Santa Fe County Residents To Vote on Bond Proposals

Old cars stabilize a bank on the Santa Fe River near Frenchy’s Field. Bonds would pay for trail improvements on this stretch. (EDDIE MOORE/JOURNAL)

“I think these are good projects. I think they are needed projects in our community. Of course, it’s up to the voters to ultimately make the decision about whether we go forward,” County Commissioner Kathy Holian said.

Even if all three bonds are approved, property tax rates should remain flat, county officials said. Property taxes back the bonds.

Santa Fe County traditionally presents general obligations bond questions to voters every four years. It’s the first time in recent history that such a large amount is being dedicated to roads, county officials said.

Specific projects will be plucked from a capital improvement plan also approved Tuesday by the County Commission.

Over 30 road projects are planned, including $1.5 million for a bicycle lane on Old Santa Fe Trail, $1.5 million to pave General Goodwin Ranch Road and $900,000 to pave Herrada Road.

Water and wastewater projects include nearly $3.3 million for improvements at Quill Water Reclamation Treatment Plant, $1.2 million for aquifer recharge and storage and $1 million for water supply infrastructure to greater Glorieta.

Open space, parks and trails proposals include $3.9 million for work on the Santa Fe River Trail from Frenchy’s Field to Siler Road and $925,000 for El Camino Real Park, $676,000 for Mt. Chalchihuitl remediation, $259,000 for renovation design and construction on Bennie J. Chavez Park in north Santa Fe County and $200,000 for an open space design for Thornton Ranch.