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Taos school board approves resolution for $50 million bond election Nov. 4, 2025
Summary
The board adopted a resolution to place a $50 million general obligation bond question on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot. Finance advisers said the bond could raise the district’s residential mill levy roughly two mills and might unlock significant state matching funds.
The Taos Municipal Schools Board voted July 23 to place a $50 million general obligation bond question on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot, adopting a resolution that delegates submission of the question to the county clerk.
Stifel Public Finance representatives told the board the district’s assessed valuation has continued to grow, and that a $50 million bond sold on a 15‑year schedule would likely increase the residential mill levy by roughly 1.6–2.0 mills in the plan presented, with average annual homeowner impacts shown in examples the advisers provided. Advisers said growth in assessed value could reduce that impact and emphasized the availability of state matching programs that could add roughly $20 million–$30 million depending on program eligibility.
Ian Beard of Modulus Sperling (bond counsel) reviewed legal steps: the board’s resolution places the question on the ballot; if voters approve the bond authorization, a later board action would be required to authorize specific bond issuance. Mr. Beard said the ballot question must be delivered to the county clerk by August 26 to meet election deadlines.
Board members discussed communications strategy and the value of providing voters a clear, concise project list. Adviser Nick (Stifel) said a successful public campaign typically shows specific, readable project costs tied to voter dollars and that a more fully developed project list and graphics help voters evaluate the measure.
A roll‑call vote followed a motion to adopt the resolution; Board Member King, Secretary Trujillo and Vice President Sprague voted yes. The motion passed.
The resolution authorized the question in English and Spanish as required; it also included language noting potential purposes allowed under statute (school construction, safety, technology, facilities and related costs) and referenced the district’s inclusion of teacher‑housing as a potential project in discussions. The board did not yet specify a final project list for the ballot question; staff and the bond advisory committee will return with recommendations and public materials for outreach and review.
