Schools seek bond money

WHAT:

General Obligation Bond Proposition B in the November General Election

AT A GLANCE:

Approximately $118 million for higher education in New Mexico hinges on voter approval of Proposition B. If the proposition passes, two regional institutions of higher learning will benefit.

Eastern New Mexico University seeks $4.5 million to renovate ENMU’s Music Building. The current structure was built in 1957. If the bond passes, classroom and practice facilities in the building would be renovated, according to an ENMU President Steven Gamble. The funds would also be used to slightly expand the Music Building Recital Hall, Gamble said.

“The building is in need of significant repair and this would give us the funds to make it a first-class music facility,” Gamble said.

Clovis Community College seeks $3 million for the construction of an Allied Health building that will support nursing, radiology, and emergency medical service programs, according to CCC officials.

“There is a national nursing shortage. It’s not just rural areas, not just New Mexico, it’s all over the country. Hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, etcetera, are having a real difficult time finding enough nurses to met the need,” CCC President John Neibling said.

Neibling said the new building could alleviate such shortages because it would allow medical programs at the college to expand. The new building could support 30 more nursing graduates a year, Neibling said.

COST:

Total estimated cost of Proposition B to property owners

$50,000 home = $5 per year for 10 years

$100,000 home = $10 per year, or less than $1 a month, for 10 years

$175,000 home = $18 per year for 10 years

* The net cost to property owners could be lower as older education bonds mature and retire, according to a CCC document.

WHEN: Early voting begins Oct.10 and general voting begins Nov. 7.