Hobbs · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hobbs public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Condemnation and Removal of Dilapidated Properties
A boarded-up, trash-filled house with squatters and utility tampering was formally condemned for removal after owners ignored notices — a neighborhood safety win.
Animal Welfare Services and State Grant Funding
A resident asked the city to improve conditions at the Hobbs Animal Shelter — suggesting an Amazon wish list for donations, better lost-pet reunification practices, and more volunteer support.
Construction Observation and Inspection Services Contract
The Commission will consider a task order with Square Root Services, LLC, for construction observation and inspection services — the oversight work that keeps city utility construction projects built to spec.
Lodgers' Tax Funding for Community Events, FY 2027
Hotel guests pay lodgers' tax, and the Commission was set to decide which community events receive that funding in FY 2027. The allocation can boost local tourism and event calendars.
Hobbs Health Walk Phase One
Design work for the first phase of the Health Walk trail — near the CORE event center and NMJC — was approved at no cost to taxpayers, paid from the $2 million Maddox Foundation grant.
Shipp Street Plaza Improvements
A block of Shipp Street at Taylor Street will become a pedestrian-only plaza for downtown events and revitalization, with Maddox Foundation backing. Nearby businesses and churches were generally supportive at the planning hearing.
Senior Center and Animal Adoption Center Grants
Two legislative grants ease the city's budget: $250,000 keeps the Senior Center's meals and programs running for two years without general fund dollars, and $180,000 buys a mobile adoption unit to take shelter pets into neighborhoods.
Gross Receipts Tax Increase
Hobbs is considering its first general GRT increase in 33 years to close a $6.87 million gap between payroll/operating costs and revenue. The increase would cost about $61 a year for a household spending $10,000 on taxable purchases, and could raise roughly $14.7 million by mid-2028. Extra revenue beyond operating needs would go toward capital projects like roads and sewers.
New Fee Proposed for Non-Concert Events at Industrial Air Park
A new pilot permit lets promoters book the airpark runway for concerts and festivals, with a $3,250 base fee, attendance charges, and a $5,000 cleanup deposit — a step toward bringing big events to Hobbs.
2027 Employee Benefit Plans
City employees keep their medical premiums flat for 2027 — rare good news in a double-digit health cost market — with only about $2 per paycheck more for dental and vision after switching back to Delta Dental.
Fire Engine 513 Repairs
Engine 513 — a workhorse at Station 3 by Walmart that's been out of service since July 31 — gets a rebuilt Cummins engine at $68,253 from local vendor Watson Truck and Supply, the cheapest and fastest of three quotes.
Budgetary Adjustment No. 1, FY 2026-2027
The city's budget gets a $19.2 million revenue boost — mostly grants — with a healthy $122 million ending cash balance across all funds.
Affordable Housing Grant from State
A development agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Hobbs was up for approval, supporting affordable home construction in the city.
2028-2032 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan
The city adopted its five-year infrastructure priority list, which determines which projects — roads, facilities, an animal care center, ambulance services — get submitted for state funding.
Proposed Gross Receipts Tax Increase
The city is exploring a gross receipts tax increase as a way to secure its long-term financial health. Because gross receipts taxes are built into prices, residents and businesses could see higher costs if it's eventually adopted. No decision has been made — this was a discussion-only work session.
HB 6 revenue losses
State tax law changes shifted gross receipts taxation from business location to delivery destination, costing Hobbs an estimated $15-20 million a year — and over $50 million in a single boom year. Eight of Hobbs' top ten GRT producers were oil and gas companies the city no longer taxes directly.
Federal Fire Grants (AFG and SAFER)
The fire department is asking for federal help to replace a 20-year-old ladder truck and add six positions it hasn't been able to fund in over a decade. If awarded, the city pays only $200,000 toward the truck and nothing for three years of the new firefighters' pay.
Trunk Line F Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project Phase 9
Sewer line collapses on Grimes Street and behind Turner Street show the system is failing, and a new water and sewer master plan estimates nearly $50 million in growth infrastructure needs over five years. Commissioners noted residents care most that 'when you flush your toilet, it's gonna work.'
Traffic Signal Contract and Data Governance Questions
The city got a live demo of a platform that monitors all 42 intersections 24/7 using cameras, probe data, and controller data, then automatically retimes signals. Data confirmed the Carlsbad Highway corridor is one of the worst in town, and the system could give emergency vehicles green lights. A purchase decision is expected next month.
Healthy Communities Health Screening Program
Texas Tech and the Permian Strategic Partnership want to bring free diabetes, blood pressure, and obesity screenings to Hobbs, with local hiring and a trusted community site like a fire station or library.
$2M NMDOT Grant for Del Paso and Turner Street Repaving
The city landed $2 million in state funding to repave about a mile each of Del Paso (NM 132) and Turner Street. Work will range from mill-and-overlay to full-depth reclamation depending on pavement condition.
Higher Education Bond 3 — NMJC Funding
A memorandum of agreement with New Mexico Junior College covering the purchase and transfer of certain city property was on the consent agenda.
First Responder Response to School Incident
Multiple commissioners praised police, fire, and EMS for their response to last Friday's school tragedy, noting officers arrived within about 40 seconds and crediting teacher Kelly Matthews as a hero.
Hobbs 100 Community Pride Initiative
A local business owner — fresh off national recognition for Rig Outfitters — proposed 'Hobbs 100': 100 businesses and leaders committing to cleaner properties, community cleanups, crime reporting and neighborhood watch, starting with a challenge of 'why not Hobbs?'
Navajo & Bender street resurfacing
A chip-seal resurfacing of Navajo Avenue from Del Paso to Seminole Highway came in at half the expected cost, freeing grant money for a double coat and restriping — possibly including a turn lane near the new Ranchland development.
Walgreens liquor license transfers
A public hearing was scheduled on moving Dispenser Liquor License No. DIS-001127 from Hotel Artesia, LLC, to Rielero Investments, LLC, at 1912 North Grimes — a change in who holds the license and where it is used.
Hobbs Express transit funding and bus purchase
The bus system keeps running at a dollar a ride under a renewed NMDOT agreement — about $1.67 million total with a $732,000 city match, including a replacement bus.
Water System Investments
Residents questioned why the city keeps buying more smart meters and whether the data could be misused. Staff explained the meters cut labor, detect leaks faster, and don't control anyone's water use; one commissioner suggested the city adopt a data privacy policy to protect against future misuse.
Middle School Athletic Programs Partnership
A professional services agreement with Hobbs Municipal Schools would support middle school athletics — a city-schools partnership that puts recreation dollars toward youth sports.
Commercial Air Service Subsidies with Lea County
Commissioners grilled EDC officials on the Fly Hobbs program: the city and county effectively guarantee near-100% load factors on United flights. Commissioner Smith wants renegotiation as the county contract comes up; Commissioner Mills defended the service's economic value. A $2.25M state grant softens the local cost.
Park lighting hours
A resident asked the city to keep sports complex lights on until midnight so kids, families, and late-working adults can use parks after dark, citing safety benefits and a recent night when a soccer game ended in darkness.
Commercial water use during restrictions
The city's annual water conservation rules run May 15 through September 15 — even addresses water on even dates, odd on odd, no watering on the 31st, and only during early morning or evening hours.
Flock license plate reader cameras
A business owner urged the city to crack down on businesses with overflowing dumpsters and stacked pallets, and asked the city to better explain its Flock cameras to a skeptical public.
Police Department Sex Crimes Investigations
Hobbs police are reportedly having trouble handling sex crimes cases, which may signal staffing or resource gaps in a department funded by local taxpayers. It’s worth watching whether the City Council steps in with more money, staff, or oversight.
Municipal Board Ordinance Updates
Seven ordinances finalized changes to city boards — four-year terms matching the mayor's, clearer quorum and attendance rules, and resized memberships — after six months of effort to fill the seats.
New Ambulance Funded by State Fire Funds
The fire department is replacing a 2016 ambulance with 225,000 miles using state fire funds, so taxpayers don't foot the bill. Call volumes have grown by roughly 4,000 since 2016.
Restaurant Liquor License for Hacienda Doña Mari
A long-standing local restaurant at 205 West Sanger can now serve beer and wine with meals after the Commission approved the license following a public hearing.
Slow Your Roll traffic safety campaign
The city is reviving its anti-speeding campaign just as school starts, using social media, billboards, radio, yard signs, and pledge giveaways. It pairs with engineering fixes and increased police enforcement to slow drivers in neighborhoods.
$14.25M Lea County infrastructure grant
Lea County is giving Hobbs $14.25 million for roads, water and sewer lines, hydrants, and drainage. That's real money that takes pressure off the city's general fund, freeing local dollars for pay and services. Funds must be spent by June 30, 2028.
Market-Rate Single-Family Housing Development Agreement
Two $300,000 development agreements from the county housing grant will bring 20 duplex units on West Kims Court and 20 more single-family lots at Trinity Estates — continuing the city's rooftop pipeline that attracts economic development.
Railroad Crossing Conditions
A resident complained about rough railroad crossings damaging vehicles, including $826 in tire damage on Broadway. Officials explained railroads are federally regulated and noted upcoming crossing improvements on Main, Bender, and Marland.
Lea County Air Service Funds Agreement
A consent item on a memorandum of agreement with Lea County about how federal Small Community Air Service Development Program funds are distributed.
Uncollectible Utility Accounts Write-Off
The city was set to remove unpaid water, garbage and sewer bills from July 2021 to June 2022 it has determined it cannot collect. Write-offs affect the utility fund's bottom line.
FY 2026-2027 Final Budget Adoption
The Commission adopted a $258 million budget with a 45% reserve. Officials warned that with no tax increase since 2002 and state revenue impacts from House Bill 6, the city must discuss long-term financial sustainability soon.
Marland Boulevard Mill and Overlay Project
The citywide street micro-surfacing project is underway and expected to finish around June 12, with signage posted ahead of work on each street.
Community Development Block Grant Application
The commission was scheduled to adopt the annual certifications required to keep the city's federal Community Development Block Grant funding in good standing.
Sale of Industrial Airpark Land to Mewbourne Oil Company
The city is selling about 21.75 acres at the industrial airpark to Mewbourne Oil for $1.21 million, keeping the company's $11 million expansion — and its jobs — in Hobbs.
Lovington Highway Trail renovation
A JF Maddox Foundation grant of up to $2 million will fund redesign of the popular trail, including $350,000 to remove invasive pampas and weeping love grass and add low-maintenance landscaping.
Roof Replacement MOU for City Facilities
Resolution No. 7792 would set up an MOU with the New Mexico Self-Insurers' Fund to replace roofs at the Motor Vehicle Department and the Prairie Haven Memorial Park Chapel — deferred maintenance that matters to staff and visitors.
JF Maddox Foundation Trail Landscape Grant
Resolution No. 7796 would let the Mayor sign a grant agreement with the JF Maddox Foundation to redesign and renovate the Lovington Highway trail landscape — a visible improvement to a well-used path.