As we welcome the promise of spring to our beautiful mountain community, I’m reminded of the strength and resilience that defines us. This month brings both opportunities and responsibilities that will shape our village’s future, and I’m excited to share some important updates with you.
On March 3, 2026, our community will head to the polls for municipal elections. I strongly encourage every eligible voter to participate in this fundamental democratic process. Your voice matters, and your vote helps determine the direction of our village. Whether you’re voting for local leadership or weighing in on critical infrastructure questions, please make your voice heard.
Speaking of infrastructure, you’ll find a GO Bond question on your ballot that deserves your careful consideration. This bond represents a continuation of funding dedicated exclusively to maintaining and improving our water infrastructure—the lifeline of our community. I want to be crystal clear: this bond represents no tax increase for residents. It simply allows us to continue the vital water system projects already underway, ensuring safe, reliable water service for our homes and businesses. These improvements aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities for our community’s health and growth.
There’s a palpable excitement building in our local business community as we anticipate the arrival of Spring Break visitors this month. Our restaurants, shops, lodging providers, and recreational businesses are preparing to welcome guests who will experience everything that makes Ruidoso special. These visitors are vital to our local economy, supporting jobs and generating revenue that sustains our community yearround. Let’s show them the warm hospitality that Ruidoso is known for and remind them why our village is the perfect mountain getaway.
At our February Village Council meeting, we had the privilege of recognizing exceptional dedication to public service. Isaac Garcia, Wastewater Treatment Plant Director, was presented with the prestigious Ted Martinez Lifetime Award from the New Mexico Water & Wastewater Association. This honor recognizes professionals who have served as water operators and active association members for more than 20 years. Isaac has dedicated an incredible 28 years to the Village of Ruidoso Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring the critical systems that protect our environment and public health operate flawlessly every single day. Thank you, Isaac, for your unwavering commitment to our community.
Finally, I want to extend my gratitude to those community members who joined us for Lincoln County Day in Santa Fe during this year’s legislative session. Your presence demonstrates the power of grassroots advocacy and helps ensure that Ruidoso’s needs—particularly regarding recovery projects and infrastructure funding—remain visible to our state legislators. This engagement is crucial for securing resources that benefit our entire community.
As always, don’t forget to tune-in to Mondays with the Mayor from 8:00-10:00 AM on KRUI 1490 AM/99.1 FM. Finally, it’s an honor to serve as your mayor. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Ruidoso.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Isaac Garcia
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
February 10, 2025, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Approval of Proposal from Rymarc Construction Inc., for the Apache Hills Waterline Project, Excavating and Installing New 6” C-900 PVC Waterlines and Tying into Existing Lines, Utilizing NM GSD Statewide Price Agreement #30-00000-23-00070 in the Amount of $89,030.17 Including NMGRT.
» Approval of Adoption of Ordinance 2026-09, an Ordinance Amending the Village of Ruidoso Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 42, Fire Prevention and Protection; Article II, Village of Ruidoso Fire Codes; Section 42-32. Violations, Penalty, and Fees.
» Approval of Task Order #2026-001P-02 with Bohannan Huston, Inc for Professional Engineering Services on Flood-Damaged Infrastructure, including McDaniel Bridge, Main Road 2 Bridge, North Loop Bridge, Sleepy Hollow Bridge, River Trail Bridge, and Robin Road Bridge, in the Amount of $3,337,221.25 Including NMGRT.
» Approval of Task Order #2026-001P No. 1 with Stantec Consulting Services for Professional Engineering Services on Flood-Damaged Infrastructure, including PW 19, Alto Dam Pedestrian Bridge Footing Design, PW 62, Two Rivers Park Culvert Replacement, and Guardrail Replacement in the Amount of $216,211.63 Including NMGRT.
» Approval of Biennial Memorandum of Understanding between New Mexico MainStreet Program, Village of Ruidoso, and Ruidoso Midtown Association to Dedicate Collaborative Resources, Adopt Local Economic Growth and Revitalization Tools, and Establish Economic Development Funding for Operations and Program Implementation to Restore Economic Vitality Within the MainStreet Economic Redevelopment District from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at Village Hall
2026 ELECTIONS Municipal Office Candidates
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
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, 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: Yvonne Vigil - Village Clerk 313 Cree Meadows Ruidoso, NM 88345 (575) 258-4343, ext. 1007
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
RUIDOSO WASTE-TO-FUEL FACILITY
Independent Power USA & VOR Sign Agreement
Independent Power USA has announced the signing of a Project Participation Agreement with the Village of Ruidoso creating guidelines for developing and running a waste-to-fuel energy conversion facility in Ruidoso. The project will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to process organic waste streams, including wildfire and food debris wood and other non-hazardous biomass, into renewable diesel and biochar using a controlled low-temperature thermal conversion process. In addition, it will reduce landfill disposal, mitigate methane emissions, and produce drop-in renewable transportation fuels.
According to Mayor Lynn Crawford:
This project is a big win for the Village and Lincoln County. This investment in New Mexico is in line with the New Mexico Clean Fuels Standards (HB-41, 2024) and represents an estimated $139 million capital investment. It is also expected to create more than 100 construction jobs and approximately 86 permanent operating positions once the facility is complete.
Scan to learn more, or visit Ruidoso-NM.gov
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Overview of VOR Budget Process
Now that the Village has completed its strategic planning, the budgeting process is underway. The first step involves projecting recurring revenues, which encompass Gross Receipt Taxes (GRT), property taxes, service charges, utility fees, licenses, permits, and more. Typically, revenue analysis includes figures through February, constituting approximately 67% of the fiscal year, and looks back five years to identify trends. Once revenue projections are established, recurring costs for personnel and operations are determined. As these expenditures often exceed revenues, budget cuts become necessary. Discussions on these cuts take place during the budget hearings with the Village Council, usually held in mid-April.
While some items may be cut from the budget, they are not entirely forgotten. During the mid-year budget review in December, if actual revenues surpass projections, these costs could potentially be added back into the budget. It’s important to note that the budget is dynamic and undergoes quarterly adjustments through a budget amendment submitted to the NM Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division (DFA-LGD) for approval. The state ensures that a fund is not over-expended, meaning expenditures do not exceed revenues and the beginning cash balance.
The final aspect of the budget involves non-recurring or one-time expenditures, primarily related to capital outlay. Examples include the acquisition of equipment, vehicles, land, or construction projects. The ending cash balance from the previous fiscal year can be allocated for these one-time uses of cash. Additionally, the General Fund must set aside 16% of the cash balance as a reserve; no other fund has this reserve requirement. However, in the enterprise funds, the Village does allocate contingency funds within the budget to offset any unforeseen or emergency expenses. Non-recurring revenues, such as grants, are added to the budget only upon receipt of a Notice of Grant Award.
A balanced budget ensures that recurring expenditures equal recurring revenues, and non-recurring expenditures plus any reserves are less than or equal to the beginning cash balance. During the Budget Approval meeting in May, the Village Council approves the budget, which is then forwarded for approval to DFA-LGD by June 1.
2026 ELECTIONS
GO Bond Represents No Tax Increase for Residents
On the ballot on March 3, 2026, will be a question asking voters to authorize $3 Million of General Obligation bonds:
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?
Residents WILL NOT see a tax increase with the continuation of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Bond Program. This program was designed to set the mill levy rate (property tax rate) at a rate to ensure a continual approval of $3 Million at each election. By getting voter approval on a GO Bond every two years, residents can continue with the program without increasing their property taxes.
WHAT DID THE VILLAGE DO WITH THE GO BOND PROCEEDS FROM PREVIOUS ELECTIONS?
Project
As part of the Capital Improvement Program that is funded by the GO Bond, the Village of Ruidoso is planning to implement several other key water infrastructure projects including:
• PRV (pressure reducing valves) replacement
• Leak detection services
• Alto Dam improvements
• River Well rehabilitation
• Hollywood Well rehabilitation
• Wingfield II waterline replacement
information may also be found at www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
2026 GO Bond 2026 GO Bond
No Tax Increase for Ruidoso Residents
How will the Village Use the 2026
GO Bond Proceeds?
Ruidoso has the most complicated water system in all of New Mexico because it includes 42 different pressure zones. The mountainous terrain requires many additional zones in order to supply water to our citizens, and much of the existing infrastructure is more than 50-years-old. Galvanized piping was used in the past which has accelerated the deterioration rate dues to the soil conditions in our mountainous terrain. The Bond proceeds would be used on water distribution and production improvements.
Areas that will be Targeted with the GO Bond Proceeds
• Replacement of aged infrastructure 2” galvanized waterlines and adding fire protection
• Water distribution lines in the Ponderosa Heights subdivision
• Roads to be targeted include
» Ash Drive
» Brady Canyon Drive
» Maple Drive
» Ponderosa Drive
ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
The Capital Improvement Program:
In 2013, The Ruidoso Village Council approved a Capital Improvement Program to support the badly needed improvements to the water system. The Capital Improvement Program called for a property tax increase the first year (2014) with approval of the voters. The bond program was designed to set the mill levy rate (property tax rate) at a rate to ensure a continual approval of $3 million during elections.
After the 2024 South Fork and Salt fires and the subsequent burn scar flooding event, there were many areas that suffered severe damage to water lines. As part of the Capital Improvement Program, the Village of Ruidoso plans to use the GO Bonds as a match for federal and state grants that will aim to remedy this issue and prevent it from happening during future floods.
Why Does the Village Need to Impose General Obligation Debt?
The Village of Ruidoso has been experiencing water loss due to old and failing infrastructure. Even with the improvements made in the past, there are still many improvements that must be made. In order to do this, citizens are asked to continue this investment in their community by authorizing $3 million of General Obligation bonds to continue the Capital Improvement Program that allows the Village to issue debt that corresponds to the needs for improvements related to water infrastructure. The mill levy was set at approximately 1.5 mills to produce slightly more than $800,000 of revenue to make annual bond payments.
LEVEL 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS LEVEL 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
February was a very busy month for the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. We hosted our annual Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe on February 4. With more than 110 attendees, Lincoln County was well represented. Thank you to Rep. Harlan Vincent for his support of the event. Representative Vincent sponsored a House Memorial declaring February 4, 2026, as Lincoln County Day in the House of Representatives. In addition, Representative Vincent honored residents of Lincoln County for their service during the South Fork and Salt Fires. Those honored were the Community Foundation of Lincoln County; Logan Fle Fleharty, James Flores, and the crew at Scorpion Tattoos; and ENMU-Ruidoso. The Chamber hosts this event every year to allow our Chamber members and residents of Ruidoso/Lincoln County to attend the legislative session and meet many of our legislators and those individuals who are making the decisions that affect us. I highly encourage everyone to take the opportunity to attend this event next year.
On February 9, 2026, the Chamber hosted a Candidate Forum giving Ruidoso residents an opportunity to get to know the candidates for mayor and council. We had over 250 people in attendance, and it was a very informative evening. Thank you to all the candidates for their commitment to Ruidoso.
Over Presidents’ Day Weekend, the Chamber hosted the Vines in the Pines Wine Festival. With 12 New Mexico wineries, two local craft breweries, and bourbon tasting as well as boutique vendors, this event is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It brings many people to our area to shop, dine, and recreate over the three-day holiday weekend.
The Chamber is the organization that supports our community, and we work hard every day to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. Membership in the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the future of our community. If you are interested in joining the Chamber and working with us to support this community, please give us a call at 575-257-7395.
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
Ruidoso Municipal Schools students were recently recognized at the New Mexico State Capitol during the 2026 Legislative Session, highlighting the district’s commitment to civic engagement, bilingual education, cultural celebration, and student voice.
Ruidoso High School students and their sponsor, Deanna Oberheu, participating in Wild Friends of New Mexico, were recognized at the New Mexico Legislature for their advocacy in support of Senate Memorial 3, demonstrating how classroom learning can translate into meaningful civic engagement.
The experience was the culmination of several months of interdisciplinary learning focused on civics, science, and the legislative process. Students received instruction on how the New Mexico Legislature functions, with Wild Friends representatives visiting classrooms to help them understand how student voices can influence public policy.
Ruidoso Municipal Schools also received statewide recognition for excellence in Bilingual Multicultural Education Programs during Bilingual Day at the Legislature, held February 12, 2026. The New Mexico Public Education Department’s Language and Culture Division honored the district’s bilingual programs at Sierra Vista Primary, White Mountain Elementary, and Ruidoso Middle School for their strong instructional models and commitment to cultural identity and bilingualism. Each school received a certificate at the Capitol recognizing its excellence and contribution to bilingual education in New Mexico.
The Ruidoso High School’s Indian Club, along with their sponsor, Tanis Torres, attended American Indian Day at the Roundhouse. Students supported the Hoops 4 Hope basketball game, which raised funds for UNM and the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, and engaged with state leaders throughout the day.
Students had the opportunity to cheer for Representative Harlan Vincent, present gifts, and recognize Dustine Alvarado, who was named Honorary Lieutenant Governor for the day. The experience included meetings with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senator Rex Wilson, offering students meaningful insight into leadership and public service.
These recognitions reflect the dedication of Ruidoso Municipal Schools students, staff, and families, and the district’s belief that education extends beyond the classroom.
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY - RUIDOSO
From the Desk of President Ryan Trosper
ENMU-Ruidoso was recognized by the NM House of Representatives recently for the College’s support, leadership, and public service during the recent emergencies and recovery efforts. The certificate was presented February 4, 2026 at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Lincoln County Legislative Reception.
Winter EVENTS
Check out our line-up of great events for winter! Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUNDAY:
• Sunday Night Acoustics/Hootenanny, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
• Sunday Sounds, The Patina Lounge
MONDAY:
• Jacks Trivia Night, Jacks Backstage
TUESDAY:
• Open Mic & Karaoke Night, Jacks Backstage
• Karaoke Night, WPS
• Movie Night, Monster House Dispensary
WEDNESDAY:
• Wet Your Whistle Wednesday, Lost Hiker Brewing Co
• Karaoke Night, The Quarters Bar & Grill
THURSDAY:
• Club 49 Comedy, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Open Mic Night with Cody Jones, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
• Thirstday Night Trivia, Lost Hiker Brewing Co
• Veterans Coffee & Company, 615 Sudderth Dr Ste 1
• Phil Hamilton “Gringo Loco”, Casa Blanca Cantina
FRIDAY - SATURDAY:
• Live Music, Texas Club
MARCH 4:
• Dr Seuss Storytime, Ruidoso Public Library
MARCH 9-13:
• Become A Lifeguard - American Red Cross Training, Horton Complex Conference Room
MARCH 10:
• Music Bingo, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
MARCH 12:
• Time Turner History Book Club, Ruidoso Public Library
MARCH 14:
• Lula’s Garden Family Day, Wingfield Heritage House Museum
• Walk/Run the Links 5k, The Links Fitness Trail
• Kings of the West, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• MARCH 14-15:
• Yucca Blossom Trade Days, Ruidoso Convention Center
WEDNESDAY:
• Storytime at 10:30 AM
THURSDAY:
• Baby & Me at 10:30 AM
MARCH 21:
• The Hound of Baskervilles, Spencer Theater
• Priscilla Block & Casey Donahew, Inn of the Mountain Gods
MARCH 22:
• Restorative Yoga & Therapeutic Touch, Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga
MARCH 24:
• Music Bingo, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
MARCH 28:
• Evil Woman the American ELO, Spencer Theater
APRIL 4:
• Annual Bunny Run/Walk & Easter Egg Hunt, Wingfield Park
APRIL 5:
• Easter Eggstravaganza, Enchanted Vine Barn
APRIL 9:
• Time Turner History Book Club, Ruidoso Public Library
APRIL 11:
• The Kingston Trio, Spencer Theater
APRIL 18:
• Clay Walker, Inn of the Mountain Gods
APRIL 19:
• Restorative Yoga & Therapeutic Touch, Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga
APRIL 25:
• Lance Lipinsky and The Lovers, Spencer Theater
• 3rd Annual John Ashcraft Memorial Family Trail Run 5k & 1k, Grindstone Lake
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of RMA Executive Director Tim Duckworth
Midtown businesses have been back in full swing after a short break courtesy of Mother Nature! Contrary to what Punxsutawney Phil told us, we have enjoyed some beautiful weather lately, and the streets and shops of Midtown have welcomed visitors enjoying a stroll. We’re still hoping his prediction will bring us a bit more snow (minus the ice). The view of Sierra Blanca from Midtown is always beautiful with a fresh, white blanket of snow.
We’ve got a lot of fun planned for Ruidoso and Ruidoso Midtown in the coming months. The Ruidoso Midtown Association is teaming up with the Humane Society of Lincoln County for the first annual Wagfest & Ice Cream Krank-Off in May. This fun-filled event will feature a themed dog parade and a homemade ice cream competition. Dust off your ice cream makers and start dreaming up some delicious flavor treats!
Brewdoso will be back and better than ever on June 20, 2026, with affordable entry, great entertainment, and more family fun! We’re excited to welcome bands from near and far, The Faux McCoys, Driveway Dive, Tejas Brothers, and Fungi Mungle. More details are coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
Plans are also underway for the first Spring Business Mixer of 2026. Stay tuned for more information! Check us out on Instagram @midtown_ruidoso and online at RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com.
For year-round safety, be sure to sign up for weather alerts and Village of Ruidoso notifications at CallMeRuidoso.com.
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
From the Desk of The Chief Executive - Todd
Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC) is moving forward with the construction of a new on-site helipad, an important infrastructure project that will significantly improve emergency medical access for residents of Lincoln County and surrounding rural communities.
Oberheu
The helipad will be built on property adjacent to the hospital campus and will allow air medical helicopters to land directly at LCMC. Currently, patients who require air transport must first be taken by EMS to off-site landing locations, including Ruidoso Downs’ All-American Park or the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport. Eliminating this additional step will reduce transfer times and help lower costs for patients. Construction began in February and included site preparation and necessary demolition.
For rural communities like Lincoln County, timely access to emergency and specialty care can be lifesaving. The helipad will strengthen LCMC’s ability to care for patients experiencing serious trauma, heart attacks, strokes, and other critical conditions that require rapid stabilization and transfer to higherlevel care when needed. Direct on-site landings will support faster, safer transitions of care during medical emergencies.
The helipad project is part of LCMC’s broader long-term planning and reinforces the hospital’s role as a key provider of emergency and time-sensitive care across the region. This investment by Presbyterian Healthcare System reflects an ongoing commitment to patient safety, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.
LCMC will continue to share updates with the community as construction progresses and remains committed to investing in infrastructure and services that improve access to high-quality care close to home.
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
RUIDOSO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Speed Camera Update
The Village of Ruidoso will soon implement a new speed camera system designed to enhance traffic safety and support the Ruidoso Police Department’s ongoing efforts to address speeding complaints throughout the community.
This initiative will introduce a combination of stationary and mobile speed enforcement cameras. One stationary camera will be installed in the school zone on White Mountain Drive to help protect students, families, and school staff by encouraging drivers to follow posted speed limits. In addition, two mobile units will be deployed and rotated to different areas around town where speeding has been identified as a concern.
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
The speed cameras will issue civil citations for violations. Each citation will carry a $100 civil penalty. Because these are civil citations—not criminal traffic offenses—they will not impact a driver’s record and will not affect insurance rates. However, unpaid citations will be for warded to a third-party collection agency. To ensure transparency and fairness, properly placed signage will notify drivers when they are entering a speed enforcement area. The Village views this system as a proactive and effective method to improve safety, and it is considered a preferable alternative to installing speed humps on various streets throughout town.
The implementation and deployment process for the cameras is expected to take approximately 90 days. During this time, the Village will work closely with the selected vendor to provide additional information and public outreach, so residents and visitors understand how the system operates and its role in improving overall traffic safety.
By combining technology, clear communication, and targeted enforcement, the Village of Ruidoso aims to create safer roadways for everyone in the community.
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
Ruidoso is a Firewise Community
The Village of Ruidoso is rated as a High-Risk Area for Catastrophic Wildfire. To mitigate the possible threat, the Village has become a Firewise community. This means that the Village has taken steps to reduce forest fuels inside the Village Boundaries. To accommodate this, the Village Council adopted a set of ordinances requiring all properties within the Village to reduce fuels, which requires landowners to thin their properties to Firewise and Ordinance Standards.
As a result, the Village has been able to increase its ISO rating, which helps reduce insurance costs and increase the availability of home insurance for residents. Since the adoption of the Ordinances, there have been several wildfires that have impacted properties within the Village, confirming that our program does, in fact, reduce the damage.
The Ordinances require landowners to take measures to reduce and maintain fuels on their properties:
1. The landowner must thin their property to Ordinance Standards and maintain the Standard.
2. The landowner is required to have the property inspected every 10 years by the Forestry Department.
3. The inspection ensures the Standards are met. Following the inspection, the Forestry Department issues a letter of certification that is good for 10 years, provided that the property is maintained to the Ordinance Standard.
4. A vital part of the strategy is removing the fuels from the Village so that it does not add to the severity of a fire. This is accomplished through a fleet of grapple trucks that pick up the thinned material and transport it out of the Village to be ground into mulch.
5. To support this activity, every landowner is required to pay a yard waste fee on their monthly utility bill of $6.76 up to 1 acre if the property is certified and $20.28 per acre if the property has not been certified or the certification has expired. The rate increases the month after the Certification expires, and the landowner is charged the higher fee until the property is again brought into compliance and a new certification is issued. Money from this fee is used to pay for the grapple truck support in removing the thinned material and partially supporting the Forestry Department. For more information regarding Certification expiration date, please contact the Forestry Department at 575-257-5544.
The Village of Ruidoso is looking for qualified individuals to join our TEAM! If you would like to be part of a professional, forward-thinking organization that values integrity, teamwork, and service, we want to hear from you!
Our Team is growing to meet the needs of the community! Check out our job postings today at www.Ruidoso-NM.gov!
• Competitive Pay
• Excellent Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and More!
• PERA Retirement
• Longevity Pay
• Specialized Training
• Advancement Opportunities
Join us for
Lula’sFamilyGardenDay!
Celebrate spring at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum!
This month, we're honoring Lula Robinson Wingfield, a pioneer who helped create our cherished home and was known for her vibrant spirit and love of the land.
Inspired by this beautiful photo of Lula in her beloved garden,we invite your family to cultivate creativity with us.
March 14, 2026 10am to Noon
Wingfield Heritage House Museum
2813 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM FREE admission!
Family Activities:
• Wildflower Bombs – Make "earth stones" with native seeds
• Pressed Flower Bookmarks – Create a botanical keepsake
• Vintage Paper Pinwheels – Handmade 1920s-style toys
