Residents approve incorporation for northwestern New Mexico town of Kirtland

The state has one more municipality now that Kirtland voters have approved incorporation of the northwestern New Mexico town.

Of the 121 people who cast ballots in Tuesday's election, 80 voted in favor of incorporating the 337-acre strip of land along U.S. Highway 64. The incorporation also includes the Harper Valley subdivision, where nearly all the town's more than 400 residents live.

The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration approved a petition last month from residents wanting incorporation be put on the ballot.

The Daily Times reports (http://bit.ly/17iR2Ge ) the San Juan County Clerk's Office mailed 388 ballots to eligible residents. Forty residents voted no.

With incorporation, the town can now collect gross receipts taxes and residents can elect a mayor and trustees who will have authority to pass ordinances.

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Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com