AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY; AUTHORIZING BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO LEASE PROPERTY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS--COMMUNITY VALUE.--The legislature finds that without the daily contributions and efforts of the thousands of worthwhile nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving sick and indigent persons in communities throughout New Mexico, the state would be inundated with constant requests for health, human and social services that it does not have revenue or resources to provide. The legislature finds that it is in the best interests of that population, as well as for all residents and taxpayers, that consideration be extended as real value recognition of the indispensable part these services contribute to the fabric of life in New Mexico.

     Section 2. Section 4-38-13.1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1984, Chapter 43, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "4-38-13.1. COUNTY EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY--PERMITTED USES.--

          A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board of county commissioners of any county except a class A county may contract for the use of county equipment or property for the benefit of community ditch associations, mutual domestic water associations or other public entities providing services to significant groups of county residents, which services could legally be provided by a governmental entity. In granting this permission, the board shall specifically describe the equipment or property to be used and the entity on whose behalf it will be used.

          B. A board of county commissioners may contract for the use of county buildings for the benefit of nonprofit organizations demonstrating a consistent history of service to sick and indigent persons in the county, which service could legally be expected to be provided by a governmental entity, at rates these organizations can be reasonably expected to pay while maintaining their full service commitment to their respective constituencies. Such contracts must set forth the respective value of services being provided to county residents and the relative value of the use of property provided by the county."