GUEST COLUMN: A 'yes' vote for GO Bond questions improves public safety for all of Sandoval County

While this election has long-term consequences for our country, on a local level, it also has short-term consequences with long-term results for Sandoval County. I’m referring to the general obligation bonds questions. They will fund numerous projects, affecting multiple areas of our lives by assuring improved public safety and community living. Public safety is one of our county’s strongest suits in terms of quality of life. Please reflect on why you live here and why you continue to live here as you consider your vote on the general obligation bond questions.

First, before evaluating the questions, let’s address the question of property taxes. It is true that voting “yes” to all for GO Bond questions will temporarily and modestly affect property taxes. What is also true is that the numbers show that this increase translates into an $11 per year increase on a $300,000 home assessed at $100,000 — which is actually $3 less than you paid in 2023. Here’s what these “yes” votes secure for that $11 more a year.

Question 1 — Libraries: A “yes” vote will fund various projects for 17 county libraries. Libraries are not just about books anymore. They are resource centers and social hubs for all communities — rural and urban. Libraries keep us connected to each other and the world. They also provide people with a safe place and a source for information, resources and referrals when they need help.

Question 2 — EMS Service Communications: This “yes” vote will impact our 154,000 county residents, hundreds of New Mexico commuters who travel through our county daily, and thousands of visitors to our area. It funds the completion of the third of a four-phase program (started in 2018) by providing radio towers and public safety communications equipment for 911 communications throughout the county. It also finances the final stage of the Fire Suppression Water Project for the Placitas Library and Algodones Business Loop. If you or a loved one need emergency assistance from law enforcement or fire and rescue, don’t you want that call to come over loud and clear?

Question 3 — Animal Resource Center: A “yes” vote moves a much-needed, long-overdue addition to our county — an 11,000-square-foot Animal Resource Center that serves all of Sandoval County. The entire country is overwhelmed by abandoned and stray animals. Our county is no exception. We need to move now as this facility will mitigate animal cruelty. Remember, stray and feral animals need care and hopefully find “furever homes.” Without these, they are vulnerable, and so are we if these animals are left to roam.

Question 4 — Public Works: This “yes” vote provides for the replacement of county vehicles with more than 200,000 miles on their engines and for new, heavy-duty vehicles, too; it paves roads in Districts 1 and 5; it makes improvements to the bleachers at our fairgrounds; and it funds the upgrade to the County Rio Rancho Fuel Station so that it meets new regulations. All of these items increase public safety for the public and for the county employees who serve that public.

The projects identified in these GO Bond questions will make big differences in the lives of the people of Sandoval County. Your decision matters, and it contributes to the outcome. As a retired chief for the city of Rio Rancho’s Fire Department and a sitting commissioner for Sandoval County, I am voting “yes” for all four GO Bon questions. I ask that you do the same.

Michael Meek is the vice chairman of the Sandoval County Commission and represents District 3.