2026 DOÑA ANA COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION
Our Water. Our Land. Our Community.
Understand the Doña Ana Soil & Water Conservation District Mill Levy.
On November 3, 2026, voters within the Doña Ana Soil & Water Conservation District will decide whether the District may establish an annual property-tax levy of up to 0.25 mills to support local soil, water and natural-resource conservation.
The District says additional recurring revenue could help support conservation programs serving farmers, ranchers, neighborhoods and communities throughout its service area. The proposal is for a 0.25-mill levy; District Manager Jennifer Kleitz has estimated that amount at roughly $27 per year for an average homeowner.
UP TO 0.25 MILLS
Annual property-tax levy
NOVEMBER 3, 2026
General Election
LOCAL CONSERVATION
Water • Soil • Agriculture • Community
What Is the 2026 Mill Levy Question?
The ballot question asks voters whether the Doña Ana Soil & Water Conservation District should be authorized to establish an annual property-tax levy of up to 0.25 mills.
If authorized by voters, the funding could provide a more consistent local source of revenue for conservation programs, staffing, technical assistance and projects throughout the District.
Water Is at the Center of the Question.
Every Drop Matters in Southern New Mexico.
Water connects our homes, farms, neighborhoods, wildlife and local economy.
Conservation work can help keep more water on the land, improve soil’s ability to retain moisture, reduce erosion and make better use of the water available to our communities and agricultural producers.
What Could the Levy Support?
If approved, the levy could provide local funding for programs sucha s the ones below, consitewnt with the Distrcit’s authorized purpose.
Save Water & Reduce Erosion
Support projects that help capture and manage rainwater, slow runoff, reduce erosion and keep valuable soil on the land.
Support Farmers & Ranchers
Provide technical assistance and conservation programs that help agricultural producers improve soil health, conserve water and strengthen working lands.
Plant Shade Trees
Support community tree planting that can provide shade and expand tree canopy in neighborhoods throughout Las Cruces and Doña Ana County.
Reduce Flood Risk
Support watershed, erosion-control and stormwater projects that help communities manage intense rainfall and reduce damage from runoff and flooding.
Restore Habitat & Natural Areas
Support conservation and restoration of landscapes that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to healthier local ecosystems.
Provide Local Education
Expand access to information and practical education about water, soil, agriculture, watersheds and conservation.
Healthy Farms. Healthy Soil. More Water Where We Need It
Healthy soil holds more water, supports productive farms and ranches, reduces erosion and strengthens agricultural lands over time.
Through conservation programs and partnerships, the Doña Ana Soil & Water Conservation District works with local producers to implement practices designed to improve soil health and use limited water resources more effectively.
HEALTHIER SOIL | BETTER WATER RETENTION | STRONGER WORKING LANDS
Local Funding Can Help Bring More Resources Home.
Many conservation projects depend on partnerships between local, state and federal programs.
A consistent local funding source can give a conservation district greater capacity to administer programs, pursue grants, provide technical assistance and sustain projects beyond individual grant cycles.
Local Investment | More Local Capacity
What Does 0.25 Mills Mean?
0.25 MILLS
$0.25 PER $1,000 OF NET TAXABLE VALUE
A mill levy is calculated using the net taxable value of property—not simply the property’s market price.
The ballot proposal is for a rate of 0.25 mills.
District Manager Jennifer Kleitz has estimated that the proposed rate would amount to approximately $27 per year for an average homeowner in Las Cruces or Doña Ana County. The actual amount would vary according to each property’s taxable value.
YOUR ACTUAL COST DEPENDS ON YOUR PROPERTY’S NET TAXABLE VALUE.
Accountability is Built Into the Measure
The measure includes clear safeguardsto ensure funds are used properly and for their intended purpose.
Because the Doña Ana Soil & Water Conservation District is a governmental subdivision of New Mexico, its finances and operations are subject to public-sector requirements, and its records are generally available to the public under New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act.
LOCAL REVENUE
Funds stay local to support District programs in Doña Ana County.
DEFINED PURPOSES
Revenues can only be used for the authorized conservation, water, fllod-protection, agricutlure, habitat and education purposes.
ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT
All revenues and expenditures are subject to an independent annual audit.
What Will Voters Decide?
On November 3, 2026, voters within the Doña Ana Soil & Water Conservation District will decide whether to authorize an annual property-tax levy of up to 0.25 mills.
The proposal would provide recurring local revenue for the Soil & Water Conservation District and the conservation work it carries out across the region. The District has publicly identified programs involving soil health, water conservation, agricultural assistance, tree planting, erosion control and flood response among the areas additional funding could support.