Bond
issue B funds renewal, expansion
Election
set for Nov. 5
Every two
years New Mexicans have the opportunity to vote on an issue
that impacts UNM and other colleges, universities and special
schools throughout the state. On Nov. 5, citizens will once
again have that opportunity.
In addition
to providing capital funds for colleges and universities, General
Obligation Bond Issue B will provide funds for the State Schools
for the Deaf and for the Visually Handicapped, information technology,
full-day kindergarten classrooms and funds to help meet the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The $93
million Education Bond B provides funding for infrastructure,
core building renewal and renovation and expansion of classroom
and library space at many colleges, universities and state schools.
If passed,
UNM and its branch campuses will receive $13.4 million from
Bond B. This includes $6.95 million for infrastructure improvements
at the main campus, and Gallup and Valencia campuses, $3 million
for facility expansion at the Valencia and Taos campuses, $1.5
million for cleanroom equipment at the Manufacturing and Technology
Training Center on main campus and $2 million for patient care
equipment at the Health Sciences Center.
Bond B
will be repaid by a property tax assessment of about 34 cents
per $1,000 of a propertys taxable value. For example,
the additional cost to the owner of a $100,000 home with a $33,000
taxable value will average $11.35 per year. The owner of a $50,000
home will pay approximately half that amount. These are estimates
and retirement of older bonds can affect tax impact of new bonds.
Bond issues
have been a traditional and reliable method for financing school
improvements in New Mexico. Voters have
been supportive of the bond issue for education for the past
several years, said Dolores Gonzalez, UNM Advancement senior
program manager.
KNME TV,
Channel 5, will air a bond information show on Sunday, Nov.
3 at 2 p.m.