Magdalena Village librarian resigns

The village of Magdalena had a special work session in the morning and a regular meeting on May 12.

At the work session, the board discussed the approval of the fiscal year 2026 interim budget and postponed the vote until Financial Officer Michael Steninger could be present.

Mayor Richard Rumpf reported that Steninger wasn’t available due to a family emergency and presented recommendations, including using the $58,120 cash balance to allocate $30,000 for a SCADA system and $28,000 for a vacuum machine. He also recommended 5% raise across the board for all employees, $2 an hour raise for the Village Clerk, Carleen Gomez.

Rumpf reported that the village librarian, Yvonne Magener, turned in her resignation, and he recommended that the position be reverted to part-time at 29 hours a week.

He said the EMS fund would be reinstated as a budget line item but not expected to receive money. Law enforcement recruitment funds will end in June. He said the village will request $10,000 from the County again this year for the Senior Center.

Rumpf reported that Magdalena and Hop Canyon fire departments maintained their ISO rating, and he is expecting over $100,000 in funding in two installments over the next year.

He said they may have to schedule a special meeting to approve the preliminary budget. He suggested that board members send specific questions to the clerk’s office so they could forward all the questions to Michael Steininger, who could not be present.

Public Comment

Magener spoke up at public comment concerned about the financial statements made by Steninger at previous meetings.

“I was a bit surprised. Mr. Steininger said that the library is funded by the council $55,000. No half of that is grant money and GO bond money and state money. So it gives a wrong impression. I know I constantly hear that the library does not bring anything to the village, but I beg to differ; libraries are essential,” Magener said.

Terri Winchester also suggested rearranging the meeting format to allow public commentators to speak before votes take place. She explained that she was addressing the public meeting agenda item to ensure her voice would be heard prior to the vote on approving funding for the Burro Race.

Regular Meeting

The council approved $1,200 of lodgers tax funds for the Magdalena Burro Stampede, set for June 29. Rumpf reported that the Frontier Festival is due to receive a $1,000 donation from Walmart to offset costs. The board also approved the rehiring of a former joint utility worker employee, an assistant clerk position, and promotions at the senior center. The council also agreed to reschedule the next meeting to Tuesday, June 27 due to Memorial Day.