A runoff election to fill the seat of city of Rio Rancho municipal judge will take place on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. [Additional info...]

The city of Rio Rancho will offer residents the chance to dispose of household hazardous waste and pharmaceutical products for free on Saturday, March 13, 2010, in the parking lot of the Santa Ana Star Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle NE.

This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., is subject to weather, and proof of Rio Rancho residency (water utility statement and photo identification) is required.

For the household hazardous waste collection, the following guidelines will apply:

• Hazardous materials such as paints, antifreeze, solvents, oils, herbicides, pesticides, gasoline, cleaners and CFLs will be accepted
• All types of firearms and ammunition will be accepted
• Tires (limit four - no rims) will be taken except for truck, tractor, motorcycle and motorcross tires
• Refrigerators, hot water heaters, dishwashers, washers, dryers, freezers, stoves and air conditions that contain Freon will be the only appliances accepted
• No computers or household electronics will be accepted

The pharmaceutical collection will include controlled substances, pet medications, over-the-counter medications and prescription medications. Chemotherapy drugs, liquids, needles and items that can be injected will not be accepted. Illicitly manufactured controlled substances are not eligible for this collection.

Pharmaceuticals should be brought in their original containers and personal information may be blacked out. The Rio Rancho Police Department, along with agents from the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy, will be on hand to log and take all pharmaceuticals that are collected. Controlled substances will be properly disposed of with the assistance of event sponsor Waste Management. Non-controlled substances will be incinerated by Rinchem, Inc., a certified household hazardous waste contractor.

Proper disposal of pharmaceuticals protects public safety and our water resources. Expired pharmaceuticals in homes can be at risk for illegal use, or can poison children and pets. If flushed down the toilet, pharmaceuticals can pass through sewage treatment plants and septic tanks into surface waters, soils and groundwater.

These collections are sponsored by Waste Management, the state Tourism Department’s New Mexico Clean & Beautiful Division, American Tire and Service, New Mexico Recycling Coalition, and the city’s Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful Division, Police Department and Environmental Programs Division.

For more information, please call (505) 891-5015 or click the link below.

[Additional info...]

In recognition of the state’s Arbor Day, the city of Rio Rancho’s Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful Division (KRRB), Water Conversation Office and Esther Bone Memorial Library, invite the public to learn more about trees and water conservation on Saturday, March 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree Road SE.

Outside of the library, tree seedlings will be given to the public for free. Assistance from the Sandoval County Master Gardeners will be available to help pot the seedlings, which will help build the city’s urban canopy and improve quality of life. Also, the public can register to win two large trees (eight to ten feet) that will be given away.

Inside the library, there will be a special display of books related to conversation issues. Other activities will include “Story Lady” at 10 a.m. where children can learn about the importance of trees. In addition, children will receive free tree seedlings and learn how to plant them.

At 10:45 a.m., Linda Poe, Sandoval County Master Gardener, will provide a tour of the Water Wise Demonstration Garden that is adjacent to the library.

For more information about this event, please call KRRB at (505) 896-8389, the Esther Bone Memorial Library at (505) 891-5012, or click the link below.

This event is in conjunction with the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department’s urban forestry initiative, “Trees for Tomorrow.” While providing shade/natural cooling, one full-grown tree also generates enough oxygen to sustain two human beings.

Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful is a division of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. The Water Conservation Office is affiliated with the city’s Public Works Department.

This event is made possible in part by New Mexico Clean & Beautiful, a division of the state’s Department of Tourism.

[Additional info...]

The Governing Body will hold a special meeting pertaining to the city’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at 6 p.m. at Rio Rancho City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE.

This special meeting will be streamed on the city’s Web site, click link below, and broadcast on the city’s RioVision cable channels which are available to Rio Rancho Cable One subscribers.

[Additional info...]

The Thunderbirds will play their homes games at Rio Rancho's Santa Ana Star Center beginning fall 2010 [Additional info...]

The March 15, 2010, meeting of the city of Rio Rancho’s Parks and Recreation Commission has been canceled.

Board meetings are held at Rio Rancho City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE, on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Meetings are streamed on the city’s Web site and broadcast on the city’s RioVision cable channels which are available to Rio Rancho Cable One subscribers.

The Sign Ordinance Advisory Task Force is seeking input regarding the city's sign ordinances.

Citizens are encouraged to attend a public meeting with the task force at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at the Sabana Grande Recreation Center, 4110 Sabana Grande Ave.

The Sign Ordinance Advisory Task Force and its membership were established by the Rio Rancho Governing Body with the purpose of reviewing sign ordinances to ensure that the needs of citizens and businesses are being met.

Upon completing their review, the task force will provide a list of recommendations to the Governing Body for consideration.

For more information about the task force including future meeting dates and times, please click the link below.
[Additional info...]

Work that will take place the week of March 15, 2010, includes [Additional info...]

Western Hills Drive between Lariat Road and Southern Boulevard will be closed for reconstruction work from Monday, March 15 through approximately Saturday, April 12, 2010.

Nicklaus Drive, Lariat Road and Zaragoza Road will serve as detours for access to Western Hills Drive. Motorists are advised to follow posted detour routes.

The reconstruction of Western Hills Drive, including the replacement of water main lines, is funded by a road improvement bond passed by voters in March 2009.

More city of Rancho traffic and road construction information is available by clicking the link below.

[Additional info...]

The results from the city of Rio Rancho’s March 2, 2010, municipal election have been canvassed and certified as official by a district court judge [Additional info...]

Nicklaus Drive between Lariat Road and Southern Boulevard will be closed for reconstruction work from Monday, March 8 to Friday, March 12, 2010.

Trevino Drive, Western Hills Drive and Broadmoor Boulevard will serve as detours for access to Nicklaus Drive. Motorists are advised to follow posted detour routes.

The reconstruction of Nicklaus Drive, including the replacement of water main lines, is funded by a road improvement bond passed by voters in March 2009.

For more city of Rio Rancho traffic and road construction information, please click the link below.

[Additional info...]

The latest episode of Mayor Tom Swisstack's talk show has begun airing on the city's public, education and government cable channels.

In this installment, Mayor Swisstack interviews Joseph Maestas from the U.S. Census Bureau and Steve House, city of Rio Rancho Census Committee, regarding the 2010 Census. In addition, Jade Bock, executive director for the Children’s Grief Center, joins the mayor to discuss her organization and the resources they provide.

"It's my hope that citizens will find this show informative and that each episode provides them updates on issues and projects that are important to Rio Rancho," Swisstack said.

“Conversations with Mayor Swisstack” can be seen on RioVision cable channels 15 and 22 for those Rio Rancho residents who are Cable One subscribers. The mayor's talk show airs each day on Channel 15 at 6 a.m.; 7:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 5 p.m.; and 8 p.m. Channel 22 shows this program daily at 8 a.m.; 11 a.m.; and 6 p.m. Approximately every four weeks, a new episode airs on both cable channels in their regular time slots.

Episodes are also placed on the city's Web site, click link below, shortly after it debuts on RioVision.

Edit House Productions, LLC is the contracted service provider for the city's RioVision cable channels. “Conversations with Mayor Swisstack” is directed, produced and edited by RioVision staff.

Visit RioVision online at http://www.riovision.tv.

[Additional info...]

During the month of March, a variety of unique programs will be offered at both of the city of Rio Rancho’s public libraries.

The Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado Drive NE, will offer special programs including:

•Card Weaving Workshop
Card weaving, or tablet weaving, is a fun and easy way to create colorful bands, straps, belts and more. A $3 fee for weaving cards, which participants may keep, will be charged for this workshop.
Saturday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visit the Adult Information Desk to register for this class. Participants must be a minimum of 13 years old.

•Job Search Skills/Four-Part Workshop Series
Learn practical job-hunting techniques, stress management and network with other job seekers. Workshops will be presented by a licensed counselor/career consultant.
March 18: Workshop 1 - Getting Ready for Your Job Search
March 25: Workshop 2 - Developing Your Résumé and Cover Letter
April 8: Workshop 3 - Locating and Applying for Job Openings
April 15: Workshop 4 - Doing Your Best in an Interview
Workshops are free and will take place form 10:30 a.m. to noon. To register for one or all of the workshops, please call (505) 891-5013, ext. 3033.

•Concert: Pianist David Erskine
Mr. Erskine will play original compositions with a romantic, impressionistic flavor inspired in many cases by themes of nature.
Thursday, March 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Free tickets available at the Adult Information Desk

The Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree Road, will feature special programs and events highlighted by:

•Understanding Social Security Benefits
Eva Lujan, public affairs specialist for the Social Security Administration, will present a workshop on how to better understand Social Security benefits.
Saturday, March 6 at 10 a.m.
No registration required

•Concert: Celtic Coyotes
Enjoy Celtic music with a Southwestern twist performed by the Celtic Coyotes.
Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Free tickets are required to attend this concert and are available at the Adult Desk

•All About Bats!
Learn more about this mysterious creature through an entertaining program that will feature live bats.
Saturday, March 20 at 10 a.m.
No registration required

For more information about these programs and others being offered at both of the city’s libraries, click on the link below. You can also call (505) 891-5013 for the Loma Colorado Main Library and (505) 891-5012 for the Esther Bone Memorial Library.

[Additional info...]

At their Feb. 24, 2010, meeting, the Rio Rancho City Council approved the city and Rio Rancho Public Schools entering into an agreement for joint use of each other’s facilities, including priority scheduling and coordination of operations. The agreement was approved by the school district’s board, and signed by Superintendent Dr. V. Sue Cleveland, earlier this month.

“Getting this agreement in place has been a priority of mine as a park or community center is not adjacent to all residential areas in our city, but most do have a school facility in close proximity,” said Mayor Tom Swisstack. “I thank the school district, school board and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department for partnering to maximize use of facilities which will enhance quality of life for both the children and adults of Rio Rancho.

The agreement establishes guidelines that ensure that the city and school district are given first priority to use each other’s facilities after the scheduling requirement for its own programs have been met. For scheduling purposes, priority will be given to programs that provide direct benefit to youth.

By establishing this partnership, the city and school district will be able increase general community use of their facilities at no charge to either entity except for any special costs that stem from the operation of a program.

With this agreement in place, the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will look to expand programs such as basketball and track and field for elementary school children. In addition, the department will look to develop more adult programs similar to its recently launched program of pickup basketball games. These games take place at the school district’s high school gyms on Mondays and have attracted more than 70 participants.

The city and school district also intend to explore opportunities to reduce their collective costs through strategies such as exchanging services, rotating the responsibility for providing services and taking advantage of combined purchasing power.

For more information about the city and its Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, call (505) 891-5015 or click the link below.

[Additional info...]

Starting Monday, March 8 through Friday, March 19, 2010, the westbound outside lane approach to Nicklaus Drive on Southern Boulevard will be closed for telecommunication utility work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more city of Rio Rancho traffic and road construction information, please click the link below.
[Additional info...]

In just a few clicks you can inspire millions to recycle. How?

The Pepsi Refresh Project is a new program designed to give away millions of dollars in grants to fund ideas that make the world a better place.

In support of a highly effective national program America Recycles Day, Keep America Beautiful has been qualified to apply for $250,000 grants. This additional funding will help to make America Recycles Day even bigger and better in 2010. But the only way we can be successful is if YOU vote!

Only the projects with the most votes will win grants. You can help us by visiting the Pepsi Refresh Project Web site, please click link below.

To win a grant, we need your help - and we need your votes! You can vote for America Recycles Day (and up to 9 others) ONCE PER DAY throughout the month of March, from as many personal or business email addresses as you might have.

Registering is easy. The first time you enter the Pepsi Refresh page, you should "Join Refresh Everything;" and enter the requested info. You will then be able to vote by clicking the "vote for this idea" button next to every project "proposal."

We encourage you to vote for this important grant applications today and every day until the end of March. Enlist your friends and colleagues. Please vote now and vote often!

If you have any questions about the voting process, feel free to contact
Lynne Brooks at lbrooks@kab.org.

Sincerely,
The Keep America Beautiful Team

[Additional info...]

The new Community Center at Mariposa, located in the city of Rio Rancho, has delivered on the community’s goals of treading lightly in a delicate ecosystem while promoting a healthy lifestyle that is connected to nature.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) just awarded the building LEED Silver certification in recognition of its sustainable features. This is the second building in the 6,500 acre master planned development by High Desert Investment Corporation to achieve LEED certification.

“Constructing our second LEED certified building in Mariposa is a reflection of our strong commitment and leadership in building a sustainable community and providing a healthy environment for our residents.” Jack Eichorn, senior vice president.

The Mariposa Community Center is a one-story, 11,000 square foot building, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and a café available to all residents. Sustainability strategies begin at the site: parking areas were deliberately minimized to encourage pedestrian travel; open space was set aside and landscaped with native and adaptive plants to promote bio-diversity; and over 95 percent of the building’s spaces provide views to nature.

Both the building and landscape were designed to conserve water. Low-flow plumbing fixtures will use 35 percent less water for an estimated annual savings of over 62,000 gallons of water. Low-water use plants and efficient irrigation will save an additional 50,000 gallons per year. The Community Center is expected to use 17 percent less energy than typical, a difficult feat in a building with swimming pools. In addition, High Desert has committed to purchasing 35 percent of the building’s electricity from renewable sources to support local wind power and further reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

Low-emitting materials were used throughout the building to reduce airborne chemicals and encourage occupant health. Extensive, well-controlled daylight and protection of indoor air quality during construction provide additional health benefits. Sustainable materials including Forest-certified wood, pressed paper countertops, natural stone, and recycled rubber flooring are used throughout the Community Center.

The architecture is composed of familiar elements from New Mexico’s ancient vernacular, with a modern interpretation. The circular shaped café is reminiscent of kivas and acts to anchor the building to the site. This combination of solid mass and shaded glass ties the building to both New Mexico’s heritage and its sustainable future.

Design principal Bill Sabatini said “The design of the Community Center translates the materials, colors, and shading elements of the adjacent East Commons building to a more playful, pedestrian scale.”

Contributing to the success of the project and the LEED effort were: High Desert Investment, owner; Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, architect; Bohannan Huston, civil engineer; along with contractors Enterprise Builders, Chaparral Electric, Yearout Mechanical and many others.

For more information about Mariposa, please click the link below.
[Additional info...]

"Businessweek" magazine has named Rio Rancho as the fastest-growing city in New Mexico for 2010.

“Rio Rancho’s population has risen 53.8 percent since 2000 because employment opportunities have increased, a mix of housing options are available, we have one of the best school districts in the state, our crime rate is low, and maintaining quality of life is a priority in our community” said Mayor Tom Swisstack.

To identify areas in each state experiencing high growth, "BusinessWeek" partnered with the Gadberry Group, a location and population analysis company. Only those places with 10,000 or more occupied households were considered. Factors such as increases in number of households, income, and household net worth were used in making selections.

According to "BusinessWeek", communities who experienced growth over the last decade had the best mix of economic activity, access to job centers and a good environment for families. Noted by the magazine as contributing to Rio Rancho’s growth is the presence of companies like Intel and Hewlett-Packard (HP).

In Dec. 2009, HP opened a new customer service and technical support center in Rio Rancho’s City Center area. By 2012, HP will employ a minimum of 1,350 full-time employees at this center.

Visit "BusinessWeek’s" Web site (click link below)for the complete list of America’s fastest-growing cities in 2010.

In Nov. 2009, "BusinessWeek" named Rio Rancho as the best place to raise children in the state for 2010. Rio Rancho also had this distinction for 2009.

According to U.S. Census information, Rio Rancho is the state’s third-largest city with an estimated population of 79,655.
[Additional info...]

At the conclusion of a recent Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA) hot air balloon rally in Rio Rancho, members of the association volunteered their time and vehicles to collect debris from the mesa.

In conjunction with the city of Rio Rancho’s Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful (KRRB) Division, approximately 4.7 tons of debris was gathered from the mesa and taken for disposal by Waste Management.

“We can’t thank the association enough for their help in spotting debris from the air, which included a burned car,” said Jay Hart, director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. “We are looking forward to their event and assistance again next year.”

This mesa cleanup was in conjunction with AAAA’s “Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally” where nearly 100 hot air balloons launched near the corner of Northern and Unser Boulevards on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14, 2010.

KRRB coordinates numerous recycling, litter prevention, beautification and environmental education programs each year. For more information, please call (505) 891-5015 or click the link below.

KRRB is a division of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

Information about upcoming AAAA events can be accessed via their Web site, http://www.hotairballooning.org.
[Additional info...]

The city of Rio Rancho’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is looking for submissions for its annual coloring book, “Kids are Tourists Too.”

The CVB is seeking drawings that represent the most enjoyable things to do in Rio Rancho and the surrounding area, and at the same time would be fun for children to color. There is no limit to how many drawings can be submitted and this contest is open to all ages.

The deadline to submit drawings for consideration is Friday, March 19, 2010. Submissions can be delivered to the CVB offices located at the Santa Ana Star Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle NE, or can be mailed to:

Rio Rancho CVB
Attn: Gloria Whiting
3200 Civic Center Circle NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Submissions must be vertical line drawings on 8.5” by 11” white paper, and black ink is preferred. On the back of each drawing submitted, a name, age, home telephone number and home address must be clearly printed.

Those who have their drawings selected for inclusion in the coloring back will receive $10 per drawing.

A reception honoring those who had work included in this year’s coloring book will take place on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE.

For questions about this contest, please call (505) 891-7258. Visit the CVB online by clicking the link below.

[Additional info...]

On Sunday, March 14, 2010, from noon to 4 p.m. at O’Hare’s Grille and Pub, 4100 Southern Blvd., personnel from several different fire department and law enforcement agencies will raise money for cancer research by shaving their heads. [Additional info...]

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. Sign up today to take the city's next CERT training program. [Additional info...]

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, youth services librarian at the city of Rio Rancho’s Esther Bone Memorial Library, has received the Coretta Scott King Author Award from the American Library Association for her children’s book "Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal." This award is given annually to African-American authors and illustrators for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions.

“Having a city employee win this prestigious award is a tremendous honor for Rio Rancho and its public library system,” said Mayor Tom Swisstack.

Nelson’s book, with illustrations provided by R. Gregory Christie, tells the true story of one of the most respected African-American lawman in the Old West. "Bad News for Outlaws," is published by Carolrhoda Books, a division of the Lerner Publishing Group, and is available for checkout at the Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree Road SE, and the Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado Drive NE.

The American Library Association was founded in 1876 and provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services. The Coretta Scott King Award commemorates her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As an employee of the city’s Library and Information Services Department for nearly 16 years, Nelson’s duties at the Esther Bone Memorial Library include selecting print and non-print materials for the children’s and teen collections; programming for children; youth and adult reference services; and reader advisory.

Nelson has had nine children’s books published and has received numerous awards. She has been a librarian for more than 21 years and has taught English and writing at both the secondary and university levels. In addition, Nelson has been a reporter for a daily newspaper, a bookseller and school librarian.

A native of Pennsylvania, Nelson holds master’s degrees in English from Middlebury College and in library and information science from the University of Pittsburgh. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and associates degree in journalism and communications from Point Park College in Pittsburgh.

For more information about Rio Rancho’s public libraries, click on the link below.

[Additional info...]

Dex, Waste Management and the city of Rio Rancho’s Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful Division (KRRB) will collect outdated telephone books from Jan. 6 through March 13, 2010.

Residents are encouraged to bring old and unwanted telephone books to bins located throughout Rio Rancho. Collection sites include:

•City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE
•Sabana Grande Drop-off Recycling Center, 4114 Sabana Grande Ave.
•Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Lane
•Ether Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree Road
•Fire Station 5 located in the Enchanted Hills subdivision, 5301 Santa Fe Hills Blvd.

KRRB is a division of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. For more information, call (505) 896-8729 or click on the link below.

[Additional info...]

On Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, work that will allow for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Wilpett Road and Shiloh Road will begin. This intersection serves as an entrance to Cielo Azul Elementary School and homes in the Northern Meadows subdivision.

“Each morning the area around Wilpett Road and Shiloh Road is very congested with students walking to school, parents dropping off their children and residents making their morning commute to work,” said Patty Thomas, District 2 City Councilor. “This new traffic signal will improve safety for all of those who utilize this intersection.”

Following roadway improvement work, it is anticipated the traffic signal will be up and operational by the end of April 2010.

The project cost is approximately $236,000, and is being funded through Councilor Thomas’ discretionary funding ($40,000), a city of Rio Rancho Public Works Department special fund ($46,000), and $150,000 from Sandoval County’s New Mexico Department of Transportation cooperative agreement fund balance.

The city of Rio Rancho is installing a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Unser Boulevard and King Boulevard. It is anticipated this signal will be in place by mid-April 2010.

This new temporary signal will help guide traffic coming and going from the Northern Meadows subdivision, City Hall, Hewlett-Packard, the Santa Ana Star Center, and the forthcoming University of New Mexico West campus (opening January 2010) and Central New Mexico Community College campus (opening summer 2010).

The cost of the project is approximately $259,000 and is being funding by the road improvement bond passed by voters in March 2009.

The temporary signal will be in operation until the larger Unser Boulevard widening project the city has been planning and designing is completed.

This larger project includes intersection improvements on Unser Boulevard at Paseo del Volcan and King Boulevard, and the widening of this section of road to four lanes. The city anticipates this project going to bid in spring 2010 and to be completed by summer 2011.

Rio Rancho has been named by BusinessWeek magazine as New Mexico’s best place to raise kids in 2010. Rio Rancho earned this same distinction for 2009.

“More and more young families with children are calling Rio Rancho home, and this is testament to our tremendous public school system and public safety departments,” said Mayor of Rio Rancho Tom Swisstack. “This ranking is evidence that Rio Rancho’s commitment to quality of life projects and initiatives is getting noticed and on the right track.”

For BusinessWeek’s annual list of best places to raise kids, they teamed with OnBoard Informatics, a New York-based real estate analysis provider, to select a community from every state. Communities with at least 45,000 residents and a median family income between $40,000 and $125,000 were used as a starting point.

From this starting point, the list was narrowed using weighted criteria such as school performance, number of schools, household expenditures, crime rates, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, diversity, and other amenities. Affordability, safety and school performance were weighted the most heavily when assessing a community.

To view the entire list, visit BusinessWeek’s Web site which can be accessed by clicking the link below.

[Additional info...]

Learn more... [Additional info...]

In early November, residents of Sandoval County, which includes the city of Rio Rancho, will receive their property tax assessments from the Sandoval Country Treasurer’s Office.

Payment for the first half of the 2009 taxes will be due Dec. 10 and the second half will be due by May 10, 2010.

How much the county collects from you in property taxes is based on property valuation/assessed value, net taxable value and the mill levy rate.

What is property valuation?

The value set on property by the county assessor is an estimate of the assessed value of your property using standard and acceptable appraisal methods according to state law.

What is net taxable value?

Taxable value is one-third of total assessed value minus qualifying exemptions such as head of household or veteran.

What is a mill levy?

A mill is 1/10 of $.01 or $.001 (one thousandth). A mill levy is the number of dollars a taxpayer must pay for every $1000 of assessed value.

Example

Based on voter approval in November 2008, an additional 4.25 mills will be added to property tax statements beginning this year to support hospitals in Sandoval County. The increased amount residents will pay as part of their 2009 property tax assessments due to a 4.25 mill levy increase depends on each individual property valuation/assessed value.

For example, if your property valuation/assessed value is $100,000, then your net taxable value is one-third this amount, or $33,333.33.

Your net taxable value ($33,333.33) is then multiplied by the mill levy (.00425) and this amount ($141.67) is the increase property owners can expect to pay due to the passage of an additional 4.25 mills to property tax to support hospitals in Sandoval County.

For questions about address and property ownership changes, tax exemptions or valuations, please contact the Sandoval County Assessor’s Office at (505) 867-7562.

For questions about tax assessments, please contact the Sandoval County Treasurer’s Office at (505) 867-7581.

For the county’s Web site visit http://www.sandovalcounty.com, or click the link below.

[Additional info...]

The city of Rio Rancho has enrolled in the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s (PNM) Peak Saver program to reduce energy use during high demand periods. As part of this program, five well sites maintained by the city’s Utilities Division will reduce their energy usage when called upon by PNM. In exchange, the city will receive monetary payments.

During days of peak electricity demand between June and September, PNM calls on those participating in the program to carry out pre-approved energy reduction strategies. This allows PNM to reduce loads on PNM transmission lines and minimize purchasing electricity from other, more expensive sources.

“This new partnership is a win-win,” said Mayor Tom Swisstack. “Rio Rancho is helping PNM meet its demands by minimizing the need to secure additional electricity generation. By relying on demand reduction instead of generation, we are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, while at the same time cutting our own energy use and costs.”

There is no fee for the city to participate in the Peak Saver Program. If operational requirements prevent the city from participating in a PNM peak demand event, there is no penalty for the city. It is estimated the city could realize more than $40,000 in payments on an annual basis in exchange for its participation in this program.

The Peak Saver Program is made possible through a partnership PNM has with EnerNOC, Inc., a leading provider of clean and intelligent energy solutions. Others taking advantage of similar EnerNOC, Inc. agreements include a variety of government, education, health care, commercial and manufacturing entities from around the country.

Rio Rancho water and wastewater infrastructure is maintained by the city’s Utilities Division, part of the Public Works Department, and contractor CH2M HILL OMI.

Visit the New Mexico Department of Health's Web site for the latest H1N1 information. [Additional info...]

Learn more about the 2010 Census [Additional info...]

Learn more about why roundabouts are used and how to navigate them. [Additional info...]

Work is taking place on the Presbyterian Rio Rancho Medical Center. Learn more about this project by visiting Presbyterian's Web site. [Additional info...]

Learn more about how to apply for federal stimulus funds and how this money will be spent.

www.recovery.gov

www.recovery.state.nm.us

Click on the link for more information regarding Special Assessment District 7A [Additional info...]

For information about Special Assessment District (SAD) 8 [Additional info...]

A fine variety of traditional and contemporary mixed media works will be on display in the library auditorium.

The libraries have common tax forms for photocopying. Information on downloading forms and on times & locations for getting help with your taxes is available at the library or on our website under Adult Services.