Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Family surrounded retiring Portales Library Director Denise Burnett, who was recognized in Tuesday's meeting for her 32 years of service.
PORTALES - The city of Portales may soon enough apply its economic development funds more broadly, following action Tuesday evening by commissioners on their lone agenda item.
Approving the publication of a "notice of intent," as officials voted last week, is the first step toward adopting an ordinance to amend a section of the municipal code to include arts and cultural districts as well as retail businesses for eligibility in receiving gross receipts tax monies.
"One of the considerations we have to make sure the public understands is we're not passing a tax, we're not increasing the tax, they're just allowing us to apply the funds in a broader manner," said City Clerk Joan Martinez-Terry.
City Manager Sammy Standefer told The News previously that the ordinance was meant to bring the city into alignment with changes to state law, allowing Local Economic Development Act funds to go toward other commercial applications in addition to industrial ones.
The city will publish multiple notices of intent and hold a public hearing on the matter at its Jan. 22 commission meeting, said Martinez-Terry, who noted the ordinance would also be posted online for public review. Commissioners will then vote on whether or not to adopt the resolution and hold a special election within 75 days from that time.
Apart from discussion on that matter, commissioners also recognized retiring Portales Library Director Denise Burnett for 32 years of service. Newly elected District 63 State Rep. Martin Zamora also spoke to the commission and said he looked forward to serving the area starting in the new year.
