On November 6, voters in New Mexico will consider Higher Education Bond C that would make $119.4 million available for colleges and universities in the state, including $1.5 million for infrastructure improvements at ENMU-Roswell. ENMU in Portales would receive $9 million from Bond C for renovation and infrastructure upgrades of the Jack Williamson Liberal Arts Building. ENMU-Ruidoso would also receive $500,000 for infrastructure projects. NMMI will receive $5 million for the renovation of Lusk Hall. Because other bonds are retiring, the net increase in property taxes would be zero. Absentee voting is from October 9 to November 2. Early voting will be open from October 20 to November 3.
With the passage of Bond C, ENMU-Roswell plans to target several infrastructure problems associated with an aging campus. The boiler serving the west side of the Lawrence C. Harris Occupational Technology Center (OTC) will be replaced. The OTC boiler dates back to 1978. The roof will also be replaced on the Arts and Science Center (ASC). The ASC was a Walker Air Force Base structure built in 1954. The roof was replaced when the building was renovated in 1996.
“The Roswell campus has 34 buildings on 124 acres,” said Dr. Madden ENMU-Roswell president. “Our physical plant is a combination of former Air Force structures built in the 1950’s and other construction that dates back to the 1980’s. Many of our buildings are in desperate need of renovations or repairs. This bond issue will help us address some of the critical problem areas for the comfort and safety of our students, employees, and the public who utilize our facilities.”
Voters will also consider Library Bond B on the November 6 ballot. Bond B will provide $3 million to fund academic library acquisitions statewide. Chaves County will receive a total of $90,128.69 for public and school libraries. ENMU-Roswell will receive $34,239 if Bond B is approved by voters. The cost for Bond B is approximately 56-cents per year for a home with an assessed value of $100,000.
