NMSA 3-16-14. Assets and liabilities of city and county vest in combined

3-16-14. Assets and liabilities of city and county vest in combined organization; exceptions. If there is a city and county consolidation all property, assets, credits, causes of action or other rights or interests belonging to the city or county at the time the combined municipal organization government becomes operative shall belong to the combined municipal organization, and, if necessary, the combined municipal organization may demand, sue for, recover and enforce the rights in appropriate courts in the name of the combined municipal organization, and all debts and obligations of the city or county existing at the time the combined municipal organization government becomes operative shall become the debt and obligation of the combined municipal organization and shall be assumed and paid by it as and when due; provided, that all bonded indebtedness of the city or county shall remain the separate debt of the city or county, respectively, and the city or county shall respectively retain its separate identity for debt service purposes until the debts of each legal entity have been fully paid. Tax levies shall continue to be made in the city and county for the required debt service. Special assessments and revenue bonds of the city or county shall likewise continue to be paid only as provided originally for the payment thereof and the city or county shall maintain its separate identity for the purpose of the debt service. All budget and cash balances in all funds of the city and county, except interest and sinking funds for debt service, shall likewise vest in and belong to the combined municipal organization and become available for its use in paying current operating expenses. History: 1953 Comp., § 14-15-14, enacted by Laws 1965, ch. 300.