I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Looks like the government is happy to create jobs financed by public dollars—only a few tax hikes are in order before the new projects can begin. Mayor David Coss of Santa Fe is trying to convince residents to swallow a slight increase in property taxes to raise money for infrastructure works.
Mayor Coss and City Councilor Carmichael Dominguez are working through the details of a $30 million city bond. City voters will have an opportunity to decide whether they want the additional spending in the March elections.
More from the New Mexican:
Officials estimate the property tax levy to pay off the bonds would cost about $70 a year — or just under $6 a month — for the owner of a $300,000 home.
The bond proposal differs from a plan earlier this year to hike property taxes that was intended to help balance the city operating budget. That idea was scuttled after officials decided instead to use reserve funds to make ends meet for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
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POSSIBLE PROJECTS
Among projects on a tentative list for funding through a voter-approved general obligation bond:
• $5 million to renovate trails or plan and build new trail connections.
• $5 million for a large park in the southwest sector in the Tierra Contenta development.
• $3.5 million to build and equip a new fire station to serve areas that will soon be annexed into the city’s jurisdiction.
• $3 million worth of park improvements not addressed in a 2008 park improvements bond.
• $2 million to install broadband Internet connections at strategic locations in the city for the use of businesses and residents.
• $2 million for renewable-energy projects such as photovoltaic solar collectors.
• $2 million for improvements to more than 50 substandard arroyo drainage features in the city.
• $1.5 million for renovations to the police department headquarters on the city’s southwest side.
• $1 million to buy land for affordable housing or to build houses or provide down-payment assistance.
