Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

 

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).  Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

 

 

F I S C A L    I M P A C T    R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR

Lopez

DATE TYPED

2/6/04

HB

 

 

SHORT TITLE

Bernalillo-Albuquerque Merger Elections

SB

SJR 8

 

 

ANALYST

Collard

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

 

 

$40.0

Non-Recurring

General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

Conflicts with HJR 9

Relates to SB 62, SB 422, SB 438

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From

Secretary of State

Attorney General

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

Senate Joint Resolution 8 limits the number of elections on the merger of Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque to no more than once every eight years at a general election, amending Article 10, Section 11 of the Constitution of New Mexico.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The Secretary of State indicates the administrative implications of this bill will cost the agency $40 thousand.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

The Secretary of State indicates minimal administrative implications.  The office must prepare for a ballot with Spanish and Native American translations, print in one newspaper per county, run radio ads and printing of general election voter guide. 

 

CONFLICT, RELATIONSHIP

 

House Joint Resolution 9 repeals state constitutional procedures that would allow for the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County to merge into a single urban governmental entity.  Passage of House Joint Resolution 9 is contingent upon a vote submitted to the public at the next general election or a special election prior to that date.

 

Additionally, the Department of Finance and Administration notes Senate Bill 62 limits all mailed ballot elections to elections that reorganize local governments.  Senate Bill 62 is in reference to the failed November 2003 election to merge the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. 

 

Other related legislation also includes Senate Bill 422 and Senate Bill 438.  Each senate bill creates the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Act.  Proposed legislation creates an entity that is a subdivision of the State of New Mexico.  The newly created entity would control utility rates and provide for the issuance of revenue bonds for the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County area.

 

KBC/yr