LCPS voters say yes to school bond, capital improvement tax questions
LAS CRUCES - Voters within the boundaries of the Las Cruces Public School district approved two proposed bond questions on their ballots for Tuesday’s municipal election.
More than 12,000 voters weighed in, with 69 percent agreeing to the “General Obligation School Bond” and 64 percent saying yes to the "Public Schools Capital Improvements Tax."
Both measures are renewals of existing bonds. Therefore, their passage will not result in an increase in residents’ property taxes, according to district officials.
The GO school bond will authorize LCPS to issue bonds totaling up to $50 million for renovations to school buildings. The funds could be used to build new school buildings, add to existing buildings, provide furnishings and technology, and to purchase or improve school grounds.
The GO School Bond is put before voters for renewal every four years. The last time it appeared on the ballot was in February 2018. At that time, it passed with 89 percent of voters supporting the measure.
Superintendent Ralph Ramos: What’s on the line when you vote
The Capital Schools Improvement Tax, which appears on the ballot every six years, asked voters if they wanted to continue to allow a $2 property tax on every $1,000 of net taxable property — the same level as when the question last appeared on the ballot in early 2016.
The tax is used to pay principal interest on the bonds issued by the district.
The two ballot measures are complementary — enabling the district to make capital improvements and pay for renovations, maintenance and other resources.
"Our goal is structured where we're not increasing the taxes," LCPS Chief Financial Officer Ed Ellison told the Sun-News in October. Ellison said the district has identified about $450 million in needed improvements in its most recent facility master plan.
Other school bond elections:
Damien Willis is a Lead Reporter for the Las Cruces Sun-News. He can be reached at 575-541-5443, dwillis@lcsun-news.com or @DamienWillis on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: LCPS voters say yes to school bond, capital improvement tax questions
