing the music that perfectly wrapped up the night. It was a wonderful way to end the evening.
Adding to the excitement, Ruidoso was treated to much-needed rain and snow. Nature can be one of our greatest allies heading into spring, so here’s to you, Mother Nature, and keep it coming!
Looking ahead, great things are in the works for Ruidoso and Ruidoso Midtown. The Ruidoso Midtown Association is teaming up with the Ruidoso Humane Society for the first annual Wagfest & Ice Cream KrankOff. This fun-filled event will feature Ruidoso’s first-ever themed dog parade, along with locally made homemade ice cream judged by People’s Choice.
And of course, Brewdoso is coming back on June 20, more affordable, bigger, and better than ever. We’re excited to welcome bands from near and far, including The Faux McCoy’s, Driveway Dive, Tejas Brother, and the great Fungi Mungle. More details are coming soon, so be on the lookout!
We would like to welcome two new businesses to our Ruidoso Midtown:
» Coco’s Confections & More - 2629 Sudderth Drive. A sweet, unique variety of homemade goodness meets everyone’s tastes.
» Ashley Dalton Farmer’s Agency - 2537 Sudderth Drive. If you’re looking for new insurance policies, here’s your one-stop shop. Stop in while walking Midtown.
For year-round safety, be sure to sign up for weather alerts and Village of Ruidoso notifications at CallMeRuidoso.com. These updates are helpful for all seasons!
As a reminder to our community, if a nuisance complaint needs to be made on a short-term rental, please call the non-emergency hotline at 575-315-8354.
Online reporting is also an option through https://complaints-str.deckard.com/ruidoso-nm-str-complaints
