Magdalena Trustees weigh infrastructure fixes

The Magdalena Village Board of Trustees met August 11 to review infrastructure upgrades, grant approvals and lingering concerns over road maintenance and county support. The meeting underscored the village’s ongoing efforts to stretch limited resources while preparing for emergencies and advocating for fair treatment from Socorro County.

Mayor Richard Rumpf announced that both the Magdalena and Hop Canyon fire stations will receive $134,945 each from the New Mexico Fire Fund this fiscal year. The first installment is expected this month, with the second arriving in early 2026.

Trustee Donna Dawson asked whether the funds would be split between the two stations. “Each one will get $135,000,” Rumpf clarified, rounding up the figure.

The board also approved a $21,119.62 generator installation for the Hop Canyon Fire Department, marking the final phase of a long-delayed project. Rumpf noted that the installation required upgraded power panels and line adjustments by Soccoro Electric, but fire funds will cover the cost.

“This generator project started back in ’24,” Rumpf said. “We’re finally getting it done. Hopefully, we won’t have a big emergency to use it, but if we do, we’ll be ready.”

Rumpf explained that the fire station in town has 52 emergency beds and a working kitchen, making it a key shelter site in case of disaster.

Trustees unanimously approved acceptance of a $5,000 New Mexico Grown Program grant for the Magdalena Senior Center. Clerk Juanita Puente explained that the funds will be used to purchase produce, dairy, and meat from New Mexico vendors.

“They have a website, and we buy from them,” she said. “This is only for food grown in New Mexico.”

The board approved a $7,866.17 propane tank installation for the village generator. Rumpf said it would support emergency operations at Village Hall and other facilities.

Two quotes for a new furnace and air conditioning system at Village Hall were reviewed, but trustees chose to table the decision to explore split-system options. A $17,044.16 roof replacement for the Marshal’s Office was also postponed. Rumpf said that the roof had been patched multiple times and contained obsolete holes from removed equipment, and a shared contractor may offer a discount if neighboring property owners agree to simultaneous repairs.

During public comment, resident Teri Winchester asked about the status of 10th Street repairs. Mayor Rumpf responded that the village has applied three times for state funding to fix the road, but costs remain prohibitive.

“We get $10,000 back from the county for property tax, that’s about three buildings’ worth,” Rumpf said. “Every time I’ve reached out, the hand is out.”

He recalled a past incident where the county charged $1,500 to move a grader three miles, plus $1,000 for the job itself.

Ray Martinez, former Socorro County commissioner spoke during the public comment as well and noted that because Magdalena is incorporated, it is responsible for its own streets. He encouraged the village to pursue DOT grants, which can cover up to 90% of costs, depending on hardship status.

Rumpf said the village is working to close out existing grants before applying for new ones. Preparatory work on Oak Street and north cul-de-sacs is scheduled to begin by the end of August, using a surface treatment proven successful in other parts of the state.

Mayor Rumpf also explained that, as for Kelly Road, resurfacing is expected in September once updated paperwork is submitted to the state. The project will involve tilling the existing road, rolling it and applying two layers of chip seal.

Dawson also brought up potholes on Elm Street. Rumpf said he would inspect the area the following day.

Mayor Rumpf has also confirmed that he and trustee Clark Brown will not be seeking reelection this year per an announcement in magEboard.