Feb. 25, 2008

Rio Rancho Journal

Small Increase a Big Investment (Editorial)

Talk about a small investment that promises to pay huge dividends: A proposed quarter-cent gross receipts tax for higher education could generate millions of dollars worth of investment in Rio Rancho, and benefit the careers of thousands of residents.
   
The sales tax, which would amount to 25 cents on a $100 purchase, will be presented to voters on the March 4 ballot.
   
By the time the proposed tax would sunset in 20 years, it would have raised roughly $20 million to help the University of New Mexico provide roads, sewer lines and electricity to a UNM branch campus adjacent to the recently approved campus of Central New Mexico Community College.
   
UNM would leverage that sales tax money to back bonds financing the infrastructure work. UNM expects to invest about $100 million in phase one of the campus— infrastructure, classrooms, library, administration and some research facilities.
   
But it all starts with one quarter of a cent, and a decision March 4 by the residents of Rio Rancho.
   
This is not an easy time for many people to forgo even pennies in their monthly budget, but a decision to open the way for full, four-year higher education in the heart of town could be a turning point for the city.
   
The UNM branch would complement the newly approved CNM campus, offering third- and fourth-year courses to follow up CNM's first- and second-year curriculum.
   
The Rio Rancho branch of UNM would focus on career-building, with specialties in nursing and allied health fields, business administration and social work. The curriculum would be "market driven," responding to the demands of the community, UNM President David Schmidly said in an interview with Journal reporters and editors. He anticipates lots of evening classes, and plenty of older students upgrading their careers.
   
The UNM/CNM campus will be close to Rio Rancho's new high school, and dual credit programs will be encouraged, Schmidly said. New Mexico State University will be encouraged to offer its hospitality industry courses at the branch. Highlands University will be welcome to offer its expertise in sociology.
   
Rio Rancho students will have full access to courses on the main campus, Schmidly said. A shuttle service will be set up, saving students on gas and parking fees.
   
If someone in your family were to attend the branch campus instead of driving over to the university every day, the money saved in gas alone could offset the quarter-cent tax. Schmidly said 5,000 current UNM students have addresses in Rio Rancho.
   
The City of Vision has always supported bond issues for schools, and people here take pride in the city's school system. In November, voters in northern Rio Rancho cleared the way for CNM to build a campus, even though it meant a property tax increase of $119 for every $100,000 of home value for them.
   
That was a demonstration of real commitment to higher education and the benefits it brings to a community.
   
UNM has demonstrated its commitment to Rio Rancho, too. It has bought more than 200 acres near the new downtown and started a master plan for its campus. It recently hired a vice president for Rio Rancho Operations.
   
Rio Rancho is not being unfairly singled out with this sales tax. In 2001, voters in Taos County approved a sales tax increase to raise about $4 million to help build the Taos branch of UNM.
   
The quarter-cent tax is supported by the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and by a handful of courageous candidates on the March 4 ballot.
   
It takes courage for a candidate— or a cash-strapped voter— to support even a small tax increase. But a vote for the Higher Education Initiative is a vote for the future of our city, and our children.