N.M. Stat. § 4-52-8
Referendum.
After the board of county commissioners has made and recorded a determination
that there is need, in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, for creation of the
proposed district, it shall consider the question whether the operation of a district within
the proposed boundaries with the powers conferred upon districts in Section 11 [4-52-
11 NMSA 1978] of the Refuse Disposal Act is administratively practicable and feasible.
To assist it in this determination, the board shall, within a reasonable time after entry of
the finding of need for organization of the district and determination of the boundaries of
the district, hold a referendum within the proposed district upon the proposition of
creation of the district. Due notice of the referendum shall be given as provided in
Section 7 [4-52-7 NMSA 1978] of the Refuse Disposal Act. The notice shall state the
date of holding the referendum, the hours of opening and closing the polls, and shall
designate one or more places within the proposed district as polling places. The board
shall appoint a polling superintendent and other necessary polling officers, giving equal
representation to the proponents and opponents of the question involved.