UNM-LA Bonds FAQs
1. Why is UNM-LA requesting money from the community?
The UNM-LA branch cannot receive money from The University of New Mexico main campus in Albuquerque. UNM-LA’s financial resources come primarily from local and state funds. Particularly, it is a state requirement for UNM-LA to match 25% of state funding with local money for capital projects. The bonds would fulfill this obligation. This is Los Alamos’ community college. Without local community financial support, the college could not operate at its full potential. The success of the school means success for community members from high school students to adult and lifelong learners, and everyone in between.
2. What are the UNM-LA general obligation bonds?
The advisory board for The University of New Mexico Los Alamos Branch (UNM-LA) Community College District is asking Los Alamos County voters to decide on $3 million of general obligation bonds for campus improvement projects. The state will match the county’s $3 million in support with another $9 million, providing a total of $12 million towards UNM-LA capital improvement projects.
3. What will the bonds be used for?
The bonds will support construction and/or remodeling of outdated buildings and utility facilities on the Los Alamos campus. Note, the state has the ultimate authority on what capital projects are approved. Specific examples of projects are:
- To bring the campus up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
- Replace leaking roofs
- Update 1940s elementary school buildings for higher education needs
- Upgrade IT systems and equipment for improved student learning
- Modernize safety and energy efficiencies in buildings
Without modern, up-to-date facilities designed for current teaching methods and community involvement, UNM-LA will be challenged to recruit students and faculty and help them be successful in the 21st century.
Recent campus improvements include:
- Building 6 remodel
- Start of building 2 remodel, including stucco and new roof
- Expansion of the welding and machine shop classroom to increase enrollment capacity
- Phase 1 of the front entrance improvement project that includes a new staircase and parking lot update to improve ADA standards, safety and wayfinding
4. Why doesn’t UNM-LA currently have bonding authority?
In the 1990s UNM-LA lost its bonding authority due to a misstep in the process to maintain it. Now the college is asking to gain bonding authority back as well as for $3 million in general obligation bonds.
5. How will the bonds benefit me?
UNM-LA is your local community college located in Los Alamos across from the high school. Capital project improvements will increase the quality of degrees and other offerings for you and those around you. UNM-LA programs and services meet a variety of student needs and interests. We offer:
- Certificate programs to prepare students for the workforce and further education.
- Associate degree programs that provide students with the foundations for transfer to universities or the skills they need for advancement in the workforce.
- Community and continuing education for lifelong learning and retraining.
- Customized training courses for local businesses and organizations.
- Small business development seminars through our Small Business Development Center.
- Adult Education programs including High School Equivalency (HSE), citizenship, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
- Bachelor’s degree programs in certain key disciplines.
- Dual credit courses for high school students.
6. I’ve heard that bonds can increase the amount of taxes that I pay. Will these bonds increase my taxes?
Yes. The bonds would be paid through residential and non-residential property taxes. The current residential tax rate for higher education is $1.795 mills. The UNM-LA general obligation bonds would be an increase of .501 mills — a 27.9%increase for a total of $2.296 mills. The same additional .501 mills would apply to non-residential property, creating a 25.1% increase for a total of $2.501 mills.
Examples of a .5 mills increase:
7. How is the bond question presented on the ballot?
Shall the Advisory Board of the University of New Mexico Los Alamos Branch Community College District, be authorized to issue up to $3,000,000 of general obligation bonds for the purpose of erecting, furnishing, constructing, purchasing, remodeling and equipping buildings and utility facilities, exclusive of stadiums; making other real property improvements; purchasing grounds; and purchasing and installing computer hardware and software; or any combination of these purposes?
8. In more simple terms, what does the bond question mean?
It is a two-part question asking voters to decide:
- Whether to authorize UNM-LA bonding authority; and
- Whether to authorize up to $3 million in general obligation bonds.
9. I see a Bond 3 (also known as the GO Bond) on the ballot too. How is this different?
Bond 3 is asking for statewide higher education funding. These bonds will not raise taxes because they will come online as other bonds are sunsetting. The UNM-LA Bonds would specifically improve the Los Alamos campus. County residents may also recall that there was a school bond on the ballot last year. Those bonds did not increase taxes. For more information on Bond 3, visit investinbond3.com.
10. When is the election?
- The general election is November 5.