Executive Summary

• Annual FY 2020 Budget reduction of $31 million

• 100 positions were reduced, 46 employees

voluntarily resigned or retired from the City resulting in a savings of over $2 million of expenses. Many projects were delayed due to the uncertainty attributed to the pandemic and economic downturn.

• Cost recovery expectations were established for the Quality of Life services such as the Spring

River Zoo, Nancy Lopez Golf Course and Roswell

Museum and Art Center. While this was done to help reduce expenses due to the downturn, it will have a lasting impact on providing intended road funding as revenue begins to strengthen in the future.

• Our COVID response was tempered by ever-changing regulations from the state and federal level.

• Implemented a more robust communication outreach program including virtual outreach.

• Citizens were allowed to participate virtually in city business via GoToMeeting

• We Believe Studios was initiated to bring more contact and outreach from the City Council and

Staff to the public.

• Initiated the Great Blocks program in partnership with

New Mexico and Roswell Main Street.

• K-9 program was implemented to help turn the tide on the negative impacts that drugs are having in our community.

• Recycling efforts are being rebuilt through partnerships with private business.

• Early into the pandemic, the City initiated a postponement for utility shutoffs and penalties in an effort to assist our residents and small business managing through the state restrictions on gathering and operating. • Along with the extraordinary reduction in expenses,

General Fund reserves were increased from 1/12

to 3/12. The reserves are there if any of the future forecasting has been incorrect in estimating and further adjustments need to be made.

• The stakes are high, as census counts are used to allocate federal funding and determine the number of Congressional representatives for our state. The

City partnered with the Hispano Chamber and other organizations to increase the effectiveness of collecting the data needed for the Federal Census 2020. Our goal of reaching 50,000 will be known by mid-2021.

As Roswell’s City Manager and a member of the City staff, I can assure that everyone is working to support and implement the City Council’s goals and priorities. We oversee the delivery of a broad range of services to the community, strategically and prudently manage a significant fiscal portfolio. Throughout the completion of day-to-day tasks, we continually focus on long-term strategies to ensure quality of life in Roswell for years to come.

No one person does this work. We do it as a team. Our City Council leads through policy, shaping a vision for our government. Staff develops those decisions by thoughtfully, compassionately and efficiently delivering services and capital projects. Community members pour in time, serving on commissions, staying engaged on a range of issues and investing in Roswell, literally and through their passion.

I want to thank the Mayor and City Council, the Roswell community, and City staff for their resilience and commitment to keeping Roswell strong. This year has proven that no matter what challenges we face, the Roswell community is ready to respond and will take care of each other. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Roswell’s City Manager!

In community spirit,

JOSEPH W. NEEB

Roswell City Manager

We Believe!