Clovis commish tentatively approves tax hike

CLOVIS — City Commissioners on Tuesday voted 6-2 to draft a resolution that would raise local property taxes as a way to help fund the development of the interim groundwater project portion of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System.

The levy to increase property taxes would actually go to funding city services like fire protection and drainage, freeing up gross-receipt tax funds that would then be put toward the project.

Once the resolution is drafted, it will be brought before commissioners again before it can be approved.

The owner of a $100,000 home could pay between $52 and $120 more annually in property taxes if the resolution is approved.

The two dissenting votes were cast by Gary Elliott and Helen Casaus, who said voters should be allowed to decide on a tax increase to fund the water project.

Commissioners also voted 7-1 on Tuesday to recommend Contour Airlines as its alternate essential air service provider. Contour Airlines would provide direct flights to Dallas if awarded the contract.

Commissioner Sandra-Taylor Sawyer voted no, stating she would have preferred the smaller provider Advanced Air, which would have offered larger bag space for military personnel.

The city will now recommend Contour for the service, though the ultimate decision will be made by the Department of Transportation.

We will have more details on Tuesday's meeting in Sunday's paper.