New Mexico § 3-13-4 - Municipality may establish a merit system; provisions constitute part of an employment contract
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-13-4 — Municipality may establish a merit system; provisions constitute part of an employment contract, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-13-4. Municipality may establish a merit system; provisions constitute part of an employment contract
A. Any municipality may establish by ordinance a merit system for the hiring, promotion,
discharge and general regulation of municipal employees. The ordinance may contain reasonable restrictions or prohibitions on political activities
which are deemed detrimental to the merit system thereby established. The ordinance may provide for a personnel board or personnel officer to: (1) administer the ordinance; and (2) establish rules and regulations pursuant to the ordinance, which may include: (a) rules governing classification of employees; (b) service rating of employees; (c) establishment of pay scales and ranges; (d) establishment of the number of hours of work per week; and (e) methods of employment, promotion, demotion, suspension and discharge of the municipal
employees. B. If a personnel board is created, the method of appointment, the number of members
and terms of office shall be set forth in the ordinance. The board shall serve without compensation for its service. C. Following the adoption of a merit system, the contract of employment between the
municipality and an employee in a position covered by the merit system shall be subject
to the provisions of the ordinance and rules and regulations issued pursuant to the
ordinance. D. Within ten days following the adoption of a merit system, an employee in a position
covered by the merit system may file with the clerk a declaration stating that the
employee does not desire to have his employment subject to the ordinance together
with the rules and regulations issued pursuant to the ordinance. The contract of employment of all other employees employed at the time of the adoption
of the merit system, and in positions covered by the merit system, shall be subject
to the provisions of the ordinance and all rules and regulations issued pursuant to
the ordinance.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 3-13-4
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-13-4 cover?
Section 3-13-4 ("Municipality may establish a merit system; provisions constitute part of an employment contract") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 3-13-4?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-13-4" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 3-13-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.