Funding will benefit UNM-Taos infrastructure

$2 million for upgrades to Klauer Campus – safety, security, ADA upgrades

As part of the General Obligation Bond Act, the vote for improvements made to University of New Mexico-Taos – and specifically the Klauer Campus south of Ranchos de Taos – is on the ballot this year for Taos County voters.

Bond Question C: What is it?

Bond C asks voters whether or not they want to allocate $2 million in state funding to UNM-Taos for upgrades to its Klauer Campus facility with “safety, security and ADA upgrades.”

What does it do?

Bond C, according to UNMTaos, will help with parking lot improvements; security, cameras, lighting and improvements to sidewalks; and completion of the Klauer Campus Loop.

The bond will create about 20 new jobs in construction in Taos, and the money will help pay for “construction and other supplies, the employment of local people and out-of-town workers staying, shopping and eating in our community.”

How does it benefit Taos?

The university says that voting in favor of Bond C will “protect the investments” already made in the past to infrastructure at UNM-Taos – such as the STEM Center for science, technology, engineering and math – and also “helping maintain the quality of higher education in our area and state – allowing residents of local towns to receive a quality education at an affordable cost.”

How does it affect property taxes?

Taxes remain unchanged related to the bond. They will not increase or decrease whether or not the bond passes, according to the state.

Do I vote yes or no?

The university said that voting “yes” for this bond won’t increase property taxes because it is a continuation of an already existing tax. UNM-Taos said that when the bond failed back in 2010, property taxes didn’t drop either.