By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Rio Rancho’s District 4 council seat has sat empty since Paul Wymer traded his councilor badge for the mayor’s gavel in May. That changes Thursday, when the Governing Body votes to confirm attorney David Mann as Wymer’s replacement.
Who’s getting the seat, and why
Mann, a 12-year District 4 resident and general counsel for Rio Rancho Public Schools since 2022, beat out ten other applicants and two other finalists after Wymer’s monthslong search. City Charter rules give the mayor 60 days to name a replacement and the council final say — if councilors balk, Wymer goes back to the drawing board with a new appointee. Assuming they don’t, Mann pockets a $22,113.84 annual salary and holds the seat through the March 2028 municipal election.
Budget lock-in
Ahead of the state’s July 31 deadline, the City of Rio Rancho is scheduled to adopt its final fiscal 2027 budget on July 23, incorporating actual year-end cash balances. The plan addresses a $3.7 million reduction in available general fund dollars that was driven by inflation and lower-than-anticipated expenditure savings.
To maintain a structurally balanced budget with a projected $29.5 million ending general fund balance, the city deferred a $1.25 million city hall office remodel and $350,000 in parking lot improvements, while also cutting the Tulip Road design budget by $2.7 million. Despite these adjustments, the finalized budget accommodates a $381,542 increase for union personnel and non-union pay enhancements, recognizes $1.3 million in state and federal grants, and preserves a $16.4 million balance in the utilities operating fund. Following local approval, the financial plan will be submitted to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to meet the state’s certification requirements.
Bernalillo’s courthouse land grab
Sandoval County and the Town of Bernalillo want Rio Rancho’s blessing to annex roughly 7.8 acres currently sitting inside city limits, all so the county can legally expand its 13th Judicial District Court complex — state law requires the county seat’s facilities stay within Bernalillo’s borders. The project would add three civil courtrooms, two hearing rooms, a grand jury room and space for the Magistrate Court, addressing what county officials call a chronic courtroom shortage.
More on the agenda
- A rezone for an indoor soccer facility on 29th St. SE cleared the Planning and Zoning Board 5-0 last month and returns for council action.
- Public works is asking councilors to award a $2.34 million contract to TLC Company for the Western Hills Drive rebuild (Cabezon to Southern), plus a nearly $2 million design contract to NV5 Inc. for the Loma Colorado Boulevard extension toward Broadmoor.
- A postponed site plan for an expansion at Sagebrush Church on Enchanted Hills Boulevard returns to the public hearing docket.
- The city is also set to donate a mobile stage to Sandoval County and fill five open seats on citizen advisory boards.
Rio Rancho Governing Body Regular Meeting
Thursday, July 23, 2026 — 6 p.m.
Council Chambers, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE
Stream live: rrnm.gov/2303/Watch-and-Download-City-Meetings
Zoom: Meeting ID 833 3815 7719 / Passcode 554297 / Dial +1 720-707-2699
Want to speak? Register in person with the City Clerk at least 15 minutes before the meeting starts — required for public hearing items, ordinances and discussion items. Written comments are accepted by the Clerk before 4 p.m. the day of the meeting.