New Mexico § 49-4-5 - Board of trustees; management of grant; powers

§ 49-4-5. Board of trustees; management of grant; powers

The board of trustees shall have the power to: A. control, care for and manage the land grant-merced and real estate owned by the

land grant-merced; prescribe the terms and conditions under which the common lands

may be used and enjoyed; and make all necessary and proper bylaws, rules and regulations

that shall be in substantial compliance with applicable statutes for the government

thereof; B. sue and be sued and have the standing to sue in law or equity to protect and expand

the common lands of the land grant-merced; C. convey, lease or mortgage the common lands of the land grant-merced in accordance

with the land grant-merced bylaws; D. determine the number of animals that may be permitted to graze upon the common

lands and determine other uses of the common lands that may be authorized; E. prescribe the price to be paid for the use of the common lands and resources of

the land grant-merced and prohibit a person failing or refusing to pay that amount

from using a portion of the common lands while the person continues in default in

those payments; provided that the amount fixed shall be in proportion to the number

and kinds of livestock pasturing upon the common lands or to other authorized use

of the common lands; F. adopt and use an official seal; G. appoint judges and clerks of election at all elections provided for in Chapter 49, Article 4 NMSA 1978 and canvass the votes cast in those elections; H. make bylaws, rules and regulations, not in conflict with the constitution and laws

of the United States or the state of New Mexico, as may be necessary for the protection,

improvement and management of the common lands and real estate and for the use and

enjoyment of the common lands and of the common waters of the land grant-merced; I. determine land use, local infrastructure and economic development of the common

lands of the land grant-merced; and J. determine zoning of the common lands of the land grant-merced pursuant to a comprehensive

plan approved by the local government division of the department of finance and administration

that considers the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the land

grant-merced. The department of finance and administration shall select a qualified arbitrator

to arbitrate for zoning conflicts between the land grant-merced and neighboring municipalities

and counties.