Sun-News report

LAS CRUCES - Nicholas Eckert and Jeff Gray could have the "interim" designations removed from their titles Monday.

The Mesilla board of trustees will consider approval of the promotions when it meets at 6 p.m. at Mesilla Town Hall, 2231 Avenida de Mesilla. Trustees will also likely approve two adjustments to the budget for the current fiscal year that could increase operational funds by more than $254,000.

A DWI grant would give the town an additional $4,800 for saturation patrols, and trustees will likely accept a $250,000 Safe Routes To School grant that would pay for future infrastructure improvements to make it safer for students attending Mesilla Elementary or Zia Middle School, both which are within the town's limits.

The grant could be used for a wide variety of improvements, such as additional bicycle lanes, re-striping roads near schools, installing or adding bicycle racks or constructing or improving sidewalks.

Eckert and Gray are about to complete six-month probationary periods. In late July, the two were promoted to their respective positions of town clerk/treasurer, and town marshal. Eckert succeeded former Town Clerk Juan Fuentes who resigned to become finance director for the city of Truth or Consequences, and Gray replaced Marcel Jojola, who retired as marshal.

If Eckert and Gray are elevated to the permanent status, they would do so with no additional salary.

"When we were promoted, it was with the understanding that we would

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remain at the salaries we're already being paid," Eckert said.

Eckert, 30, has been a town employee for five years. He began as an administrative assistant to Fuentes but worked his way into the position as the town's community development director. He is one of the youngest chief municipal administrators in New Mexico.

Like Eckert, Gray, 44, also worked his way through the ranks in the Marshal's Department. Before becoming the interim marshal, Gray was Jojola's top deputy.

If you go

•What: Mesilla board of trustees meeting.

•When: 6 p.m. Monday.

•Where: Mesilla Town Hall, 2231 Avenida de Mesilla.

•Information: Interim Town Clerk Nicholas Eckert, (575) 524-3262, extension 105.