Rio Rancho to place three general obligation bond questions totaling $18 million on March 3, 2026 ballot

The City of Rio Rancho governing body approved a resolution to place three general obligation bond questions on the March 3, 2026 municipal election ballot.

Director Jaramillo told the council the resolution would place three questions before voters: $12,435,000 for roads; $4,365,000 for public safety; and $1,200,000 for quality-of-life facilities. He said the votes of the people would leave the municipal debt service tax rate unchanged because previously issued bonds have been paid off and retired.

Jaramillo said the spring 2025 citizen survey and public advisory bodies — the citizen library board, parks and recreation commission, and the public infrastructure advisory board — expressed support for placing the bond questions on the ballot; proposed projects that would be funded by the bond proceeds are listed in the public agenda materials.

Council moved and seconded to approve R-115. No members of the public signed up to speak on the item. Ms. Davis called the roll; Councilors Weimer, Linnentine, Culbreth, Tyler, Dabson and List voted yes and the resolution to place the questions on the ballot passed.

If approved by voters in March 2026, the measures would fund a slate of projects listed in staff materials and — according to staff — would not change the municipal debt service tax rate because existing debt has been retired.