Stipends, food drive and updates at city meeting

The city of Socorro council approved a stipend of $500 for permanent employees and $250 for part-time and temporary employees costing the city approximately $70,000.

“The councilors and mayor have been very generous with raises over the last few years, but in the budget cycle this year, it was determined that annual raises would be held off until January,” City Manager Donald Monette said at the city Dec. 2 meeting. “Our grocery receipts have kind of leveled out, so we’re probably not going to be able to do the annual increases in January.”

He said the stipend is “to thank our employees for sticking with us through thick and thin.”

Christmas Food Drive

Councilor Damien Ocampo said the annual Christmas food drive will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20th, behind San Miguel Parish, from 10 a.m. to noon on a first-come, first-served basis. Police Chief Angel Garcia and his crew will also be there giving out toys, said Ocampo.

“The Jaramillos did it for so many years, and believe it or not, we’re in year six, so I think we’re 56, years old for the Christmas food drive. So thank you to the mayor, the council and the city for always being there to support it all these years,” Ocampo said.

He said anyone in need can drive up to receive assistance, and those unable to attend can contact him at State Farm he will deliver.

Socorro Shooting update

Mayor Ravi Bhasker asked Police Chief Angel Garcia if there were any updates on the Nov. 19 shooting.

“People have been asking me, ‘What about the people that were there?’” Bhakser said.

Garcia said those people are being dealt with as either suspects or witnesses.

“Thank you and the State Police for showing up in force and taking care of this,” Bhasker said, “But we’re still concerned about the number of guns and people that have different motives in this community.”

Garcia said he was concerned too and asked the public to call the police with anything that doesn’t seem right.

“It is unfortunate, but it’s happening more and more,” Garcia said.

The last meeting for 2025 will be at 6 p.m. Dec.16 at City Hall.