At their regular meeting on June 10, the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to place a General Obligation, GO bond question on the Nov. 4 election ballot. This bond, if approved by voters, would authorize the County to issue up to $140 million in general obligation bonds, payable from general (ad valorem) taxes, to fund the planning, design, development, construction, renovation and enhancement of fairgrounds, recreational facilities and county buildings throughout Doña Ana County.
The proposed bond will allow the County to borrow the funds needed to complete these large-scale projects. Residents contribute to a GO bond by approving it through their vote.
The County would repay the bond through an increase in property taxes. For example, a resident with a property valued at $285,000 would see an increase of approximately $15 per month.
This bond represents a critical step forward in the County’s ongoing commitment to improving its facilities and community spaces. The projects funded by this bond align with key components of the County’s strategic plan, particularly Thriving and Natural World and Civic Muscle and Belonging. By investing in spaces that provide recreational opportunities, educational programs and community connection. This bond will allow the County to build upon years of progress to transform existing facilities into thriving hubs for residents. By funding these much-needed improvements, the County can ensure that its spaces are renovated, offer beneficial programming and are accessible to all residents, regardless of their location.
“Doña Ana County is a vibrant and growing community, and it is crucial that we provide safe, welcoming spaces where our families can grow stronger, healthier and more connected. Improving the quality of our facilities will not only enhance the lives of our residents, but also drive economic development,” Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez said. “This will attract new visitors, businesses and services to our county.”
Doña Ana County is committed to being transparent and working alongside residents to ensure these projects meet the needs of our community. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to County media channels and follow updates on the GO bond process and the development of future community projects.
Comments from Doña Ana County Leadership:
Commissioner Schaljo-Hernandez, Chair, District 1:
“We have not done a GO bond for a quality-of-life initiative in the history of Doña Ana County. We are the second largest county in New Mexico and next to the largest drivable city in our region. Our communities deserve these amenities and quality of life things.”
Commissioner Susana Chaparro, Vice Chair, District 4:
“We will be coming to the community to find out what you think is important. We will follow that. This will not be what we want, but what you want. We will support what the districts and communities need.”
Commissioner Gloria Gameros, District 2:
“If this passes, I am going to have community conversations in my district to hear how you want this bond to be used to better our community.”
Commissioner Shannon Reynolds, District 3:
“When I look at this, I look at it from the perspective of things I do. This equates to what I spend on one meal at McDonald’s.” The cost of this bond, in the grand scheme of things, is very manageable compared to the long-term benefits it will bring to our community.”
Commissioner Manuel Sanchez, District 5:
“We have piecemealed projects for the county over the years through capital outlay funds, thanks to our legislative partners. This bond will give us the ability to have funds to invest in this County and in our people. We are asking for our residents to join us in support of this bond because we are trying to do more. We need to improve the quality of life for the residents who are here now and for those who could come. Quality services and amenities matter to our current residents and for making this a desirable community for businesses. We hear our residents ask, ‘What is there to do here?’ We want to change that.”
County Manager Scott Andrews:
“In a recent Board retreat, economic development and quality of life initiatives rose to the top of the discussions. We have a young community and we want to have more opportunities for our families. Three things were identified: adding recreation centers in the northern and southern parts of the county, making improvements at the fairgrounds to include an amphitheater for concerts and other events, as well as making improvements to our 16 community centers.”
###