Local Compensation Amendment
Local Compensation Act – Amendment 4
Local Compensation Act – Amendment 4 – provides county government with the freedom to set salaries for county elected officials
New Mexico Counties is providing information on a November 2024 ballot initiative that proposes removing a constitutional provision existing since statehood that mandates the NM legislature set the salaries of county elected officials. If passed, the Local Compensation Amendment (Amendment 4) would shift the responsibility of setting these salaries from Santa Fe to local county boards of commissioners.
Equal Decision-Making
While municipalities (cities and towns) across New Mexico have long been able to make decisions about elected official compensation, county governments are bound by a constitutional provision existing since statehood that restricts their financial flexibility.
Budgeting Efficiency
While currently, cities have the authority to make budgetary decisions for their own residents, counties do not have the same flexibility. The Local Compensation Act – Amendment 4 – would afford counties the same opportunity to manage elected official compensation and budget accordingly – responding to their own local challenges and needs of their own residents.
Fairness in Local Government
Given the financial constraints of the day, it has become increasingly important for county governments to remain flexible to meet the financial needs of their communities. Cities already have this ability, and Amendment 4 – would give counties the same ability to determine compensation based on their unique financial conditions, ensuring fairness across local government.
Local Control
The Local Compensation Amendment gives local governments the flexibility to decide when – or if – salary adjustments are necessary, based on local circumstances.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Joy Esparsen, Executive Director
New Mexico Counties
444 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | Phone: 505-983-2101 | Toll Free: 877-983-2101