By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Sandoval County’s Wednesday agenda comes fully charged. Commissioners will vote on bonds for two battery farms, a design to replace a Rio Puerco bridge that’s the only way in and out for some residents, and about $5.5 million in state road money.
Commissioners meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Bernalillo.
BATTERY FARM BONDS
Commissioners will vote on their intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for two battery storage projects on Exus Renewables North America land. Encino Storage LLC would build up to 110 megawatts, backed by up to $280 million in bonds. TAG II Storage LLC would build up to 90 megawatts in Rio Rancho Estates, backed by up to $230 million.
Wednesday’s votes issue no bonds. That takes a later ordinance and two weeks’ public notice. County documents say the developer, not the county, repays the bonds.
In exchange, Exus proposes annual payments in lieu of taxes: $2,800 per megawatt for five years, rising 5% every five years after. That’s $308,000 a year for Encino and $252,000 for TAG II. The county would get about 58%, school districts 42%, the meeting presentation says.
A BRIDGE AND ROADS
The county’s agenda summary says the Vallecito Bridge on County Road 13 has “major structural concerns,” flagged by the state Bridge Bureau. Commissioners will vote to accept a $782,400 grant to design a replacement. The state pays 95%. The county pays $39,120. The design will show the full replacement cost and whether crews can build in phases.
State grants of $2,015,500 and $2.5 million would design and build a landfill access road near 29th Avenue NW and Encino Road. Another $250,000 would fix Ojo Encino Road, potholes included. The county owes no match but covers overruns.
FOUR ZONE CHANGES, ONE VOTE
Four zone changes ride the consent agenda, which commissioners typically decide in one vote. Planning and Zoning approved all four unanimously Aug. 11, its minutes show.
Rhythm Road Energy LLC wants special use zoning for solar and battery projects on 561 acres in Rio Rancho Estates and 507 acres in the Encino Solar Subdivision. TAG II Storage wants it for 16 acres. A 1-acre lot would go rural commercial for what planners called the area’s first duplex.
Planning commissioners noted only neighbors within 100 feet get notice and urged on-site signs. On the duplex, they asked where the water will come from. The interim planning director said the county can’t require water it doesn’t provide.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA
County Manager Wayne Johnson’s State of the County says the county’s net position (assets minus debts) grew from $67.9 million to $186.7 million in five years.
Commissioners will also consider a $23.4 million judicial complex budget increase funded by the 13th Judicial District Court, US Bank as the county’s banker after six rivals bid, and former Rio Rancho Mayor Tom Swisstack for the District 5 seat on the Salary Commission. They will also mark 9/11’s 25th anniversary.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Up to $280M TK / $230M: bond ceilings for Encino and TAG II battery projects
- 110 MW / 90 MW: maximum storage capacity
- $308,000 / $252,000: proposed annual payments in lieu of taxes, years 1-5
- $5.5M: state money for roads and bridge design ($4,765,500 roads; $743,280 bridge)
- $39,120: county’s share of the bridge design
- $23.4M: judicial complex budget increase
Weigh in on Sandoval County’s agenda:
- When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 (next meeting: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14)
- Where: Commission Chambers, 1500 Idalia Road, Building D, Bernalillo
- Watch online: sandovalcountynm.gov
- Public comment, in person or online: sandovalcountynm.gov/commission/public-comment/