Voters OK LCPS mil levy that will generate $35 million

Posted 4/02/2008 07:47:00 AM

Voters on Tuesday approved a refinancing and restructuring of the Las Cruces Public Schools’ debt that will generate $35 million over the next five years to help with construction of three new schools and other projects.

With 28 of 28 precincts reporting, 2,625 voters, or 84.3 percent, voted in favor of the three-mil property tax levy, while 490, or 15.7 percent, voted against it. Turnout was relatively small – that adds up to 3,115 votes, and there are several hundred absentee and provisional ballots that will be counted today.

The yet-to-be-counted ballots won’t make a difference in the outcome.

“It’s very gratifying to see this support,” LCPS Superintendent Stan Rounds said in a news release. “This shows how important our schools are to our community. Our children truly do come first.”

About $16 million will help with construction of a new high school east of Las Cruces off Dripping Springs Road, and another $3.5 million will be used to equip the school. Some $4 million will help with construction of a new middle school, and $2.5 million will be used to equip it. Some $2 million will go to construction of a new elementary school, and $1 million will be used to furnish it.

The remaining $6 million will be used for improvements at existing schools and may also be used to purchase land for new schools.

Property taxes won’t go up as a result of Tuesday’s vote.