Las Cruces City Council approves $25M in projects, advances $20M bond plan
Las Cruces City Council approved nearly $25 million in projects and advanced a $20 million bond plan funded by a voter-approved gross receipts tax increase.
Funding includes immediate spending on public safety, roads and maintenance, with additional projects tied to voter-approved GRT increase
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces City Council approved two resolutions Monday authorizing about $25 million in maintenance and capital projects funded by a voter-approved gross receipts tax increase.
Council approved nearly $16 million in immediate spending for priority projects, including deferred maintenance, road improvements and public safety equipment.
The approved spending includes:
- $5.3 million for facility and asset maintenance
- $1.5 million for improvements at Hoagland Road and Alameda Boulevard
- $5 million for Las Cruces Fire Department apparatus
- $4.5 million for Las Cruces Police Department vehicles and a public safety driving track
Council also directed staff to apply to the New Mexico Finance Authority for $20 million in gross receipts tax bond financing to support additional projects.
Under the plan, 60 percent of bond proceeds — or $12 million — would fund maintenance projects, while 40 percent — or $8 million — would support new construction and improvements.
Planned maintenance projects include:
- $5 million for fire station improvements
- $4 million for street maintenance and traffic calming
- $2.4 million for public safety fleet upkeep
- $600,000 for facility maintenance and ADA compliance
Planned new projects include:
- $1 million for a joint public safety training facility
- $2 million for a new recreation center
- $2 million for library improvements
- $2 million for unfunded capital improvement projects
- $1 million for the future extension of Engler Road
The funding marks the first bonding cycle supported by revenue from the 0.325 percent gross receipts tax increase approved by voters in November 2024. The tax took effect in July 2025 and is expected to generate about $13 million annually for capital improvements.
Council also approved an ordinance clarifying restrictions on direct contact with city officials during the bid and proposal process. Council members also extended the city’s contract with WEX Bank for electronic fuel card services.
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