Commentary: I am mad as hell - - Las Cruces is again threatened with more taxes. There is a proposal to have a general obligation (GO) bond election for $35 million. A home owner with a house valued at $100,000 would have to pay approximately $67 a year in additional property taxes to fund various projects. Las Cruces property owners should be angered at this audacity. The ballot will include parks and sports fields improvements and adjustments, $14.35 million; walking, jogging and biking trails improvements and additions, $4.75 million; a new fire station #3 building, $6.15 million; and a new animal services center, $9.8 million. If this is approved, the city officials hope to have a bond election to raise our taxes every four years. This is insane. If you are on a fixed income (seniors and disabled homestead) you will be affected most by this outrageous bond issue. At least El Paso exempted seniors and disabled Homesteads from increased property taxes.
First we had the irresponsible Spaceport America tax. Then we had the imposition of the three-eighths of 1% Hold Harmless Gross Receipts Tax in 2014 when the total impact of the declining revenues won’t occur for 15 years if ever. There were three bond issues - $23,075,000 (2015A Series); $4,020,000 (2015B Series); and $8,585,000 (Series 2016). This was also for street, public facilities and infrastructure improvements. How was all this money spent? The Hold Harmless gross receipts taxes by both Las Cruces and Doña Ana County has resulted in double taxation. It does not seem the city staff knows how to handle a budget. Their answer seems to be more spending and more staff. There is even a proposed 24% increase in water rates. Las Cruces should be concerned with bigger issues: mental health, homelessness and the promised trauma center.
The GO bond election will be conducted entirely by mail. Ballots with the bond questions will be mailed to all Las Cruces registered voters Ballots likely will be mailed two to three weeks in advance of the election, and Aug. 21 will be the deadline to return them. Ballots will be postage paid. So make sure if you are against more and more taxes to vote "No."