FISCAL IMPACT REPORT
General Information:
(Check) Bill: X Resolution:
Short Title(s): Allowing Fishing in the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed for Specific and Limited Events
Sponsor(s): Councilor Paul Bustamante and Mayor Michael J. Garcia
Reviewing Department(s): Public Utilities Department
Staff Completing FIR: _Allan Hook, Water Resources Coordinator_ Date: 6/3/2026
Phone: (505) 955-4205
Reviewed by City Attorney: Date:
Reviewed by Finance Director: Date:
Summary:
The proposed bill would amend SFCC 1987, Section 25-1.9 to create a limited exception to the current
prohibition on fishing within the Santa Fe watershed. Fishing would remain generally prohibited except for
specific and limited fishing events on city-owned property and approved at a Governing Body meeting. The
proposed change would maintain existing watershed protections including prohibitions on trespassing,
bathing, hiking, camping, hunting, picnicking, grazing of domestic livestock, and unauthorized shooting,
while allowing specific and limited fishing events approved by the Governing Body.
Departments Affected:
Public Utilities
Consequences of Not Enacting Legislation:
If this legislation is not adopted, fishing activities within the Santa Fe watershed will remain prohibited
without exception.
Conflict, Duplication, Companionship, or Relationship to Other Legislation:
Resolution No. 2012-20 adopted the City’s Administrative Procedures for Santa Fe River Target Flows,
and Ordinance No. 2012-10 created Article 25-13 of SFCC 1887 regarding the Santa Fe River Target Flow
for a Living River Initiative.
Performance and Administrative Implications:
For several years the upper Santa Fe River watershed conditions have not been met, or the Santa
Fe River daily target flows have not been adequate to consider the Fishing Derby. In 2026, NM
Dept. of Game & Fish plans on a Free Fishing Day in September. This would be an opportune
FIR No. 10761.006/03/2026ANDREA PHILLIPS (Jun 4, 2026 09:41:01 MDT)06/04/2026

Adopted: 01/12/05; revised 8/24/05; 4/17/08; 2
time to successfully hold the Children’s Fishing Derby at Nichols Reservoir on city-owned
property at a location to be determined. The Fishing Derby provides opportunities for children and
families to join with neighbors to experience a fun and engaging day by the river, to learn about
the Santa Fe River and riparian ecology, and to learn fishing skills. If the Governing Body approves
the Children’s Fishing Derby event at Nichols Reservoir, City staff would devote time and
resources to planning for and holding the Children’s Fishing Derby as described above.
Fiscal Implications:
None at this time.
Fiscal Impact
x Check here if no fiscal impact

Expenditures
Expenditure Narrative:
Revenue
Revenue Type FYE 2026 FYE 2027 FYE 2028 Recurring (R) or Non-recurring (NR) Fund
General Fund $ $______ $
Special Revenue $ $ $
CIP $ $ $
Enterprise $ $ $
Internal Service $ $ $
Trust and Agency
Federal
$
$
$
$
$
$
Other $ $ $
Total $ $ $
Revenue Narrative:
Expenditure
Type
FYE 2026 FYE 2027 FYE 2028 Require BAR
(Y/N)
Recurring (R) or Non-
recurring (NR)
Fund 3-Year Total
Cost
Personnel and
Benefits*
$ $ $
Capital Outlay $ $ $
Contractual/
Professional Services
$ $ $
Operating $ $ $ $
Total: $ $ $ $

Signature:Email:Signature:Email:aghook@santafenm.gov