Rio Rancho residents will vote on three general obligation bond questions totaling $18 million during the March 3 municipal election, with early voting beginning Feb. 3.
The bond measures would fund road improvements, public safety facilities and equipment, and quality of life facilities without increasing property tax rates, according to city officials.
The largest measure seeks $12.4 million for designing, constructing and improving roads and underlying utility infrastructure. After accounting for required arts funding, issuance costs and contingencies, approximately $11.6 million would be available for projects.
City documents reviewed by The 528 show Rio Rancho’s street system requires increased investment beyond current recurring revenues. The city’s five-year capital improvement plan identifies $259.5 million in road project needs, with 57% of funding yet to be determined.
A second question asks voters to approve $4.4 million in bonds for public safety facilities and equipment, including vehicles and apparatus for police and fire departments. The measure would provide approximately $4.1 million for projects after deductions.
The third question would authorize $1.2 million for public quality of life facilities, with about $1.1 million available for parks, recreation and library services after required deductions.
City officials said approval of all three measures would not trigger a property tax rate increase because previously issued bonds have been paid off. The new bonds would replace retired debt in a continuation of the city’s bonding cycle.
If voters reject the measures, property owners would see a tax decrease of approximately $277 annually on a home valued at $300,000, according to city projections.
Under the Delma M. Petrullo Art in Public Places Local Ordinance, 1% of proceeds from each bond issuance must be dedicated to permanent public art.
Early voting begins Feb. 3 and expands Feb. 14, with Election Day scheduled for March 3.