Village of Questa Administrator and Financial Director Karen Shannon says that opting into the L.E.A. will save the Village between $12,000 to $13,000.

The vote was split between the Council with Councilors Brent Jaramillo and Katrina Gonzales voting in favor and Councilors Louise Gallegos and Jason Gonzalez voting against. Mayor Ortega broke the tie in favor.

“I don’t think it will be our choice after the next couple elections so we can make the decision ourselves or let the state make it for us,” Mayor Ortega said “with a heavy heart.”

Prior to the decision, the elections for the Mayor and Council seats were set for March in even-numbered years, the next election would have been in 2024. With this vote to opt in to the L.E.A., the elections will be shifted to odd-numbered years. The next municipal election will be pushed back by 20 months from March of 2024 to November of 2025

A recording of the June 29 special meeting of the Village of Questa Council is available at Questa del Rio News’ Facebook page. https://bit.ly/3OcsnKD