election: bernalillo county general obligation bonds proposed for host of projects

Both Bernalillo County’s Public Safety Center at 401 Roma Avenue and the Juvenile Justice Center at 5100 2nd Street NW could see facility work if voters in November pass a $35 million general obligation bond.

The two projects will be listed as question number two on the ballot and, together, will receive $3.6 million in bond funding.

The Public Safety Center work would center on an upgrading of that facility, while a new courtroom would be built at the Juvenile Justice Center.

Other projects that will be funded if voters approve the county’s general obligation bond include  security improvements to the Bernalillo County Public Works equipment yard at 2400 Broadway Boulevard SW; and an upgrading of the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention and Youth Services Center, also at 5100 2nd Street.

Up to $1 million will be delegated in general obligation funding for an analysis looking at the redevelopment and upgrading of the county’s Fire Station 36, which is located in the North Valley; and Station 43, in Tijeras.

General obligation bond funding to the tune of $4.5 million will additionally be used to purchase a new building or make modifications to an existing building that would house a shared training academy facility for the Bernalillo County Sheriff Office, the Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue department, and the Metropolitan Detention Center cadets.

Members of the Bernalillo County Commission in August approved the projects to be included on this year’s general obligation bond ballot.

Officials say the county currently has around $955 million in capital needs, but only $212 million in funding from federal, state, and local sources.

By Garry Boulard

---