Article Courtesy of Cari Lemon

On Monday, October 17, at Western New Mexico University's Miller Library, three panelists participated in a public conversation about the funding opportunities for state and county institutions. Karen Whitlock moderated the discussion. During this election, voters have the choice of whether or not to vote for the General Obligation (GO) Bonds B & C and the Mill Levy. Gilda Baeza-Ortego, WNMU librarian and director, explained how Bond B would impact the libraries in the state, and specifically Miller Library.

As she explained, there are four types of libraries: public, school, academic, and tribal. While the costs of maintaining resources for libraries have escalated, funding has not. At least 92% of expenses have increased over the past several years. The passing of Bond B will benefit all libraries in the state of New Mexico with no increase of taxes. Specifically, Miller Library stands to receive $74,000 if Bond B is passed. Libraries strive to bridge the technological gap for those individuals that do not have access to a computer or the internet in their home. Public libraries are a center for events, provide classes for all ages, and serve a diverse population. Academic libraries, like Miller, provide technological resources, materials for students, books, publications, and resources for research level materials. Academic libraries are also essential for accreditation of universities. In 2014, the academic librarians in NM collaborated to subscribe to electronic databases so that more students have access to a wider array of research resources. The libraries shared the cost of this invaluable resource. This is one example of a huge expense incurred by libraries and how staff is working together to meet the needs of the community while leveraging their limited funds.

WNMU President Joseph Shepard discussed Bond C, which will directly impact WNMU. Again, with no tax increase, WNMU could receive $5 million. Of that, $2 million will go to Harlan Hall, the Natural Sciences building on campus. It has not had major renovation since it was built. These infrastructure projects address and correct many of the on-going accessibility, risk, and safety constraints that currently exist at Harlan Hall and on campus. In order to be competitive in the STEMH (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Health) fields, there is a need to have modern equipment that students can use to conduct research and complete other projects. The remaining $3 million will go to plan, design, demolish, construct, improve, landscape, equipment, and upgrade infrastructure for the campus. Funding for infrastructure is critical for Harlan Hall and the main campus. To be clear, the money would not materialize until the spring. With these improvements, WNMU, as an institution, will be better suited to deliver quality programs needed for an increase in enrollment.

Brian Cunningham, CEO of Gila Regional Medical Center, explained the proposed mill levy. The mill levy represents how much of an owner's property's taxable value will be charged in real estate taxes. Each "mill" represents a tax of one-thousandth of a dollar for each dollar of the assessed value of the property. GRMC is one of the last rural hospital in NM to engage the community for support, while fourteen other counties currently support their hospitals. GRMC is non-profit and owned by the county. With continuing cuts in state supplemental payments and insurance reimbursements, the hospital is increasingly challenged to earn enough of a profit margin each year to purchase the capital equipment and building needs necessary to replace aging equipment and remain current with advances in the medical field. GRMC faces at least $5 million in costs for equipment and building maintenance annually. If passed, the GRMC 4 Mill Levy will provide the hospital with approximately $3.3 million a year. A 4 Mill Levy increases the amount of property tax you pay by $4 per thousand dollars of the Net Taxable Value (NTV). For example, $100,000 property value ($33,000 NTV) equals $11 per month increase in property tax or $0.36 per day increase in property tax. This is a 4-year levy starting in 2017 and will sunset at the end of the fourth year. All funds received will be strictly allocated for capital equipment and building upgrades only and will be transparently reported to the GRMC Board of Trustees and the Grant County Commissioners. Some examples of those projects are: construction, upgrade, and/or expansion of the Labor and Delivery Rooms and the Surgical Recovery Rooms; equipment upgrades include an echo cardiogram unit, CT scanner upgrade, X-Ray upgrade; facility maintenance include plumbing replacement and air handling replacement. If the mill levy is not passed, the likelihood of a reduction in medical services is certain.

The main request from all panelists is "to vote, just vote." Early voting began October 11 and continues through November 5. Election Day is November 8. For more information, please go here.