N.M. Stat. § 73-21-15.1
Members of the first board of any district shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners. In a district consisting of multiple counties, the district judge shall designate how many members of the board will be appointed by each board of county commissioners. The first board shall consist of five directors who are qualified electors of the district appointed for staggered terms so that the terms of two directors expire within two years and the terms of three directors expire within four years. Thereafter, all directors shall be elected to terms of office pursuant to the provisions of the Water and Sanitation District Act. Any director appointed by any board of county commissioners shall be eligible for election; provided that no member of a board shall serve more than two consecutive terms.
NMS § 73-21-15.1