Upon receiving an application for consolidation under this act [69-9-1 to 69-9-10 NMSA 1978], the secretary shall set a date for hearing evidence with respect to such application. Notice of the hearing shall be given to all owners by publication once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county where the area to be consolidated is situated and, as to those owners for whom applicant has an address, by mailing by certified mail return receipt requested within five days after the date of first publication a copy of the notice as published to such owners at their respective addresses reflected in applicant's records. The last publication shall be at least ten days prior to the date set for the hearing. The notice shall describe the area sought to be consolidated, giving the section and the township, range and county and shall state generally the nature of the proceeding and the objects thereof.
In the event there is no newspaper of general circulation published in the county where the area to be consolidated is situated, notice shall be given in such manner as the secretary shall direct. The applicant shall pay all expenses incurred by the secretary in connection with an application for consolidation under this act.
History: 1953 Comp., § 63-32-6, enacted by Laws 1967, ch. 33, § 6; 1977, ch. 255, § 23.