Ballot question: Shall Sandoval County impose a one-eighth of one percent gross receipts tax (current rate is 6 percent in outlying parts of the county, 6.9375 percent in Rio Rancho and 6.8125 in Bernalillo) which shall be dedicated to the Rio Rancho Metro Regional Transit District in equal portions for the purpose of management, operations, capital, planning, construction or maintenance of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and for the management, operations, capital, planning, construction or maintenance of the Rio Metro Regional Transit District system, pursuant to the Regional Transit District Act?

Analysis: Voters in the Rio Metro Transit District (Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia Counties) are being asked to raise their gross receipts tax by one-eight cent per dollar to fund regional transportation. The current Gross Receipts Tax in Rio Rancho is 6.9375 percent, meaning that for every $100 of gross revenues for a business, the tax is $6.94. The one-eighth percent increase would equate to a 12.5 cent addition to taxes on gross revenues for a business, making the new tax 7.0625 percent. For every $100 of gross revenues, businesses would pay $7.06.

The Observer says: As Rio Rancho and the Albuquerque area continue to grow at a rapid pace; transportation is going to continue to be a huge issue. A coordinated regional transit system will alleviate congestion on our highways and provide a potentially cheaper means of travel for the area’s residents. In ecological terms, more people sharing rides to work via rail and bus means fewer people in cars and a reduction in greenhouse gases and smog. Maintaining our air quality and great views is a vital concern. And providing options for working class residents to get to work in an affordable way is also a boost for the economy. Additionally, a good transit system makes our area more attractive to companies who are thinking of relocating to Rio Rancho. The Observer says vote Yes on the Regional Transit Gross Receipts Tax. Sandoval County Property Tax Levy

Ballot question: For the purpose of supporting hospitals in Sandoval County, shall Sandoval County impose a tax levy of 4.25 mills each year, for not less than four years and not more than eight, on each dollar of net taxable value of property in Sandoval County to pay to contracting hospitals in accordance with health care facilities?

Analysis: Based on calculations for a home with an assessed value of $200,000: The taxable value is one-third ($66,666.67). The mill levy in Rio Rancho is currently 28.414, which equates to a base bill of $1,894.27. A 4.25 mill increase for hospitals would equate to an additional $283.33 in taxes per year for a home with an assessed value of $200,000.

The Observer says: While it’s true that Rio Rancho is one of the largest cities anywhere without a hospital, we’re not convinced that this is the proper method of funding. The additional taxes are anticipated to generate more than $13 million a year to be used for healthcare contracts with providers throughout the county and primarily for the construction of the new Presbyterian and UNM facilities. Many in the community have expressed concerns with this levy. Among those concerns is the fact that many of the people paying to support these hospitals will not be using them. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Mexico users will not be covered by Presbyterian and officials from both hospitals have admitted that even if the tax fails, they will continue their plans for development. The Observer says vote No to the Property Tax Levy.

Ballot question: Shall the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority be authorized to issue in one series or more, the Authority’s general obligation flood control bonds, in the aggregate principal amount not exceeding eighteen million dollars for the purpose of defraying in part the cost of the extension, betterment, alteration, reconstruction, repair and other improvements of the Authority’s flood control system, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing channels, dams and appurtenances useful or convenient for the interception and transportation of flood waters and all necessary lands, interest in lands, easements and any other cost of said project; the bonds being payable from general (ad valorem) tax proceeds and any other covenants and agreements and with such other details as the Authority’s Board of Directors may determine?

Analysis: SSCAFCA covers flood control issues west of the Rio Grande to the Rio Puerco, north to US 550 and south to Bernalillo County. The current SSCAFCA tax is 1.482 mills with .870 mills going to debt and .612 going to operational costs. The current proposed bond is an extension of a previously approved bond. A Yes vote would extend the .87 mill debt service so that $18 million in bonds can be authorized and used for the construction of dams, channel stabilizations and improvements, drainage improvements and other construction and maintenance projects to keep Rio Rancho safe in the event of future floods.

The Observer says: Contrary to popular belief, a Yes vote on the SSCAFCA issue would not raise the tax rate for property owners. However, it is true that a No vote could lower the rate on an assessed property value. A Yes vote would keep the current SSCAFCA mill rate set at 1.482 mills, .612 of which goes toward operational costs. SSCAFCA has set their priorities and will spend the money in areas they have determined to be the most in need. In order to fund projects that will keep residents’ homes safe in the event of flooding, The Observer says vote Yes on the flood control bond question.