ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College will host a General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Public Forum Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Ruidoso Convention Center from 5:30-7 p.m.
- It is the final question on the ballot
- No tax increase bond as it keeps the bond capacity at the current rate
- Seeking authorization for funds we will use to repurpose the Sierra Mall property at 709 Mechem Drive to support workforce training rooms and labs
- Over the last year we asked employers, businesses, residents, community leaders, and students what the community needs from its local community college—and the answer was very clear. We need to offer more workforce degree and certificate programs; we need to help prepare a skilled workforce
- The bond referendum is for repurposing space in the Sierra Mall that the College purchased in August 2022.
- If this bond is approved, we will create traditional and innovative workforce spaces to expand offerings in Career and Technical Education.
- This is the second time ENMU-Ruidoso has asked for a General Obligation bond. We again have kept our request quite modest, and it will NOT increase property taxes for our district.
- Ultimately our purpose is to have a building that enables us to train workers to help local businesses build and expand
- From the 2019 Bond the community has seen benefits from the investment:
- Created new workforce programs focusing on Allied Health, including Nursing and Phlebotomy (graduated 5 RN students in the spring of 2023) Construction Trades, Renewable Energy
- Created a one-stop shop for employment and student services
- New Computer Lab and Learning Commons
- Enrollment +19.5% since 2018, 800 vs. 644
- +35.3% more students utilizing the physical campus compared to 2018, 534 vs 346
This is a Local G.O. Bond, meaning it is local money for local uses
Thank you for your support on November 7
