Third year in a row

President Donald Trump is making a third attempt to eliminate the Higher Education Grant Program, which is administered by the Dept. of Interior and provides federal funding for scholarships to tribes, including the Navajo Nation through a P.L. 93-638 contract. The Trump Administration zeroed out funding for tribal scholarships in the FY 2021 federal budget released Feb. 17.

“I absolutely disagree with the budget proposal put forth, but the Navajo Nation has tremendous support from House and Senate members who will stand with us to support Navajo students and funding for college,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said.

Rose Graham, director of the Office...

Possible reduction of voting members

The Gallup City Council heard the reading of an ordinance that amends the Business Improvement District Ordinance to bring the BID into compliance with the New Mexico statute that enables the creation of BID districts at their Feb. 18 meeting.

This is the aftermath of a lengthy discussion the council had with several members of the BID during their meeting  Dec. 10. The council debated whether or not to dissolve the BID or update the ordinance with clear directions to guide the BID into fulfilling its duties.

Some of the amendments requested by city councilors in the December meeting included the requirement of a monthly report, individual...

First time in nine years

The Gallup City Council heard a presentation about their FY19 annual financial audit report by the Albuquerque-based accounting firm Hinkle and Landers, PC during their Feb. 18 meeting.

Farley Vener, President and Managing Shareholder of Hinkle and Landers, gave the presentation.

Vener said the City of Gallup’s accounting practices were consistent, and several adjustments were provided by the city to Hinkle and Landers as requested. There were also no significant difficulties with performing the audit.

“Overall, everything was just very smooth,” Vener said.

The city received an unmodified, or clean, opinion for both the financial statements and the...

New concert series planned after dances, Ceremonial

Last November, the Gallup City Council heard a presentation from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce about potentially shortening the season for the Summer Nightly Indian Dances in 2020.

This proposal came after the financial results showed a drop-off in visitors and revenue after the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial started in the first part of August.

Tourism and Marketing Manager Jennifer Lazarz presented the contract to the council during their Feb. 18 meeting. The contract states the upcoming dance season will run for 75 days starting May 25 and will cost $55,000 in Lodgers Tax funds.

Dist. 4 Councilor Fran...