A new entity, created by or pursuant to statute, that encompasses the same powers and duties as a previous public employer and uses essentially the same employees as the previous public employer shall be treated as if it were that previous public employer for purposes of the Public Employee Bargaining Act, including the continued applicability of existing ordinances or resolutions pursuant to Section 10-7E-26 N.M. Stat. Ann. and of existing collective bargaining units pursuant to Section 10-7E-24 N.M. Stat. Ann..