Bernalillo County voters will get to decide in November whether to support $40.5 million in capital projects ranging from a wrought iron fence to several new athletic fields.

On June 25, the Board of Commissioners approved the list of projects for the general obligation bond issue and the questions that will be placed on the general election ballot.

District 5 Commissioner Eric Olivas proposed the changes that created the package that will be sent to voters. He said the bond package is well-balanced and residents in all parts of the county will benefit from its passage.

“Did I get everything I wanted?” he asked rhetorically. “Probably not, but there are some really good projects.”

Those projects include the Tijeras Biozone Education Center, which is in his commission district, but he said is an attraction for all residents who want to learn about local geography and the ecosystem.

General obligation bonds allow the county to raise money for capital projects, such as new public buildings, parks and vehicles or renovations. After selling the bonds, the county can spend the money right away. Bondholders are paid back over time from the county’s annual revenue.

That money is often combined with general fund dollars, legislative appropriations or state or federal grants.

Where the money will go (big picture)

At Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners considered staff recommendations but ended up allocating more money to parks and recreation, storm drainage, public housing and libraries and less money to public safety facilities and transportation. The final package came together after the board made changes to a list of projects proposed by county staff. 

• Staff proposed allocating $11.2 million for public safety facilities, fleet, and county buildings. Commissioners allocated $8.8 million.
• Staff proposed allocating $11.4 million for transportation. Commissioners allocated $10.7 million instead.
• Staff proposed allocating $10.9 million for parks and recreation, but commissioners increased that to $11.7 million.
• Staff proposed allocating $4.4 million for storm drainage and utilities; commissioners increased that to $5.1 million.
• Staff proposed allocating $1.5 million for libraries, and commissioners increased that to $2.5 million.
• Staff proposed allocating $1.1 million for public housing; commissioners increased that to $1.7 million.

Words of support

Commission Chair Barbara Baca said the package includes education, leisure and recreation projects as well as important infrastructure improvements.

“It’s a well-rounded program that will serve our community well,” she said Friday.

“I’m particularly happy we were able to bring the library bond back up,” she said, adding that the money will help with building improvements and acquisition of new materials.

Olivas said the bump in housing money in the final package is an acknowledgment of homelessness as a major concern for the county.

Where the money will go (specifics)

Major projects on each of the ballot questions include:

• Libraries: $500,000 for the renovation of the South Valley, East Mountains and North Valley branches.
• Public safety facilities, fleet, and county buildings: $1.4 million for a fire and rescue aerial tower.
• Parks and recreation: $1.5 million for Sandia Ranch upgrades.
• Transportation: $2 million for the third phase of the Bridge Boulevard project.
• Storm drainage and utilities: $2 million in matching funds to secure a federal grant for drainage improvements.
• Public housing: $1 million for affordable housing for seniors.