Clovis approves grant requests for new retail stores

The Clovis city commission on Thursday approved a request for $6.15 million in New Mexico Local Economic Development Act grants in the form of a 2 1/2% gross receipts tax return. The money is for four new retail businesses in town for reimbursement of a portion of their construction costs.

North Plains Mall Management applied for the reimbursement for the new Ulta and Marshall's stores.

Ulta's construction cost was $2.067 million making it eligible for up to $1.033 million reimbursement over 10 years from gross receipts tax.

Marshall's construction cost was $4.055 million making it eligible for up to $2.017 million reimbursement over 10 years.

Rory's Convenience Stores applied to Clovis Economic Development for a Project Participation Agreement for their new location at 2200 W. 21st St.

Construction cost was $2.750 million making it eligible for $1.625 million in a cut of gross receipt taxes over the next 10 years.

Commissioners also approved a PPA for Zia Powersports on Mabry Drive. Construction cost was $2.95 million. making it eligible for $1.475 million in a cut of gross receipt taxes over the next 10 years.

While not a point of consideration, CED Executive Director Tina Dziuk reported on the jobs each business is estimated to be creating: Ulta – 20 jobs, Marshall's – 45 jobs, Rory's – 20 jobs and Zia Powersports – 25 jobs.

In other business:

• A measure that has been in the works for about one year was finally passed.

Commissioners adopted an ordinance authorizing and approving a Ute Water Project Loan/Grant Agreement by and between the New Mexico Finance Authority and the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, and joined by its members, the municipalities of Clovis, Elida, Portales and Texico.

The amount is not to exceed $20 million including a Loan Amount not to exceed $2 million.

Clovis' portion of the loan is $1.504 million.

• Commissioners unanimously approved a pay hike of $1.50 per hour on starting salaries for new employees and a $1.50 per hour hike applied to present city employees' pay.

The measure is effective Oct. 27 and will show up on the Nov. 15 paychecks.

The increase marks an estimated $2.096 million increase in the city's budget, $1.193 million for the remainder of this fiscal year.

• Commissioners approved zone changes for carports on Dartmouth, Plaza, Merrill and Plains streets in the city.

• Commissioners voted to allow waiving of fees at the city landfill from Friday until Oct. 28 for the city's annual "Trek for Trash" event.

• Commissioners approved a quote from K. Barnett and Sons for $15,111 for improvement to the entryway of the Hillcrest Senior Life Center and City Aquatic Center.

• Commissioners approved a list of 2025 Capital Outlay Legislative Priorities including asks to the governor and Legislature for funds for completion of the Clovis Animal Shelter and Clovis Police Department headquarters building improvements.

• Mayor Mike Morris issued two proclamations: One declaring Nov. 4-11 as "Veterans Week" in Clovis, the other declaring Nov. 16 as "Walk to End Alzheimer's Day."