Bernalillo County voters approved $40.5 million in bond spending, meant for improvements large and small in every corner of the county, according to unofficial election results.
The bond package consisted of six separate questions.
The parks and recreation question passed with 79% support as of Wednesday. It includes $11.7 million for improvements, new fields and infrastructure for the Mesa del Sol Regional Outdoor Sports Complex and replacement of the skate park at Los Vecinos Community Center.
Voters supported $10.7 million in transportation bonds, by a margin of 74% to 26%. Those projects include the third phase of the Bridge Boulevard construction project and improvements to Atrisco Vista Boulevard and Coors Boulevard.
Bonds for public safety facilities, fleet, and county buildings passed 74% to 26% to the tune of $8.8 million. That money will go toward planning, design and construction of a new early childhood education center, sustainability upgrades at county-owned buildings, roof replacements at two fire stations and other projects.
A request for $5.2 million for storm drainage and utilities was approved by 78% of voters. That money will clear the way for federal grants for drainage projects (many require a local match), lift station upgrades and a flood zone plan.
Voters also approved $2.5 million for libraries, 72% to 28%. That money will go toward capital improvements and expanding the materials collection at 19 library branches.
The smallest amount, $1.7 million for public housing, has been described by county officials as part of an overarching local strategy for combating homelessness. County commissioners are also seeking more than $100 million from the New Mexico Legislature.
The housing bond money will go toward improvements at the Seybold Village and El Centro housing complexes in the South Valley. The question had the lowest support in the early stage of counting ballots, with 69% of voters in favor.
County commissioners in public meetings this spring expressed a desire to prioritize projects that could be completed, or fully funded, with the bond money.
The county places a general obligation bond package every other year. The bonds are sold to investors, who are paid back with interest from county revenues.