Rio Rancho Mayor Greggory Hull and local first responders held a public meeting at the Cabezon Community Center, Jan. 30, to discuss the public safety bond plus another measure to fund road improvements.
The March 6, 2018 ballot will include two questions concerning road bonds and safety improvements, the first being: “Shall the City of Rio Rancho issue up to $10,000,000 of general obligation bonds, to be repaid from property taxes, for the purpose of designing, constructing, repairing, preserving, rehabilitating, enhancing and otherwise improving roads?”
The website further explored the bill by breaking down how the ten million dollars would be spent.
- “Abrazo Road (Unser Boulevard to Chessman Drive)
Reconstruction with an estimated cost of $1,712,803
- Country Club Drive (Southern Boulevard to end of roadway)
Mill and Inlay with an estimated cost of $1,305,248
- Meadowlark Lane (N.M. 528 to Sara Road)
Mill and Inlay with an estimated cost of $653,590
- Montreal Loop (Enchanted Hills Boulevard to Enchanted Hills Boulevard)
Mill and Inlay with an estimated cost of $1,059,116
- Rockaway Boulevard (N.M. 528 to Northern Boulevard)
Reconstruction with an estimated cost of $3,446,200
- Sundt Road (N.M. 528 to Tigris Road)
Mill and Inlay with an estimated cost of $1,223,490
- Public Art (local law requires that one percent (1%) of the proceeds of each general obligation bond issuance shall be dedicated for works of permanent public art that enhance the environment of the city)
- Bond issuance costs and contingency”
According to Rio Rancho’s government website, if costs are below the estimated amount, additional road work would be determined to be done. If the amount exceeds the estimated costs “road work would be eliminated.”
Abrazo Road, Country Club Drive and Rockaway Boulevard would also have water lines and water main replacements occurring during road work. The funding provided from existing Utilities Department resources according to the Rio Rancho government site.
The second question concerning road bonds and safety improvements is : “Shall the City of Rio Rancho issue up to $4,100,000 of general obligation bonds, to be repaid from property taxes, for the purpose of designing, constructing, repairing, preserving, rehabilitating, enhancing and otherwise improving public safety facilities and repairing, replacing or otherwise improving public safety vehicles, apparatus, and equipment?”
The website further brakes down the 4.1 million dollars and how it would be distributed:
- “Replacement of approximately 50 Police Vehicles
Estimated cost of $1,913,597
- Fire Ladder Truck replacement
Estimated cost of $950,000
- Fire Engine replacement
Estimated cost of $500,000
- Fire Water/Pumper Truck replacement
Estimated cost of $270,000
- Ambulance replacement
Estimated cost of $50,000
(Partial cost; remaining funding necessary to acquire coming from another already secured source)
- Self-Contained Breathing Equipment (Cylinders) replacement
Estimated cost of $4,470
- Public Art (local law requires that one percent (1%) of the proceeds of each general obligation bond issuance shall be dedicated for works of permanent public art that enhance the environment of the city)
- Bond issuance costs and contingency”
According to the website if the costs are below the estimated amount it will be determined to place additional public safety vehicle, equipment or facility needs. If costs exceed the estimated amount “some vehicle and/or equipment acquisitions would be eliminated.”
“The Road Bond is a continuation of a previous voter-approved road bond from 2016,” Hull said, “but the Public Safety Bond is new this year.”
Local first responders are hopeful for an approval on the Public Safety Bond, as it will buy new vehicles and safety apparatus for the first time in years.
Ron Vigil, Captain of the Rio Rancho Police Department, said his vehicle fleet is rapidly aging.
“We are currently sitting at 82 squad cars, and about 50 of those cars are over 100,000 miles, with a few others likely to reach that mark within the next year,” Vigil said.
Jessica Duron-Martinez, Rio Rancho Fire Inspector said fire crews shouldn’t have to worry about vehicle problems when responding to emergencies.
“We have a ladder truck that is over 100,000 miles, and a water truck that is out of service, as well as a couple other emergency service vehicles that need service as well,” Duron-Martinez said.
Duron-Martinez said the city needs the water truck because some rural service areas don’t have easy access to water.
“Our biggest thing is we want everyone who can, to get out and vote so we can get these passed and get them underway,” Hull said.
Meetings to discuss the given bond questions will continue at various locations until the March 6, election takes place with the next being February 15, at the Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado Blvd.
Nathan Barnes can be contacted on Twitter @Very_orNATE
