Below is a column from Mayor Swisstack that was published in the April 24, 2013, Rio Ranch o Observer newspaper

Welcome city manager; get involved in budget process

Earlier this week, Keith Riesberg began his tenure as Rio Rancho’s new city manager. In this role, Riesberg serves as the city’s chief administrative officer ultimately responsible for all the day-to-day operations of the services - from public safety to recreation programs, delivery of water to homes and businesses, and everything in between - that local government oversees. In addition, Riesberg is charged with carrying out the policy decisions approved by Rio Rancho’s governing body.

What impressed me about Riesberg’s résumé is his economic development experience, and the 12 years he has spent in the capacity of a city manager/city administrator. This background will be beneficial to the community as the city looks to bring more jobs and businesses to the area and expand its tax base to fund public services.

As a credentialed city manager through the International City/County Management Association, Riesberg will bring the highest level of professionalism to his position as the leader of all city employees. I also believe Riesberg’s first-hand knowledge of living and working in a city similar to ours in terms of population and growth challenges will allow him to hit the ground running in his new position.

As Riesberg, his wife and two young children settle into the community, I know that the friendly residents of our fair city will welcome them and make them quickly see why Rio Rancho is such a tremendous place to work, live and raise a family. However, I do encourage everyone to give Riesberg some time to formulate a response to the state’s official question of “Red or green?”

On another important subject, next week the governing body will begin a series of hearings to review the city’s budget for the coming fiscal year. As the governing body goes through the process of adopting a budget, community input is critically important. I encourage citizens to contact their elected officials with the thoughts and concerns they have related to the funding of public services in Rio Rancho.

The dates of the budget hearings are: Wednesday, May 1; Thursday, May 2; and Tuesday, May 7. All of the hearings will start at 6:30 p.m. and take place at city hall. The governing body will hear public comment regarding the budget during our May 8 and May 22 meetings at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

Recordings of meetings of the governing body are available on the city’s website, ci.rio-rancho.nm.us, and broadcast on the city’s RioVision government cable channel 15 (available to Cable One subscribers).

Sincerely,
Mayor Thomas Swisstack

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