NE New Mexico News

The Curry County Commission might redirect a 20-year old tax that was earmarked to go toward water treatment facilities and instead use it for other purposes at a meeting on May 19.

What the “other” uses might be remains unknown, but a report in The Eastern New Mexico News states the approximate $1.4 million water development fund could go to “other county uses with restrictions limited.”

One alternative might be to help plug any funding shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 shutdowns and resulting loss of city and county revenues.

The gross receipts tax increment that was established 20 years ago is still in place. Curry Commission members took their first step toward redirecting its use on April 27.

By a 5-0 vote, the commission introduced an ordinance covering the county’s .125% environmental tax. If commissioners approve the ordinance following a public hearing at the May 19 meeting, the tax will be stripped of its current designation effective Jan. 1.  

The tax was originally intended for the acquisition and construction, operation and maintenance, of solid waste facilities, water facilities, wastewater facilities, sewer systems and related facilities, The Eastern New Mexico News reported.

Commissioner Chet Spear asked County Manager Lance Pyle how much of the $1. 4 million was obligated to the City of Clovis. Pyle estimated around $250,000, but added he didn’t have specific details.

Spear noted that the reassigning of the tax increment would not change any local tax rates.

Commissioner Seth Martin asked if the county could look at canceling the tax instead of rededicating it. Pyle said the commission had leeway to consider revoking the tax, but the agenda item scheduled for the May 19 meeting would only deal with a rededication.

Following the vote to consider the issue, Martin said he would consider rescinding the tax.