Council approves Sandoval County request to move 7.8 acres into Bernalillo for judicial complex expansion

Staff introduced R55, a request from Sandoval County to de-annex approximately 7.8 acres from Rio Rancho and annex those parcels into the town of Bernalillo so the county can consolidate and expand the 13th Judicial District court complex and other county facilities. County Manager Johnson described the area as historically complex, noting parcels split between jurisdictions and a mix of unincorporated county, Rio Rancho and Bernalillo ownership that created operational challenges.

Johnson said the county plans to add three courtrooms, two hearing rooms and a jury room to accommodate criminal and civil dockets and to consolidate county functions — including a new elections warehouse and other administrative needs — in a single municipal jurisdiction to meet state requirements for county offices. Staff said they reviewed the request and did not identify conflicts that would prevent the annexation proceeding; resident Steven Van Horn asked whether previously provided city water services would be affected, and staff confirmed the city has supplied water to the county complex for nearly 20 years.

The governing body moved, seconded and approved R55 by roll call. County representatives said the transfer would simplify zoning and operations for the judicial complex and allow future phased growth under Bernalillo's jurisdiction.