GUEST COLUMN: Bond votes will help improve Sandoval County

This November, Sandoval County residents can bring significant projects to fruition throughout the county by voting yes to the four general obligation bond questions on the ballot. Voting yes to these GO bonds supports our libraries, fairgrounds, public safety efforts and care of abandoned and stray pets.

Based on a $300,000 home with an assessed value of $100,000 moving the four GO bonds forward swill add approximately $11 a year to a resident's property tax bill — which is $3 less than it was just two years ago. This is a modest investment for a big return, and I encourage everyone to make it.

Like you, I know that prices have gone up for almost everything. I also know that this additional cost buys much more for the people of Sandoval County than the fast-food lunch or a couple of lattes with the same price point. You could say that $11 buys you much more than a latte.

Question 1: Library funds. A yes vote gives 17 Sandoval County libraries the ability to purchase books, media, furniture, and equipment and to perform small construction projects. Libraries are now hubs for people of all generations to gather, and the more libraries can offer — from books to read or hear to programming to computer stations — the better the community is served.

Question 2: Emergency service communications program. A vote yes allows Phase 3 of the four-phase program (started in 2016) to be completed. This project strengthens our ability to care for our residents throughout the county and in areas that have communication challenges due to rural topography and terrain. Also, these funds would complete the project that delivers fire suppression water to the Placitas library and Algodones business loop.

Question 3: Animal shelter. A bona fide Animal Resource Center for both cats and dogs would allow us to better serve our abandoned and stray animal populations, and this would happen when we vote yes to this question. There is no question that this needs to be done, and it needs to be done now as it is long overdue. Like the rest of the country, we have more animals needing fur-ever homes than ever before.

Question 4: Public works projects. Several projects would happen with a yes vote, and like all the projects discussed, these are important. This question funds repair work at the county fairgrounds, paving and repairing roads, buying trucks and a tractor, and making the Rio Rancho Fuel Station compliant with federal mandates.

My fellow residents of Sandoval County, as you take a look at the snapshot of these GO bond questions and how they will make our county better for all, isn't it worth $11 a year?