Police Station Renovation

In August 2025, the City of Truth or Consequences reached a significant milestone in its efforts to establish a new police station, successfully assembling a nearly $1 million funding package to renovate a building purchased in July of 2024.

With the recent approval of a $360,000 capital outlay grant, the city has finalized its primary funding sources for the project. The proposed financing includes:

$200,000 from the City Commission budget
$200,000 from Police Department Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) funds (with up to $250,000 available)
$360,000 through a capital outlay grant
An estimated $300,000 from the proposed sale of the current police department building

The future police station will be located in the former PNC Bank building at 210 Main Avenue, which the city purchased in July 2024 for $430,000. Constructed in 1977, the freestanding building offers several features well‑suited for law enforcement operations, including an existing vault, a sizable parking lot, prominent street‑facing signage, and a centralized downtown location. Together, these elements make the property both a practical and symbolic investment in the department’s future.

City officials, including the Mayor and City Commissioners, are now exploring the sale of the existing police facility to fully round out the renovation budget. Based on preliminary discussions with the project architect, the city remains confident that the renovation can be completed for under $1 million.

“This is a thrilling moment for our community,” said a city representative. “We’re making a smart investment in public safety, revitalizing an existing building, and doing so with a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility.”

In January 2026, members of the public were invited to an open house at the former bank building, where they toured the interior and reviewed preliminary project renderings and a draft floor plan. Police Chief Tavizon addressed attendees, sharing the vision for the new facility and answering questions from community members.

Public art associated with the new Police Department is funded through New Mexico’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program, a state‑mandated requirement that applies to qualifying public construction projects. Under the Art in Public Places Act, one percent (1%) of eligible capital construction or renovation costs for public buildings must be set aside specifically for public art and administered by New Mexico Arts, the state arts agency. These funds are restricted by law and cannot be used for police operations, staffing, equipment, or other public safety needs; they exist only because a public building is being constructed or renovated. The program ensures that civic facilities incorporate community‑focused artwork while supporting local artists, without reducing or diverting funding from essential public services.

Approximately $3,600 falls under the Art in Public Places (AIPP) program for this renovation project. City Manager Traci Alvarez called for the formation of an art selection committee to oversee the selection of artwork. In addition, the lobby will be open during Second Saturday Art Hop events and will feature rotating and visiting art displays by local artists, including youth artists.

UPDATE: 2/3/2026	Police Department Building — Project #25-J3167
PURPOSE	The purpose of the renovation is to convert a former commercial banking facility into a fully compliant, secure, and standardized police department designed to meet contemporary law‑enforcement operational requirements. The project involves reconfiguring the building to provide controlled public access, secure circulation patterns, and clearly separated public, administrative, and restricted areas. Upgrades will include hardened security features; dedicated spaces for evidence storage, records management, and interviews; secure staff work areas; and infrastructure to support modern policing functions. The renovation will bring the facility into alignment with applicable safety, accessibility, and building standards while leveraging the structure’s existing secure elements, such as the vault and durable construction. This adaptive reuse supports efficient police operations, improves officer and public safety, and provides a long‑term, cost‑effective solution for the city’s public safety needs.
TIMELINE	In final design.
SCOPE	The scope of the project includes comprehensive interior renovations to convert the existing structure into a fully functional, standardized police station. Exterior improvements will include secure perimeter fencing, enhanced lighting and security measures within the parking area, and upgraded signage to clearly identify the facility and improve wayfinding. The plan also incorporates site beautification elements to ensure the property is safe, functional, and visually compatible with its downtown surroundings.
BENEFITS	The renovation will provide significant operational and safety benefits by converting the former bank into a purpose‑built police station with secure, standardized infrastructure. Key improvements include the creation of a dedicated, hardened evidence room with controlled access and ample long‑term storage capacity, ensuring proper chain of custody and compliance with law‑enforcement best practices. The larger footprint of the building allows for a full station build‑out, including clearly defined public areas, restricted operational zones, secure staff workspaces, interview rooms, records storage, and administrative functions—all separated through controlled circulation and access points. Existing structural features, such as the vault and durable construction, will be leveraged to enhance security while new systems and layouts improve officer safety, operational efficiency, and public service delivery. Overall, the renovation results in a safer, more secure, and more functional facility capable of supporting modern policing needs and future departmental growth.
DISRUPTIONS	During the renovation, the public may experience temporary disruptions related to construction activity at the site. These may include limited access to nearby free public parking due to fencing, staging areas, and parking‑lot security improvements, as well as periodic construction noise during normal working hours. Pedestrian routes and traffic flow around the building may be temporarily adjusted to maintain safety, and construction fencing, equipment, and materials will be visible throughout the project. Entry points and access routes may also change as exterior security features, signage upgrades, and site beautification are completed.
MITIGATION STRATEGIES	The city will take steps to minimize construction‑related impacts on the surrounding area. Work will be scheduled during standard construction hours, clear signage will be posted to direct pedestrians and vehicles, and alternative parking options will be identified when feasible. Safety measures will be implemented to maintain safe pedestrian access near the site, and the public will be kept informed of significant changes or disruptions through city communication channels as the project progresses.
FUNDING	$200,000 from the City Commission budget $200,000 from Police Department Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) funds (with up to $250,000 available) $360,000 through a Capital Outlay Grant Agreement with NM Department of Finance
TOTAL FUNDING FOR PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT	$27,500 for site plans and floor plans from application engineer. $360,000 minus the allocation for art in public places at $3,600 which equals $356,400.
APPLICATION ENGINEER	Bill Buckley Solar Architects
ENGINEER	To be determined.
CONTRACTORS	To be determined.
RESOURCES	None at this time.