State auditor releases 'at risk' list

Texico is not the only municipality in eastern New Mexico on an “At Risk” list from State Auditor Joseph Maestas.

Also on the “At Risk” list are Santa Rosa, Tatum and Vaughn. According to the just-published list of “At Risk” entities, Texico has not submitted an audit since 2020. Santa Rosa, Tatum and Vaughn last filed audits with the state auditor in 2021.

Texico City Clerk Connie Harrison was unavailable for comment on the matter.

According to a press release from Maestas, the list alerts public agencies that have not filed annual audit reports required by law or that are otherwise at risk of being noncompliant with state financial reporting requirements.

“Transparency and openness are my top priorities,” Maestas said. “Highlighting these at-risk entities and finding ways to help them achieve financial compliance will only better serve the citizens of New Mexico.”

Maestas said the updated “At-Risk” list added 11 new municipalities to the five on the previous late audit list and added six counties.

“These numbers are concerning and finding its name on this list, this should be a wake-up call for any entity to get their financial house in order,” Maestas said. “We have to find ways to shrink the list and not add to it. We have a lot of work to do, and my office is dedicated to finding ways to eliminate the “At-Risk” list altogether.”