College update: Our effort to have Carlsbad’s college become independent had another incredible success on Wednesday evening. The Senate Finance Committee voted, 9-1, for Sen. Kernan’s bill to receive a “Do Pass” recommendation. Once again, many members of our community stepped forward to advocate for independence. Rep. Brown’s version of the bill is now set for a vote on the House floor, possibly as early as Thursday evening. Sen. Kernan’s bill may either to the Senate floor or to the judiciary committee. Many members of the Senate said they recognized that local governance is the best way to go.
Thanks again to Sendero Midstream for sponsoring our outreach effort. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/SENMCollege or https://www.senmcollege.org/. Please let us know if we can provide any additional information on this effort.
Another opportunity for local businesses to apply for economic relief has now been made possible, following the passage of House Bill 11. The bill provides $200 million in grants to support New Mexico businesses. The applications and payments to businesses through the program will be managed by the New Mexico Finance Authority at nmfinance.com. A formal announcement will be made when the application portal is open for HB 11 grants. As always, our primary interest is making sure our local businesses are aware of these opportunities and given a fair chance to respond. They don’t solve the problems, but they do help.
There has also been an update provided on how PPP funds received are processed for tax purposes. We have been informed that PPP funding does not count as gross income and businesses are allowed to write off business expenses that were paid through PPP funding. For more information, please visit
The City of Carlsbad is holding another lifeguard training class on March 13,14,20 and 21. You must be at least 15-years-old and attend all four classes. The cost is $40, but you will be reimbursed if you become a city employee later. The class is limited to the first ten people who sign up. Our lifeguards ensure that residents and visitors have a safe time at the Carlsbad Water Park and Carlsbad Beach. Last summer, we were very disappointed about not being able to open our water park, but our lifeguards continued to protect residents and visitors in the beach area. We are confident that we will be able to re-open the water park for this summer, especially if we can continue to get COVID-19 numbers down over the next few months. For more information on the lifeguard training class, please call (575) 302-0152 or email waterpark@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway