reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 1A - New County South of Bernalillo County (South Valley) (Deleted.) › Section 4-1A-1 to 4-1A-16 - Deleted.

ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— These sections, as enacted by Laws 1995, ch. 85, §§ 1 to 17, were deleted by the compiler in 1996. Section 20 of Laws 1995, ch. 85 provided that the act would become effective upon certification by the state canvassing board that a majority of votes cast in the referendum conducted pursuant to former 4-1A-15 NMSA 1978 was for the creation and operation of the new county; that referendum was defeated at the general election held November 5, 1996, by a vote of 2,224 for and 9,055 against. For provisions of former sections,
see
the 1995 NMSA 1978 on
NMOneSource.com.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 2 - Catron County › Section 4-2-2 - [County seat; courthouse, jail and public buildings.]

The county seat of said county of Catron shall be established at Reserve, in said county, and the board of county commissioners of said county shall select and designate suitable and convenient places at said county seat for the sites for the erection of a courthouse, jail and other public buildings of said county.
History:
Laws 1921, ch. 28, § 2; C.S. 1929, § 33-202; 1941 Comp., § 15-202; 1953 Comp., § 15-2-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Laws 1921, ch. 28, §§ 3 to 13 contained temporary provisions concerning the officers and finances of the new county.
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 2 - Catron County › Section 4-2-3 - [Courthouse and jail bonds; repayment.]

The county of Catron may issue bonds for courthouse and jail purposes to an amount not exceeding fifteen thousand ($15,000) dollars, which bonds shall be issued in the manner as provided by the constitution of New Mexico, payable absolutely thirty years from their date and at the option of said county twenty years from their date.
History:
Laws 1921, ch. 28, § 18; C.S. 1929, § 33-218; 1941 Comp., § 15-204; 1953 Comp., § 15-2-4.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— This section may be inoperative.
See
State ex rel. Perea v. Board of Comm'rs, 25 N.M. 338, 182 P. 865 (1919), which held that a similar section applying to De Baca county was inoperative because it provided that the bonds might be issued in accordance with the constitution, but did not state that they could be issued in accordance with the laws of the state.
Cross references.
— For bonds for courthouses, jails, bridges, hospitals and libraries,
see
4-49-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
For state, county and municipal indebtedness,
see
N.M. Const., art. IX, § 1 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 2 - Catron County › Section 4-2-4 - [Road and bridge bonds.]

The county of Catron may issue bonds for the purpose of constructing and repairing public roads and bridges in an amount not exceeding twenty-five thousand ($25,000) dollars, which bonds shall be issued in the manner as provided by the constitution of New Mexico, payable absolutely thirty years from their date, and at the option of said county twenty years from their date.
History:
Laws 1921, ch. 28, § 19; C.S. 1929, § 33-219; 1941 Comp., § 15-205; 1953 Comp., § 15-2-5.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— This section may be inoperative.
See
compiler's note under 4-2-3 NMSA 1978.
Cross references.
— For bonds for courthouses, jails, bridges, hospitals and libraries,
see
4-49-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
For state, county and municipal indebtedness,
see
N.M. Const., art. IX, § 1 et seq.
For bonds for highways and bridges,
see
67-6-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3 - Chaves County › Section 4-3-2 - [Dividing line between Chaves and Eddy.]

All that part of the territory of Lincoln county east of said line and north of the third standard parallel south shall be and constitute the county of Chaves, and the remaining territory east of said line and south of said third standard parallel south, shall be and constitute the county of Eddy.
History:
Laws 1889, ch. 87, § 3; C.L. 1897, § 581; Code 1915, § 1065; C.S. 1929, § 33-302; 1941 Comp., § 15-302; 1953 Comp., § 15-3-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— This section was also compiled as 4-8-2 NMSA 1978 as it relates to Eddy county.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3 - Chaves County › Section 4-3-3 - [Addition to Chaves county.]

The western boundary of the county of Chaves is hereby changed so as to include within said county of Chaves all that portion of Lincoln county, lying south of the line between townships thirteen and fourteen south, of the second standard parallel south on the north, and the fourth standard parallel south on the south, and the range line between ranges fifteen and sixteen east, south of the third standard parallel south and sixteen and seventeen east south of the second standard parallel south on the west and the western boundary line of the county of Eddy on the east.
History:
Laws 1899, ch. 3, § 8; Code 1915, § 1066; C.S. 1929, § 33-303; 1941 Comp., § 15-303; 1953 Comp., § 15-3-3.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Laws 1899, ch. 3, § 8, as enacted, contained additional provisions relating to the settlement of indebtedness between Chaves and Lincoln counties.
Laws 1899, ch. 3, §§ 1 and 2, related to the creation of Otero county and were compiled as 4-19-1 and 4-19-2 NMSA 1978.
Cross references.
— For original boundaries of Lincoln county,
see
4-14-1 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3 - Chaves County › Section 4-3-4 - [County seats.]

The county seat of the county of Chaves shall be in the town of Roswell in said county and the county seat of Eddy shall be in the town of Carlsbad in said county.
History:
Laws 1889, ch. 87, § 4; C.L. 1897, § 582; Code 1915, § 1068; C.S. 1929, § 33-305; 1941 Comp., § 15-305; 1953 Comp., § 15-3-4.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— This section was also compiled as 4-8-4 NMSA 1978 as it relates to Eddy county.
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-1 - Cibola county created.

The county of Cibola is hereby created out of that part of Valencia county lying westerly of the following described line:
begin on the southerly boundary line of Valencia county at its intersection with the line common to ranges 3 and 4 west, N.M.P.M.; then northerly along the line between ranges 3 and 4 west to the intersection with the line common to townships 8 and 9 north; then easterly along the line between townships 8 and 9 north and along the easterly prolongation of this line to its intersection with the westerly boundary line of Bernalillo county, the point of termination.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 1.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For original county boundaries of Valencia County,
see
4-32-1 NMSA 1978.
For general provisions on creation or change of counties,
see
4-33-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
County entitled to federal "payments in lieu of taxes".
— Cibola county, created in 1981 from the western portion of Valencia county, was entitled to a portion of the "payment in lieu of taxes" paid by the federal government to Valencia county to compensate the local governmental unit for loss of tax revenues from certain tax-exempt federal lands ("entitlement lands") located within local governmental boundaries.
Board of Cnty. Comm'rs v. Board of Cnty. Comm'rs
, 1986-NMSC-081, 105 N.M. 44, 728 P.2d 454.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-2 - County seat.

The county seat of Cibola county shall be established at the municipality of Grants. The board of county commissioners of Cibola county after their appointment as provided in this act [4-3A-1 to 4-3A-14 NMSA 1978], shall select, designate and acquire a tract of land within that city as a place upon which shall be built the courthouse and public buildings of the county of Cibola.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 2.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-3 - Temporary officers.

The governor shall within ten days after the effective date of this act appoint for the county of Cibola the county officers now provided by law for counties of this state. The officers so appointed shall serve until the election and qualification of their successors who shall be elected at the next succeeding general election.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 3.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— The phrase "effective date of this act", referred to in this section, means June 19, 1981, the effective date of Laws 1981, ch. 24.
Cross references.
— For general provisions on county officers,
see
4-44-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-5 - Tax records.

The county assessor of Valencia county, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this act and officers for the new county have been appointed, shall turn over to the proper officials of Cibola county all tax records, schedules and assessments upon all classes of property that shall have been assessed in and that pertain to the area constituting Cibola county.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 5.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— The phrase "effective date of this act", referred to in this section, means June 19, 1981, the effective date of Laws 1981, ch. 24.
Cross references.
— For general provisions on county assessor,
see
Chapter 4, Article 39 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-6 - Unpaid taxes.

The county of Cibola is entitled to all unpaid taxes, which remain unpaid at the effective date of this act upon property within the area embraced by the county of Cibola and any funds in the hands of the treasurer of Valencia county at the time this act [4-3A-1 to 4-3A-14 NMSA 1978] becomes effective, or which thereafter come into the treasurer's hands which are properly transferable by the treasurer of Valencia county to the treasurer of Cibola county, shall be transferred in the regular course in the administration of the office upon the demand from such authority to receive same.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 6.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— The phrase "effective date of this act", referred to in this section, means June 19, 1981, the effective date of Laws 1981, ch. 24.
Cross references.
— For collection duties of county treasurer,
see
4-43-3 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-7 - Unpaid indebtedness.

The county of Cibola shall not be required to pay the county of Valencia any portion of any indebtedness incurred by the county of Valencia for public improvements which are made or contracted for after the effective date of this act.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 7.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— The phrase "effective date of this act", referred to in this section, means June 19, 1981, the effective date of Laws 1981, ch. 24.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-8 - Transitional functions.

The officers of the county of Valencia from which the county of Cibola has been created, shall exercise the functions of their several offices over Cibola county until the officers of the county of Cibola shall take office.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 8.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-9 - Judicial matters.

The county of Cibola shall for judicial purposes be attached to the thirteenth judicial district. Until otherwise provided by law, magistrates for the existing county of Valencia shall be the magistrates for the county of Cibola.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 9.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-10 - Classification.

The county of Cibola, for the purpose of classification and fixing the amounts of salaries of county officers taking office at the organization of the county, shall be classed as a county of the first class having a valuation over $27,000,000 but less than $45,000,000; thereafter the county shall be classed as other counties are classed.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 10.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For general provisions on classification of counties,
see
4-44-1 and 4-44-2 NMSA 1978.
For constitutional provision on classification of counties,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 1.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-11 - Unexpended funds and securities.

Upon the effective date of this act, the treasurer of Valencia county shall ascertain the amount of unexpended funds and securities in the treasury of Valencia county and shall also ascertain the amount of unpaid obligations and expenses of Valencia county government which will be required to be paid between the effective date of this act and the end of the sixty-ninth fiscal year. The excess of such unexpended funds and securities over such obligations and Valencia county government expenses shall be divided and paid by the treasurer of Valencia county to Cibola and Valencia counties in the proportion that the assessed valuation of all property in each county, as of January 1, 1981 bears to the total assessed valuation of all property in both counties as of January 1, 1981.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 11.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— The phrase "effective date of this act", referred to in this section, means June 19, 1981, the effective date of Laws 1981, ch. 24.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-12 - Voting machines.

Valencia county, acting by and through its proper officer or officers upon the effective date of this act shall transfer to Cibola county the number of voting machines used in the area segregated into Cibola county in the 1980 general election.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 12.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— The phrase "effective date of this act", referred to in this section, means June 19, 1981, the effective date of Laws 1981, ch. 24.
Cross references.
— For care and custody of voting machines by counties,
see
1-9-12 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-13 - Transfer of property.

Upon the effective date of this act the county of Cibola becomes the owner of all road-working and road-maintaining equipment of every kind and nature, including trucks, pickups and trailers, heretofore assigned to the county commissioner districts lying within the area segregated into Cibola county. In addition, the county of Cibola at such time shall become the owner of all real estate and improvements thereon or appurtenant thereto located within the boundaries of Cibola county, title to which is vested in the county of Valencia. The board of county commissioners of Valencia county shall execute and deliver to the proper officer or officers of Cibola county whatever instruments of transfer are necessary to vest title to all such property in the county of Cibola.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 13.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— The phrase "effective date of this act", referred to in this section, means June 19, 1981, the effective date of Laws 1981, ch. 24.
Cross references.
— For property deemed county property,
see
4-36-4 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 3A - Cibola County › Section 4-3A-14 - Certificates of indebtedness.

For the purpose of meeting expenses payable out of the general county fund of the county of Cibola, contracted and payable for the seventieth fiscal year, and not otherwise, the county of Cibola may issue certificates of indebtedness of the county of Cibola not to exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000), and tax levies shall be duly made therefor. The certificates of indebtedness shall be issued in a form to be approved by the state board of finance and shall be payable not more than ten years after date of issue. The certificates of indebtedness shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed that permitted by the Public Securities Act [6-14-1 to 6-14-3 NMSA 1978]. The proceeds of the tax levy shall be pledged to the payment of the principal and interest of the certificates when they fall due.
History:
Laws 1981, ch. 24, § 14.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For boundaries of Cibola county,
see
4-3A-1 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 4 - Colfax County › Section 4-4-1 - [Original county boundaries.]

All that part of the territory comprised within the following limits, to wit: to the north and east by the boundaries of the territory of New Mexico; to the south the boundaries of the grant made to Carlos Beaubien and Guadalupe Miranda, and known as the Rayado grant, and on the west the boundaries of the county of Taos, shall form and constitute a new county to be known as, and called, Colfax county.
History:
Laws 1868-1869, ch. 24, § 1; C.L. 1884, § 312; C.L. 1897, § 555; Code 1915, § 1069; C.S. 1929, § 33-401; 1941 Comp., § 15-401; 1953 Comp., § 15-4-1.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Colfax county was formed from the northern part of Mora county.
The boundary with Taos county is described in 4-18-2 NMSA 1978 and the compiler's notes under 4-29-1 NMSA 1978.
The north boundary is the state line.
The southern and eastern boundaries may be described as follows: commencing on the eastern boundary of Taos county at the point of its intersection with the township line between townships 23 and 24 north of the base line; thence east [description from 4-4-3 NMSA 1978] on said township line to the northwest corner of township 23 north of range 20 east; thence south on the range line between ranges 19 and 20 east to the center of township 23 north; thence east [description from 4-4-2 NMSA 1978] through the center of township 23 north to the range line between ranges 27 and 28 east; thence north [description from 4-31-1 NMSA 1978] on said range line to the state line.
The sections in this article comprised art. 3 of ch. 24 of the 1915 Code. They were not reenacted by the inclusion therein, but were compiled for convenience.
See
the 1915 Code, p. 1665.
Cross references.
— For original boundaries of Taos county,
see
4-29-1 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 4 - Colfax County › Section 4-4-2 - [Southern boundary.]

That the boundary line between Mora and Colfax counties be and is hereby established, to wit: starting at a point on the eastern boundary of New Mexico and about fifty-three miles south of the northeast corner of New Mexico, and running west through the center of township twenty-three north from the base line as established by government survey to the western boundary of the counties of Mora and Colfax.
History:
Laws 1876, ch. 61, § 1; C.L. 1884, § 282; C.L. 1897, § 537; Code 1915, § 1070; C.S. 1929, § 33-402; 1941 Comp., § 15-402; 1953 Comp., § 15-4-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— This boundary west of the range line between ranges 19 and 20 east has been changed by 4-4-3 NMSA 1978.
Cross references.
— For original boundaries of Mora county,
see
4-18-1 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 4 - Colfax County › Section 4-4-3 - [Change in part of southern boundary.]

The north line of township twenty-three north, along ranges fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen and nineteen east, as shown by approved United States surveys, shall be the dividing line between Colfax county on the south, Mora county on the north and the range line between ranges nineteen and twenty east, to a point where said range line at present intersects the boundary line between said counties, from which point said boundary line, as now established by said act, January 13, 1876 [4-4-2 NMSA 1978], shall continue east to the west line of the state of Texas.
History:
Laws 1882, ch. 72, § 1; C.L. 1884, § 289; C.L. 1897, § 544; Code 1915, § 1071; C.S. 1929, § 33-403; 1941 Comp., § 15-403; 1953 Comp., § 15-4-3.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For original boundaries of Mora county,
see
4-18-1 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 5 - Curry County › Section 4-5-1 - [County boundaries.]

That there be and is hereby created a county, to be known [as] and called Curry county, out of that portion of the territory of New Mexico, included in the following boundaries as indicated by the United States survey, to wit: commencing on the Texas-New Mexico boundary line at the point of its intersection with the east and west center line of township one north, projected thence west along said east and west center line of township one north, to the point of its intersection with the range line between ranges thirty and thirty-one east, thence north along the range line between thirty and thirty-one east to the northwest corner of township five north of range thirty-one east, thence east along the north line of township five north to the point of its intersection with the range line between thirty-two and thirty-three east, thence north along the range line beeween [between] thirty-two and thirty-three east, to the northwest corner of township six north of range thirty-three east, thence east along the north line of township six north to the point of its intersection with the range line between thirty-three and thirty-four east, thence north along the range line between thirty-three and thirty-four to the northwest corner of township seven north of range thirty-four east, thence [east] along the north line of township seven north to the point of its intersection with the range line of thirty-four and thirty-five east, thence north along the range line between thirty-four and thirty-five east to the northwest corner of township eight north of range thirty-five east, thence east along the north line of township eight north projected to its point of intersection with the Texas-New Mexico boundary line, thence south along the Texas-New Mexico boundary line to the point of beginning.
History:
Laws 1909, ch. 6, § 1; Code 1915, § 1072; C.S. 1929, § 33-501; 1941 Comp., § 15-501; 1953 Comp., § 15-5-1.
ANNOTATIONS
Bracketed material.
— The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and is not part of the law.
Compiler's notes.
— Curry county was formed from portions of Roosevelt and Quay counties. The boundary description does not take into account a correction in range line between ranges 30 and 31 east on the first standard parallel north. North of this parallel the range line, and therefore the county line, is displaced a distance of about 2 miles to the east.
This section was compiled in art. 4 of ch. 24 of the 1915 Code. It was not reenacted by its inclusion therein, but was compiled for convenience.
See
the 1915 Code, p. 1665.
Laws 1909, ch. 6, § 2, provided for a temporary county seat and the selection of a permanent one.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 6 - De Baca County › Section 4-6-1 - County boundaries.

That the county of De Baca is hereby created out of that portion of the state of New Mexico, lying and being situate within the following metes and bounds, as indicated by the United States survey, viz.: commencing at the northeast corner of township 4 north, range 28 east; thence south on range line between ranges 28 and 29 east to the southeast corner of township 1 north, range 28 east; thence east on base line to the northeast corner of township 1 south, range 28 east; thence south on range line between ranges 28 and 29 east to the southeast corner of township 2 south, range 28 east; thence west on township line to the southwest corner of township 2 south, range 27 east; thence south on range line between ranges 26 and 27 east to the southeast corner of township 3 south, range 26 east; thence west on township line to the southwest corner of township 3 south of range 21 east; thence north on range line to the southwest corner of township 2 south of range 21 east; thence west on township line to the southwest corner of township 2 south of range 20 east to the Lincoln county line; thence north on range line between ranges 19 and 20 east to the northwest corner of township 1 south of range 20 east; thence west [east] on township line to the southwest corner of township 1 north of range 20 east; thence north on range line between ranges 19 and 20 east to the northwest corner of township 4 north of range 20 east; thence east on township line to the southeast corner of township 5 north of range 23 east; thence north on range line to the northwest corner of township 5 north of range 24 east; thence east on township line to the northeast corner of township 5 north, range 24 east; thence north on range line to the northwest corner of township 6 north of range 25 east; thence east on township line to the northeast corner of township 6 north of range 26 east; thence south on range line between ranges 26 and 27 east to the southeast corner of township 5 north of range 26 east; thence east on township line to the place of beginning.
History:
Laws 1917, ch. 11, § 1; C.S. 1929, § 33-601; 1941 Comp., § 15-601; 1953 Comp., § 15-6-1.
ANNOTATIONS
Bracketed material.
— The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and is not part of the law.
Compiler's notes.
— De Baca county was created from parts of Chaves, Guadalupe and Roosevelt counties.
Liability for indebtedness of counties from which created.
— Under Laws 1917, ch. 11, §§ 9 to 11, De Baca county was liable for its prorata share of the total indebtedness of the counties from which it was carved. The apportionment of debts belongs exclusively to the legislature.
State ex rel. Perea v. Board of Comm'rs
, 1919-NMSC-030, 25 N.M. 338, 182 P. 865.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 7 - Dona Ana County › Section 4-7-2 - [Dividing line between Socorro and Dona Ana counties.]

The dividing line between the counties of Dona Ana and Socorro, in this territory, is hereby established as follows, to wit: commencing at a point on the Rio Grande one mile south of the dwelling house of Tomas Gonzales, and thence a little southwest to a point one-quarter of a mile to the south of the Ojito del Cuervo, a ranch of the said Tomas Gonzales; thence in a westerly direction to a point one mile west of the Ojo de Berrendo, and running in a northwesterly direction to the ranches respectively known by the name of the Ojo del Berrendo, the Cienega de los Pasenos, Jaraloso, Eucisio, Cienega de los Apaches, Las Perchas and Ojo Caliente, to an equal line with that of the northern line of the county of Grant, so that all the ranches and ojos and ojitos above-mentioned be included in the county of Socorro, and the town and settlement of Hillsboro and Santa Barbara shall be included in the county of Dona Ana; and returning to the Rio Grande at the point of commencement, running thence in a straight line to the corner of the county of Lincoln, a few miles north and west of the town of Tularosa, in the county of Dona Ana.
History:
Laws 1880, ch. 42, § 1; C.L. 1884, § 287; C.L. 1897, § 542; Code 1915, § 1078; C.S. 1929, § 33-705; 1941 Comp., § 15-702; 1953 Comp., § 15-7-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— The western portion of this boundary line has been changed by 4-27-1 NMSA 1978.
The name "Hillsboro" was so spelled in the original act and in Comp. Laws 1884; but the 1897 Compilation, 1915 Code and 1929 Compilation had it spelled "Hillsborough."
See also
4-27-3 NMSA 1978.
Cross references.
— For original boundaries of Lincoln county,
see
4-14-1 NMSA 1978.
For change of boundary line between Lincoln and Socorro counties,
see
4-14-2 NMSA 1978.
For original boundaries of Socorro county,
see
4-28-1 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 7 - Dona Ana County › Section 4-7-3 - [Territory added to Dona Ana county.]

That all that portion of the territory included within township eighteen south of ranges three and four west, according to the United States survey, shall hereafter be attached to, and constitute a part of the county of Dona Ana in said territory, and, until further provisions be made as to township lines, shall be a part of that precinct in said county, in which the town of Colorado is situated.
History:
Laws 1887, ch. 14, § 1; C.L. 1897, § 573; Code 1915, § 1076; C.S. 1929, § 33-703; 1941 Comp., § 15-703; 1953 Comp., § 15-7-3.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 8 - Eddy County › Section 4-8-2 - [Dividing line between Chaves and Eddy.]

All that part of the territory of Lincoln county east of said line and north of the third standard parallel south shall be and constitute the county of Chaves, and the remaining territory east of said line and south of said third standard parallel south, shall be and constitute the county of Eddy.
History:
Laws 1889, ch. 87, § 3; C.L. 1897, § 581; Code 1915, § 1065; C.S. 1929, § 33-302; 1941 Comp., § 15-302; 1953 Comp., § 15-8-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— This section was also compiled as 4-3-2 NMSA 1978 as it relates to Chaves county.
For present boundaries of Eddy county,
see
compiler's notes under 4-8-1 NMSA 1978.
Cross references.
— For original boundaries of Lincoln county,
see
4-14-1 NMSA 1978.
For changes in western boundary of Lincoln county,
see
4-14-2 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 8 - Eddy County › Section 4-8-3 - [Western boundary of Eddy county.]

That the western boundary line of the county of Eddy, in the territory of New Mexico, shall be and the same is hereby established as follows, to wit: commencing at the closing corner to township sixteen south, between ranges twenty and twenty-one east, on the third standard parallel south of the New Mexico principal meridian; thence south between said ranges twenty and twenty-one east, to the fourth standard parallel south; thence west along said parallel to the point where the line between ranges twenty and twenty-one east, south of said parallel, intersects said parallel, and thence south, on the range line between ranges twenty and twenty-one east, to the south boundary line of the territory of New Mexico.
History:
Laws 1895, ch. 11, § 1; C.L. 1897, § 629; Code 1915, § 1067; C.S. 1929, § 33-304; 1941 Comp., § 15-304; 1953 Comp., § 15-8-3.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— For present boundaries of Eddy county,
see
compiler's notes under 4-8-1 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 8 - Eddy County › Section 4-8-4 - [County seats.]

The county seat of the county of Chaves shall be in the town of Roswell in said county and the county seat of Eddy shall be in the town of Carlsbad in said county.
History:
Laws 1889, ch. 87, § 4; C.L. 1897, § 582; Code 1915, § 1068; C.S. 1929, § 33-305; 1941 Comp., § 15-305; 1953 Comp., § 15-8-4.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Laws 1889, ch. 87, § 4, as enacted, provided, in relation to Eddy county, that the county seat of Eddy county "shall be in the town of Eddy in said county" and provided for an election in 1890 at which some other place could be named as the county seat. The change to "the town of Carlsbad" first appeared in the 1915 Code.
This section was also compiled as 4-3-4 NMSA 1978 as it relates to Chaves county.
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 9 - Grant County › Section 4-9-2 - [Boundary between Grant and Catron counties.]

That the boundary line between the counties of Socorro [Catron] and Grant be, and the same is, hereby located, fixed and established as follows: beginning at a point upon the western boundary line of the state of New Mexico where said line is intersected by the line between townships 12 and 13 south of the New Mexico principal base line and running thence eastwardly along the line between said townships 12 and 13 south, to the point where the said line intersects the one hundred and eighth (108th) meridian west of Greenwich.
History:
Laws 1917, ch. 57, § 1; C.S. 1929, § 33-803; 1941 Comp., § 15-802; 1953 Comp., § 15-9-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Bracketed material.
— The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and is not part of the law. Catron county was formed out of that portion of Socorro county which bounded on Grant county.
Compiler's notes.
— Laws 1917, ch. 57, contained a preamble which declared the most feasible method of establishing the boundary line to be establishment thereof in accordance with the public land survey of the United States.
Cross references.
— For boundary between Sierra and Grant counties,
see
4-27-2 NMSA 1978.
For original boundaries of Socorro county,
see
4-28-1 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 10 - Guadalupe County › Section 4-10-2 - [County seat.]

That the county seat of the county of Guadalupe shall be and hereby is established at the town of Santa Rosa in said county.
History:
Laws 1903, ch. 69, § 3; 1905, ch. 20, § 1; Code 1915, § 1082; C.S. 1929, § 33-902; 1941 Comp., § 15-902; 1953 Comp., § 15-10-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 11 - Harding County › Section 4-11-2 - [County seat; buildings.]

The county seat of the county of Harding is hereby established at the town of Mosquero and the board of county commissioners of said county after their appointment as provided in this act shall select and designate a plat of the ground within said town as the place upon which shall be built the courthouse and public buildings of said county of Harding.
History:
Laws 1921, ch. 48, § 2; C.S. 1929, § 33-1002; 1941 Comp., § 15-1002; 1953 Comp., § 15-11-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Laws 1921, ch. 48, §§ 3 to 13 contained temporary provisions relating to the officers, indebtedness and finances of the new county.
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 11 - Harding County › Section 4-11-3 - [Bonds for courthouse and jail.]

The county of Harding may issue bonds for courthouse and jail purposes to an amount not exceeding twenty-five thousand ($25,000) dollars, which bonds shall be issued in the manner as provided by the constitution and the laws of the state of New Mexico, payable absolutely thirty years from their date, and, at the option of the county, twenty years from their date.
History:
Laws 1921, ch. 48, § 18; C.S. 1929, § 33-1018; 1941 Comp., § 15-1004; 1953 Comp., § 15-11-4.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Laws 1921, ch. 48, §§ 19 and 20 provided for the creation of a county high school. Such provision was held unconstitutional in State ex rel. Bd. of Educ. v. Saint, 28 N.M. 165, 210 P. 573 (1922).
Cross references.
— For bonds for courthouses, jails, bridges, hospitals and libraries,
see
4-49-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
For state, county and municipal indebtedness,
see
N.M. Const., art. IX, § 1 et seq.
Constitutionality.
— This section is not a violation of N.M. Const., art. IV, § 24, prohibiting special legislation.
Martinez v. Gallegos
, 1922-NMSC-053, 28 N.M. 170, 210 P. 575.
Issuance of bonds without election.
— This section authorizes the county created to issue bonds for courthouse and jail purposes without submission to a vote of the people as required by N.M. Const., art. IX, § 10.
Martinez v. Gallegos
, 1922-NMSC-053, 28 N.M. 170, 210 P. 575.
Parties bound by judgment in suit relating to bonds.
— Where suit was brought to determine rights under this section by a qualified citizen in behalf of himself and others similarly situated, all such other citizens were parties by representation and were bound by the judgment as to matters litigated or which might have been litigated, the same as actual parties to the record, regardless of whether they had actual notice of the pendency of the suit.
Floersheim v. Board of Comm'rs
, 1922-NMSC-070, 28 N.M. 330, 212 P. 451.
Action to enjoin issuance of bonds barred by former adjudication.
— Where the allegations of a complaint to enjoin the issue of certain bonds did not state a new or different cause of action from those pleaded in a former adjudication of the same matter, in which all interested parties were joined by representation, the suit was barred by former adjudication.
Floersheim v. Board of Comm'rs
, 1922-NMSC-070, 28 N.M. 330, 212 P. 451.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 12 - Hidalgo County › Section 4-12-2 - [County seat; buildings.]

The county seat of the said county of Hidalgo shall be established at the village of Lordsburg in said county and the board of county commissioners of said county shall select and designate suitable and convenient places in said village for the sites for the erection of the courthouse, jail and other public buildings of said county.
History:
Laws 1919, ch. 11, § 2; C.S. 1929, § 33-1102; 1941 Comp., § 15-1102; 1953 Comp., § 15-12-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Laws 1919, ch. 11, §§ 3 to 14 contained temporary provisions relating to officers, indebtedness and finances of the new county.
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 13 - Lea County › Section 4-13-1 - [County boundaries.]

That the county of Lea is hereby created out of that portion of the state of New Mexico lying and being situate within the following metes and bounds, as indicated by the United States survey, viz.: at the southeast corner of the state of New Mexico, thence north on the line between the state of New Mexico and the state of Texas, in [to] the northeast corner of township nine (9) south of range thirty-eight (38) east; thence west on the line between townships eight (8) and nine (9) south to the northwest corner of township nine (9) south of range thirty-two (32) east; thence south between ranges thirty-one (31) and thirty-two (32) east of [to] the correction line between townships ten (10) and eleven (11) south; thence west on said correction line to the northwest corner of township eleven (11) south of range thirty-two (32) east; thence south, between ranges thirty-one [31] and thirty-two (32) east, to the correction line between townships fifteen (15) and sixteen (16) south; thence west, on said correction line to the northwest corner of township sixteen (16) south of range thirty-two [32] east; thence south, between ranges thirty-one (31) and thirty-two (32) east to the correction line between townships twenty (20) and twenty-one (21) south; thence east on said correction line to the northwest corner of township twenty-one (21) south of range thirty-two (32) east; thence south between ranges thirty-one [31] and thirty-two (32) east to the south boundary of the state of New Mexico; thence east, on said south boundary to the point of beginning.
History:
Laws 1917, ch. 23, § 1; C.S. 1929, § 33-1201; 1941 Comp., § 15-1201; 1953 Comp., § 15-13-1.
ANNOTATIONS
Bracketed material.
— The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and is not part of the law.
Compiler's notes.
— Lea county was created from the eastern portions of Chaves and Eddy counties.
Cross references.
— For boundaries of Chaves county,
see
4-3-1 to 4-3-3 NMSA 1978.
For boundaries of Eddy county,
see
4-8-1 to 4-8-3 NMSA 1978.
Title to lands falling in newly created county.
— Where an existing county out of which a new county was carved held tax sale certificates constituting complete legal title to lands falling in new county, title did not pass to the new county.
Anderson v. Clardy
, 1931-NMSC-028, 35 N.M. 440, 1 P.2d 120.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 13 - Lea County › Section 4-13-2 - [County seat; buildings.]

The county seat of the said county of Lea shall be established at the town of Lovington, in said county; and the board of county commissioners of said county, to be appointed as hereinafter provided, shall select and designate the plat of ground known as the public square in said town, being described on the recorded plat of said town of Lovington as block ten (10) thereof, as the place in said town upon which shall be built the courthouse and public buildings of the said county of Lea.
History:
Laws 1917, ch. 23, § 2; C.S. 1929, § 33-1202; 1941 Comp., § 15-1202; 1953 Comp., § 15-13-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Laws 1917, ch. 23, §§ 3 to 13 contained temporary provisions relating to the officers, indebtedness and finances of the new county.
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 13 - Lea County › Section 4-13-3 - [Courthouse and jail bonds.]

The county of Lea may issue bonds for courthouse and jail purposes to an amount not exceeding thirty thousand dollars [($30,000)], which bonds shall be issued in the manner as provided by the constitution of New Mexico, payable absolutely thirty years from their date and at the option of said county, twenty years from their date.
History:
Laws 1917, ch. 23, § 17; C.S. 1929, § 33-1217; 1941 Comp., § 15-1204; 1953 Comp., § 15-13-4.
ANNOTATIONS
Bracketed material.
— The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and is not part of the law.
Compiler's notes.
— This section may be inoperative.
See
State ex rel. Perea v. Bd. of Comm'rs, 25 N.M. 338, 182 P. 865 (1919), which held that a similar provision applying to De Baca county was inoperative because it provided that the bonds might be issued in accordance with the constitution, but did not state that they could be issued in accordance with the laws of the state.
Cross references.
— For bonds for courthouses, jails, bridges, hospitals and libraries,
see
4-49-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
For state, county and municipal indebtedness,
see
N.M. Const., art. IX, § 1 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 14 - Lincoln County › Section 4-14-2 - [Changes in western boundary.]

That townships eight (8), nine (9) and ten (10) south of the base line in ranges six (6), seven (7) and eight (8) east of the New Mexico principal meridian be and the same are hereby attached to and shall hereafter constitute a part of Lincoln county: provided, that the line between Socorro and Lincoln counties shall be changed so as to run as follows:
beginning at a point where the present westerly county line between Socorro and Lincoln counties intersects the first standard parallel south, thence running east along said first standard parallel to the southeast corner of section thirty-one (31) in township five (5) south of range ten (10) east; thence north along the section line to the base line, and the same shall constitute the line between said Socorro and Lincoln counties north of said first standard parallel.
History:
Laws 1909, ch. 112, § 1; Code 1915, § 1084; C.S. 1929, § 33-1302; 1941 Comp., § 15-1302; 1953 Comp., § 15-14-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For original boundaries of Lincoln county,
see
4-14-1 NMSA 1978.
For original boundaries of Socorro county,
see
4-28-1 NMSA 1978.
Disposition of money received by county from bonds of another county.
— Money received by a county from bonds of another county must go into the county general fund, under the control of the board of county commissioners. The former act (Laws 1909, ch. 78), requiring that such funds should be used to pay outstanding bonds of the county, has been annulled by congress. 1912 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 12-885.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 15 - Los Alamos County › Section 4-15-2 - [Designation of county seat.]

That the county seat of said Los Alamos county shall be established at the community of Los Alamos therein.
History:
1941 Comp., § 15-1352, enacted by Laws 1949, ch. 134, § 2; 1953 Comp., § 15-15-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 16 - Luna County › Section 4-16-1 - [County boundaries.]

That a county, which shall be known as Luna county, is hereby created out of that portion of the territory of New Mexico included within the following boundaries, as indicated by United States survey, to wit: commencing at the northwest corner of township twenty-one south, range thirteen west of the New Mexico principal base and meridian; thence east along the north boundary line of township twenty-one south, to the southwest corner of township twenty south, range ten west; thence north along the west boundary line of range ten west to the northwest corner of township twenty south, range ten west; thence east along the north boundary line of township twenty south, to the northeast corner of township twenty south, range five west; thence south along the east boundary line of range five west to the international boundary line of the United States and the Republic of Mexico; thence west along said international boundary line, to the range line between ranges thirteen and fourteen west; thence north on said range line between ranges thirteen and fourteen west, to the northwest corner of township twenty-one south, range thirteen west, the place of beginning.
History:
Laws 1901, ch. 38, § 1; Code 1915, § 1085; C.S. 1929, § 33-1401; 1941 Comp., § 15-1401; 1953 Comp., § 15-16-1.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— Luna county was formed from parts of Grant and Dona Ana counties. There are two appreciable east-west adjustments on the west boundary of Luna county which are not detailed in this description. These occur on the 5th and 6th standard correction lines south.
The sections of this article were incorporated in article 9, chapter 24 of the 1915 Code. They were not reenacted by their inclusion therein, but were compiled merely for convenience.
See
the 1915 Code, p. 1665.
Cross references.
— For boundaries of Dona Ana county,
see
4-7-1 to 4-7-3 NMSA 1978.
For boundaries of Grant county,
see
4-9-1 and 4-9-2 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 16 - Luna County › Section 4-16-2 - [County seat.]

That the county seat of said county of Luna shall be established at the town of Deming in said county.
History:
Laws 1901, ch. 38, § 2; Code 1915, § 1086; C.S. 1929, § 33-1402; 1941 Comp., § 15-1402; 1953 Comp., § 15-16-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 17 - McKinley County › Section 4-17-2 - [County seat.]

The county seat of the county of McKinley shall be and the same is hereby located in the town of Gallup in said county.
History:
Laws 1899, ch. 19, § 2; Code 1915, § 1088; C.S. 1929, § 33-1502; 1941 Comp., § 15-1502; 1953 Comp., § 15-17-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For removal of county seats,
see
N.M. Const., art. X, § 3 and 4-34-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 4 - Counties › Article 18 - Mora County › Section 4-18-2 - [Northwest boundary with Taos county.]

The boundaries dividing the counties of Taos and Mora shall hereafter be as follows, that is to say: west of the valley of Mora, a line running north, commencing at the first hill west of the said valley of Mora, and east of the Jicarita, crossing the Vega del Estillero opposite Canada del Raton, passing through the said canada till it reaches the foot of the Osha hill on the western base thereof; thence continuing north along the eastern base of said range, along the eastern side of the head of the Rio Colorado which runs into the Rio Grande in the county of Taos, and thence in a northeast direction to the limits of the territory of New Mexico and the territory of Colorado.
History:
Laws 1867-1868, ch. 24, § 1; C.L. 1884, § 268; C.L. 1897, § 529; Code 1915, § 1091; C.S. 1929, § 33-1602; 1941 Comp., § 15-1602; 1953 Comp., § 15-18-2.
ANNOTATIONS
Compiler's notes.
— This line is also the dividing line between Taos and Colfax counties.
Cross references.
— For original boundaries of Taos county,
see
4-29-1 NMSA 1978.