NM Counties provides information on a ballot initiative giving counties the same
authority Cities have in setting salaries for elected officials
(September 23, 2024 – Santa Fe, NM) – 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.
For further information on the Local Compensation Amendment – Amendment 4, visit www.nmcounties.org.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Joy Esparsen, Executive Director
New Mexico Counties
jesparsen@nmcounties.org
