N.M. Stat. § 73-11-28
[Expenses of district; charge for water; levy of
assessments.]
For the purpose of defraying the expenses of the organization of the district, and the
care, operation, management, repair and improvement of all canals, ditches, reservoirs
and works, including salaries of officers and employees, or for payment of charges to
the United States for the temporary rental of water, the board may either fix rates of tolls
and charges and collect the same of all persons using said canal and water for
irrigation, or other purposes, and in addition thereto may provide, in whole or in part, for
the payment of such expenditures by levy of assessments therefor, as heretofore
provided, or by both tolls and assessments; provided, that if any contract be made with
the United States the charge for operation and maintenance of the district and for
temporary rental of water may be fixed in accordance with the federal laws, notices,
rules and regulations and the contract with the district.