Frequently Asked Questions

Many questions have arisen about the amendments during the petitioning process.

Here are some sample questions and answers:

1.  Don't we already vote on projects in Los Alamos?
Answer:  No, not directly unless put forward by Council.  We can petition to vote on an ordinance for the issuance of  bonds to fund a project, but there are no directions for votes on projects in our current charter.  Most projects in the county are currently funded by gross receipts tax income, and their funding cannot be subjected to a vote. Should the amendments pass, votes on projects will be directed by the charter and will be binding.
2.  Would this mean a stream of expensive special elections throughout the year?  How would the average voter keep track of that?
Answer:  All proposed upcoming projects and major land usage issues would be presented to voters in a mail out publication once each year at a regular time, and the vote on those required issues would follow no less than 120 days later at a regular time.  Council would set the date according to the budget cycle.  All issues would be separate ballot measures.
Each year would see no more than one election on these items, and voters would have a comprehensive information packet on hand to help them decide on each item.
3.  Shouldn't the elected Council do the decision-making on projects and land use issues?
Answer:  Council must be the body to put forward all issues: a very difficult task.  Currently, many are questioning the prudence of decisions made by our council in terms of the cost, location and scope of projects.  Projects consistently increase in cost and change in scope.  Public input on projects is sought, but only near the beginning of the CIP process currently in development by the county.  We believe that once projects and land use issues are identified as priorities by the county government, Council should put them forward for voter approval before they commence.   This will ensure a greater level of transparency in our local government.
4.  Will this prevent future large property tax increases?
Answer:  No.  The recent large property tax increase was due to a school bond issue approved by voters last year.  Public Schools are funded separately from the county by state law .  The vote on projects will only help to ensure that decisions on county spending will be economical and help prevent the need for the county to raise property taxes to pay for projects should our current high levels of gross receipts tax income decrease. 
5.  Won't voters just say "no" to everything?
Answer:  We do not believe voters will say no to everything.  A combination of the county's current CIP process and a thorough annual publication of issues should allow voters to make a well-informed decision.  Our county currently has funds to strengthen our infrastructure and enhance the community with well-chosen and well-planned projects, and we believe that voters will support it.