Annexation FAQ

The New Mexican

(These are talking points as issued by the City/County, and may or may not be factual.)

5/3/2009 -

Question: Is my property within the presumptive city limits? Answer: A map on the city's Web site showing annexation areas allows you to zoom in on specific streets. Go to www.santafenm.gov and click on "Annexation" on the left side of the page. A draft of the Subdivision, Planning, Platting and Zoning Ordinance is also available on the Web site. Large-scale copies of the map are displayed at City Hall, the County Administration Building, the Genoveva Chavez Community Center and the Southside Library

NOTE: AS OF MAY 13, ALL MAPS AND ZONING AS SHOWN ON ALL PUBLISHED MATERIAL AND ON ALL WEBSITES IS VOID. THE CITY COUNCIL CHANGED MAPING AND ZONING WITH NO NOTICE AND NO PUBLIC COMMENT. THE "NEW" ORDINANCE IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.

Question: Do I have to connect my property, which has an existing well, to the city water system? Answer: Current city ordinances do not require properties with existing wells to connect to the city water system.

NOTE: I DIRECTLY ASKED CITY PLANNER GREG SMITH ABOUT THIS, AND, INDEED, THE CITY CAN COMPELL PROPERTY OWNERS TO HOOK UP AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.

Question: Will the city pave my dirt road after annexation? Answer: County-designated roads will become city streets and other roads will be assumed to remain privately owned and maintained. To become public and be maintained by the city, roads would need to meet city standards for width, drainage and other requirements.

Question: May I still keep livestock and horses on my property? Answer: The city does not prohibit livestock from being housed on residential property; however, nuisance ordinances may apply. Commercial livestock options may be affected by zoning changes.

Question: Does being in the presumptive city limits affect my children's public school choices? Answer: There will be no effect on school district eligibility as a result of annexation.





Question: Will my property taxes go up after annexation? Answer: Yes, your property taxes my increase after annexation. The current city tax rate is $50 more per $100,000 in assessed value for residential properties, and $82 more per $100,000 in assessed value for commercial properties than current county taxes. All property taxes are paid in arrears for the prior year. The year 2009 is the first year for city services for Phase 1 homeowners. Those homeowners will pay the new rate in 2010. Question: I operate a home business. How will my gross receipts tax change? Answer: Your GRT rate will change after annexation. The city's current GRT rate is 7.9325 percent and the county's rate is 6.625 percent.

Question: When must my company comply with the minimum-wage requirements? Answer: All salary adjustments necessary to become compliant with the city's minimum-wage ordinance must be effective on the date of annexation