By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening August 6, for a special meeting where they introduced a .2375% increase in the gross receipts tax specifically for economic development before moving on to other financial matters.
Commissioners approved the introduction of an ordinance to increase the gross receipts tax by 0.2375% for the purpose of using the estimated $200,000 plus specifically for economic development. This comes after discussions and recommendations by Better Cities, the group hired to help Raton focus on and create a plan for economic development. While the state doesn’t place any restriction on this GRT increase the city will specifically purpose the money for planning and development of economic development projects as well as supporting development training, expenses, revolving loans, contracting for economic development services, marketing and promotions.
Of course, public input is requested and the public will have the opportunity to comment at the next regular meeting on August 13 and the special meeting scheduled for Thursday August 22. The commission will vote on the increase at the August 22 meeting. On January 1 of 2019 the gross receipts tax went down by .25% if approved this increase will take effect on January 1, 2020.
Commissioners approved the MOU with the Raton Schools for a resource officer. The MOU was brought back for approval as the contract was originally for the school year and not the fiscal year as it should have been.
Commissioners approved a contract with Lamar Billboards for billboard advertising. The original contract was for $18,000 for five billboards. The city only budgeted $12,000 for this year. Commissioner Ron Chavez and Mayor Neal Segotta both felt the money could be better spent elsewhere especially since there is no way to quantify the benefit the billboards bring the city. The one billboard the city will keep is the one located on city property on the east side of I-25 just north of Hereford Avenue. Lamar leases the space for the billboard and the city advertises on that billboard. It will cost the city $150 a month. One thought to better utilize the billboard would be to make it a digital board to advertise local events.
Commissioners approved a bid by MHQ on the state purchasing contract to equip the two new fire command vehicles with light and siren equipment for $27,358. Fire fund monies will be used for the work and equipment.
Commissioners approved the road fund grant with the New Mexico Department of Transportation for chip seal work on Fifth Street from Tiger Drive to Nevada Avenue. The cost of the grant is $253,556 of which the city will provide matching funds of 25% or $63,389 and the state portion being $190,167. City Manager Scott Berry figured the work would be done early in 2020.
Commissioners adjourned the meeting and will meet again on August 13 at 6:00 p.m. and are scheduling a special meeting for Thursday August 22 at 6:00 p.m. instead of the regular meeting on August 27 as most of the commissioners will be at the New Mexico Municipal League Annual Conference in Las Cruses August 28-30.
