State fairgrounds discussion off BernCo agenda

A high profile item originally set for Tuesday’s Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners meeting has been removed from the agenda.

Commissioners were due to discuss the formation of a tax increment development district (TIDD) as part of possible updates to the state fairgrounds, but the item was pulled after supporters in the New Mexico Legislature changed direction regarding the funding source for the district.

The bill creating the special district would have authorized up to $1 billion in bonds for public infrastructure within its boundaries, secured by state gross receipts.

The county now awaits a master plan from the State of New Mexico for the 236-acre fairgrounds before proceeding, according to a news release. Once the master plan is completed, county commissioners retain the option to present and approve a TIDD using county funds to support redevelopment efforts at the fairgrounds.

“We want to ensure that any redevelopment at the state fairgrounds reflects the needs and desires of our community,” County Commission Vice Chair Adriann Barboa said. “It’s important that the state’s master plan is completed based on community input for true transparency and an aligned vision for the area before moving forward with a TIDD.”

The state General Services Department is expected to soon issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the creation of the master development plan.

Residents of the areas near the fairgrounds expressed their concerns last month about the future of the state fair at a special public meeting, many saying they don’t want the event moved.

Advance notice

Commissioners will consider some changes to their own meeting rules. A proposal from Chair Eric Olivas would see agendas for regular meetings published five days ahead of time.

Agendas for Tuesday meetings are required by law to be published by the previous Saturday. County officials generally post agendas the previous Friday. Olivas told City Desk ABQ that’s still not good enough.

“That’s not enough time for citizens to read it, much less weigh in,” Olivas said. “That’s barely enough time for commissioners to read it.”

A related proposal from Olivas would require two public hearings before final adoption of a resolution in most cases. Olivas said it bothers him that the commission can hear and pass legislation at the same meeting.

He said his proposal includes a provision that would permit suspension of the rules for a piece of legislation if four commissioners agree. That would allow the commission to move on urgent items, Olivas said.

“It’s a transparency/good government item for me,” Olivas said.

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