In a pivotal meeting on February 8, 2025, the New Mexico House Appropriations and Finance Committee discussed significant adjustments to employee compensation within the judicial system. The committee is considering a targeted pay increase aimed at addressing salary disparities among court employees, particularly those in the lowest pay tiers.

The proposed plan includes a 2% increase above the already allocated 4% for these employees, with an estimated budget of approximately $1.4 million earmarked for this purpose. The discussion highlighted the need for a structured approach to distributing these funds, with suggestions to implement a 50/50 split of the increase over two years. This would involve an immediate allocation of $700,000 this year, with the expectation that the Senate would match this amount next year.

Committee members expressed concerns about overlapping funding sources for behavioral health and public safety initiatives, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that new allocations do not duplicate existing resources. They are actively working to identify and mitigate any potential overlaps to maximize the effectiveness of the funding.

The conversation also touched on the types of employees who would benefit from these increases, including custodians, bailiffs, and court security personnel. The committee aims to ensure that the raises are equitable and reflect the needs of the workforce.

As the committee moves forward, the focus remains on finalizing the compensation package and addressing the broader implications for employee morale and retention within the judicial system. The next steps will involve refining the proposed budget and collaborating with the Senate to secure the necessary funding for these critical salary adjustments.