The passage of SJR13 marks an important legal step in the disposal of underutilized state property to local governments for county purposes. This sale is governed by existing state law, specifically Section 13-6-2 and Section 13-6-3 of the New Mexico Statutes, which require legislative approval for transactions involving state property when the value exceeds $100,000. By facilitating this property sale, the resolution aims to enhance local agency capabilities to address community development and public service needs.
SJR13 is a Senate Joint Resolution introduced in the New Mexico legislature that addresses the sale of a specific piece of real property located at 4003 Edith Boulevard Northeast in Albuquerque. The resolution ratifies and approves the sale of this property by the General Services Department to Bernalillo County for a total purchase price of $479,515, significantly lower than the appraised value of $1.36 million. The bill is part of a larger strategy to manage public land use more effectively within the state.
While the resolution received overwhelming support with a voting outcome of 63-1, it also highlights a broader debate about the proper management and repurposing of state-owned properties. Critics may argue about the appropriateness of the sale price, given the significant difference between the appraised and sale values, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the handling of public assets. However, supporters believe that enabling local government control over such properties can lead to better service provision and utilization aligned with community needs.