Why Would Santa Fe Voters Approve Bond for Santa Fe Community College?

On Tuesday, voters in Santa Fe will be asked to take on $35 million in new debt — paid by property tax revenues — to fund a variety of projects at the Community College. We at the Rio Grande Foundation typically have our concerns about government debt issuance and bonds and this one is no different.

The biggest issue is that New Mexico is already dramatically over-served in terms of higher education institutions. This is true both in terms of government employment and the sheer number of institutions relative to a state like Arizona.

Lastly, what services does Santa Fe Community College provide that the College of Santa Fe does not? Would it make sense to combine the schools or at least share some resources before going to the taxpayers for more money? Of course, if voters simply vote “yes,” none of these issues will be addressed.