Land acquisitions and more money for UNMH top commission agenda

Some big buck property expenditures are on the table for Bernalillo County commissioners to debate at their May 15 meeting. 

Also up for consideration is an amended resolution to establish a process for hiring a county manager, extending a tax to support the University of New Mexico Hospital and increasing money for public art.

Tax for UNM Hospital

Commissioners will vote on a resolution that proposes to place a question on the November ballot regarding the continuation of a mill levy tax dedicated to funding operations and maintenance of the University of New Mexico Hospital and Mental Health Center.

Since 1999, the county has collaborated with the UNM under a long-standing lease agreement, mandated by the Hospital Funding Act, to support the hospital’s operational and maintenance needs through a mill levy. This funding is critical for the hospital to retain skilled staff, expand behavioral health programs, and maintain high-quality healthcare facilities.

The proposed ballot measure seeks voter approval to extend the mill levy for an additional eight years, ensuring continued funding until 2032. In fiscal year 2023, the mill levy provided UNM Hospital over $120 million.

Land Grab

Three land parcels are up for purchase approval. Two key pieces of property are up for acquisition with state Department of Finance grant monies. One piece is a vacant lot at 704 Wyoming Blvd. NE, near Los Altos Golf Course for $1.1 million. The property is zoned for multi-use housing and may be developed into affordable housing.

The second piece of vacant land is on the southeast corner of Alvarado Dr. SE and Acoma Rd. SE. It is also zoned for multi-use housing and will cost $498,000. Both parcels are covered by state grant money that must be used or will revert to the state. 

A third piece of property is at 317 Wyoming Blvd. NE. American Rescue Plan Act money to the tune of $400,000 will be used to buy this piece, which is slated for urban agriculture use. 

Other items on the agenda include:

• Approval to fund $3.7 million for the Alameda Drain Trail Phase 4 project with grants from the state Department of Transportation.
• A proposal to amend the Art in Public Places ordinance to raise the percentage of general obligation money to be used for public art from 1% to 1.5%
• Approval of the collective bargaining agreement with the Bernalillo County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
• Amendments to the Bernalillo County water wells ordinance.