Should the South Valley Incorporate?

The University of New Mexico just completed their feasibility report to determine if the unincorporated South Valley should break away from Bernalillo County and become its own municipality.  Rep. Miguel Garcia presented the plan to about 100 residents last night at Rio Grande High School.  

According to the study, sales and property taxes would have to be raised to provide the tax base to support municipal services, such as parks and recreation, fire services and police.  The sales tax increase would basically mean that South Valley patrons would be paying the same 6.75% rate that Albuquerque residents pay for sales within the city.  Not that big a deal right?  Most South Valley residents drive to the "city" to get their goods and services anyway, so most residents will not really feel the impact.  The problem is there is not enough private industry in the area right now to create a robust local economy.  The area has long been an agricultural, small town community that is change averse and does not openly welcome private business neighbors.  Remember when Wal-Mart opened?  The Coors/Rio Bravo Wal-Mart, aka the South Valley Mall, splintered the community in the debate of open space versus economic development.  Most people that were opposed to the Wal-Mart development can be spotted convenience shopping there with the rimmed glasses/mustache disguise.  The final slap-in-the-face with Wal-Mart is that it is currently annexed in Albuquerque--meaning that unless it is re-annexed, gross receipts taxes from the biggest retailer in the area will continue to go to Albuquerque City Government.   

There are other concerns to note, like the hike in property taxes and the building of government facilities, such as a courthouse to collect fees and penalties.  Living in the area, I would like to maintain the small-town, community feel.  However, I know if we are to achieve our own independence, we have to look at an economic development strategy that increases our ability to govern ourselves and provide public goods and services to residents in the area who largely live at or below the poverty level.