MYTH – Annexation is the same thing as condemnation of my property. I will have to give the Town a deed to my land.
REALITY - Annexation is the process of expanding the municipal borders to include unincorporated areas into the Town of Taos. It does not change the ownership of your land. You will own the land in the same manner you did before the annexation.

MYTH - The Town is claiming eminent domain over my property and can do whatever they want.
REALITY – State law establishes three methods to annex property. The Town will work with all Neighborhood Associations and property owners to determine how and when the proposed annexation areas will be annexed.

MYTH – My neighborhood will become urbanized once the Town annexes my property.
REALITY – The Town will designate an appropriate zone for the annexed property according to the Land Use Development Code. All property owners will have an opportunity to suggest an appropriate land use that fits your neighborhood.

MYTH – The Town will pay for water lines, sewer lines, and new roads after my property is annexed.
REALITY - State law allows the Town to annex property only if it demonstrates that “the benefits of municipal government are or can be made available within a reasonable time.” (Article 7. NMSA. 1978). Depending on the capacity of infrastructure in your neighborhood, the Town will include infrastructure improvements in the Town Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan, which is a 5-year plan. If your neighborhood needs infrastructure improvements, the Town will explore all possibilities for financing new or expanded infrastructure. Potential sources for funding include Special Assessment Districts, grants, municipal bonds, hook-up fees, taxes, impact fees, legislative appropriations or other resources that can finance infrastructure.

MYTH – My property taxes will increase dramatically after my property is annexed.
REALITY – The County Assessor determines the property taxes for your property. The Assessor considers the current zoning and the value of any improvements to the land (e.g. - the house, a guesthouse, a horse stable, water rights, or other improvements that increase the value of your property). After a property is annexed, all residential properties will be taxed an additional $2.34 per $1,000 of the value of the property. All non-residential properties will be taxed an additional $3.51 per $1,000 of the value of the property.

MYTH - The Town has already decided to annex my property.
REALITY – The Town is preparing an Annexation Strategic Plan. The Plan will include participation from property owners and Neighborhood Associations. The Plan will address the recommendations of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan (Vision 2020 Master Plan), the service borders of the Water and Sanitation Districts, and the interests of property owners. Property owners can submit an application to the Planning & Zoning Department requesting annexation of property.

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